'SPAD' denies exerting influence to keep RHI scheme open

A Stormont Special Advisor has dismissed claims he applied pressure to keep the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme opened. 

Dr.Andrew Crawford was a SPAD to Arlene Foster in the Department of Economy when the scheme was approved. 

Senior civil servant, Dr.Andrew McCormick, named him at a Stormont probe into the green energy scheme this afternoon. 

He said he had no evidence to support claims but understood Mr.Crawford 'exerted influence' to keep the scheme open after it emerged there was major overcosts. 

Current Economy Minister Simon Hamilton plans to publish the beneficiaries of the RHI Scheme next week if it dosent break data protection laws. 

A spike in applications led to massive over-spending on the lucrative wood boiler incentive which was supposed to be funded solely by Westminster.

Civil servants at the time did not realise how serious it was.

Dr Andrew McCormick said: "The consequence is very serious because this shows that there was premature awareness of the potential for the tariff to be reduced and the message went within the sector - get in quick."

The "ash for cash" scandal led Stormont deputy first minister Martin McGuinness to resign from powersharing with the DUP in protest and forced the collapse of powersharing and fresh elections.

Recipients of the Renewable Heat Incentive were receiving about £1.60 for every £1 spent on wood fuel.

The scheme has landed the public service in Northern Ireland with a potential £490 million bill over the next 20 years.

Civil servants wanted to cut the rate in July 2015.

It was eventually reduced that November but not before a massive surge in the number of applications.