The number of debates will be significantly reduced until April 6. Only the strictly necessary debates will be conducted, such as those on the corona virus. Parliamentary work is handled as much as possible in writing or digitally.
That writes Second Chamber President Khadija Arib Sunday evening after consultation with the group leaders in the House of Representatives.
The first corona debate is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 pm, preceded by a hearing at 11 am. In addition, the House has asked the cabinet for a list of debates that cannot wait, such as financial or organizational in nature.
“It is important that we, as the House of Representatives, continue to fulfill our supervisory task. The parliamentary process continues as normal,” writes Arib.
Part of the parliamentary work can continue without MPs having to be physically present in The Hague, such as asking written questions and written consultations.
No votes on the program
In principle there are no votes on the agenda, normally this happens twice a week. If there is still a need to vote, this is done by a maximum of two people per group. These persons then represent the rest of their groups. A roll-call vote is therefore no longer possible.
The support staff that must be present are deployed throughout the day. Those who can work from home are allowed to do so. Citrix, the software required for this, is now working again.
The Kamergebouw will remain open for MPs, political group members and Chamber employees. A video connection is also provided during debates.
“We are dealing with an exceptional situation that not only has a major impact on society, but also on parliamentary work,” Arib concludes. The progress of the parliamentary process is most important in this respect, according to the President of the Chamber.
Follow the latest developments around the virus in our live blog.
The coronavirus in short
- The virus mainly spreads through cough and sneeze droplets that hang briefly in the air.
- An infected person infects two to three others on average. This number may decrease with proper precautions.
- The vast majority of patients have mild (flu-like) complaints.
- Almost all deaths involve older or already sick people. You can protect these people with precautions.
- Read here what the most important precautions are.
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