Parliamentary Inquiries and Commissions of Inquiry of the National Council – Functions, Role and Legal Framework
Parliamentary inquiries are carried out when the Main Committee of the National Council so decides. Their purpose is to inform representatives on matters that are within the legislative power of the Federal Parliament. During the course of an inquiry, experts and other informed individuals are heard; this may also be preceded by the solicitation of written opinions. Participating representatives may also take the floor. No decisions concerning the subject matter may be made during the course of an inquiry.
Stenographic records of the deliberations are made. They are submitted to the National Council as an item of business if the majority of representatives participating in the inquiry so decide. Unless otherwise decided by the Main Committee, parliamentary hearings are open to the media.
The Main Committee of the National Council may also set up commissions of inquiry – composed of representatives – to prepare decisions on comprehensive and significant matters. Such commissions usually meet over long periods and invite experts and specialists to participate in their meetings. The commission of inquiry concludes its work by submitting a report to the National Council, which must reflect all the opinions expressed in the course of its deliberations. The total number of commissions of enquiry that have not yet submitted their concluding report shall at no time exceed three.
