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The Joint Protocol on Domestic Abuse between Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) sets out the relevant policies and approach taken by COPFS and Police Scotland to tackling domestic abuse. the current Joint Protocol, which was launched on 24 March 2017, is the revised 4th edition of the Protocol.

The Joint Protocol commits Police Scotland and COPFS to a consistent and robust approach to domestic abuse. It recognises the significant and enduring impact which domestic abuse can have on victims and children. It requires the police to report all cases in which there is a sufficiency of evidence to the procurator fiscal; and states that there is a presumption in favour of prosecution in all cases of domestic abuse where there is a sufficiency of evidence.

The Joint Protocol was revised and launched in March 2017 after extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation by COPFS and Police Scotland with a wide range of agencies and organisations with experience and expertise in domestic abuse and representing the needs and interest of victims. The consultation took place over 11 months and included both workshop events and consideration of detailed feedback and comments from stakeholders.

The Joint Protocol includes guidance on the factors to be taken into account by the police when considering whether to release an accused person way of an undertaking to appear in court or to hold the accused in custody. Consideration of any ongoing risk to the safety of victims, children or any members of the public, the nature of the offending and the likelihood of reoffending are key factors which the Joint Protocol directs police officers to take into account. The guidance is consistent with section 50 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 which, when it comes into force, will require police constables to take every precaution to ensure that a person is not unreasonably or unnecessarily held in police custody.

The content of the Joint Protocol on Domestic Abuse is an operational matter for Police Scotland and COPFS. It lies within the Lord Advocate’s independent function as head of the system of prosecution. The Scottish Government had no active role in the development or publication of the Protocol.

The MV Hamnavoe, which operates from Scrabster to Stromness on the Pentland Firth is scheduled to undergo her period of scheduled unavailability due to a period of essential dry dock during the first quarter of 2018. The dates of the dry dock are not currently available and the associated plans to provide cover on the Pentland Firth have yet to be finalised by the operator, Serco NorthLink Ferries. (SNF)

The Public Service Contract between SNF and the Scottish Ministers requires that, during periods of Scheduled Unavailability and / or in the event of a Relief Event, the operator must use all reasonable endeavours to minimise the disruption to the services and provide reasonable notice and assistance to users of the services.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-12269 on
14 November 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.asp.

Asylum is a matter reserved to the UK Government. This includes the delivery and management of asylum accommodation.

I have made representations to the UK Government on a number of issues relating to asylum accommodation, including during my meetings with the Immigration Minister on 11 October 2016 and 12 July 2017. I also wrote to the Home Secretary on 23 June 2016 and the Immigration Minister on 27 July 2016 and on 2 March and 7 November 2017. Copies of these letters have been placed in SPICe under bib number 59293.

This is an operational matter for Police Scotland, under the oversight of the Scottish Police Authority. The Scottish Government understands that Police Scotland is currently developing its weeding and retention policy for the Vulnerable Persons Database, and is committed to ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Asylum is a matter reserved to the UK Government. This includes the delivery and management of asylum accommodation.

The Scottish Government has not had discussions on this issue with the Refugee Council, which is based in London and focuses on support for refugees and asylum seekers in England. The Scottish Government has regular discussions with the Scottish Refugee Council on a range of issues, including asylum accommodation.

In addition to the existing business support available to all rural island businesses Scottish Government is investing millions of pounds over and above core local authority funding to ensure the needs of our island communities and businesses are enabled.

The Scottish Government has invested over £1 billion in our ferry services since 2007 and we are committed to continuing the Air Discount Scheme at the current 50% discount rate to bring more affordable air fares to our remotest communities and businesses.

The Islands Bill and our commitment to a National Islands Plan will also set out the strategic direction for supporting island communities. The £6 million Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund across Scotland and £30 million Rural and Islands Fund to support affordable housing are other examples of the action taken by this government to support inclusive growth that will benefit Island based businesses.

The National Care Home Contract is negotiated annually between COSLA and care providers. If negotiations with regards to the National Care Home Contract are unsuccessful, it is expected that contracting for residential care would be negotiated at local level.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who reply in writing within 20 days.