Parliamentary questions
Pam Duncan-Glancy
1,119 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
29 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the SQA's consultation with young people in relation to the exam results appeals process for (a) 2023 and (b) 2024.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29439 on 17 September 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility, which can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-co…
29 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what involvement it had in the SQA's approach to the exams appeals process in 2024.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: Operational delivery of National Qualifications is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as the awarding body for Scotland. As a Non-Departmental Public Body, SQA operates at arm’s length to ministers and is responsible for its own op…
29 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what input it had into the SQA's reported decision to observe whether or not papers had been inputted correctly.
29 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with Gaelic-medium education schools regarding SQA reform.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The Gaelic medium education (GME) sector has distinct development needs in qualifications, teacher support and continuity in secondary education. At all stages, officials in the Gaelic and Scots team have aimed to keep the GME sector aware of developments and…
28 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-28569 by Kaukab Stewart on 31 July 2024, what support it can offer to venues to implement the recommendations within the Sight Scotland report, and to use the checklist and top tips provided to create more accessible and inclusive experiences for al…
Answer · Angus Robertson: We continue to work closely with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) to develop and implement a plan that is informed by the lived experience of disabled people and will deliver actions to help with the challenges they are currently facing. Venues sh…
23 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Qualifications Authority, in light of reported concerns regarding the approach taken to marking the 2024 Higher History paper.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29283 on 24 September 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website search facility, which can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committ…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its pledge of £300 million to tackle NHS waiting lists over the next three years, of which £30 million has been allocated to date, and whether any reduction to this sum of money is planned.
Answer · Neil Gray: Significant activity is already underway following the £30 million investment to target backlogs, announced in the spring. This will see around 12,000 new outpatient appointments, around 12,000 inpatient procedures and over 40,000 diagnostic procedures …
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-28559 by Jenny Gilruth on 31 July 2024, whether it considered negotiating a deal with Microsoft when it was first made aware of the withdrawal of Office 365 A1 Plus licenses from schools in August 2023.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The removal of A1 Plus was a change enforced by Microsoft, applied to all customers globally. In effect, that licence tier has been retired by Microsoft, therefore there was no option to negotiate a deal to continue to provide A1 Plus for Glow users. Official…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-28563 by Jenny Gilruth on 31 July 2024, how it plans to support any digitally excluded children who do not have access to the internet at home now that Microsoft tools will only remain available through web-based versions in Glow.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The Scottish Government is working hard to support hard pressed families to be able to enjoy the benefits of digital inclusion. Since 2022, around 280,000 digital devices had already been provided to learners along with 14,000 connectivity packages.The Scotti…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has confidence in the Scottish Qualifications Authority marking system used in 2024.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29283 on 24 September 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website search facility, which can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committ…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported concerns from teachers about the marking procedures for exams in 2024.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: Marking of exams is an operational matter for the SQA in its independent role as an examination body.However, given the persistent concerns that have been raised in relation to the marking of Higher History this year, I met with the Chief Examiner and the Cha…
21 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken over the Parliament's 2024 summer recess to secure the future of the City of Glasgow College Trade Union Education Centre.
Answer · Graeme Dey: Operational decisions on course delivery are a matter for individual colleges. I did however, write to the Principal of City of Glasgow College on 8 July to encourage continued constructive dialogue between the College and its trade union partners to find way…
21 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will facilitate talks between the STUC and the City of Glasgow College to ensure that the City of Glasgow College Trade Union Education Centre remains open.
Answer · Graeme Dey: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29252 on 19 September 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-commit…
21 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the City of Glasgow College Trade Union Education Centre contributes to the fair work agenda in Scotland.
Answer · Graeme Dey: The Scottish Government values trade unions in providing a strong and effective voice for Scotland’s workers, and believes a progressive approach to industrial relations is at the heart of a fairer, more successful society. Ensuring trade union represen…
21 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether a financially viable City of Glasgow College Trade Union Education Centre should remain open.
Answer · Graeme Dey: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29252 on 19 September 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-commit…
21 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills plans to meet the STUC to discuss its proposal for ensuring that the City of Glasgow College Trade Union Education Centre remains open.
Answer · Graeme Dey: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29252 on 19 September 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-commit…
21 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported proposal submitted by the STUC to the City of Glasgow College to secure the future of the City of Glasgow College Trade Union Education Centre.
Answer · Graeme Dey: The Scottish Government welcomes the new partnership agreement reached between the College and the Trade Union Congress to safeguard the delivery of trade union education at the City of Glasgow College.
21 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings, discussions or telephone conversations the Minister for Higher and Further Education has been involved in over the Parliament's 2024 summer recess in relation to securing the future of the City of Glasgow College Trade Union Education Centre.
Answer · Graeme Dey: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29250 on 19 September 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-commit…
19 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on any deeming of wages of college staff who take action short of a strike.
Answer · Graeme Dey: I welcome the recent pay deal agreed between college employers and EIS-FELA, which brings an end to strike action across the college sector.I am aware that local agreements are in place, as part of the pay offer, to repay any deductions of pay to staff once o…
19 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many newly qualified teachers completed their probationary period in 2024, and, of the teachers that completed their probation, how many gained permanent employment.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: Statistics on the number of teachers in a Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) post at the time of the annual teacher census in September are available in Table 1.6a of the teacher census supplementary statistics:https://www.gov.scot/publications/teacher-census-sup…
5 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline how it is encouraging schools to designate young carers school leads.
Answer · Maree Todd: The Scottish Government recognises the importance of ensuring schools are a safe supportive space for all young carers. The answer to question S6W-28953 on 29 August 2024 provides greater detail on how we are supporting and raising awareness of young carers i…
5 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline how it is encouraging schools to identify young carers to (a) ensure that they receive the support that they need to successfully transition to university or college and (b) increase their awareness of targeted support and resources that might be available at univ…
Answer · Maree Todd: As set out in our National Carers Strategy, the Scottish Government recognises the importance of young carers being identified in schools so that they can be supported in achieving their educational and wider goals.This is why we fund an Education Officer pos…
29 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to making the Scottish Child Payment available to students in receipt of the Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary.
Answer · Shirley-Anne Somerville: Scottish Child Payment is delivered under Section 79 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, which enables Scottish Ministers to top-up a qualifying reserved benefit, such as Universal Credit. Students in receipt of the Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery St…
26 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-28362 by Jenny Gilruth on 4 July 2024, what its position is on whether there should be reserved space on the new board of Qualifications Scotland for trade union representation in addition to staff representation.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The Scottish Government’s position is as set out in the draft Education (Scotland) Bill which indicates that the Board must consist of one or more members who have knowledge of the interests of the staff of Qualifications Scotland (QS). Ensuring an effective…
26 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent consideration has been given to uprating the Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary in line with inflation.
Answer · Neil Gray: We recognise the financial challenges faced by all students, including nursing, midwifery and paramedic students, and know that this has been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. The Scottish Government package of support for Scottish student nurses, mi…
26 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects that the executive management team make-up of Qualifications Scotland will remain the same as is currently the case at the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The SQA Chair, appointed in November 2023, has been tasked with leading the organisation through reform and the establishment of Qualifications Scotland. As part of this, the Chair has been commissioned to provide advice on how the organisational design and l…
23 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans’ report, Enhancing Accessibility: Venues and Visual Impairment, whether it will support the recommendation to develop a (a) standardised booking system for accessible seats at venues in Scotland and (b) designated accessible (i) pho…
Answer · Angus Robertson: The Scottish Government is committed to promoting the rights of disabled people and ensuring that they benefit from all that we are doing to improve people’s lives. This includes ensuring that all serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans living in Scotland…
17 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what the date the Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence levels will be published, and how it will ensure that there will be sufficient time for MSPs to scrutinise this ahead of Christmas 2024.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The 2023-24 Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels statistics will be published in December 2024. In line with the Code of Practice for Statistics an exact date will be announced on the Scottish Government website at least four weeks before publicati…
17 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-27967 by Jenni Minto on 14 June 2024, how it evaluates the effectiveness of fracture liaison services across Scotland in the absence of any centrally held data.
Answer · Jenni Minto: Fracture liaison services across Scotland are managed and evaluated by territorial NHS Boards. The forthcoming national audit of Fracture Liaison Services will assist in that evaluation.
17 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-27967 by Jenni Minto on 14 June 2024, for what reason it does not collect data on fracture liaison services centrally.
Answer · Jenni Minto: Clinical data collection, including around fracture liaison services, is carried out locally by territorial NHS Boards. Public Health Scotland will additionally carry out national data collection or collation in some areas, including its forthcoming audit of …