Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to ask oral questions on March 6 about previously submitted written questions whose response deadline has passed. The ministers who have exceeded the deadline are invited to appear before the Parliament. Speaker Martin Bosma hopes this initiative will encourage the cabinet to adhere to the deadlines better.
Bosma has reserved time on the plenary agenda for Thursday, March 6, starting at 10:15 AM. “I note that we have many unanswered written questions,” said the Speaker. “Therefore, after the spring recess, I will schedule a special moment in the agenda for an oral question session, where I warmly invite the ministers who are now refusing to answer all those questions in a timely manner, so that we can review these questions orally.” He said this during the plenary meeting on Tuesday, February 18.
Overview
When a minister is unable to answer a written question within three weeks, the minister informs the Speaker. The minister also explains why the deadline was not met. The House of Representatives secretariat publishes a public overview every month of questions whose response deadline has passed.
Explanation of Questions
Members of Parliament can indicate to the secretariat which questions they wish to address orally on March 6. Written questions answered by a minister before that time are no longer eligible. A submitter has three minutes to ask the question and provide a brief explanation in the plenary hall. Additional questions are not allowed, even from other factions.
Right to Question
To oversee the work of the cabinet, the House of Representatives has the right to ask questions to the cabinet. This can be done orally during a debate or, for example, during the weekly question hour. Members of Parliament can also ask questions in writing. When they submit written questions to the cabinet, the minister must respond within three weeks. After a postponement notice, the minister has six weeks to answer the question.