17. (1) At any time before the first anniversary of the network transfer date BGÉ or Gaslink (each referred to in this subsection as a “relevant entity”) or both may, subject to the approval of the Minister and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, enter into an agreement in writing with the network company for the transfer from a relevant entity to the network company of any assets, licences, rights and liabilities and staff where both, or either of, BGÉ and the Minister is of the opinion that such assets, licences, rights and liabilities or staff should have been specified in the network transfer plan.

(2) An agreement under this section takes effect on the date on which it is approved by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform or on such later date as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the agreement and any assets, licences, rights or liabilities or staff to be transferred under the agreement are transferred on that date.

(3) An agreement under this section does not affect the terms and conditions of employment of any employee unless such employee agrees to the proposed change.