Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader make inquiries with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the current status of the Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004? We spent much time dealing with it in this House and it is a good Bill which we supported. It provides for parents of children up to the age of eight to take parental leave. At the moment parents with children between five and eight cannot avail of leave because the Bill is sitting on the Minister's desk. It is a simple Bill and I ask the Leader to put pressure on the Minister to ensure it is completed so parents can avail of its provisions. Considering the pressures parents are under these days, and I acknowledge the work the Government is doing in the area of child care, it is important the Bill is enacted as quickly as possible.