I will now outline the main provisions of the Bill. Section 1 is a standard provision dealing with interpretation. Sections 2 and 4 incorporate Statutory Instrument No. 29 of 2001 which gave effect to the working group's recommendation to increase the periods of maternity leave and additional maternity leave. The implementation of the recommendation to increase both the period of maternity leave and additional maternity leave, as mentioned earlier, has been in effect since March 2001. The implementation of this recommendation was fast-tracked ahead of the implementation of the other recommendations to ensure that the benefits of the increased leave entitlement would be realised as soon as possible. It is a widely held view, supported by leave arrangements in several other countries, that the best interests of infants under 12 months old are served where they remain in the direct care of their parents. The provision of 18 weeks paid leave entitlement with the option of four weeks additional unpaid leave means that Ireland is now in a favourable position when compared with many other EU member states. Sections 2 and 4 of the Bill provide that the Minister may by order extend the periods of maternity and/or additional maternity leave.