16. (1) The Council may, in addition to the committees established under sections 17, 18, 23, 30 and 43, establish such and so many other committees as it thinks fit to assist and advise it in the performance of its functions.

(2) (a) A committee established by the Council under this section shall have such functions as the Council considers appropriate.

(b) The Council may at any time dissolve a committee established by it under this section.

(3) The members of a committee, other than a Judicial Support Committee, may be appointed by the Council for such period, and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Council considers appropriate.

(4) The Council may appoint to a committee, other than a Judicial Support Committee, persons who are not members of the Council but who have, in the opinion of the Council, special knowledge of or experience in matters related to the functions of the committee.

(5) A committee may refer any matter to the Council or the Board for consideration by the Council or the Board, as the case may be.

(6) The acts of a committee shall be subject to confirmation by the Council, unless the Council, at any time, dispenses with the necessity for such confirmation.

(7) A committee shall, at least once in each year or upon the request of the Council, report in writing to the Council and the Board on the activities of the committee.

(8) Subject to this Act, the Council may regulate the procedures of a committee but, subject to the foregoing, a committee may regulate its own procedures.

(9) A committee may act notwithstanding one or more vacancies in its membership.

(10) This section shall not apply to the Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee, the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee or the Judicial Conduct Committee.