constituteproject.org • Immunity of legislators • Legislative committees • Standing committees PDF generated: 19 Feb 2021, 13:13 101. Subject to this Constitution, the National Assembly may make Standing Orders for the regulation and orderly conduct of its proceedings and the discharge of business at sittings of the Assembly and for related purposes. 102. 1. There shall be freedom of speech and debate in the National Assembly and a member shall not be subject to the jurisdiction of any court or to any proceedings whatsoever, other than in proceedings in the Assembly, when exercising those freedoms or performing the functions of a member in the Assembly. 2. Where the National Assembly is in session an arrest shall not be effected against a member in a way which will interfere with the performance by the member of the functions of the member in the Assembly and, where proceedings are instituted against a member, the court or authority before which the proceeding are being conducted shall so conduct the proceedings as to allow the member to continue to perform the functions of the member in the Assembly. 103. A process issued by a court shall not be served or executed within the precincts of the National Assembly, as defined by or under an Act. 104. 1. The National Assembly shall, as soon as is practicable after the beginning of each session of the Assembly, appoint from among its members standing committees and other committees necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions and, without prejudice to the foregoing, the National Assembly shall appoint the following standing committeesa. 2. 3. • Compensation of legislators a Finance and Public Accounts Committee; and b. a Standing Order Committee. The composition of a standing or other committee shall, as far as is practicable, reflect the strength of the political parties and independent members in the Assembly but shall otherwise be regulated by the Standing Orders. For the purposes of effectively performing its functions a standing or other committee may summon any person the committee believes may assist the committee in the performance of its functions and the committee shall have the powers, rights and privileges of the Supreme Court for a. enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath, affirmation or otherwise; b. compelling the production of documents; and c. issuing a commission or request to examine a witness abroad. 4. A debate in the National Assembly may only be initiated in respect of a report or other matter which falls within the competence of a standing or other committee by a member of the standing or other committee. 105. 1. An Act may provide for the salary, allowances and gratuity of member of the National Assembly. 2. The salary, allowances or gratuity payable to members of the National Assembly shall be a charge on the Consolidated Fund. 3. A member of the National Assembly elected to the office of Speaker, Deputy Speaker or the Leader of the Opposition shall not, while holding that office, be paid the salary, allowances or gratuity payable under clause (1). Seychelles 1993 (rev. 2011) Page 45