A senior Democratic Unionist has revealed that four family members run boilers under the controversial green energy scheme at the centre of Stormont's powersharing crisis.
Jim Wells, an Assembly member and former DUP health minister, said his brother, two cousins and the husband of another cousin all operate Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) boilers at their respective chicken farms.
Mr Wells said he was only made aware of the information yesterday from another relative. There is nothing to suggest any of the relatives operate the RHI boilers inappropriately.
The veteran DUP man said he had no financial interest in the farm businesses but said he felt it was important to make the information public.
His announcement comes ahead of next week's scheduled publication of the names of all the beneficiaries of the RHI scheme.
The Stormont Executive collapsed after Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness quit in protest at DUP First Minister Arlene Foster's handling of the RHI scandal, which has left the administration facing a £490 million overspend.
Mr McGuinness's move forced DUP leader Ms Foster from her job as first minister.
Northern Ireland is now heading to the polls for a snap election on 2 March amid fears the devolved administration will not be patched back together in the short term.
