9.—(1) The Authority shall, as soon as practicable after it is established and thereafter within 6 months before each third anniversary of its establishment, prepare and submit to the Minister, for approval by the Minister with or without amendment, a strategic plan for the ensuing 3-year period.

(2) A strategic plan shall—

(a) set out the key objectives, outputs and related strategies of the Authority, including its use of resources,

(b) comply with any directions issued from time to time by the Minister in relation to the form and manner of the plan's preparation, and

(c) have regard to the need to ensure the most beneficial and efficient use of the Authority's resources.

(3) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after a strategic plan has been so approved, cause a copy of it to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.