9.— (1) On the establishment day there stands established a body, to be known as An tÚdarás Rialála Seirbhísí Maoine or, in the English language, the Property Services Regulatory Authority, to perform the functions conferred on it by this Act.

(2) The Authority—

(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a seal,

(b) may sue, and be sued, in its corporate name,

(c) may, with the approval of the Minister given with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, acquire, hold and dispose of land, and

(d) may acquire, hold and dispose of any other property.

(3) Subject to this Act, the Authority shall be independent in the performance of its functions.

(4) The seal of the Authority may be authenticated by—

(a) the signature of the Chairperson or another member of the Authority authorised by the Authority to act in that behalf, and

(b) the signature of the Chief Executive or a member of the staff of the Authority so authorised.

(5) Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal of the Authority and, accordingly, every document—

(a) purporting to be a document made by the Authority, and

(b) purporting to be sealed with the seal of the Authority authenticated in accordance with subsection (4),

shall be received in evidence and be deemed to be such document without further proof unless the contrary is proved.

(6) Any contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed by an individual, would not require to be under seal may be entered into or executed on behalf of the Authority by any person generally or specially authorised by the Authority in that behalf.