11.—(1) Subject to subsection (4) and section 12 (8), the function of the Special Negotiating Body shall be to negotiate with the central management for a written agreement or agreements for the establishment of arrangements for the information and consultation of employees and determining the matters referred to in section 12 (3), (4) or (5).

(2) With a view to the conclusion of an agreement referred to in subsection (1), the central management shall convene a meeting with the Special Negotiating Body and shall inform local managements accordingly.

F25[(2A) Before and after any meeting with the central management, the Special Negotiating Body shall be entitled to meet without representatives of the central management being present, using any necessary means for communication.]

F26[(3)(a) For the purpose of the negotiations, the Special Negotiating Body may request assistance from experts of its choice who can include representatives of competent recognised Community-level trade union organisations.

(b) Such experts and such trade union representatives may be present at negotiation meetings in an advisory capacity at the request of the Special Negotiating Body.]

(4) The Special Negotiating Body may decide, by at least two-thirds of the votes of its members present and entitled to vote at the meeting, not to open negotiations referred to in subsection (1), or to terminate negotiations already opened.

(5) A decision taken under subsection (4) shall cause the cessation of the procedure to conclude an agreement referred to in subsection (1) and when it has been taken the provisions in the Second Schedule shall not apply.

(6) A new request to convene a Special Negotiating Body shall not be made earlier than two years after a decision taken under subsection (4), unless the parties concerned agree on a shorter period.

(7) The reasonable expenses relating to the negotiations referred to in subsection (1) shall be borne by the central management so as to enable the Special Negotiating Body to carry out its functions in an appropriate manner.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7), reasonable expenses shall include the cost of meetings of the Special Negotiating Body, whether with the central management or otherwise, including the cost of materials, the venue, translations, travel and accommodation, and the equivalent cost of one expert per meeting.