Sinn Féin is calling on the government to take climate change "seriously".

Deputy Michael Colreavy said every policy and every decision made by Government in relation to energy "must be proofed against our target to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring that people are fairly treated".

He said: "Some legislation we can get wrong and the consequences are not too severe or can be undone.

-- Advertisement --

"When examining this bill we should recognise its potential for achieving the ambitions for a future world with much reduced carbon emissions.

"The key question is whether future generations on this island and throughout the world will be able to say we have done all we can to ensure we pass on a safe, clean, fruitful island and planet.

"We must change our energy system to ensure that it is made of renewable, sustainable energy that is of value to both the environment and to the consumer."

(CD/JP)