Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 11 Dec 2002

Meeting date: Wednesday, December 11, 2002

Official Report 268KB pdf

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Work Programme

We move back into public session to discuss item 3, which is our work programme. Brian Fitzpatrick has made recommendations for issues to consider in relation to our legacy paper. It is suggested that Scotland's social economy be included as a topic for possible future investigation. We would need to do that after the election and build it into the legacy paper priorities because, to be frank, we do not have time between now and then to do the subject justice without taking another topic out.

Wendy Alexander approached Brian Fitzpatrick, Annabel Goldie and me about a major leadership project programme in Skye called Columba 1400, which is a very interesting project for young people. Wendy Alexander suggested that the committee visit the project and I agreed, but the chances of getting the committee to visit in January, February or March are almost zilch. I suggest that we ask for a 45-minute briefing on the project in one of our planned sessions, after which we could recommend a later visit.

I support that suggestion. I have some knowledge—not detailed—of the project. Norman Drummond, who is a most interesting man, is the motivating force behind the project, which is designed to nurture leadership skills in young people. It seeks in particular to do that with young people who are from environments in which it might be difficult for them ever to gain such experience. The heading of ‘The Right Choices for Young People' might be an appropriate section under which to consider taking evidence from the project along the lines that were suggested by the convener.

Can we leave the arrangements flexible enough to allow us fit in the briefing when representatives of the project can visit the committee and when we can see them? Can we agree to invite them?

Yes, absolutely. I support that idea.

Are we all agreed? If it is a programme on training people and leadership skills, there are perhaps 129 people in the Parliament who might want to join it.

There is little detail on the meeting on the new economy. Will that take up an entire meeting?

That is the follow-up to our report.

Is there no way of squeezing in something else?

The new economy is fairly important.

There have been many recent announcements on that.

I felt that today's meeting went so much better because we had plenty of time with Peter Lederer and Philip Riddle compared to previous meetings.

I think that we are all agreed that Brian Fitzpatrick's recommendations should be accepted, but the timing means that what he suggested must happen after the elections. There are too many other priorities in January, February and March. Are we all agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you. Merry Christmas, everyone.

Meeting closed at 13:00.