17.— (1) Where the F13[chief executive] considers that there has been a change in any of the matters specified in section 15 (1) that significantly affects the housing services plan, including any adjustment of a housing strategy pursuant to section 95(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the F13[chief executive] shall submit a report on the matter to the members of the housing authority and, where the F13[chief executive] considers it necessary and appropriate, he or she may recommend that the housing services plan be varied accordingly and the housing authority may, having taken account of any such recommendations, as it considers appropriate, decide to vary the plan or part or parts thereof accordingly.

(2) Where the Minister considers that there has been a change in circumstances that significantly affects all or any part or parts of one or more than one housing services plan, he or she may give a direction requiring the housing authority or authorities concerned to vary the plan or plans or part or parts thereof accordingly and the housing authority or authorities, as the case may be, shall comply with any such direction.

(3) Section 16 applies to the variation of a plan as it applies to the preparation and adoption of a plan, with any necessary modifications.