Official Report 154KB pdf
Under agenda item 4, we will consider another paper from Maureen Macmillan and Des McNulty on the Scottish Executive's proposals for the future of the Highlands and Islands ferry service network. As members are aware, the main purpose of the paper is to ask members to agree the terms of reference that now incorporate the changes that were made at our previous meeting. I invite Des McNulty and Maureen Macmillan to contribute to the debate, if they see fit to do so.
The paper is self-explanatory, but Maureen Macmillan might have some comments to make.
Under the heading "Next Steps", the paper sets out that we will meet representatives of the National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union. We should contact the Scottish Trades Union Congress to find out whether other unions want to have a voice.
Does anybody else want to comment on the amended draft terms of reference?
One of the key players in the issue will be the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, given its potential fallback to another provider. I wonder whether the reporters should touch base with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to discover its views on the operator of last resort and the current proposals.
We have written to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ask that organisation to contribute to the process.
Members indicated agreement.