AN INTRODUCTION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES

The role of parliamentary committees is to investigate matters on behalf of the Parliament.

Committees supported by the Parliamentary Service are groups of parliamentarians from both government and non government parties. They have a majority of government members.

Committees are extensions of the Parliament and operate according to the authority delegated to them. They are governed in their proceedings by procedures and practices which reflect those which prevail in the Parliament.

Committees may be established by one of three means:
• By Acts of Parliament creating statutory committees;
• By standing orders which creates permanent parliamentary committees; and
• By resolutions of the Parliament which create standing committees and select committees.

Generally, the functions of committees are to inquire and report.

Inquiries are conducted by obtaining information from individuals, organizations and government departments and authorities, and advice from experts on the matters under investigation.

Investigations often involve the scrutiny of government activities.

In reporting, committees examine evidence, draw reasoned conclusions and make recommendations to government.

In this way, committees contribute towards better informed government administration and policy making, and improved public accountability.

PARLIAMENT COMMITTEES SECRETARIAT

The work of committees is supported by small secretariats of parliamentary staff. The secretariat provides the committee with advice and analytical, research, drafting and administrative support.

From time to time secondees from government departments or specialist advisers may be used to assist in respect of one particular inquiry or in more general terms.