Summary

  • Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry examining botched energy scheme

  • DETI deputy permanent secretary Chris Stewart appears before inquiry panel

  • Inquiry set up after public concern over scheme's huge projected overspend

  • Retired Court of Appeal judge Sir Patrick Coghlin chairing inquiry at Stormont

  • Public evidence sessions expected to last into autumn 2018

Live Reporting

Iain McDowell and Robin Sheeran

  1. Good morning

    It's another scorcher on the sun-kissed lawns of the Stormont estate but we're in search of heat of a different sort as we hit day 80 of the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry.

    Today's witness is a senior Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) staffer.

    A tourist bus at Stormont's Parliament BuildingsAFP

    Chris Stewart was the department's deputy permanent secretary during the period being considered by the inquiry and remains with DETI's successor - the Department for the Economy.

    The session starts shortly - stay with us for live video and commentary throughout the day.