98.— The following section is inserted after section 6 of the Casual Trading Act 1995:

“Guidelines with respect to performance of functions under section 6.

6A.— (1) The Minister may prepare and issue to local authorities guidelines, in writing, regarding the performance by them of their functions under section 6 in relation to bye-laws.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), guidelines under this section may include guidelines as to the particular provision that a local authority should make by bye-laws under section 6 in relation to each of the matters mentioned in subsection (2) of that section.

(3) Local authorities shall have regard to guidelines for the time being in force under this section in performing their functions under section 6 in relation to bye-laws.

(4) The Minister may amend or revoke, in writing, guidelines issued under this section.

(5) The Minister shall cause a copy of any guidelines issued under this section and of any amendment or revocation of them to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.”.