Minutes: 28 May 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Inquiry into the harm caused by substance misuse in Scottish Prisons:

The Committee took evidence from—

Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Higgins, Police Scotland;

John Mooney, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland;

Kirsten Horsburgh, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Drugs Forum;

Stephen Coyle, Head of Operational Delivery and Suzy Calder, Head of Health and Wellbeing, Scottish Prison Service.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Firefighters’ Pensions (Remediable Service) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/113)

Police Pensions (Remediable Service) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/114)

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instruments. However, it also agreed to write to the Scottish Government regarding issues raised by the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee in relation to the instruments.

Audrey Nicoll declared an interest as a retired police officer.

4. Inquiry into the harm caused by substance misuse in Scottish Prisons (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.