16.— (1) The Authority shall, as soon as is practicable after the establishment day and thereafter within 6 months before each third anniversary of the establishment day, prepare and submit to the Minister, for approval by the Minister with or without amendment, a strategic plan for the ensuing 3 year period.

(2) A strategic plan shall—

(a) comply with any directions issued from time to time by the Minister in respect of the form and manner of the plan’s preparation,

(b) set out the key objectives, outputs and related strategies of the Authority, including its use of its resources, and

(c) have regard to the need to ensure the most beneficial and efficient use of the Authority’s resources.

(3) The Minister shall, as soon as is practicable after a strategic plan has been so approved, cause a copy of it to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.