Ireland's Housing Minister has addressed an international conference on home energy efficiency in Vienna.

Michael Finneran met United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) International Forum delegates at the Austrian capital's city hall earlier this week.

Discussing UNECE's draft action plan on energy efficiency in housing, Mr Finneran welcomed proposed goals and policy areas.

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He said the recognition of the diversity of the UNECE region was an important principle of the document.

The Minister also outlined actions being taken by Ireland to improve energy efficiency in its new and existing housing stock.

He said many of these were reflected in the policy areas and goals contained in the draft action plan.

Concluding his address to the delegates the Minister said he would be preaching to the converted if he were "to emphasise the importance of the issues you will be discussing here over the next few days".

"So let me just urge you to use very wisely the opportunity of having so many of the converted present in the one place," he said.

"The issues involved are challenging and the need to address them in a comprehensive manner is crucial."

(PR/GK)