The green economy should be at the heart of government programmes, according to Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún, who said energy efficiency schemes could create much-needed jobs for the ailing construction sector.

The newly re-elected MEP appeared before the Climate Change Inquiry held by the Assembly Environment Committee last week.

She has been a member of the European Parliament Temporary Committee on Climate Change, and was part of the delegation to the UN Climate Change talks in Poznan, Poland earlier this year.

"Climate change represents one of the most serious issues facing us. We need to develop a joined up approach and to put the green economy at the heart of economic development," said the MEP.

"I want to strengthen the relationship between our local institutions and the European institutions so that we can maximise the opportunities here locally.

"I believe the Executive and the Irish Government can put renewable energy production at the heart of all-Ireland economic planning and become world leaders in renewable energy production."

She added: "Energy efficiency measures can also help tackle climate change as well as tackling fuel poverty and providing much-needed jobs in the construction industry."

(PR/JM)