16A. — (1) Subject to subsection (2) the Minister may, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, make such contributions to the Fund as he or she, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, considers appropriate.

(2) Contributions made to the Fund under subsection (1) shall be used solely for the purpose of making payments under section 15(1)(b), in accordance with paragraphs (aa), (ba) and (ca) of section 18(1).]