Ulster Unionist Party economy spokesperson, Adrian Cochrane-Watson MLA has criticised the DETI Minister for failing to turn up in time at the Assembly to move two pieces of legislation this morning.
Mr Cochrane-Watson said:
“The Final Stage of the Credit Unions Bill and the draft Renewables Obligation Order fell this morning because the Minister Mr Bell was not in place at the despatch box to move the legislation. They will have to be rescheduled in what is a very busy legislative timetable at the Assembly.
“This is basic stuff and it is an act of gross discourtesy for a Minister not to be in his place to move legislation.
“I thought for a moment that he had taken my advice and resigned his position as Minister after last night’s fiasco when he ended the Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) scheme. The votes of the combined DUP/ Sinn Fein coalition voted an end to the RHI last night, putting many individuals out of pocket and placing employment in the renewable sector under immediate threat.
“It really is time for Mr Bell to permanently step away from his Ministerial position.”