Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-26110 on 22 June 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Scottish Government draws on oral and written legal advice as appropriate from its lawyers, from Counsel, from external solicitors and from Law Officers. However, other than in exceptional circumstances, the Scottish Government does not comment on the source of such advice, and the content of any legal advice remains confidential.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) do not routinely publish their inspection reports. CMAL are not responsible for the ports and vessels used by the Northern Isles ferry service.

The Scottish Government’s position is that public sector pension schemes must be fair, sustainable and affordable. Pension benefits are one part of the overall package of terms and conditions of employment with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. The current CalMac pension scheme is relatively generous and the changes proposed by the employer would retain an attractive, defined benefit scheme. Benefits accrued under the existing pension scheme would not be affected.

CalMac Ferries Limited and Serco Caledonian Ferries Limited were given access to copies of the draft invitation to tender on 10 June 2015. It is planned to issue the formal invitation to tender to these companies on the 10 July 2015.

This is an interesting proposal, which we will of course be mindful of, as we seek to improve our rail network in the north of the country. However, future consideration of any new rail enhancements on the Far North Line will be within the context of our investment hierarchy of maintaining and safely operating the network, then making best use of our existing network and finally targeted infrastructure improvements subject to funds becoming available.

The Scottish Government is not paying KPMG for their work on the CalMac pension fund.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd posted the minutes of their board meetings of 31 March 2015 and 29 April 2015 on their website on 21 May 2015 and 11 June 2015 respectively.

The Scottish Government did not draw up the proposed changes to the CalMac pension fund; this was done by the employers in accordance with their responsibilities.

This government’s view is that public sector pension schemes must be fair, sustainable and affordable. In that way, pension schemes can continue to offer a fair deal to active and retired members, to employees, and to the public purse which directly or indirectly provides much of the current and future funding.

Retendering ensures that these lifeline ferry services can continue to support sustainable economic growth and cultural development of our island communities.

In compliance with European regulations, ferry services tendered since 1999 are: Northern Isles Ferry Services (2002, 2006, 2012); Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (2006); Gourock to Dunoon (2006, 2011); and Campbeltown to Ballycastle (2002, 2005).

In compliance with European regulations, ferry services tendered between 1990 and 1998 are: Northern Isles Ferry Services (1997).