164. (1) The Commission may, where it considers appropriate for the purposes of its functions under this Part, consult with, and have regard to any information received from—

(a) the Data Protection Commission,

(b) An Garda Síochána,

(c) Coimisiún na Meán, or

(d) the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, acting in his or her capacity as competent authority under the European Union (Measures for a High Common Level of Security of Network and Information Systems) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 360 of 2018).

(2) Where—

(a) the Data Protection Commission,

(b) An Garda Síochána,

(c) Coimisiún na Meán, or

(d) the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, acting in his or her capacity as competent authority under the European Union (Measures for a High Common Level of Security of Network and Information Systems) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 360 of 2018),

receives or becomes aware of information regarding activities or trends which may affect the fairness or integrity of an election or referendum, the authority or the Minister referred to in paragraph (d), as the case may be, shall immediately notify the Commission of the said information, activities or trends.