The Green Party has moved one step closer to setting up a Just Transition Commission with the launch of a Bill.

The new Just Transition Bill will put in place a framework that aims to prepare those affected by the switch to a low emission future.

It will also create a Commission, bringing together relevant stakeholders, workers, employers, communities, along with environmental experts. This group of people will then look to develop plans to ensure that the future green economy is a fairer, more just and more sustainable economy and community for all.

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Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "If we don't act to create strong policies for a just transition for workers in fossil-fuel industries, the change to a green, low-carbon economy will risk creating economic and social injustices which we have seen in the mining communities in Wales and the North of England, or the 'rust-belts' of the US.

"The Government cannot ignore the need to go green, but they also can't ignore the need to ensure that no worker is left behind in the new green economy. Those who work in fossil fuels should be transitioned into a new economy that has working conditions and pay at least as decent as what they left behind."

The new Bill is based on Bernie Sanders' Clean Energy Worker Just Transition Act 2015 and Scotland's Just Transition Commission.

(CM/MH)