39.—(1) There shall be a chief executive officer of the Authority who shall be known and is referred to in this Act as the “Chief Executive”.

(2) The Chief Executive shall be appointed and may be removed from office in accordance with the terms and conditions of his or her appointment by the Authority with the consent of the Minister.

(3) The Authority, with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance, may appoint one or more assistants to the Chief Executive who shall be known and is referred to in this Act as the “Assistant Chief Executive”.

(4) The Chief Executive shall carry on, manage and control generally the administration and business of the Authority and perform any other functions that may be conferred on him or her by this Act or as may be determined by the Authority.

(5) The Chief Executive shall—

(a) prepare and submit to the Authority a draft strategy statement in accordance with section 43 and a draft work programme in accordance with section 44,

(b) provide annual and other progress reports to the Authority on the implementation of the strategy statement at such intervals as the Authority may from time to time direct,

(c) provide advice to the Authority with respect to any matter within, affecting or connected with the functions of the Authority,

(d) provide to the Authority any information, including financial information, relating to the performance of his or her functions as the Authority may from time to time require, and

(e) manage all matters relating to appointments, performance, discipline and dismissals of staff below the position of Assistant Chief Executive.

(6) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Act of 1989 by section 4, the Chief Executive of the Authority holding office immediately before the commencement of this Act shall continue in office as Chief Executive for the remainder of the term of office for which he or she was appointed, unless he or she dies or resigns from office or otherwise ceases to hold office.

(7) Schedule 6 applies to the Chief Executive.