Chamber and committees

Key performance indicators have been agreed with the Principal Contractor to ensure work experience placements for further education students, support for PhD students and educational visits to the works. All Forth Replacement Crossing employment opportunities are required to be advertised in local job centres.

Operation of the recruitment processes for training and employment vacancies are a matter for the contractors.

The current modern apprenticeships within the project are being filled by students from Telford College. An appropriate education provider will be appointed depending on the particular needs of each apprenticeship.

It is the responsibility of the port/harbour authority to ensure that any environmental legislation, such as the Habitats Directive, is met within the area under their authority.

Vessels will have to meet the requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention once it enters into force. The standard aims to reduce the risk of introducing non-native species.

Where possible, ballast water exchange should be conducted at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in waters 200 metres deep.

If not managed properly the transfer of ballast water is a potential route for the introduction of invasive non-native species to marine habitats in Scotland.

Under Regulation 48A of the Habitats Regulations 1994, the Scottish Ministers can request a copy of the proposal and may direct an assessment in compliance with that legislation.

Scottish Ministers must consult the appropriate nature conservation body regarding the exercise of these functions.

It is the responsibility of the ship owner to comply with the international requirements as set out in the Ballast Water Convention when it enters into force.

It is the responsibility of Orkney Islands Council to ensure it complies with the relevant legislation.

I have written to the Convener, Orkney Islands Council to stress the importance of complying with international conventions and guidelines on the exchange of ballast water. I have also sought assurances that the appropriate assessment has been fully considered in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.

Scottish Natural Heritage provides advice on possible impacts of developments, including ballast water transfers, on Natura sites. No specific funding is available to port authorities on this issue.

We plan to bring forward legislation to make provision for the establishment of statutory regional boards in those college regions where there is more than one college (except in the Highlands and Islands, for which separate provision will be made). Subject to that legislation completing its parliamentary stages, we shall begin the appointment round for chairs of those regional boards as soon as possible.

We intend that the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland would be used for the appointment of the chairs of regional boards of colleges in multi-college regions.