Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I am also disappointed by the editorial in today's edition of the Irish Independent because it showed an extraordinary lack of appreciation for the work done by councillors and the value we should place, but clearly do not, on local democracy. The word has clearly not got through to the offices of the Irish Independent about the work done by local councillors. We, as Senators elected by councillors, have a role in promoting awareness of their role and should examine it.

Could the Leader advise on the current status of the Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004? The Bill was passed in this House with a minimal increase in the amount of parental leave made available and no change in the status of parental leave — it is still unpaid. My inquiry is based on several remarks made by Ministers and Ministers of State in the media as late as yesterday evening that parental leave is on the Government's agenda for tackling the child care crisis. It leads me to believe that there may be a change of heart on parental leave and that this Bill will come back to the Seanad in hopefully a much amended form.

I support the calls for a debate on mental health, particularly because of concerns regarding the effect of the reorganisation of the health service, through the Health Service Executive, on the need for improved delivery of services for people — particularly those in rural communities — suffering from mental illnesses. We have not yet had an indication as to what it will mean.