The intention of section 40B, the duty of executive to furnish information, is to ensure that the Minister is appropriately briefed by the HSE on all matters that she needs to be aware of in a timely and appropriate manner. It requires the executive to monitor and keep under review occurrences and developments concerning matters relating to its object and functions. The HSE must inform the Minister, without delay, of any occurrence or development that, in the opinion of the executive, the Minister is likely to consider significant for the performance of her functions. In addition, it must similarly inform the Minister of any other occurrences or developments that fall within a class of occurrence or development of public interest or concern that has been specified in writing by the Minister. This power to specify will ensure that the Minister can be kept fully informed of important issues relevant to the public interest or concern. There is also provision for the issue of guidelines by the Minister on how the information under this section is to be provided by the HSE and where those guidelines have been made the executive must comply with them. That will help make certain that the information is provided in the manner required.

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