Taoiseach Brian Cowen has called for engagement and rational debate to help identify and adopt solutions to the challenge posed by climate change.

Speaking at last week's Climate Change Leadership Forum, which he chaired, the Taoiseach said: "We have to begin the transition to a low-carbon economy and start changing how we create and use energy."

"I invited the leaders in different areas of Irish society today because the changes involved will be profound and will impact significantly on the structure of the economy. No sector, organisation or individual will be immune."

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He emphasised that Ireland needs to identify the most cost-effective measures for meeting our targets and "this requires engagement and rational debate by all stakeholders as we identify and adopt solutions."

The Taoiseach described climate change as one of the greatest challenges for our generation. He said that Ireland now has to position itself in terms of a transition to the type of low-carbon future which an effective global response to climate change requires.

The Minister for Finance echoed the Taoiseach's comments and emphasised the need for measures to be taken in a sensible and cost effective way.

Minister Lenihan said: "In the current economic climate it will be hard to convince people of the need for action. However, we need to reinforce the message that climate change policy can be consistent with good economics if it encourages energy efficiency and reduces our dependence on expensive and finite fossil fuels."

The Taoiseach said: "The importance of us working together if we are to ensure that Ireland successfully makes the transition to a low carbon economy and improve our energy security."

(PR/JM)