10.—(1) The Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may subscribe to or otherwise acquire shares of any class or description in any company established for the purpose of operating the International Registry as provided for by the Cape Town Convention and the Aircraft Protocol.

(2) The amount that the Minister may spend on subscribing for shares under subsection (1) is such amount, not exceeding in the aggregate €40,000, as is determined by the Minister for Finance after consultation with the Minister.

(3) An amount determined in accordance with subsection (2) is payable from the Central Fund without further appropriation than this section.