Six further members of watchdog groups to scrutinise public spending were announced in the Senate yesterday.

Members of the Upper House will join MPs in three parliamentary oversight committees to hold ministers and their departments to account in an effort to get value for money.

Joan Dillas-Wright, the Senate president, said the infrastructure and transport committee, which deals with home affairs, public works, transport and regulatory affairs, would include senators Michelle Simmons, an independent, and Dwayne Robinson, a One Bermuda Alliance member.

The education, health and welfare committee, which includes social development and sport, will have Marcus Jones of the OBA and Ms Dillas-Wright in the group.

James Jardine, an independent senator, and Anthony Richardson, a government senator, will serve on the central policy, security and economic growth committee, which also deals with the Cabinet, finance, tourism and legal affairs.

Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House, announced the new groups and their MP members on Monday.

He planned to meet the committees during recess to explain their roles and responsibilities.

Mr Lister added: “Hopefully we’ll get them started early in the new year.”

The oversight committees were recommended in the 2013 report by the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission, appointed by the former OBA administration.

The Progressive Labour Party pledged to introduce the watchdog groups in its 2017 General Election platform.