MPs to discuss Audit Bureau report in House session

AMMAN — For the first time in almost seven years, MPs on Tuesday will discuss the Audit Bureau’s report in full at a Lower House session, after such an issue was conventionally the task of permanent committees.

The House is scheduled to discuss its Financial Committee’s notes on the bureau’s reports for the years 2009 to 2012.

In January of this year, the Law Interpretation Bureau ruled that the House cannot directly ask the attorney general to investigate violations listed in the Audit Bureau’s annual report.

The bureau said the Chamber can refer any violations to the prime minister to take the necessary measures; however, if a minister is involved in reported violations, the House is authorised to investigate, collect evidence and refer the minister to court.

In previous remarks to The Jordan Times, MP Mahmoud Kharabsheh (Balqa, 1st District) said, constitutionally, the Audit Bureau is the House’s “monitoring arm” and should keep MPs informed even “daily and weekly” of violations committed by public agencies. 

According to Article 119 of the Constitution, “An audit office shall be set up by law for controlling the state’s revenues, its expenses and the manner of expenditure.”

Paragraph A of the article also reads: “The Audit Office shall submit to the Chamber of Deputies at the beginning of each ordinary session, or whenever the Chamber demands, a general report embodying its views and comments and indicating any irregularities committed and the responsibility arising there from.”