The Committee on Internal Affairs deals with a wide range of policy issues: from immigration and asylum policy to civil defence and disaster protection. Its 42 members attempt to reconcile internal security for the community with civil rights for the individual. Apart from the parliamentary oversight of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and its subordinate units and agencies, it also prepares important legislative projects before they are put to the vote in the plenary. Furthermore, it conducts hearings in order to gather detailed information on relevant subjects from expert witnesses.