| Type of parliamentary body |
Multifunctional |
| Nature |
Permanent |
| Related to chambers |
House of Representatives
|
| Date of creation |
It is a select committee of the House of Representatives. As such, it is established by motion of the House at the start of each session of Parliament |
| Last renewal date |
N/A |
| Mandate |
The mandate of the Committee is as follows:
- to examine policy documents and statements produced by ministries and governmental agencies that have a bearing on the subject matter in relation to its terms of reference;
- to evaluate legislative proposals that may affect the subject matter vis-à-vis its terms of reference and make recommendations to the Cabinet;
- to receive submissions from citizens and organize meetings of citizens, community groups, sectoral organizations, Members of Parliament and representatives of government agencies to facilitate exchanges of views on the operations of the Government of Jamaica and their effect on communities and groups in society; and
- to set up meetings with relevant organizations in order to procure information on their activities in accordance with public demands. |
| Membership |
The Standing Orders provide that a temporary select committee shall consist of not less than six members, including the Chair, none of whom shall be a minister or parliamentary secretary. The members of the Committee are selected by the respective parliamentary leaders on each side of the House of Representatives, and under the provisions of the Standing Orders, the Committee is 'so constituted as to ensure, so far as is possible, that the balance of parties in the House is reflected in the Committee'.
Composition by sex: 7 men (63.6%), 4 women (36.4%) |
| Working methods |
Matters are brought before the Committee via a motion, or the Committee 'may make a special report relating to its powers, functions and proceedings on any matters that it thinks fit to bring to the notice of the House'.
The quorum of the Committee is three members, unless the House otherwise directs. The Standing Orders provide that 'subject to any order of the House or resolution of the Committee, the sittings of a select committee shall be held in public'. The Standing Orders also provide that the first meeting of a temporary select committee shall be held at such a time and in such a place as the Chairperson determines, and subsequent meetings shall be held at such a time and in such a place as the Committee determines, provided that if the Committee fails to do so, the Chairperson stipulates the time and place, in consultation with the Clerk of the Committee. The Committee has the power to summon and examine witnesses.
On completion of its deliberations, the Committee submits a report to the House, signed by a majority of the members; however, any member in disagreement with the report may file a concise written statement outlining his or her reasons for such dissent; the statement is appended to the report.
Matters are referred to the Cabinet; follow-up action by the Government of Jamaica is required. |
| Relations with other parliamentary bodies |
In cases where a Committee is studying a topic that is relevant to the terms of reference of another committee, the motion of the House would call for the committees to sit together to consider and report on the relevant issue. The report would be presented in the names of both committees. |
| Relations with external bodies |
The Committee is strictly a parliamentary committee; however, motions referring matters to it may call for the report to be sent to the Cabinet. Furthermore, in considering the particular issue at hand, ministries, agencies, departments, interest groups and the public at large may be invited, via direct communication or through public advertisement, to make written and/or oral submissions to the Committee. |
| Subjects dealt with |
Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections; tobacco use; national social policy; and the national policy on culture. |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Main address |
Human Resource and Social Development Committee
Houses of Parliament
81 Duke Street
Kingston
Jamaicae |
| Phone |
+876 922 0200-7 |
| Fax |
+876 967 0064 |
| E-mail |
clerck@japarliament.gov.jm |
| Website |
http://www.japarliament.gov.jm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=301
|
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|
PRESIDING OFFICER(S)
|
| Name |
Mr. Rudyard Spencer |
| Notes |
Chairman |
|
SECRETARY
|
