THE Department for the Economy (DfE) has confirmed it plans to publish the names of companies claiming Renewable Heat Incentive subsidies this week.
But a spokesman for the department, which in the absence of a minister is currently headed by permanent secretary Andrew McCormick, was last night unable to say exactly when the firms' names would be released.
A fortnight ago, a judge ruled that the identities of companies benefiting from the lucrative green energy scheme could be published by outgoing economy minister Simon Hamilton, whose tenure ended on assembly election day, March 2.
However, Mr Justice Deeny prohibited the minister from disclosing the names of individuals receiving RHI payments until any objections they have to being identified are properly considered.
Following the ruling, the Department for the Economy said it would "publish information as soon as is practical and all details are checked and released in line with the court decision".
SDLP finance spokeswoman Claire Hanna called for the information to be released without delay.
"Two weeks after a High Court judge specifically cited the overwhelming public interest in disclosing this information, the department are still dragging their heels," the South Belfast MLA said.
"It has been their hallmark response to a crisis that will cost the taxpayer over £400 million, has triggered the collapse of our institutions and has left the future of devolution here in doubt."
The High Court ruling came after more than 500 members of the Renewable Heat Association of Northern Ireland (RHANI) took legal action in a bid to stop the economy minister disclosing their details.
There have been widespread calls since before Christmas for the full list of RHI recipients to made public.
The botched scheme, which was introduced in 2012, is forecast to cost the Stormont executive up to £490m over the next 20 years.
The assembly introduced cost controls in January but they will be in place only for one year and are also facing legal challenge.
The economy minister had already been able to publish the names of RHI claimants who are not members of RHANI – including some who have given their permission to do so – but had chosen not to.
