Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD has been named as the Honorary Patron for International Energy Agency's (IEA) new Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency.

This Commission will examine how energy efficiency progress can be accelerated in the short term through new and stronger policy action. The focus will be on key policy actions that can be taken by countries across the globe. It will be a one year process leading to a concise list of clear, actionable recommendations. 

As well as serving as an Honorary Parton, the Taoiseach will also participate on the Commission.

Making the announcement at the IEA Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Dublin Castle, Varadkar said: "Ireland is ready and willing to play its part in the international drive for energy efficiency. In this regard, I was delighted to accept the IEA's invitation to act as the Honorary Patron of a new Global Commission on Energy Efficiency. This IEA supported Commission provides a fantastic opportunity to identify policies that can be implemented in a short time frame that will boost activity on energy efficiency globally. International cooperation and collaboration on this matter facilitates shared learning and will help to put us on a more sustainable path to the future."

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Environment Minister Richard Bruton, also in attendance at the conference, added: "Last week I launched the Climate Action Plan, which will ensure Ireland meets our 2030 emissions targets and will put us on the right trajectory to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Decarbonising our energy supply is crucial to delivering on our ambitions and is critical to many of the actions laid out in the Plan. As we transition to electric vehicles for example, we need to make sure that our electricity supply comes from renewable sources. The Plan also includes a range of ambitious energy efficiency measures that will support the achievement of our targets. Given the scale of the challenge, international collaboration is crucial and Ireland's place on the Commission will be important in that regard. I very much look forward to working with the IEA and the other members of the Global Commission in progressing this vital work."