The 2006 wind turbine guidelines are 20 years out of date. As somebody who believes that wind has to be part of our renewable energy future, I have been asking questions on this now for nearly 16 years.

Various Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and Ministers and taoisigh have said the new guidelines are coming soon. I have received loads of parliamentary question replies on this. Meanwhile, massive wind turbines and wind farms are being built without proper regulations or guidelines. Last November, I brought forward this Wind Turbine Regulation Bill to the Dáil. The Government did not oppose it but said we would have guidelines within three months. I asked the Taoiseach again in March and there was still no movement on it. In that reply, the Taoiseach actually said he understands the issue but let us be honest; when these guidelines emerge, they will probably lead to a reduction in the number of wind farms.

Here we are 12 months later and there is still no progress. When will have these wind turbine guidelines?

The Taoiseach to respond.

Is the real reason for the delay for the past 16 years what the Taoiseach said to me here in March-----

The Deputy is in other Members' time.

-----that they may put restrictions on development? When will we have them?

I note the Deputy's commitment to renewable energy, which we articulated at the beginning of his question when he said he was in favour of wind farms. The Minister for climate has been working on this with the Minister for housing, who is responsible for new national planning statements.

It has been 16 years.

Let me finish. My understanding is that the Minister for climate and the Department have concluded their deliberations on this. It is now with the Minister for housing and he is beginning the formulation of a new national planning statement. Planning statements will now replace guidelines. On the exact timeline for this, I would hope we will have this national planning statement before the end of the year.

It might happen before Christmas.

It is pointless to ask the question if you will not allow the answer, Deputy. I thank the Taoiseach and call Deputy Collins.