9.— (1) An tSeirbhís shall—

(a) as soon as practicable after the commencement of this section,

(b) not later than the expiration of such period as is specified in a direction under subsection (2), and

(c) not later than 5 years after the most recent approval by the Minister of a strategy under this section,

prepare, and submit to the Minister, a strategy in relation to the provision in the State of further education and training in respect of the period of 5 years immediately following its approval by the Minister under this section.

(2) The Minister may give a direction in writing to An tSeirbhís requiring it to prepare, and submit to him or her—

(a) not later than the expiration of such period as is specified in the direction, and

(b) in respect of such period as is so specified,

a strategy under this section.

(3) An tSeirbhís shall, in the preparation of a strategy under this section have regard to—

(a) any policy directions given by the Minister under section 19, and

(b) the likely cost of implementing any such strategy if approved by the Minister under this section.

(4) An tSeirbhís shall, for the purpose of preparing a strategy under this section, consult with the Minister for Education and Skills, the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(5) An tSeirbhís may, for the purpose of preparing a strategy under this section, consult with—

(a) An tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas, Enterprise Ireland, Teagasc or Quality and Qualifications Ireland,

(b) such education and training boards as it considers appropriate, or

(c) such—

(i) other providers of further education and training programmes (including community education providers),

(ii) persons in receipt of further education and training,

(iii) employers, or

(iv) other persons,

as it considers appropriate.

(6) A strategy under this section shall include a strategy for the provision of further education and training programmes in the State aimed at promoting, developing and encouraging literacy and numeracy.

(7) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after the submission to him or her of a strategy under this section—

(a) approve the strategy with or without modifications, or

(b) refuse to approve the strategy and give a direction to An tSeirbhís under subsection (2).

(8) An tSeirbhís shall, as soon as practicable after the approval by the Minister of a strategy prepared and submitted under this section, cause the strategy to be published in such manner as An tSeirbhís considers appropriate.