Unfortunately, a number of children remain in highly vulnerable circumstances owing to the inaction of the Government. On assuming office, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, identified as one of her key priorities the need to place the Children First guidelines on a mandatory and legislative basis. More than three years later, we are still awaiting legislation on the guidelines. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the legislation will come before the House?

Several weeks ago, when I introduced a Private Members' Bill on wind turbines, the Taoiseach indicated he was willing to provide time to debate this extremely important issue. The proposed erection of wind turbines affects my constituency and the midlands in general. Is he still willing to facilitate such a debate?

The Whips should be able to facilitate such a debate at the appropriate time.

The heads of the Bill on the Children First guidelines were cleared in July. A great deal of work has been done on the legislation, which I expect to be published either close to the end of this year or early next year. It was intended to do so before the end of the year but we may not realise that objective.