48. (1) Notwithstanding the guidance provided by the Performance Framework under section 41 or F43[the Performance Statements] under section 44, the Minister F44[or, in respect of the education welfare functions of the Agency, the Minister for Education,] may at any time issue additional guidelines in writing to the Agency for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Such guidelines may relate to—

(a) additional policy guidance or changes in policy, and

(b) changes in prioritisation of business plan commitments.

(3) In performing its functions under this Act, the Agency shall have regard to any guidelines issued by the Minister F44[or the Minister for Education] under this section.