21.— F134[(1) In addition to the functions conferred on the Authority by F135[sections 4(6), 7AC, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 14, 15, 17 and 18 and Parts IIIA and IIIB], the principal functions of the Authority shall be—

F135[(a) to manage and administer the Risk Equalisation Scheme,]

(b) to maintain The Register of Health Benefits Undertaking and The Register of Health Insurance Contracts,

(c) to evaluate and analyse information and other returns made to it,

(d) to take such action as it considers appropriate to increase the awareness of members of the public of their rights as consumers of health insurance and of the health insurance services available to them,

(e) to advise the Minister either at his or her request or on its own initiative on matters relating to the functions of the Minister under this Act, the functions of the Authority under this Act and health insurance generally,

(f) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (e), to advise the Minister either at his or her request or on its own initiative as to whether, in the opinion of the Authority, the principal objective specified in section 1A(1) is being achieved to the appropriate extent, and

(g) to monitor the operation of this Act and the carrying on of health insurance business and developments in relation to health insurance generally.]

(2) The Authority shall have all such powers as are necessary for or incidental to the performance of its functions.