(1) Information obtained by virtue of the performance by the Director of any of his or her functions which has not otherwise come to the notice of the public, shall not be disclosed, except in accordance with law, by any person, including -
(a) the Director or a former Director,
(b) a professional or other adviser (including a former adviser) to the Director, and
(c) an officer or former officer of the Director.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), information referred to in that subsection which, in the opinion of the Director, may be required -
(a) for a purpose or reason specified in subsection (1) of section 21 of the Act of 1990,
(b) for the performance by a competent authority (within the meaning of that section 21) of a function or functions of the authority, or
(c) for the performance by the Director of a function or functions of the Director,
may be disclosed by or under the authority of the Director to the extent that, in the opinion of the Director, is necessary for that