22.— (1) An education and training board may, with the consent of the Minister, enter into an arrangement with an education or training provider for the joint performance of any of the functions of the board, subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed by the board and the provider.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), but subject to section 53 and any regulations made under that section, an arrangement under subsection (1) may relate to the acquisition, holding, management, maintenance, development (including project management of such development) and disposal of land, or any interest in land.

(3) The Minister may, at the request of an education or training provider, direct an education and training board to perform any of its functions jointly with that provider, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the direction.

(4) An education and training board may, at the request of an education or training provider, with the consent of the Minister and subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed by the board and the provider, provide support services to the education or training provider.

(5) The Minister may, at the request of an education or training provider, direct an education and training board to provide support services to the education or training provider, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the direction.

(6) The Minister may request Education and Training Boards Ireland to give such assistance to an education and training board as he or she considers necessary for the implementation of a direction under this section.

(7) An education and training board shall comply with a direction under this section.

(8) The Minister shall, in deciding whether or not to give a direction or his or her consent under this section, have regard to—

(a) the existing provision of, and future need for, education and training in the area in which the education or training provider is situated,

(b) the desirability of providing a diverse range of education and training opportunities for students and learners,

(c) the optimum use of available resources,

(d) the desirability of securing value for money in respect of arrangements entered into or support services provided under this section,

(e) the availability of expertise, experience and skills in the education and training board and education or training provider concerned,

(f) the capacity of the education and training board concerned to enter into arrangements or provide support services under this section, and

(g) the opportunity to share resources, expertise, experience and skills for the benefit of students or learners.

(9) In this section, “support services” includes—

(a) the holding, management, maintenance or development of land,

(b) project management,

(c) the giving of assistance in relation to the purchase or procurement of goods and services,

(d) human resources,

(e) financial services,

(f) legal services,

(g) information and communications technology, and

(h) corporate governance.