8. (1) The Minister, having had regard to the purposes of the Blue Shield emblem set out in the Convention and having consulted the Minister for Defence and such other persons, if any, as the Minister considers appropriate, may authorise, in writing, the use of the Blue Shield emblem subject to such conditions as the Minister considers necessary to ensure that the use of the emblem is appropriate.

(2) A person may apply, in writing, to the Minister for authorisation to use the Blue Shield emblem and the Minister, having consulted the Minister for Defence and such other persons, if any, as the Minister considers appropriate, may authorise the applicant in writing to use the Blue Shield emblem, subject to such conditions as the Minister considers necessary to ensure that the use of the emblem is appropriate.

(3) The Minister may amend or withdraw such authorisation where the Minister considers—

(a) the emblem has been improperly used,

(b) there has been a breach or contravention of a condition of the authorisation,

(c) the protection of cultural heritage or public interest requires it, or

(d) it is appropriate to do so at the request of the person to whom the authorisation was granted.

(4) A person who uses the Blue Shield emblem without or otherwise than in accordance with the authorisations referred to in subsections (1) and (2) commits an offence.

(5) In this section—

“Blue Shield emblem” means the distinctive emblem of the Convention described in Article 16. 1 of the Convention, the use of which is set out in Article 17 of the Convention;

“Minister” means the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.