27.This section concerns the Agency’s function of keeping itself properly informed in order to carry out its other functions.
28.Under Subsection (2)(a), the Agency will keep abreast of new developments in discharging this general function.
29.Subsection (2)(b) provides for the Agency to develop its scientific understanding by undertaking, commissioning or coordinating research. Current research and development projects within the remit of the Agency funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and any relevant research funded by other departments (such as the Department of Health) will be transferred to the Agency at the outset.
30.Subsection (3) makes it clear that the purpose of the Agency’s information-gathering activities, including the carrying out of observations (see section 10 below), is to enable it to carry out its general functions in an informed and effective way.