16B.—(1) An tÚdarás may, if it has a concern regarding a matter relating to the governance of Trinity College or the performance by Trinity College of its functions or compliance by it with its obligations, request the Visitors of Trinity College in writing to conduct a General Visitation in accordance with the statutes of Trinity College as respects the matter.

(2) An tÚdarás shall specify in a request under subsection (1) the matter the subject of its concern and the reasons for the request.

(3) The Visitors of Trinity College shall consider a request received under subsection (1) and shall, if they are satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for a General Visitation and that it is appropriate to do so, conduct a General Visitation as respects the matter specified in the request in accordance with the statutes of Trinity College.

(4) The Visitors of Trinity College shall, within such period as may be agreed with An tÚdarás, report in writing to An tÚdarás on the General Visitation and the outcome thereof and they shall furnish such a report to the governing authority of Trinity College.

(5) This section is without prejudice to Part 8 of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 as respects Trinity College.

(6) An tÚdarás shall provide a copy of a report received by it under subsection (4) to the Minister.

(7) In this section—

"General Visitation", in relation to Trinity College, has the meaning it has in the statutes of Trinity College;

"Visitors of Trinity College", means the persons appointed as the Visitors of Trinity College pursuant to the statutes of Trinity College.]