The Portfolio Committee on Labour undertook a study tour to Germany from 18 to 23 March 2012. The purpose of the study tour was to assess and learn more about Germany's Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMPs), especially the Public Employment Services (PES), since South Africa is in the process of establishing a similar programme through the Public Employment Services Bill that is under discussion at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). Following the NEDLAC process, the Bill will be tabled before Parliament. In addition to its PES, Germany's labour market performed better when compared with other countries in Europe during the economic crisis, even though it has been labelled as having an overregulated labour market.