Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 23 May 2024.
Ariane Burgess
Green
2:30,
23 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of ferry travel measures contained in the fair fares review, including free foot passenger travel on interisland ferries and the extension of the existing national ferry concessionary scheme for island residents under 22 years old. (S6O-03473)
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
The draft “Islands Connectivity Plan—Strategic Approach”, which was published for consultation on 1 February 2024, stated that we would take forward detailed consideration of a range of ferry fare proposals, including the provision of free foot passenger travel for island residents under the age of 22 on interisland ferries in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland island groups and the extension of the existing national ferry concessionary scheme.
The online consultation concluded on 6 May, and responses are now being collated and analysed. Further detail on next steps and timescales will be confirmed in due course.
Ariane Burgess
Green
The fair fares review offered a number of proposals to address the cost of such lifeline services for island residents and young people, especially those who travel as foot passengers. In the light of the recent announcement of changes in climate policy, can the Cabinet secretary confirm that the Government remains committed to a just transition for island residents and that it recognises the important role that affordable public transport, including ferry services, plays in delivering on that agenda?
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
I have been struck—particularly in Orkney and Shetland—by the representations of young people who regularly need to use ferries as part of their journeys. Ferry travel is a key aspect of their use of public transport.
However, Ariane Burgess will be aware that, in certain circumstances, councils have the lead responsibility for ferry funding. The Scottish Government has supported that by providing support for revenue funding, and the steps that the Government has taken, especially in relation to interisland support for Orkney and Shetland, will make a great deal of difference to young people in particular. That is all about fairness, equity and the just transition that Ariane Burgess referred to.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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