A bill which sets out the legal framework to close the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme was passed by MLAs at Stormont on Tuesday.

With the framework in place, the next stage is to enact regulations which provide the detailed arrangements around payments to scheme participants.

Speaking in the Assembly chamber, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said those regulations will be “brought forward swiftly” and “will enable the scheme to be closed in a way that is fair to participants and the taxpayer”.

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The regulations will allow her department to make payments to scheme participants based on historic heat usage during the period from 2017 to 2019.

The payments will continue until 20 years after the original accreditation, provided the installation continues to be utilised in line with scheme regulations. With applications stopped in February 2016, the final payments will be made in 2036.