Parliamentary questions

Angela Constance

227 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.

18 Dec 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-33677 by Michael Matheson on 10 December 2020, whether a non-essential retailer in an area that is subject to Level 4 restrictions closes, it is permissible for it to insist that staff transfer to a different branch in a Level 3 area when there are …

3 Dec 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide an update on plans for amateur football to resume.

Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: Amateur football is able to be played in areas under Tiers 0-2 of the current restrictions. The Scottish Government works closely with the Scottish Amateur Football Association on a range of issues, and has had regular dialogue over recent months about the i…

1 Dec 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has provided specific guidance to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) driving examiners regarding mixing with people from up to five households each day.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The DVSA is responsible for the safe operation of their services in Scotland. While the Scottish Government has regular engagement with the DVSA, we have not provided specific guidance on this matter.

1 Dec 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) driving examiners who live in areas subject to Level 4 restrictions are permitted to travel to other local authority areas to carry out driving examinations for critical workers.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 4(B)4 states ‘A person who is living in a Level 4 area who provides a driving lesson or test for which a motor vehicle is used (unless all occupants…

30 Nov 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it is permitted for employees who reside and work in Level 4 areas to be temporarily transferred to work in locations in Level 3 or lower.

Answer · Michael Matheson: As set out in the provisions of the Health Protection (Coronavirus)(Restrictions and Requirements)(Local Levels)(Scotland) Amendment (No.3) Regulations 2020, travelling to or from level 4 areas to other levels is permissible for essential purposes, such as fo…

12 Oct 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to open up further options to enhance visiting in care homes.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: Visiting is a fundamental part of the health and wellbeing of those who live in care homes and the Scottish Government recognises the impact that visiting restrictions has had on care home residents and their loved ones. It is committed to safely resuming vis…

28 Sep 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether fertility treatment to retrieve and freeze eggs for women who experience (a) premature ovarian failure and (b) an early menopause is available through the NHS at no direct cost to the women concerned.

Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: Currently, decisions as to what procedures or treatment are appropriate for individual patients and medical advice given are matters of clinical judgement. If it is decided that fertility preservation is appropriate then information will be provided in order …

28 Sep 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS Lothian will provide treatment free at the point of delivery to retrieve and freeze eggs for women experiencing premature ovarian failure.

Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-32097 on 21 October 2020. 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/parliamentarybusines…

28 Sep 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria are for the provision of NHS fertility treatment, specifically egg retrieval and freezing, at a (a) national and (b) local health board level.

1 Sep 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the timeline for opening the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: I informed Parliament in May that COVID-19 may adversely affect the timeline of Autumn 2020 for fully opening the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. While we understood that there was a risk to this being achieved, we had been waiting on a conf…

27 Aug 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5O-03147 by Claire Haughey on 25 April 2019 (Official Report, c. 5), what progress it has made on the development of educational resources for menstrual health, including endometriosis.

Answer · John Swinney: The endometriosis resources were being considered, however due to the current circumstances Education Scotland re-focused its activities to work directly with practitioners as they support learners to build on learning during lockdown, identifying and address…

27 Aug 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5O-03147 by Claire Haughey on 25 April 2019 (Official Report, c. 5), whether it will provide an update on the work and progress of the Scottish Access Collaborative Gynaecology Speciality Group, particularly regarding endometriosis.

Answer · Clare Haughey: The Menopause and Menstrual Health including Endometriosis Sub Group set up to take forward work in this area has met on three occasions. Endometriosis UK is represented on the sub group, and the sub group considered its submission, “Strategy for Endometriosi…

11 Aug 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government what plans the Citizens' Assembly of Scotland has to complete its work, in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

Answer · Michael Russell: The work of the Citizen’s Assembly for Scotland was suspended at the outbreak of COVID-19 in March. The Convener will announce today that the Assembly will resume its activities in an online format from 12 August and intends to complete its work by the end of…

16 Jun 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the ongoing work at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neuroscience.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: Following the significant progress of the Programme Director, Project Team, contractors and the staff of NHS Lothian, we are now in a position to continue the phased moves to the new hospital. From July, a number of children’s outpatient services will move t…

30 Apr 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the expected timescales for the opening of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: I halted the move to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in July 2019, on the utmost priority of patient safety. There continues to be significant positive progress which has led to NHS Lothian taking occupancy of the Department of Clinical Neuro…

22 Apr 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage migrants and others to seek NHS treatment when they suspect they have contracted COVID-19, including those who may be reluctant to do so due to their immigration status in the UK.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: At the end of January this year we amended the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Regulations 1989, to ensure that anyone seeking treatment for coronavirus in Scotland, regardless of their nationality or immigration status, is e…

11 Mar 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government when the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People is anticipated to open.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: The Programme Director and NHS Lothian have continued to work positively with contractors to address the actions identified in both NSS reports, which were subsequently published in 2019 following the announcement of halting the move. This progress has resul…

26 Feb 2020 · Inspired Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Just Transition Commission.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: I am pleased to inform colleagues that the Just Transition Commission have published their interim report. I am grateful to the Commission for the work it has undertaken to date. This is an important report and is timely given the work currently underway to …

26 Feb 2020 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that young people in the Almond Valley constituency who have an eating disorder receive the right treatment at the right time.

Answer · Clare Haughey: The Scottish Government is clear in our engagement with Boards that patients should be assessed according to their clinical need. Our expectation is that those who need immediate necessary treatment will receive that care quickly and in line with clinical gui…

29 Jan 2020 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it supports jobs, business and economic growth in West Lothian.

8 Jan 2020 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a clear commitment and implementation plan to enshrine the right to food in Scots law.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: The Scottish Government is fully committed to tackling food insecurity and to fulfilling human rights for every member of Scottish society. The First Minister’s Advisory Group on Human Rights Leadership recommended an Act of the Scottish Parliament be develo…