(1) Despite sections 70 and 71, the Minister may appoint a Board of Management to administer more than one assisted school if—
(a) these assisted schools have the same proprietors;
(b) the proprietors agree to the appointment of a Board of Management;
(c) the proprietors agree to the composition of the membership of the Board of Management under subsection (2); and
(d) the Minister is satisfied that the general interest of education in the area in which these assisted schools are situated will be best served by a Board of Management.
(2) Where a Board of Management is appointed to administer more than one assisted school, the membership of that Board of Management may exceed the number prescribed for one Board of Management, and in the appointment of additional members consideration shall be given to the different categories of persons to be represented on the Board of Management.