No 1: Legal framework
The legal framework authorizes parliament to summon representatives of the executive to appear in the plenary. Representatives of the executive are legally required to respond to an interpellation in person in the plenary.
No 4: Practice
In practice, parliament consistently summons representatives of the executive, who appear before committees when invited and provide full and timely information to the committee.
No 3: Resources
Committees have sufficient resources and expert staff to assist with the process of summoning representatives of the executive. Committees gather evidence and information from a wide range of sources in order to enhance the effectiveness of oversight and questioning.
No 2: Procedures
Parliament’s rules of procedure lay down the procedures for summoning representatives of the executive, and provide specific rights for the opposition.
No 1: Legal framework
The legal framework clearly establishes the authority of parliament to summon representatives of the executive to appear before committees. This includes members of cabinet, as well as senior officials of the administration, and of the military, law enforcement and intelligence services.
No 5: Failure to provide information
The constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework establish that ministers or other government representatives are to be held to account for systematically failing to provide information to parliament or to MPs. Such a failure may constitute grounds for censure or impeachment, or lead to other forms of parliamentary action.
No 4: Executive compliance with requests for information
Parliament has a designated committee or other body tasked with monitoring the executive’s compliance with these legal requirements and procedures and for keeping track of matters such as delays, failures to submit information and justifications for delays.
No 3: Classified information
Special procedures are in place regarding access to classified information. Any limitations on access to classified information, such as State secrets from the military, security and intelligence services, are precisely defined by law.
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