20. (1) The Minister may, in relation to the performance by the Commission of its functions, give a direction in writing to the Commission requiring it to comply with such policies of the Government as are specified in the direction.

(2) The Minister shall lay a copy of a direction under subsection (1) before each House of the Oireachtas.

(3) The Commission shall comply with a direction under subsection (1) .

(4) For the purposes of this section “functions” does not include—

(a) a function specified in subsection (7) of section 10,

(b) making a determination in relation to a merger or acquisition under section 21(2) of the Act of 2002, or

(c) carrying out an investigation under paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section 10.

F6[(5) A direction given by the Minister under subsection (1) shall not be given to, nor apply to—

(a) adjudication officers appointed under section 15O of the Act of 2002, or

(b) assistants to adjudication officers appointed under section 15R of the Act of 2002.]