ScotDem - Committees

Question 1

Function of a committee (6)

Answer 1

One function of committees is to hold informal sessions to investigate issues. This means that the committee holds sessions to hear evidence and form opinions and understand the issues at hand. Evidence of this is the education, children and young people committee held its evidence sessions ahead of a planned refresh of the child safety strategy.

Another function of committees is to play a part in the passage of bills. This means they can help review bills and suggest changes to proposed laws. Evidence of this is the Scottish languages bill which is at stage 3 of the process

Question 2

Purpose of a committee (6)

Answer 2

One purpose of committees in the Scottish government is examining bills. This means that the committee checks over and reviews proposed bills before they are passed. Evidence of bill committees can review are hybrid and private bills.

Another purpose of committees in Scottish government is holding inquiries. This means that people can submit their views to the committee so they can get the publics views on the topic. Evidence of this is that members of the public submitted comments on bullying for a committee to scrutinise (December 2021)

Question 3

Composition of a committee (6)

Answer 3

One person who makes up a committee is the convener. This means that they have the power to chair committee meetings and speak on behalf of the committee. Evidence of this is Karen Adam who is convener of the Equalities, human rights and civil justice committee.

Another person who makes up a committee is the deputy convener. This means that they take on the convener’s responsibilities when they are not available, such as chairing committee meetings. Evidence of this is that Maggie Chapman is deputy convener of the Equality, human rights and civil justice committee