Briefings/minutes of meetings regarding Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Scotland Bill: FOI release

Information requested

Any briefings or minutes of meetings attended by Dr Padmini Mishra to discuss the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

Response

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

Some of the information requested has been withheld under section 38(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, as it constitutes personal data relating to identifiable living individuals. Disclosure of this information would breach the data protection principles set out in Article 5(1)(a) of the UK General Data Protection Regulation, as there is no lawful basis for placing this personal data into the public domain. This exemption is absolute and is not subject to the public interest test. Where this exemption applies it is marked as "[redacted S.38(1)(b)]".

Some other information is also withheld because it is out of the scope of the request. Where this exemption applies it is marked as "[Redacted – out of scope]"

Finally, section 29(1)(a) of FOISA applies to one section of information because the information relates directly to the formulation and development of Scottish Government policy. The material describes internal analysis, emerging policy options, early consideration of potential amendments, and discussions with policy colleagues and stakeholders undertaken to inform Ministers’ future decisions.

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, however, this is outweighed by the public interest in allowing officials and Ministers the necessary space to develop policy and explore options, ensuring that the quality and integrity of the Scottish Government’s policy‑making process is maintained.                                            

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 202600508099 - Information Released - Annex

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