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{
    "id": 1115351,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1115351/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 32,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Deputy Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, the obligation to facilitate public participation in legislative processes can only be fully discharged if the public who take their time to either submit memoranda or make oral submissions receive adequate feedback from this House on such submissions. I do agree that not all submissions may be relevant. A submission may be outlandish. It may even not relate to the subject matter under consideration. It may propose expansion of a Bill in a manner that is prohibited under our Standing Orders. It may be untenable for the fact that it impacts on current or future budgets in a manner that cannot be supported in the short or medium term. Nevertheless, Parliament, as a House of record, must ensure that all such submissions are received, recorded and afforded clear and proper feedback. The feedback must address the question of whether the submissions will affect the legislative process and give reasons on the position taken by a committee. It is the duty of each committee to meticulously sieve the cocktail of submissions it receives and note the manner in which that exercise informs the recommendations that it makes to the House. Hon. Members, this House makes laws that directly affect the people, hence the participatory approach to law-making required by the Constitution. We cannot expect the public to look favourably at laws made by the House when their input is disregarded without them being given the courtesy of a proper reason. The Report of the Departmental Committee on Health on its Consideration of the Health Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 does not expressly indicate the manner in which it considered the submissions it received from the public or provide any reasons either in agreement or disagreement with the submissions. Consequently, it is my view that the conduct of public participation on the Bill is incomplete and wanting to that extent."
}