The Green New Deal home energy efficiency scheme would create up to 15,000 jobs, reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions, according to the Green Party in Northern Ireland.

Party leader Steven Agnew said it is unacceptable that over 40% of people in Northern Ireland are living in fuel poverty.

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He said: "It is also disgraceful that people are dying due to cold-related illnesses during winter.

"Through investing in our housing infrastructure , the Green Party would improve the energy efficiency of 50,000 houses a year, with a target of having every home meeting modern energy efficient standards within 10 years.

"Northern Ireland currently spends £2bn per year on imported fossil fuels. That is money wasted to our economy. It's literally £2bn up in smoke."

(CD/LM)