3C. (1) The amendments of this Act effected by the European Union (Industrial Emissions) Regulations 2013 are made for the purpose of giving effect to the Industrial Emissions Directive.

(2) The Agency shall be the competent authority for the purposes of the Industrial Emissions Directive.

(3) As competent authority for the purposes of the Industrial Emissions Directive, the Agency shall, amongst other things—

(a) keep itself informed of developments in best available techniques and of the publication of any new or updated BAT conclusions and shall make that information publicly available,

(b) maintain such data and information, provide for the supply of data to the Commission of the European Union and undertake such reporting as may be necessary for the proper implementation of relevant Union acts (including compliance with the requirements of Article 72(1) of the Industrial Emissions Directive), and

(c) when requested to do so by the Minister, participate in the Committee to assist the Commission of the European Union on the basis provided for in Article 75 of the Industrial Emissions Directive.]