During the course of the review, the working group examined work-related barriers to breastfeeding. It concluded that the length of leave available at that time to mothers who wished to breastfeed was restrictive and there was a very short time period in which to establish an effective breastfeeding pattern. Shortly after the conclusion of the working group's deliberations, the recommendation to increase both the period of maternity leave and additional maternity leave was implemented by means of secondary legislation. Both the entitlement to maternity leave attracting a payment, and the optional unpaid additional maternity leave, increased by four weeks, bringing the overall entitlement to 18 weeks maternity leave and eight weeks additional maternity leave. This Bill incorporates the increased leave entitlements which offer mothers the option of up to 22 weeks post-confinement maternity leave and the chance to establish an effective breastfeeding pattern.