Future and investigation agenda
On 1 October 2009 the House of Representatives decided to draw up its own Future and investigation agenda. Every year, the House decides on investigations to be carried out, either into the implementation of policy or into future developments, with a maximum of three investigations per year. These investigations provide MPs with more thorough understanding and knowledge of the subject in question, which makes it easier for them to make up their mind and to make proper decisions.
Parliamentary investigation in 2012
In 2012, the House of Representatives will carry out three investigations as part of its Future and investigation agenda. On Tuesday 13 March 2012 the House adopted two detailed proposals for inquiry: "Costs and effects of the climate and energy policy" and "Housing costs and house prices". On Tuesday 5 July the House of Representatives adopted the proposal for an investigation put forward by the temporary committee on "Government ICT projects".
Consultative group on climate and energy policy
The standing committee on Infrastructure and the Environment (I&M) and the standing committee on Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (ELI) jointly put forward a proposal for an investigation into the "Costs and effects of the climate and energy policy". Many research reports on investments in a sustainable society have been issued, and yet it is difficult to get an overall picture of all these investments and their results.
Inquiry
On the proposal of both standing committees, the House decided to set up a consultative group to supervise the investigation into the climate and energy policy. An external research bureau will make an analysis on the basis of existing studies, reports and data about the costs and effects of the Dutch climate and energy policy. In autumn 2012, the consultative group will decide, on the basis of the outcome of this analysis, whether the investigation is to be continued. The consultative group is due to conclude its work no later than March 2013.
Composition
On Wednesday 4 April Mr Tofik Dibi MP (Green Left Party) was elected chairman of the consultative group. The other members are Ms Afke Schaart (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy - VVD), Ms Sjoera Dikkers (Labour Party - PvdA), Mr Richard de Mos (Party for Freedom - PVV), Mr Michiel Holtackers (Christian Democratic Appeal) and Mr Paulus Jansen (Socialist Party).
Temporary committee on house prices
The standing committee on the Interior put forward the proposal for an investigation into the "Housing costs and prices". The reason for this investigation is the discussion about the house building sector and the housing market. The number of houses built is stagnating, house prices are falling and fewer houses are being sold. In order to be able to tackle these problems, it is important for the House to get insight into the house price mechanism. Given its complexity, there is no unambiguous picture of the housing market at present.
Investigation
The Temporary committee on house prices has the task to examine the various factors that affect the house price mechanism. The knowledge gained from this investigation may be used for taking future-oriented decisions on reform of the housing market. Part of the investigation is carried out by an external partner. The committee is due to present its final report to the House of Representatives by the end of March 2013.
Composition
On Thursday 5 April Mr Kees Verhoeven MP (Democrats 66) was elected chairman of the Temporary committee on house prices. The other members are Mr Bas Jan van Bochove (Christian Democratic Appeal, deputy chairman) Mr Johan Houwers (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy - VVD), Mr Ed Groot (Labour Party - PvdA) and Mr Eric Lucassen (Party for Freedom - PVV).
Temporary committee on Government ICT projects
The assignment given to the committee is to carry out a parliamentary investigation into Government ICT projects. The committee will analyse success and failure in Government ICT projects and their effects on society, caused by inadequate information processes and information flows. Moreover, the aim of the investigation is to bring to light which steps are necessary to optimise the organisation of information processes and information flows of Government ICT projects. The committee is due to present its final report to the House in mid-February 2014.
Composition
On Thursday 5 July 2012 Mr Ton Elias MP (VVD People's Party for Freedom and Democracy - VVD) was elected chairman of the temporary committee on Government ICT projects. The other members are Mr Bruno Braakhuis (Green Left Party), Mr André Elissen (Party for Freedom - PVV), Ms Wassila Hachchi (Democrats 66) and Mr Paul Ulenbelt (SP). The other members will be appointed after the summer recess.
