Parliament Committee statutory functions require enhancement

MEMBERS of Parliamentary Standing Select committees have requested enhancement on assisting their statutory functions.

Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament (MP) for Hograno-Kia-Havulei Hon Jeremiah Manele made the request in his speech contributing to the Sine Die motion moved by Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare on Monday.

“Sir, it is in this light that I would like to suggest that apart from the normal Hansard reports that are produced daily, it would be of great assistance to us members and committees that Hansard on major matters like budgets and important reports, while still be captured in the normal Hansard reports, they should also be extracted and put into special reports that can be quickly accessed by members and committees,” said Hon Manele.

He believes that such an arrangement would allow members and committees especially the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to be able to properly monitor the Government through what the Ministers say during second reading debates and Committee of Supply sessions in a timely manner.

He added that whilst this may sound simplistic, he believes it will enable timely access to big and important debates.

He then further added that he would also like to raise concerns regards to Parliament monitoring the motions passed by the House and ensuring the Government provides to Parliament how it is dealt with and with what has been passed through motions.

“Sir, I understand that under Standing Order 71(d) the Bills and Legislation Committee on behalf of Parliament is mandated to monitor all motions adopted by Parliament which require legislative action.

“This is an important requirement and parliament must ensure it supports the bills and legislation committee with proper and adequate manpower, and other necessary administrative requirements,” the Opposition Leader added.

He then further stressed that this will aid the committee to perform this important function, including reporting back to parliament periodically on actions or non-actions taken by the government on the motions that have been passed by parliament that requires legislative action.