118. (1) The Authority—

(a) immediately following its establishment, shall, and

(b) periodically thereafter, may,

engage in a public consultation process in relation to the regulation, monitoring and operation of legal partnerships.

(2) The Authority shall conduct its initial consultation referred to in subsection (1)(a) and report to the Minister within a period of 6 months following its establishment.

(3) Following any consultation conducted under subsection (1), and having regard to any submissions duly received, the Authority shall prepare a report to the Minister setting out any recommendations in relation to the matters specified in subsection (1).

(4) The Minister shall cause copies of any such report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas within 30 days of its receipt by him or her.