24.—(1) An offence under this Act may be prosecuted summarily by the Minister.

(2) An offence, other than an offence under section 19 or 22, may be prosecuted summarily by the trade union of which the employee is a member.

(3) Notwithstanding section 10 (4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, summary proceedings for an offence under this Act may be instituted within 12 months from the date of the offence.