Briefing pack for the meeting between the Deputy First Minister and Tánaiste of Ireland at the British-Irish Association Conference at Oxford: FOI release

Information requested

The briefing pack and minutes from Kate Forbes' meeting with Simon Harris (Tánaiste of Ireland) at the British-Irish Association Conference at Oxford on 5 September 2025.

Response

 I enclose a copy of most 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 exemptions under sections s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation) and s.30(b)(i) (free and frank provision of advice) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemptions applies are explained below.

s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation)

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 in release because there is a general interest in the work of Scottish Government Ministers and the development of new government ideas and policies. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring Scottish Government Ministers can fully assess the impacts of proposed policy changes with officials and advisers prior to announcing the final decision to the public.

​​​​​​​s.30(b)(i) (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 in release because there is a general interest in the work of Scottish Government officials and the advice they provide to Ministers.

However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring Scottish Government Ministers can receive advice on potentially sensitive topics and ask questions about this in private before reaching a conclusion.​​​​​​​

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500484997- Information Released - Annex

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