(1) The Minister may from time to time, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, advance to the Authority, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, such sums as the Minister may determine for the purposes of expenditure by the Authority in the performance of its functions.

(2) Such moneys advanced to the Authority under subsection (1) as-

(a) the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, determines, and

(b) on the passing of the Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2003, have not been repaid,

shall not require to be repaid.