26.— (1) The Minister may by order increase the number of ordinary members of the Appeals Board where he or she is of the opinion that the number of appeals made under section 21 necessitates the appointment of one or more than one member to enable the Appeals Board to perform its functions under that section subject to the Appeals Board consisting, at any time, of not more than 15 persons including the chairperson.

(2) Notwithstanding section 5, where the Minister proposes to make an order under subsection (1) a draft of the order shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and the order shall not be made until a resolution approving the draft has been passed by each such House.

(3) Section 25(5) shall apply to the appointment of a person by order under subsection (1) as it applies for the purposes of that section.

(4) An order made under subsection (1) shall have effect for such a period not exceeding 5 years as shall be specified in the order.