(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) The sums to be advanced under subsection (1) shall be expended solely for the purpose and exercise of the functions conferred on the Authority by this Act or in specified circumstances that are subject to Ministerial direction.