The programme for Government contains a very clear commitment to provide regulation and planning guidelines for wind farms. It is a major issue for rural communities. The absence of guidelines is giving big wind energy companies a free run in rural counties such as my own, County Offaly. There is a serious problem in Cloghan, where a planning application was opposed by an inspector who raised serious concerns. I would like to know about the level of consultation throughout the country, given that it has not happened in my county. When will the guidelines be published?

It is an important part of the Government's response to climate change and a valid question. During the term of the previous Government, it was not possible to get agreement between the then Ministers, former Deputy Alex White and Deputy Alan Kelly. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, are having real discussions about it and it is a focus of a considerable deal of attention from the Minister, Deputy Denis Naughten. I expect that he should be in a position to conclude his discussions reasonably soon. I do not want to put a date on it.