In 1995, as a result of a series of intensive discussions between the parliamentary groups and the Speaker of the House, the Standing Orders of the House were amended so as to set up a number of Parliamentary Committees. The objective was that of increasing efficiency in the conduct of parliamentary work as well as that of providing additional fora for the carrying out of Parliament's scrutiny functions.
The Standing Orders make provision for six Standing Committees:
The Standing Committees have introduced an element of consultation with civil society. Technical experts and representatives from various organisations are invariably invited by the Social Affairs Committee to contribute to the discussion by way of their expertise on a number of subjects.
Committee meetings are open to the public and are streamed on the internet, thus facilitating an even closer relationship between the people and their elected representatives in Parliament.
All six Committees are established anew at the start of each legislature by means of a formal motion in the House. Concurrently, two other Committees are appointed: the Standing Committee on Development Planning and the National Audit Office Accounts Committee which are established by virtue of the Development Planning Act and the Auditor General and National Audit Office Act respectively.
The Standing Orders also provide for the setting up of sub-committees under the Foreign and European Affairs Committee and appointment of Select Committees for the purpose of investigating specific issues.
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