I wish to raise three pieces of legislation, but, first, I wish to refer to two other issues. During Taoiseach's Questions, a number of times the Taoiseach has made a suggestion about priority questions. Perhaps he or you, a Cheann Comhairle, might be able to advise us on how that could be introduced. Both Teachta Higgins and I, separately, have tried to inquire about when debates will be held on certain matters. Could we be advised on the best way to do that, in particular in terms of a debate on the crisis on water charges?

The Government has committed to amend the Constitution to provide for a voting age of 16, which would be very welcome, and a Bill for that purpose is being drafted. Will the Taoiseach confirm when the Bill will be introduced and if it will be published in 2015? Could the extension of the franchise to citizens in the North and the diaspora be considered as part of the Bill?

We are inundated with complaints from citizens who are not happy with the treatment they have received during their participation in the judicial system. Will the Taoiseach confirm when the judicial council Bill will be introduced and, if possible, will he outline the main provisions of the Bill?

The children and family relations Bill will come before the Dáil, given that a revised scheme of the Bill was published in September. Could we have a sense of the timescale for the completion of the drafting process? I accept the legislation is complex but it requires sufficient time for scrutiny and discussion. The Bill could help to keep pace with a changing Ireland.

Could I ask a question on the same issue?

No. Deputy Higgins should please resume his seat. Deputy Adams addressed me on both of the issues he raised initially. They are best dealt with through the Whips. As a former Whip, I found that one gets tremendous co-operation by doing so because it allows matters to go back to the parties. It never works to raise such issues on the floor of the House. I strongly recommend that the Whips deal with both of those issues through their parties behind the scenes. I would be only too delighted to agree to any changes that are forthcoming.

The children and family relations Bill is important legislation.

It must be put through in respect of the question to be asked on the equality of marriage referendum next year. The Government will make its announcement in due course regarding the dates for those referenda and the issues to be decided by the people.

On the point about how debates may be arranged in the House, the Whips system is the best way to deal with that. A fortnight ago we received requests from Members for a series of discussions and statements in respect of sexual abuse of people formerly involved with the IRA, arising from Maíria Cahill's statement and those statements will happen tomorrow. As I said, I am prepared to consider making Questions to the Taoiseach more relevant and topical in order to give Deputies the opportunity to raise matters they may deem to be more important than dealing with matters which are few months old.

I do not think the Taoiseach answered the other two questions about the voting age Bill. I may have missed his replies.

It requires a referendum. The Government will make its announcement in due course about the date of the referenda and of the issues to be decided. The Government has already put forward the proposition that one of the referenda would be to decide on the reduction in the voting age.

I thank the Taoiseach.