The work of the committees

The committees prepare matters to be considered at plenary sittings. Upon the decision of the Saeima, the committees consider draft laws, proposals and submissions.

Another field of committee activity is parliamentary scrutiny of the executive branch. For this purpose, the committees consider topical issues of public interest and the need for improvements in the work of ministries, public institutions, or local government bodies.

The committees have the right to request information and explanations necessary for the work of the relevant committee from ministers and institutions subordinated to or supervised by ministries. The committees may also request information or explanations from municipal institutions. Additionally, the committees may invite officials to their meetings to hear explanations from them.

Members of the committees consider the reasoning of relevant ministries and opinions of experts, social partners, and NGOs. In committee meetings, various interests, different political views, and diverse opinions on the most appropriate solution to a specific problem are expressed.

Committee meetings have a quorum if at least half of the committee members are present. Committee decisions are passed by a majority vote.

In addition to MPs, representatives of the executive branch, experts in the relevant field, and NGOs are invited to participate in committee meetings. Committee meetings are open to the public, including the media representatives accredited by the Saeima. However, the Saeima or its committees may take a decision to hold a closed committee meeting.

Minutes are taken during committee meetings. The minutes include the agenda items discussed, the decisions adopted, and voting results. Committee members have the right to attach their own opinion to the minutes (not later than at the next meeting).