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National Assembly Committees - The Finance and Public Accounts Committee
Introduction
The Committee of Finance and Public Accounts (FPAC) was re-established in 1993 under article 104(1) of the constitution. It is an important standing committee with the power to scrutinize the functioning of the Executive Branch of Government on behalf of the Assembly.
Its terms of reference are set out in article 79 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly and article 104, 158(6) of the constitution.
The Committee has the duties of examining the report on the accounts of government departments and offices. In addition, all Accounts and Financial Statements laid upon the Table of the house in respect of Statutory bodies, Public Corporations and Public Companies that are supported by government with money withdrawn from the consolidated fund, are referred to the Public Accounts Committee for examination and report.
The Committee may also receive referrals from the National Assembly and the Auditor-General to undertake inquiries.
Responsibilities
The Committee has responsibilities under the provisions referred to in paragragh 2 above:
(i) to commission and receive reports investigating the use and management of public resources by government departments and other public bodies and to report significant issues to the National Assembly;
(ii) to assess whether public money is being applied for the purposes approved by the National Assembly, and that sound financial practices are applied throughout the public administration;
(iii) to examine reports from the Auditor General on the results of the audit of the annual accounts of government and its associated organisations and bodies; and
(iv) to report to the National Assembly any significant issues arising from these audits.
Meetings and Reporting
1) FPAC shall meet as frequently as required to carry out its functions. The programme of meetings is agreed upon by all members. A total of four members must attend a meeting to have a quorum.
2) In the absence of the Chairman, the Committee shall elect a Chairperson for that day.
3) All the meetings of the Committee shall be recorded, and the minutes shall be signed by the Chairman.
4) The Committee may report to the Assembly on such matters and at such times as it thinks fit. The FPAC will produce a general report for the year ending 31st December 2007, and for every year thereafter. This general report shall be submitted to the National assembly for its considerations.
5) In addition, the Committee will produce progress reports and at such times as it thinks fit. The Committee has agreed to produce at least one progress report at the end of each term.
6) All members shall maintain the confidentiality of matters under discussion, and shall not publicly release any information nor make any public comment without the approval of the Chairman.
The Committee may from time to time authorise the Chairman to make public comment on its behalf.
7) All members have a duty to declare to the Chairman any potential conflicts of interest which may arise on any item under discussion.
8) The Auditor General and any other officer from his office are to attend FPAC meetings. Such meetings are not open to the media but the reports of the committee are subjected to publicity.
9) The office of the Clerk of the National Assembly Secretariat will provide administrative support to the Committee. In particular they will arrange all meetings of the Committee and ensure that an accurate record of these meetings and/or hearings is produced.
10) In order to perform its responsibilities as set out above, the FPAC may send for persons, request papers and records and report to the National Assembly as and when required.
The Composition
The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for this term was set up on 12th
June 2007 and its composition is made up of the following honorable members.
Hon. Terence Mondon
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Hon. Bernard Adonis
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Hon. Andre Pool
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Hon. Marc Volcere
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Hon. Vicky Theresine
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Hon. David Pierre
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Hon. Jean-Francois Ferrari
The Secretary to the Committee is Mrs Marie-Nella Azemia, Clerk of the National Assembly.
The Committee is assisted in its task by the Auditor General and its staff.
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