(In this connection, we note two instances during the inquiry itself of Transport Scotland correcting evidence of CMAL and CalMac on their role and responsibilitiesiiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 21 February 2023, Col 48 and Letter from the Minister for Transport to the Committee providing further information following the evidence session - 31 March 2023);
It does not incentivise value for money;iiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 28 June 2022, Col 9, 10 and 19 and
It does not seem to incentivise quality outcomes or effective decision-making.iiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 28 June 2022, Col 9
Joe Reade of the Mull and Iona Ferry Committee said—
"when a vessel is being replaced, as is happening in Islay now, the decisions that go into the vessel design and bake in the operating costs....all those decisions about the operating costs of the vessel—are being taken by CMAL, whose success or otherwise is completely unrelated to the financial success of CalMac.