46.— (1) Subject to subsection (3), the Minister may give such general policy directions in writing to the Authority in relation to its functions as he or she considers appropriate.

(2) The Authority shall, subject to the performance of the functions specified in section 43(1), implement any direction given under subsection (1).

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to individual cases or groups of cases with which the Authority is or may be concerned or in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by the Authority of a function assigned to it by or under this Chapter.

(4) A copy of any direction given by the Minister under subsection (1), along with a statement of the reasons for giving the direction, shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published in the Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after it is given.