Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 24 June 2015
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will report on the outcome of the recent summit meeting of the British-Irish Council.
On 19 June 2015, the twenty fourth meeting of the British-Irish Council was held in Dublin, Ireland. The Summit was attended by Ministers from all eight Member Administrations. The Scottish Government was represented by the First Minister and the Minister for Public Health.
The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the British Irish Council as a forum for Members to develop relationships and to learn from shared experience.
The meeting began with a significant discussion on the economy where the First Minister informed the Council that Scotland’s economy has seen the fastest economic growth since 2006. There has also been further progress in youth employment, and Scotland has the highest female employment rate in these islands. The First Minister also stressed that while progress has been made, we continue to face challenges in our intertwined economies. Many Scottish jobs depend upon our membership of the EU and the uncertainty of a possible EU exit is causing widespread concern. The First Minister also expressed deep disquiet about the UK Government’s decision to end public financial support for onshore wind projects.
The Council also had a discussion on the misuse of alcohol, during which all Members agreed the importance of supporting those negatively impacted by alcohol misuse. Ms Watt informed the Council about Scotland’s Framework for Action, which includes a comprehensive package of measures to help reduce the negative impact of alcohol. These include the passing of minimum unit pricing legislation and the introduction of the lower drink-drive limit.
The Communiqué that was issued by the British-Irish Council, after the meeting, can be found on the website at http://www.britishirishcouncil.org/. I am also arranging for a copy the document to be placed in SPICe (BIB number 57014).