7.— (1) The Board, in a manner that promotes the principles of equity, consistency and transparency, shall—

(a) utilise the resources that are available to it in the investment account to—

(i) make arrangements with persons, whether or not they are resident in the State, for the provision of approved services to support the needs of former residents,

(ii) pay grants to former residents in order that they may avail of approved services,

(b) determine under—

(i) section 8 whether a service is an approved service,

(ii) section 9 criteria by reference to which the Board shall make a decision on an application to the Board for an arrangement or a grant,

and

(c) promote understanding, among persons involved in the provision of approved services and publicly available services to former residents, of the effects of abuse on former residents.

(2) For the purpose of performing the functions referred to at subsection (1), the Board shall—

(a) make information relating to the functions of the Board available to former residents,

(b) evaluate the effectiveness of approved services in meeting the needs of former residents, and

(c) take such steps as the Board considers appropriate to consult with persons the Board considers may be affected by the performance by the Board of its functions.

(3) In performing any functions conferred on it by or under this Act, the Board shall have regard to the existence of publicly available services and the need to secure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of the resources available in the investment account.

(4) The Board shall have all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions.

(5) The Board may perform any of its functions through or by any member of the staff of the Board duly authorised in that behalf by the Board.

(6) The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, by order—

(a) confer on the Board such additional functions relating to the functions conferred on the Board by this section or by an order under this subsection as the Minister considers appropriate, and

(b) make such provision as he or she considers necessary or expedient in relation to matters ancillary to or arising out of the conferral on the Board of those additional functions.

(7) The Board, from time to time as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions and with the approval of the Minister, may—

(a) enter into contracts with persons, and

(b) engage consultants or advisers,

for such period and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board considers appropriate and any sums thereby payable by the Board to such persons, consultants or advisers shall be paid by the Board out of moneys at its disposal.