26. (1) The Forum shall have the following functions:

(a) to advise the Minister in relation to Government water policy having regard to, amongst other things, the following:

(i) water conservation;

(ii) rural water services;

(iii) the interests of the customers of Irish Water;

(b) to make recommendations to Irish Water—

(i) in relation to the performance by Irish Water of its functions, and

(ii) when requested in writing in that behalf by Irish Water, on any policy document prepared by Irish Water;

(c) to advise and provide observations to the Commission—

(i) in relation to the performance by Irish Water of its functions, and

(ii) when requested in writing in that behalf by the Commission, on any consultation document prepared by the Commission in respect of water services provided by Irish Water;

(d) to advise the Water Policy Advisory Committee (established by Regulation 3 of the European Union (Water Policy) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 350 of 2014))—

(i) in relation to any river basin management plan (within the meaning of Regulation 13 of the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003)) and implementation of that plan,

(ii) on matters pertaining to the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive, and

(iii) on such other related matters concerning the management of the inland aquatic environment and water resources;

(e) to examine such other water-related matters, including the carrying out of research concerning those matters, as the Minister requests the Forum to examine and to advise the Minister accordingly.

(2) In carrying out its functions under this section, the Forum shall have regard to the functions of the Commission and the Agency.

(3) Subject to this Act, the Forum shall have all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions.

(4) In this section—

“EU Water Framework Directive” has the meaning assigned to it in the Act of 2007;

“water services” has the meaning assigned to it in the Act of 2007.