39.— (1) The Executive may, subject to any directions given by the Minister under section 10 F177[or the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth under section 10C] and on such terms and conditions as it sees fit to impose, give assistance to any person or body that provides or proposes to provide a service similar or ancillary to a service that the Executive may provide.

(2) Assistance may be provided under this section in any of the following ways:

(a) by contributing to the expenses incurred by the person or body;

(b) by permitting the use by the person or body of premises maintained by the Executive and, where requisite, executing alterations and repairs to and supplying furniture and fittings for such premises;

(c) by providing premises (with all requisite furniture and fittings) for use by the person or body.

(3) Assistance may be provided to a person under this section whether or not the person is a service provider.