Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange a debate on wind energy, particularly on the need for relevant guidelines to be issued to local authorities? There are lobby groups in many counties both for and against wind energy and windfarms. Some local authorities have taken a very restrictive view in that they are refusing to grant planning permission for wind energy schemes. As part of our commitment under the Kyoto Protocol and our commitment to have a sustainable supply of energy and independent energy resources, it is important for the Department to issue guidelines such that a uniform position will be adopted across the country.

I support Senator Tuffy's call for a debate on the report from Treoir, which is worthy of support. The organisation is seeking that all children would have a right to the support of both their parents and to know their identity. We should support its call to ensure that the name of the father is included on birth certificates when they are being issued. This does not always happen. We could have a useful debate on this subject.