Recovery of expenses of providing assistance
10.—(1) This Article applies where—
(a)the Commission has given an individual assistance under Article 9 in relation to any proceedings; and
(b)any costs or expenses (however described) have become payable to him by another person in respect of the matter in connection with which the assistance is given.
(2) A sum equal to any expenses incurred by the Commission in providing the assistance shall be a first charge for the benefit of the Commission on the costs or expenses concerned.
(3) It is immaterial for the purposes of this Article whether the costs or expenses concerned are payable by virtue of a decision of a court or tribunal, an agreement arrived at to avoid proceedings or to bring them to an end, or otherwise.
(4) The charge created by this Article is subject to any charge under the [1981 NI 8.] Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and is subject to any provision in that Order for payment of any sum into the legal aid fund.
(5) Provision may be made by regulations made by the Office for the determination of the expenses of the Commission in cases where this Article applies.