7. (1) As soon as may be after the end of each year but not later than 4 months thereafter, the Minister shall cause to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas a report on the operation of Parts 1 to 3 and section 73 during that year.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), if, but for this subsection, the first report under this section would relate to a period of less than 6 months, the report shall relate to that period and to the year immediately following that period and shall be made as soon as may be, but not later than 4 months after the end of that year.