33.   (1) Not later than 4 months after the end of each financial year, the Authority shall prepare and submit to the Minister a report—

(a) specifying the number of persons admitted to practise as solicitors during that year,

(b) specifying the number of persons admitted to practise as barristers during that year, and

(c) containing an assessment as to whether or not, having regard to the demand for the services of practising barristers and solicitors and the need to ensure an adequate standard of education and training for persons admitted to practise, the number of persons admitted to practise as barristers and solicitors in that year is consistent with the public interest in ensuring the availability of such services at a reasonable cost.

(2) The Authority shall consult—

(a) the Law Society,

(b) the Bar Council,

(c) the Honorable Society of King’s Inns, and

(d) such persons as the Authority considers appropriate,

for the purpose of preparing the report referred to in subsection (1).

(3) The Law Society, the Bar Council and the Honorable Society of King’s Inns shall provide the Authority with such information in their possession as is reasonably requested of them by the Authority for the purpose of preparing the report referred to in subsection (1).

(4) As soon as practicable after receiving a report under this section, the Minister shall cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

(5) Following compliance with subsection (4), the Authority shall arrange for the publication of the report in such form and manner as it considers appropriate and for it to be sent to the Law Society, the Bar Council and the Honorable Society of King’s Inns.