4.—(1) The Commissioner may undertake, commission or provide financial or other assistance for research or educational activities concerning the interests of older persons or the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions.
(2) The Commissioner may, after consultation with such bodies or persons as the Commissioner thinks appropriate, issue guidance on best practice in relation to any matter concerning the interests of older persons.
(3) The Commissioner may, for the purposes of any of the Commissioner’s functions, conduct such investigations as the Commissioner considers necessary or expedient.
(4) If the Commissioner so determines, Schedule 2 is to apply in relation to an investigation conducted by the Commissioner for the purposes of the Commissioner’s functions under section 3(2) or (3).
(5) The Commissioner may—
(a)compile information concerning the interests of older persons;
(b)provide advice or information on any matter concerning the interests of older persons;
(c)publish any matter concerning the interests of older persons, including—
(i)the outcome of any research or activities mentioned in subsection (1);
(ii)the outcome of any investigations conducted under subsection (3);
(iii)any advice provided by the Commissioner.
(6) The Commissioner may make representations or recommendations to any body or person about any matter concerning the interests of older persons.