(13)The SIPS operator may outsource core functions related to the clearing and settlement of transactions to critical service providers. When these functions are not performed by the SIPS operator itself but by a critical service provider then it is important that the competent authority should be able to exercise its powers under Article 21 of Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28) in the same manner and to the same extent with respect to the critical service providers as to the SIPS operator. In order to enable this, it is essential that the SIPS operator includes clauses in its contractual arrangements with its critical service providers which allow for the sharing of information, documents and written or oral explanations between the representatives or members of staff of the critical service provider and the competent authority, the independent expert and the on-site inspection team, as the case may be, and for the conducting of on-site inspections at the location of the critical service provider.