52. (1) An tÚdarás may conduct studies and research on any issue related to the performance of its functions.

(2) An tÚdarás may appoint a person or body or a higher education provider to conduct the study or research on its behalf and may make such payment to the person, body or higher education provider appointed to undertake the study or research as it considers appropriate.

(3) Subject to the Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, a designated institution of higher education, a funded body or an education provider shall provide any data requested by An tÚdarás or the person, body or higher education provider appointed to undertake the study or research on its behalf, in relation to any study or research undertaken under subsection (1).

(4) A designated institution of higher education, a funded body or an education provider shall co-operate with An tÚdarás in relation to any study or research undertaken under subsection (1).

(5) An tÚdarás may publish reports of such studies and research conducted under this section in such form and manner as it considers appropriate.