154.—(1) The Department may conduct or promote or assist (by grants or otherwise) any person in conducting research or investigations into any matter connected with the functions under this Order of the Department, authorities or, with the consent of the Department of Education, education and library boards.
(2) The Department of Education may conduct or promote or assist (by grants or otherwise) any person in conducting research or investigations into any matter connected with the functions under this Order of education and library boards.
(3) Every authority shall, at such times and in such form as the Department may direct, transmit to the Department such particulars as the Department may require with respect to—
(a)the performance by the authority of all or any of its functions—
(i)under this Order; or
(ii)in connection with the accommodation of children in residential care homes, nursing homes or private hospitals; and
(b)the children in relation to whom the authority has exercised those functions.