First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have requested that the Assembly be recalled to discuss the failed Renewable Heat Incentive.

The Ministers have just released the following statement: "We have today asked the Speaker to convene a special sitting of the Assembly early next week to address issues surrounding the Renewable Heat Incentive. 

"This will facilitate a full statement to be made by the First Minister to Members on the matters of public concern relating to RHI. 

"RHI was discussed by the Executive today and Ministers around the table underlined the seriousness of the issues involved and the importance of restoring public confidence. 

"It was also emphasised that detailed plans are being finalised to significantly reduce the projected losses in the years ahead."

The botched scheme was designed to encourage businesses to switch from burning fossil fuels to wood biomass heating but has left taxpayers with a bill critics claim could reach £400 million.