Section 178

The Commission may conduct a public consultation prior to making a determination, either—

Notwithstanding subsection (2), the Commission shall conduct a public consultation prior to making a determination if directed by the Minister.

The procedures applicable to a public inquiry under sections 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 and 83 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the public consultation in subsection (2) or (3).

A public consultation shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Act.

Within three months from the conclusion of the public consultation, the Commission shall determine the matter.

A determination made by the Commission under this section shall be registered as soon as practicable.

A determination shall come into force on the date of registration or such later date as the Commission may specify in the determination.

The determination shall expire on such date as the Commission may specify or if no date is specified, the determination shall be in force until the determination is revoked.

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Commission may vary or revoke a determination, in response to a written request or on its own initiative and the procedures set out in this section in respect of making a determination shall apply mutatis mutandis in respect of any variation or revocation of the determination.

The Commission shall maintain a register of all determinations made by the Commission, including any variation or revocation of a determination, in accordance with section 176.

Power of the Minister to make regulations