16Functions of Board

16 Functions of Board

16 Functions of Board

(1) The functions of the Board are as follows—

(a) to determine the policies and long-term strategic plans of the Authority, including policies and plans relating to organisational governance and risk management,

(b) to oversee the effective, efficient and economical management of the Authority,

(c) to develop, and make available for public information, guidelines relating to the institution of criminal and related proceedings,

(d) to determine whether the Authority should institute proceedings for serious environment protection offences referred to in section 17,

(e) to advise the Minister on any matter relating to the protection of the environment (at the request of the Minister or on its own initiative).

(2) The Board is not subject to the control and direction of the Minister in the exercise of any of its functions.

(3) The Board must, every 2 years, give the Minister a statement that contains or addresses the following matters—

(a) an assessment of the Authority’s success in achieving its objectives,

(b) recommendations for improving the Authority’s performance,

(c) (Repealed)

(d) such other matters as may be prescribed by the regulations.

(4) The Minister must table a copy of the statement under this section in both Houses of Parliament within one month after the Minister receives it.

(5) If a House of Parliament is not sitting when the Minister seeks to table a copy of the statement to it, the Minister may present copies of the statement to the Clerk of the House concerned.

(6) The statement—

(a) on presentation and for all purposes is taken to have been tabled in the House, and

(b) may be printed by authority of the Clerk of the House, and

(c) if printed by authority of the Clerk, is for all purposes taken to be a document published by or under the authority of the House, and