(1) The Minister may give in writing to the Authority general policy directions in respect of the performance of its functions under this Act.

(2) The Authority shall comply with any direction given to it under subsection (1).

(3) Where the Minister gives a direction under subsection (1) -

(a) a notice of the giving of the direction and details of it shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, as soon as may be, after it is given, and

(b) a notice of the giving of the direction shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil within 28 days of giving it.