(1) Subject to paragraph (4) the costs and other expenses incurred on his behalf by a returning officer at the trial of a petition shall be paid out of the Central Fund.

(2) Costs awarded to a returning officer at the trial of a petition shall be a simple contract debt due to the Minister for Finance and such debt, in default of being discharged, may be recovered by that Minister in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(3)  Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), costs awarded against a returning officer at the trial of a petition shall be paid out of the Central Fund.

(4)  Where the court is satisfied that the returning officer has been grossly negligent in the discharge of his duties, the court may order that the officer shall be liable for any costs awarded against him by the court.

(5)  Where an order is made under paragraph (4) any costs awarded against an officer which are paid out of the Central Fund shall be a debt due to the Minister for Finance by the officer, and such debt, in default of being discharged, shall be recoverable by that Minister in any court of competent jurisdiction as a simple contract debt due to him.