Transcript What parliaments can do to promote good governance

Parliamentary
Committees
in Democracies:
Unit 3
Procedural and
Administrative
Support
Types & Nature of Administrative
Support
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Supporting activities
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Support the chairperson, members during debates & deliberations;
Information flow to committee chairperson, members, house; to and
from government, ministries, departments and agencies;
Specifically these may include:
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Listing & prioritizing committee activities;
Drawing up agenda & notices of meetings with chairpersons;
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Recording members attendance;
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Types & Nature of
Administrative Support (cont.)
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Distributing relevant information and papers to members;
Supporting fact-finding & oversight missions & public
hearings;
Drafting and circulating minutes of meetings;
Assisting in preparing committee reports;
Drafting press releases;
Publishing committee reports;
Preparing Order Paper entries in respect of Bills and papers
referred to the Committee;
Ensuring the implementation of decisions taken by the
committee.
Requirements for Effective
Administrative Functions
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Accurate and speedy processing of papers and
production of reports;
Paying attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy of the
work done with a high standard;
Proactive in providing needed information and support;
Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Requirements for Effective
Administrative Functions
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Ability to capture information
from convoluted discussions
at committee meetings
Expertise to prepare
committee reports. This
requires:
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Full attention
An understanding of what
occurs during meetings
Good language and writing
skills
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Understand committee tasks;
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Understand rules &
procedures of parliament as
they apply to the committee;
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Be familiar with the resources
available.
Parliamentary Procedure
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Definition: Generally accepted rules, precedents, and practices used in the
governance of deliberative assemblies.
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Intended to maintain decorum, ascertain the will of the majority, preserve the
rights of the minority, and facilitate the orderly transaction of business.
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History: Rules of parliamentary procedure originated in Britain in the 16th and
17th centuries and were subsequently adopted by legislatures around the
world. Robert's Rules Order, codified in 1876 by U.S. Gen. Henry M. Robert
(1837 – 1923) and regularly refined and enlarged, is the standard set of rules
used by legislatures in the U.S.
Source: http: //www.answers.com/topic/parliamentary-procedure-1?cat=biz-fin
Procedural Issues Include:
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Methods/processes for oversight of the executive;
Procedure and processes for gathering evidence & for calling of
witnesses, the rights of witnesses;
Committee interaction with the public, in particular rights of
witnesses;
Correct processing of papers; status of papers before the
committee;
Procedures for effective conduct of the affairs of the committee.
Procedural Issues Include (Cont.)
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Process for electing chairpersons;
Procedures for decisions and voting;
Procedures relating to membership;
Chairperson’s functions and powers;
Committee’s mandate, functions & powers;
The formation of a quorum
Legislative processes;
Processes for executive accountability.
Requirements for Providing Sound
Procedural Advice & Guidance to
Committees
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An understanding of the
constitution;
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Understanding of committee
procedures and conventions;
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Knowledge of the rules of the
legislature,
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Understanding of political
system;
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Familiarity with the principles
& rules applying to
committees.
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A well-grounded knowledge of
the basis on which to provide
non-political advice in a
political environment;
Requirements for Providing Sound
Procedural Advice & Guidance to
Committees (Cont.)
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Understanding of political
dynamics within & outside the
committee;
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A study of the constitutional
rules and framework within
which the committee functions
is important
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Experience is necessary and
must be gained within the
legislative context;
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Senior experienced staff can
be a valuable source of insight
and solutions, they often have
encountered similar problems
& solved them.
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Reference books on
parliamentary procedures are
extremely useful, but
remember legislatures are
different.
Unit 3 Questions
1.
2.
What types of procedural and administrative
support are required for effective functioning
of parliamentary committees?
Using your own country as an example,
describe the parliamentary procedure in
your parliament