Delegation of work to a specialised committee allows for more detailed and comprehensive examination of matters coming before Parliament.
Committees are formed when both Dáil and Seanad general elections have taken place and after a Government is formed.
Departmental joint committees tend to shadow the work of a Department and consider all aspects of policy that relate to that Department.
Committees may invite interested people or bodies to give evidence by way of written or oral presentation on matters under their remit.
