(1)  For the purposes of this section, a chief executive officer is absent if he or she –

(a) is absent from duty; or

(b) is otherwise unable to perform the functions of the office of Chief Executive Officer; or

(c) has died, resigned, been removed from office or had an order under section 29 (3) (a) made against him or her and a new chief executive officer has not been appointed.

(2)  The Portfolio Minister may appoint a person who is eligible to be appointed as chief executive officer to act as chief executive officer during any or every period during which the chief executive officer is absent.

(3)  An appointment is for such term, not exceeding 6 months, as is specified in the instrument of appointment.

(4)  A chairperson is not ineligible to be appointed only because he or she is the chairperson.

(5)  While a person appointed under subsection (2) is acting as chief executive officer that person is taken to be the chief executive officer.

(6)  Section 18 (3) , (4) , (5) , (9) and (10) applies in relation to the appointment of an acting chief executive officer as if it were an appointment of a chief executive officer.