48. (1) The Board may establish such committees as it considers necessary or desirable to advise it in the performance of its functions and may appoint such members to such a committee as it considers necessary.

(2) A committee established under subsection (1) may include persons who are not members of the Board, but shall include not less than one member of the Board.

(3) The Board shall determine the terms of reference and procedures of a committee established under subsection (1).

(4) A member of a committee established under subsection (1) who is not a member of the Board may be paid, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, such remuneration and allowances for vouched expenses incurred by the member as the Minister may determine.

(5) A committee established under subsection (1) shall prepare and submit a report on its activities to the Board on a regular basis.

(6) A report prepared and submitted by the Board under section 52 shall include a summary of the activities of the committees, if any—

(a) established under subsection (1), and

(b) in existence in the period to which the report relates.

(7) A committee established under subsection (1) may be dissolved by a resolution of the Board at any time and shall stand dissolved on the date that is 2 years from the date of its establishment, unless the Board resolves that the committee is to continue in existence.