Committee
European and External Relations Committee, 13 Mar 2007
13 Mar 2007 · S2 · European and External Relations Committee
Item of business
Finland Study Trip
In my opinion, long-term thinking is something that we lack in politics in our country.My final point about what I learned is worth putting on the record because I would like a future Education Committee to consider it. I was astounded to learn that in the Finnish education system, the attainment of looked-after children is higher than that of children who live with their families and go to school. I would love to understand how that astounding feat has been achieved and to try to emulate it.I look forward to the report's publication, because it will contain a lot of information. As a result, I suggest that it be sent not only to committee members but to relevant subject committees and the futures forum for future consideration.
In the same item of business
The Convener:
SNP
Item 4 is a report back to the full committee on the European Commission-funded study trip that Bruce Crawford, Phil Gallie, Dennis Canavan and I took part i...
Dennis Canavan:
Ind
I found it an interesting and informative visit and I would like to give some of my general impressions.Finland is an interesting country in that it manages ...
Bruce Crawford:
SNP
I, too, thank the European Commission for setting up what was a very useful trip, although it was a bit packed. By the end of it, a bit of overload was going...
Phil Gallie:
Con
Dennis Canavan and Bruce Crawford have covered many of the points that I wanted to make, so I will add just one or two.One reason why we went to Finland was ...
The Convener:
SNP
I will not say much because most of the issues have been covered. My overriding impression was that there was a lot that we could learn but that we should no...
Phil Gallie:
Con
An important aspect of that committee is its emphasis on the long term rather than the short term.
The Convener:
SNP
In my opinion, long-term thinking is something that we lack in politics in our country.My final point about what I learned is worth putting on the record bec...
Phil Gallie:
Con
Will ex-members get a copy?
The Convener:
SNP
Phil, I would never dream of not asking you to comment on the report before it is published. I ask Jim Johnston to make a note of that.
Irene Oldfather:
Lab
I thank members for a very interesting update on their visit. I was sorry that I was not able to join you, but I had accepted a speaking engagement in Ayrshi...
The Convener:
SNP
On that sombre note, are members content with the course of action that has been outlined?Members indicated agreement.