The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment may, in accordance with this section, make payments to persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with—
the provision of electronic communications networks and electronic communications services in Northern Ireland; or
improving the extent, quality and reliability of such networks or services.
A payment shall not be made under this section unless in the opinion of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment—
the making of the payment is likely to achieve—
one or more of the purposes set out in subsection (1); and
any other purposes prescribed by regulations made by that Department with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel; and
the amount of the payment is reasonable having regard to all the circumstances.
Payments under this section shall—
be of such amounts, and
be made subject to such conditions (including conditions as to repayment),
as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment may determine.
This section extends only to Northern Ireland.