10.—(1) The principal functions of the Commission shall be—

(a) to foster and encourage railway safety,

(b) to enforce this Act and any other legislation relating to railway safety, and

F17[(c) to investigate and report on railway accidents and incidents for the purposes of determining compliance with safety management systems and safety targets.]

(2) The Commission shall, in carrying out its functions, have regard to any matters arising from the operation of railways which may affect the safety of persons.

(3) The Commission, subject to the approval of the Minister given with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may—

(a) enter into agreements or make arrangements with any Minister of the Government, or any other person for that Minister or person to perform on behalf of the Commission (with or without payment) any of its functions; and

(b) enter into agreements or make arrangements with any Minister of the Government or the Health and Safety Authority for the Commission to perform on behalf of that Minister or that Authority (with or without payment) such functions as may appropriately be performed by it in connection with its functions under this Act.

(4) The Commission shall have all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions under subsection (3)(b).

(5) The Commission shall provide advice to the Minister as may be requested by the Minister from time to time in relation to railway safety.

(6) For the purposes of its functions, the Commission shall encourage and foster activities and measures which are directed towards the promotion of railway safety, including such arrangements as it considers appropriate to undertake, to promote, to sponsor, to evaluate and to publish the results of research, surveys and studies relating to railway safety.