(1) Article 3(1) authorities may access and search, on a case-by-case basis and in a direct and immediate manner, bank account information when necessary for the performance of their tasks for the purposes of preventing, detecting, investigating or prosecuting a serious criminal offence or supporting a criminal investigation concerning a serious criminal offence, including the identification, tracing and freezing of the assets related to such investigation.

(2) The power in subsection (1) shall be exercised on behalf of the Article 3(1) authorities by the following persons:

(a) on behalf of the Garda Síochána, a member of the Garda Síochána -

(i) who is engaged in the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of a serious criminal offence or supporting a criminal investigation concerning a serious criminal offence as defined by Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2016/794, and

(ii) who was designated and authorised to exercise the power by a member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of superintendent,

(b) on behalf of FIU Ireland, by a person appointed by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána in that behalf as referred to in section 40A(2) of the Principal Act, and