Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 19, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 13.1 The Director of Policy and Democratic Engagement submitted a report proposing some minor amendments to the Flag Protocol agreed by the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee in March 2024, to respond to feedback received from some community groups relating to the flying of flags on patron saints’ days.   If approved, the report will allow for appropriate alternative flags to be flown on patron saints’ days     13.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee approve the amendments to the Flag Protocol as described in the report and set out at Appendix A.     13.3 Reasons for Decision     13.3.1 In adopting the proposed revisions to the Flag Protocol the committee will respond positively to the feedback received following last year’s St Patrick’s Day and will provide flexibility to support the continued flying of an appropriate flag for each of the four patron saints days that the Council marks.     13.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     13.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Not to make changes to the Flag Protocol   This option was rejected on the basis that it would not respond to the concerns raised by the Irish community in the city and could lead to a sense of exclusion for members of that community.     13.4.2 Alternative Option 2: To remove the provision for flying flags on patron saints days   This option was rejected on the basis that it has been long-standing practice to celebrate the contributions of people from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland/Northern Ireland on their respective patron saints’ days and that there has been no call from any section of the community to stop doing so.