F34[24.— The Minister may, subject to such conditions as he sees fit, in each financial year make grants, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas towards—

(a) the capital and current expenditure of the Authority, or

(b) the expenditure of the Authority in respect of its functions under this Act in relation to regional and local roads,

and grants under paragraph (a) shall be made having particular regard to the maintenance requirements of national roads.]