Competence of the Committee
The Grand Committee is responsible for the parliamentary scrutiny of EU legislative proposals and it expresses the view of the Parliament on such matters. The Government is required to communicate to the Grand Committee all 'U Matters', which are EU proposals that fall within the competence of the Parliament according to the Constitution, as soon as possible to enable early scrutiny and parliamentary input. They are also forwarded to the specialised committee(s) within whose remit the matter lies. As the general scrutinizing body of the Parliament on matters relating to the EU, the Grand Committee has the facility to require specialised committees to report on issues within the field of their remit.
Ministers are required to appear before the Grand Committee -normally on Fridays - prior to meetings of the Council of the European Union. The Prime Minister has to inform the Committee of the agenda of the European Council and inter-governmental conferences of the European Union. The Grand Committee has the right to receive information and documentation from the Government regarding EU matters if it requests it, or if the Government itself deems it necessary.
On the basis of the report of the competent specialised committee and the information provided by the Government, the Grand Committee can provide an opinion which is politically though not legally binding upon the Government for negotiations in the EU. The Government must, if necessary, delay the negotiations in the Council of the European Union until the Committee has carried out its scrutiny.
Following negotiations in the Council of the European Union the relevant minister is required to report to the Grand Committee. This also applies to the Prime Minister concerning European Council meetings and inter-governmental conferences in the EU.
The Grand Committee may also require information regarding EU matters outside Parliament's competence, namely 'E Matters'. This can be in the form of documentation or hearings with relevant ministers. The Government can also choose to offer such information on matters it regards as worthy of parliamentary attention. 'E Matters' offer the opportunity for consultation between the Government and the Grand Committee.