First Minister's meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Scotland documentation: FOI release

Information requested

All documentation held about John Swinney's meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Scotland on November 27, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings, analysis of how it went, minutes/notes from the meeting, between November 1 2024 and December 20 2024.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide Some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained below.

Redacted – out of scope

38(1)(b) - Third party personal data×

30(b)(i) - Substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice× - This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest. However, this is outweighed because Section 30(b)(i) – free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. An exemption under section 30(b)(i) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of advice) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space within which to discuss and explore options before the Scottish Government reaches a settled view. Disclosing the content of free and frank discussions on the Scottish Government’s deliberations would substantially inhibit such discussions in the future. This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing Ministers and officials a private space within which to explore and refine the Government’s position until the Government as a whole can adopt a policy that is sound and likely to be effective. This private thinking space is essential to enable all options to be properly considered, so that good policy decisions can be taken. Disclosure is likely to undermine the full and frank discussion of issues between officials, which in turn will undermine the quality of the policy making process, which would not be in the public interest.

s.30(b)(ii) - Free and frank exchange of views - This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest. However, this is outweighed because Section 30(b)(ii) – free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space within which to discuss and explore options before the Scottish Government reaches a settled view. Disclosing the content of free and frank discussions on the Scottish Government’s deliberations would substantially inhibit such discussions in the future. This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing Ministers and officials a private space within which to explore and refine the Government’s position until the Government as a whole can adopt a policy that is sound and likely to be effective. This private thinking space is essential to enable all options to be properly considered, so that good policy decisions can be taken. Disclosure is likely to undermine the full and frank discussion of issues between officials, which in turn will undermine the quality of the policy making process, which would not be in the public interest.

s.29(1)(d) – Operations of any Ministerial Private Office

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FOI 202500453334 - Information Released - Annex

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