Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “Public Accounts Committee” is as follows:

• The legal framework establishes the PAC as parliament’s primary oversight body in relation to budgetary matters. The PAC has a broad mandate to fulfil its budgetary oversight duties and to assess the performance of entities funded by the budget.
• Parliament’s rules of procedure require that opposition and/or minority parties be represented proportionally in the membership of the PAC and, ideally, that the PAC be chaired by a member of these parties.
• The PAC has the authority to require entities funded by the budget to provide it with records and information about their budgets and performance. Such information is readily accessible to parliament.
• The PAC is adequately resourced to enable it to exercise its mandate on behalf of parliament.
   

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “in-year and ex-post oversight” is as follows:

• The legal framework provides for periodic in-year and ex-post oversight of budget execution by permanent committees such as the budget committee and/or the PAC.
• Agencies funded by the budget are required to account fully to parliament for their budgetary expenditure and outcomes through regular and comprehensive reporting.
• Parliamentary committees systematically inquire into the budgetary expenditure and outcomes of executive agencies for which they have responsibility. MPs have the right to receive information that is needed for effective ex-post oversight, subject to legally defined limitations.
• Parliament’s rules of procedure allow for budgetary outcomes to be subject to discussion and debate in parliament, including opportunities for the opposition and/or minority parties.