15th FNC chapter’s first ordinary session ends

The Federal National Council (FNC) in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday reviewed its businesses and performance in the first Ordinary Session of the 15th Legislative Chapter, from November 15, 2011, to June 26 this year.

The closing and the 14^th meeting of the session discussed reports from each committee in the presence of Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, and Dr Hadif bin Jowan Al Dhahiri, Minister of Justice.

FNC members during their meeting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. — KT photo by Nezar Balout

Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr presented an overall report on the House’s businesses conducted during the period with minute details about the number of sessions, questions, ministers called to answer members’ questions and even the number of hours spent. “Today, the FNC concludes the first Ordinary Session of its 15^th Legislative Chapter with the end of the 14^th meeting,” Al Murr said.

He expressed his gratitude to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and the Rulers of the Emirates for the care as well as continual support enabling the FNC to accomplish its mission of serving the country and its citizens.

The Speaker said the gradual expansion of the council’s responsibilities has led to the election of half its members, including women legislators.

Both the standing and ad-hoc committees alone have held 130 meetings, taking 345 work hours. “Over this period, we have made tremendous achievements to serve the country and its people. The House discussed 13 draft laws with recommendations and amendments suggested and 44 questions were addressed to ministers. Four bills are still before the committees for discussion,” he added.

“The council also received and addressed 156 complaints from the public that were raised to the ministries and establishments concerned, in addition to 276 technical papers prepared by the FNC Secretariat to help better serve the nation. The secretariat was also involved in scientific research.”

After his speech, the Speaker asked the secretary-general of the secretariat that all committee reports of the period be read out, reviewed and debated. Each and every report was discussed and examined till the House was satisfied.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com