Northern Ireland has the opportunity to create 'green jobs' by maximising its sustainable energy activity, according to NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

Ms Foster, chairing the first meeting of the Interdepartmental Working Group, (IDWG) on sustainable energy, last week, said sustainable energy is of crucial importance to security future supplies.

"Sustainable energy has never been more important than it is today in maximising economic opportunities and ensuring security of our energy supply.

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"Green jobs can be created through increased sustainable energy activity in areas such as energy efficiency and renewable technology. Anyone affected by recent power cuts will have had a timely reminder of how fundamental energy is to all we do: for lighting, heating and powering our productivity."

The Minister added: "The attendance of departmental representatives at this meeting shows the commitment by all the Executive Ministers to this increasingly important area of work."

The aim of the IDWG is to ensure a co-ordinated approach across Government to the promotion of sustainable energy, including energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The group was made up of senior representatives from all Northern Ireland government departments, as well as Invest NI.

The IDWG will develop a report of recommendations in respect of co-ordinated sustainable energy activity in Northern Ireland by autumn this year, including appropriate structures to continue joined up delivery.

(PR/BMcC)