Abu Dhabi: Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday said ministers need to be present when issues related to their ministries are discussed in the House.
Members said they were unhappy with the ministers’ absence, arguing that there would be no time in future sessions to discuss the topics at hand.
Hamad Al Rahoumi, a member from Dubai, said if a minister cannot attend the discussion of an issue related to his portfolio, “representative of the government — the Minister of State for FNC Affairs — or an undersecretary at a ministry can show up so that we can go ahead with debating the issues at hand”, Al Rahoumi said.
Noora Mohammad Al Ka’abi, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, disagreed and said this session has seen 10 draft laws reviewed and approved by the FNC. “Six public issues were also debated and 59 questions were put to ministers. Ministers showed up to discuss 52 out of 59 questions or 88 per cent,” she stressed, which shows how committed the government is towards the House. Only four letters were sent to respond to questions of the members of the House.
Mohammad Bin Kardous Al Ameri, a member from Abu Dhabi, agreed and said members of the House are the voice of the people and we cannot leave sessions be blocked by the absence of ministers.
Aisha Bin Samnouh, a member from Sharjah, said members [of the House] constantly received complaints from teachers, parents and students about the education system. For failing to bring the issue to the attention of the Cabinet, people would say we are useless.
“We have not received any response,” said Saeed Al Remaithi, from Abu Dhabi, a member of the FNC’s education committee.
Naama Al Sharhan, from Ras Al Khaimah, said education and health are extremely important issues for the people. ‘We have to discuss the topic at hand sooner and not later. We are blamed for not taking up these crucial issues and I would say the House would be failing to assume its duties if we are not able to discuss them,” Al Sharhan said.
