Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council has made numerous accomplishments during the first quarter of 2015 both locally and internationally, according to a first-quarter report issued on Friday.
The FNC’s exercise of its legislative and monitoring powers, the report stated, have contributed to the efforts to modernise and develop the legislative environment and to discuss the issues that are directly related to the nation and citizens’ affairs, in addition to the parliament’s diplomatic activities that integrates with the country’s foreign policy.
All this is a part of the FNC’s keenness to participate in the process of comprehensive and sustainable development in order to achieve the UAE vision of 2021, thus translating the directive of the country’s wise leadership for the UAE to occupy the prestigious standing it deserves, said the report issued by WAM.
The Council is keen to contribute actively in the efforts to promote and empower citizens in national labour and building investment in it as the most important pillars of comprehensive development through the advancement of various abilities and skills.
This was expressed by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the opening of the third ordinary session of the 15th legislative term on November 11, 2013 speech, delivered by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, where he stressed the importance of the participation of the sons and daughters of the nation in building a modern state. He expressed the pride of the leadership in its citizens and the confidence in their potential and their ability to assume the responsibilities, burdens, and their progress and development in the state.
Over the seven sessions held by the FNC during the first quarter of this year, four bills were discussed and articles and clauses amended, four general topics were also discussed.
The FNC members directed 40 questions to government representatives where 11 recommendations were made as a result, which was the embodiment of the Council’s keenness to put forward and discuss all the issues that focus on aspects of overall sustainable development such as education, health, housing, social welfare, pensions, resettlement, health insurance and the provision of services, as well as environmental issues, cultural, economic, tourism and investment issues and others related to children and women, high prices increases in various sectors and loans and financial affairs.
The Council acknowledged and discussed four laws: the federal law amending some provisions of Federal Law No 24 for 1999 concerning environmental protection and development, the federal law on food safety and a draft federal law amending federal law number 2 for 1989 regarding allowing GCC countries nationals to practise retail and wholesale trades, as well as discussing six articles of the draft federal law on antiquities.
