Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-27833 on 15 October 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.

Responses to the initial invitation to tender were received from Serco Caledonian Ferries Ltd on Thursday 17 September 2015 and from Calmac Ferries Ltd on Monday 21 September 2015.

While this is ultimately a matter for the company, we would call on them to work constructively with unions to ensure cost reductions in the industry are managed in a fair and effective manner, and in a way that looks to sustain and protect as many employees as possible.

The Energy Jobs Taskforce is looking at the issue of cost efficiencies in the North Sea oil and gas industry as part of its work programme, which involves industry working with unions and other stakeholders to develop solutions that will result in a more sustainable and efficient industry going forward.

The remit of the Energy Jobs Taskforce is to support jobs across the energy sector, with an initial focus on oil and gas given the current challenges faced by the industry. The taskforce brings together key stakeholders, including industry, government, the public sector and unions to protect and sustain employment. The UK Government is represented on the taskforce.

The Scottish Government has also called upon the UK Government to do more to secure a long term sustainable future for the North Sea and we continue to press for the introduction of further measures to support exploration, critical infrastructure and decommissioning.

The Scottish Government has not discussed this matter with the UK Government. However, we have taken action to mitigate the worst effects of the downturn by setting up the Energy Jobs Taskforce, which was convened by the First Minister in January 2015. The taskforce brings together the industry, government, public sector and unions (including the RMT union) and regularly considers employment matters, which is being done in conjunction with the trade unions to ensure a comprehensive look across the sector is captured.

We have also called upon the UK Government to consult on further measures that will support exploration, critical infrastructure and decommissioning.

The Scottish Government is clear that more needs to be done to protect and sustain employment in the oil and gas industry, which is why the First Minister launched the Energy Jobs Taskforce in January 2015. The UK Government is represented on the taskforce.

We have called on the UK Government to consult on further measures to support exploration, critical infrastructure and decommissioning, which are necessary to secure a viable and sustainable future for the industry.

The Scottish Government is clear that more needs to be done to help the oil and gas industry during these challenging times. We have called on the UK Government to consult on what further measures can be taken to support exploration, critical infrastructure and decommissioning.

Where we have devolved powers to act, we have acted decisively. The First Minister set up the Energy Jobs Taskforce in January 2015, which is working to protect and sustain employment in the oil and gas industry. The UK Government is represented on the taskforce.

A key aim of the Scottish Government is to ensure there is no premature cessation of production in the North Sea and we have called upon the UK Government to consult on further measures to support exploration, critical infrastructure and decommissioning.

However, where decommissioning opportunities in the North Sea arise, we will work with the UK Government and the Oil and Gas Authority to ensure the maximum economic benefit can be secured for Scottish and UK supply chain companies. Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are also working to understand the supply chain opportunities that may arise from decommissioning, including an assessment of the capability of our ports and harbours to service this work.

The Energy Jobs Taskforce has discussed decommissioning and recognises the potential for employment opportunities. Its primary focus is on working with industry and the unions to ensure that there is no premature cessation of production and unnecessary early decommissioning.

But where decommissioning opportunities arise, we are working primarily through our enterprise agencies and Decom North Sea to ensure that the supply chain captures the maximum possible opportunity from any activity including ensuring that our ports and harbours have the capabilities they need.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-27388 on 18 September 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.