(1) The Minister may, in relation to the performance by the Commission of its functions, give a direction in writing to the Commission requiring it to comply with such policies of the Government as are specified in the direction.

(2) The Minister shall lay a copy of a direction under subsection (1) before each House of the Oireachtas.

(3) The Commission shall comply with a direction under subsection (1).

(4) For the purposes of this section "functions" does not include -

(a) a function specified in subsection (7) of section 10,

(b) making a determination in relation to a merger or acquisition under section 21(2) of the Act of 2002, or

(c) carrying out an investigation under paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section 10.

(5) A direction given by the Minister under subsection (1) shall not be given to, nor apply to -