Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 405758,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/405758/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 30,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "ensure that they are here at the commencement of business. Therefore, it is not proper for Senators to be late. Secondly, on whether that is on the basis of other commitments, indeed, I want to agree with him that we were a bit distressed yesterday afternoon, when the Executive called two Committees of the Senate to a meeting, which was impromptu and not planned or expected. They did so at a time when they knew that the Senate was in session. The law is very clear that it is actually Parliament – and the Senate being one House of Parliament - to summon the Executive. Even then, we usually allow a period of seven days and nobody else can fail to appear before a Parliamentary Committee unless with the express written permission of His Excellency the President. I am not aware of the rules to the converse, that the Executive can also summon a Parliamentary Committee and in a manner that does not respect notice and the need to prepare for the agenda. But yesterday, given the nature of business that we were doing, and being critical to us, as the Senate, I approved that. But I am glad that the Senate Majority Leader has raised it, so that it is really on record. That should be extended to each and every other engagement. Senators, you need to appreciate and tell whoever is inviting you for meetings that you have also the core business, which is to attend the Senate business first. From there, you can now engage in others. That is why we never allow Committee work to continue at the same time that we have a Plenary, unless under extremely exceptional circumstances. So, to everybody else who wants to engage Parliament and the Senate, in particular, they must know our calendar and priorities. When you are invited, you may wish not to engage, unless the Speaker has approved. I hope that it is clear. Let us proceed!"
}