7. (1) Notwithstanding the repeal of section 38 of the Act of 2005 by section 6(1)—

(a) an authorisation given by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána under the said section 38 that is in force on the date of the coming into operation of this section shall, subject to subsection (2), remain in force after that date, and

(b) the said section 38 shall remain in force in respect of such authorisations for a period of 4 years after that date.

(2) An authorisation referred to in subsection (1) shall expire—

(a) subject to paragraph (b), after a period of 4 years has elapsed after the date of the coming into operation of this section, or

(b) in the case of an authorisation given under section 38(3)(c) of the Act of 2005, on its revocation by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána under section 38(8)(b) of the Act of 2005, or on the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph (a), whichever is the earlier.