37. (1) As soon as practicable, but in any case not later than 6 months, after the end of each financial year of the Council, the Council shall prepare, and submit to the Minister, a report (in this section referred to as the “annual report”) in writing of its activities during that year.

(2) If, under subsection (1), the first annual report would relate to a period of less than 6 months, that report shall, notwithstanding that subsection, instead relate to the activities of the Council during that period and the financial year of the Council immediately following that period and the Council shall prepare, and submit to the Minister, the first annual report as soon as may be, but not later than 6 months, after the end of that financial year.

(3) The annual report shall include information on the performance of the functions of the Council during the period to which it relates and such other information in such form as the Council considers appropriate.

(4) The Minister shall as soon as may be after the receipt by him or her of the annual report cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

(5) The Council shall ensure that, as soon as practicable after copies of the annual report are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas under subsection (4), the report is published in such manner as the Council considers appropriate.