(1) Public authorities and ADR entities shall take such steps as they consider appropriate to co-operate.

(2) The steps referred to in paragraph (1) shall include -

(a) mutual exchange of information on practices in specific business sectors about which consumers have repeatedly lodged complaints, and

(b) the provision of technical assessment and information by the public authorities to ADR entities where such assessment or information is necessary for the handling of individual disputes and is already available.

(3) Cooperation and mutual information exchanges referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall comply with the rules on the protection of personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003.

(4) This Regulation shall be without prejudice to provisions on professional and commercial secrecy which apply to public authorities.

(5) ADR entities shall be subject to rules of professional secrecy or other equivalent duties of confidentiality laid down in the legislation of the Member State in which they are established.