Wednesday, March 19 2008

THE SENATE yesterday unanimously approved a recommendation by its House Committee to provide all 31 senators with laptop computers and wireless Internet connectivity.

This approval comes on the heels of last Friday’s heated sitting of the House of Representatives in which Government successfully passed a motion to appoint two parliamentary Joint Select Committees (JSCs). There were three JSCs in the Eighth Parliament prior to its dissolution on September 28, 2007.

Committee chairman, Leader of Government Business Conrad Enill said, the committee held its first meeting on March 12 to consider “matters which impact on the comfort and convenience” of senators.

Enill said the committee agreed that senators be provided with laptop computers and wireless Internet connectivity. Opposition Senator Dr Adesh Nanan, another committee member, agreed with Enill that these facilities would be invaluable to senators in conducting the people’s business.

Nanan said given Internet deficiencies with various telecom providers, it was very difficult for senators to use the Internet to obtain research material for debates in the Upper House.

Enill said the committee will consider proposals from Nanan and Independent Senator Basharat Ali (another member) for the provision of medical benefits and research personnel to senators, respectively.

Enill said Nanan and Ali were advised to submit position papers on these issues which will be considered by the House Committee at its next meeting.

Other members of the committee are Planning, Housing and Environment Minister Dr Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde and Government Senator Wesley George.