8. (1) The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, give a direction in writing to the Agency or a subsidiary DAC, in relation to the performance of its functions under this Act, requiring it to comply with such policies of the Government as are specified in the direction.

(2) The Minister, in giving a direction under subsection (1) shall, where the direction relates to a matter in the National Planning Framework, a regional spatial and economic strategy, a development plan or a local area plan, have regard, as the case may be, to the National Planning Framework, regional spatial and economic strategy, development plan or local area plan.

(3) The Minister may, by direction in writing, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, amend or revoke a direction under this section (including a direction under this subsection).

(4) The Agency and a subsidiary DAC shall comply with a direction given to it under this section.