ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses primarily on the Althingi Secretariat and its permanent non-political staff. The Althingi has been served by an administrative staff since the restoration of parliament in 1845 as an elected representative body. Until 1911, parliament normally assembled only every two years, with each session lasting up to two months. Finally, the Althingi is affiliated to eight international parliamentary associations, and Members participate in various other international activities. Staff provide the delegations with advice on international affairs, assist in preparations for attendance of international meetings, and collect data and information. Staff are also responsible for preparing international parliamentary meetings held in Iceland. In addition to the support services, the Secretariat is responsible for the administration of personnel matters, including staff recruitment and professional development. Also, as the Althingi Archives are independent of the National Archives of Iceland, the preservation of parliamentary documents is an important part of Secretariat's functions.
