ABSTRACT
The final empirical chapter focuses on the internal dynamics of PPGs and the relationship between individual committee members and other groups. To what extent committee members are autonomous or are tightly monitored and have to report back to their PPG is hitherto not widely studied. The evidence for this chapter relies on the interviews conducted in the three legislatures. In the Tweede Kamer and the Bundestag, committees are primarily instrumental. Although there is a firm reliance on spokespersons and a general level of trust towards them, the other members of the parliamentary party group retain the right to be informed. The parliamentary party group meeting is, in any instance, the final hurdle that a committee member has to overcome. The leadership has an umbrella function to prevent outcomes with detrimental effects. Compared to the Bundestag and the Tweede Kamer, processes in the Dáil are much looser. During the committee stage, government MPs in committees are expected to follow the established line. Some evidence points to a different logic with regard to discretionary work and the most recent pre-legislative scrutiny. Especially the latter is highlighted by many backbenchers as a significant reform.
