31. —The Act of 1981 is amended by the insertion after section 18 of the following section:

“18A.—(1) The Minister or any other Minister of the Government may draw up and issue a code of practice for the purpose of providing practical guidance in respect of the requirements or prohibitions of the provisions of this Act or of any regulations made under section 37 and may include standards or specifications and written or illustrated form, of practical guidance and instruction.

(2) The Minister or any other Minister of the Government shall, before issuing a code of practice referred to in subsection (1), consult any other Minister of the Government or other person with whom, in his or her opinion, it is appropriate to consult.

(3) The Minister or any other Minister of the Government, may amend or revoke any code of practice issued under this section following consultation with any other Minister of the Government or any other person with whom, in his or her opinion, it is appropriate to consult.

(4) A code of practice concerning the matters referred to in subsection (1) issued by the Minister or any other Minister of the Government prior to the coming into operation of this section shall be deemed to be a code of practice issued under this section.

(5) Notice of a code of practice issued under this Act and any amendment to, or revocation of, a code of practice shall be published in Iris Oifigiúil.”.