Terms of Reference

COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURES

INQUIRY INTO TOPICAL QUESTIONS

Terms of Reference

This Inquiry will:

• Investigate whether a gap exists in opportunities for Members to question Ministers and the Assembly Commission;
• Consider whether Topical Questions should be spontaneous or whether notice should be given to ensure that the information is available to provide an answer;
• Look at definitions of Topical Questions;
• Identify the potential benefits of introducing Topical Questions;
• Analyse and compare practice and the effectiveness of Topical Questions in other legislatures;
• Consider any rules surrounding the admissibility of Topical Questions;
• Consider how frequently Topical Questions should be asked, of whom and how the Members asking the questions should be selected;
• Consider whether time limits should be imposed on responses.

The Committee will then produce a report with findings, conclusions and recommendations for consideration by the Assembly.

Duration of the inquiry

As the Committee on Procedures meets monthly it is likely to be October 2012 before a report is presented to the Assembly.