Dimension: 1.3.3 Parliamentary calendar

This dimension concerns the existence of a publicly available parliamentary calendar that establishes the timetables for debate and in-session periods and sittings, in addition to recesses and holidays. The parliamentary calendar also includes information related to committees.

This dimension also covers the process by which the calendar is developed and maintained. This process should be included in parliament’s rules of procedure. The calendar is typically developed and maintained by the parliamentary leadership. In some systems, the calendar is subject to approval and amendment by parliament. 

See also Dimension 1.3.4: Convening sessions and setting the agenda.

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Aspiring goal

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “parliamentary calendar” is as follows:

  • The process by which the parliamentary calendar is developed and maintained, including the timetabling and planning of sessions, is included in parliament’s rules of procedure.
  • The parliamentary calendar is prepared ahead of each new session and is publicly available. It indicates the days on which parliament is in session throughout the year and the days on which it is in recess. It clearly identifies plenary and committee days, as well as other key times such as constituency days or weeks, if applicable.
  • The parliamentary calendar is kept up to date by the parliamentary leadership and includes details of all legislative and oversight activities in the plenary and in committees. 
     

Assess your parliament against this dimension

Assessment criteria

No 1: Development and maintenance

The rules of procedure outline the times throughout the year when parliament is in session and conducts legislative sittings and other business. They define the process for the development and maintenance of the parliamentary calendar.

No 2: Scope

The parliamentary calendar includes detailed information related to plenary sessions, committee affairs and forthcoming legislative activity. 

No 3: Transparency

The calendar is publicly available and is regularly updated in a timely manner. 

How to complete this assessment

This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based. 

The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:

  • Rules of procedure Rules of procedure The rules approved by parliament to regulate its proceedings and govern the way it conducts its business. covering the development and maintenance of the parliamentary calendar, which gives an overview of session and recess times, legislative activity and committee events/activities, in addition to the powers of the parliamentary leadership in maintaining the calendar
  • Parliamentary calendars, including evidence of regular updates and public availability

Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.

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Get help with this assessment

The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators. 

Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.

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