European Parliament's right of inquiry (A7-0352/2011 - David Martin)
Pino Arlacchi (S&D), in writing. - I voted in favour of this proposal because with this text we lay down provisions for the European Parliament to set up temporary committees of inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Community law. I consider it is of fundamental importance to guarantee inquiry committees the possibility to request documents, to summon witnesses, to hear officials and other servants of the Union or of Member States and to request experts’ reports when necessary to carry out investigations. However I believe that Parliament should lead the way in ensuring that the inquiry committee remains independent. For this reason it should closely monitor the impartiality and discretion of the examination and assure transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process.