In a significant oversight highlighted by recent parliamentary exchanges, it has come to light that no ministerial advisory committee charged with overseeing public sector supervision has been appointed in the past five years. This lapse has also extended to the minister’s statutory obligation to report to Alþingi, deviating from the requirements laid out by law.
This stark revelation emerged in Hanna Katrínar Friðriksson’s response to a query posed by Sigurður Arnar Hilmarsson, a deputy from the Independence Party. Hilmarsson sought clarification on the infrequency of ministerial reports regarding the special supervision of public sector activities involving individuals and companies. Notably, the Act on Public Inspection Rules, which was enacted in 1999, mandates such reports be submitted every three years. By this standard, eight reports should have been delivered; however, only two have materialized thus far.
In her response, the minister elaborated that the absence of appointments to the advisory committee stems from the term of the last members expiring in May 2020. Until that point, appointments were made by the prime minister. However, a 2020 presidential decree subsequently shifted oversight of the committee to the Ministry of Employment.
Highlighting the complexities involved, Hanna Katrín noted that the 1999 legislation is currently undergoing a general revision, spurred by evolving legal contexts. Historically, the committee focused primarily on reviewing draft laws and regulations. At the time of the law’s inception, the formal drafting requirements and processes now in use—such as stakeholder consultations and impact assessments—were not delineated.
In light of these developments, the Ministry maintains that a comprehensive evaluation of both the law governing public supervision and the advisory committee’s objectives is imperative. This reflection aims to ensure alignment with the changes that have occurred since the legislation was first implemented.
