37.— (1) Not later than 30 April in each year, the Authority shall prepare and adopt an annual report in relation to the performance of the Authority’s functions during the immediately preceding calendar year.

(2) An annual report shall include—

(a) a statement of the activities undertaken by the Authority,

(b) the report of the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services on its activities,

(c) a report on the implementation of the Authority’s corporate plan,

(d) a report on the implementation of the Authority’s business plan,

(e) a report on the Authority’s arrangements for implementing and maintaining adherence to its code of governance, and

(f) other particulars that the Authority considers appropriate or as the Minister may specify, including but not limited to financial statements.

(3) As soon as may be but in any event not later than 21 days after adopting the annual report, the Authority shall submit a copy of the annual report to the Minister.

(4) The Minister shall ensure that copies of the annual report are laid before each House of the Oireachtas within 21 days after the Minister receives the report.

(5) The Authority shall ensure that the annual report is published on the Internet and in accordance with any other arrangements that the Minister may specify, as soon as practicable after copies of the report are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.