Tavish Scott

2 Mar 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the availability of domestic abuse interdicts with a power of arrest condition attached.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2011 made it a criminal offence to breach an interdict so long as there is both a determination in effect that it is a domestic abuse interdict and a power of arrest in effect which is attached to the interdict. The Civil Jus…

16 Feb 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-13715 by Roseanna Cunningham on 18 January 2018, what the reasons are for the delay in the delivery of the report and by what date the (a) cabinet secretary will conclude her review and (b) report will be published.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: Following consultation with stakeholders I have concluded my review of the scheme. The report was published on 6 March 2018. I have sent the member a copy.

6 Feb 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it issues regarding the use of restraint and seclusion of children in schools.

Answer · John Swinney: The Scottish Government published ‘Included, Engaged and Involved Part 2: A Positive Approach to Preventing and Managing School Exclusions’ in June 2017. This refreshed guidance includes information on seclusion and restraint, and also guidance on recording a…

6 Feb 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to hold a consultation on restraint and seclusion in schools, including its guidance on this, similar to the consultation that was launched by the UK Government in 2017.

Answer · John Swinney: The Scottish Government has no plans to hold a consultation on the guidance around restraint and seclusion in schools. In June 2017 we published refreshed guidance ‘Included, Engaged and Involved Part 2: A Positive Approach to Preventing and Managing School …

26 Jan 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether road equivalent tariff for Orkney and the Shetland Islands will be included in its 2018-19 Budget.

Answer · Humza Yousaf: The Draft Budget 2018-19, which was presented to Parliament on 14 December 2017, includes provision for the delivery of this manifesto commitment. The budget process is currently ongoing.

23 Jan 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-13640 by Derek Mackay on 11 January 2018, when its sector stakeholder engagement will commence; what the time frame will be, and when it expects to know when it will make any changes to sports club relief.

Answer · Derek Mackay: Stakeholder engagement on sports club relief from non-domestic rates has continued since the Barclay review reported in August 2017. Engagement will continue this year, ahead of bringing forward legislative proposals.

15 Jan 2018 · First Minister's Question

To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take to increase, and improve diversity in, the early learning and childcare workforce.

15 Jan 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government by what date in 2018 Road Equivalent Tariff will be introduced for the Shetland Islands.

Answer · Humza Yousaf: I announced on 22 August 2017 our plans for the reduction of passenger and car ferry fares on services to Orkney and Shetland to be implemented in the first half of 2018. Work is progressing well, with all key stakeholders involved, and I hope to be in a pos…

9 Jan 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-10674 by John Swinney on 24 August 2017, whether the work to agree an approach to help drive improvement progress in reducing the attainment gap concluded in December 2017 and, if (a) not, (i) for what reason and (ii) by what date it will conclude a…

Answer · John Swinney: The Scottish Government published its basket of key measures and milestones towards closing the attainment gap for each of those measures as part of the National Improvement Framework and Improvement Plan in December 2017. The Scottish Government worked with …

8 Jan 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress towards the university student intake targets for (a) primary and (b) secondary school teacher education.

Answer · John Swinney: We expect the agreed student intake targets for initial teacher education in 2018-19 to be announced by the Scottish Funding Council by the end of February.

8 Jan 2018 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-12894 by Roseanna Cunningham on 30 November 2017, whether it will provide an update on when the review of the water and sewerage charges exemption scheme will conclude.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The review has now been concluded following discussions with stakeholders. I am currently considering the review and will publish a report when I am content with the outcomes. I will send you a copy once available.

21 Dec 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what cut-off point it uses when determining whether a golf club is a community facility or a members' club with significant assets.

Answer · Derek Mackay: Currently, decisions on the award of sports club relief, including to golf clubs, is a matter for local authorities following current legislation and the costs of this relief are funded by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government has accepted the Ba…

20 Dec 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government (a) how and (b) with whom in Orkney and Shetland it plans to consult in developing a policy decision on whether it will retender the Northern Isles ferry services.

Answer · Humza Yousaf: Our intention is to follow up our earlier engagement with community stakeholders in Orkney and Shetland, to help build a deeper understanding of local stakeholders’ preferences for the future approach to the procurement of the Northern Isles ferry services. …

12 Dec 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how many practising (a) head teachers and (b) teachers from (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools are members of its Scottish Education Council.

Answer · John Swinney: Practising teachers and head teachers are represented on the Scottish Government's Teacher Panel, which is chaired by the Deputy First Minister and meets on a quarterly basis to discuss key developments in Scottish education and to assess proposals for reduci…

7 Dec 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Barclay Review's recommendation regarding charitable rates relief for golf clubs.

Answer · Derek Mackay: As set out in an implementation plan in response to the Barclay review, published on 14 December 2017, the Scottish Government has accepted Barclay's recommendation to review sports club relief to ensure it supports affordable community-based facilities. We …

6 Dec 2017 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Historic Environment Scotland and what was discussed.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: I met the Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland this morning, and we discussed a range of issues including record visitor numbers to Historic Environment Scotland's properties and planned activities in the 2018 Year of Young People. I also meet the…

4 Dec 2017 · First Minister's Question

To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the EIS's reported opposition to plans to disband the independent General Teaching Council for Scotland.

29 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how much the upcoming mission to India to promote Scottish higher education will cost, and who will pay for this.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Deputy First Minister John Swinney travelled to India for a series of engagements to promote trade and investment between Scotland and India in the areas of education, skills, energy and water. On his four-day trip to Mumbai and Delhi, the Deputy First Minist…

29 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-12787 by Jamie Hepburn on 28 November 2017, whether it will set out each of the outcomes in the provision of services under the contracts that will benefit the local community that the service providers have committed to, and what its response is to…

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: Fair Start Scotland (FSS) Providers are contractually required to report their community benefit measures and achievements. The Service Providers regardless of their location are required to deliver community benefits through these Contracts and provide a r…

29 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-12789 by Jamie Hepburn on 28 November 2017, whether the concept of island-proofing was considered in the tendering process. 

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: As part of the tendering process to deliver Fair Start Scotland, bidders were asked to set out in their response how they, and their consortium and/or supply chain members would provide accessible locations across the lot in which they bid, providing evidence…

27 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government who the members are of the advisory committee on chronic pain; to whom does it report; what its remit is, and when it will next meet.

Answer · Shona Robison: The National Advisory Committee for Chronic (NACCP) reports to Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Health and Sport.The current membership of the NACCP is; Dr Gregor Smith - Deputy Chief Medical Officer [Chair] Professor Blair Smith - National Lead Clinician …

20 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government by what date the review of the water and sewerage charges exemption scheme will conclude.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The report summarising the findings and recommendations of the review is currently with stakeholders for final comments. I expect the report to be published by the Scottish Government within the next few weeks.

15 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-12253 by Jamie Hepburn on 10 November 2017, whether, in line with the concept of island proofing, it makes a presumption towards island-based charities when awarding contracts for programmes.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: In developing the Scottish Approach to employability support services, the Scottish Government undertook a public consultation - "Creating a Fairer Scotland: Employability Support" – between June and October 2015. We held a large number of face to face events…

15 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-12253 by Jamie Hepburn on 10 November 2017, whether charities are able to bid for Skills Development Scotland contracts if they are only based in one local authority.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: Skills Development Scotland (SDS) does not apply any restrictions on bidders, including Third Sector organisations, who are based in only one Local Authority Area.

15 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-12253 by Jamie Hepburn on 10 November 2017, how companies based in England can provide strong local and regional connections.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: As part of the rigorous tender process for Fair Start Scotland, all bids were assessed on their ability to engage with the local labour market and the wider community. Successful Service Providers have committed to a number of outcomes in the provision of ser…

14 Nov 2017 · Written Question

To ask Scottish Government (a) whether and (b) when discussions have taken place between (i) ministers and (ii) officials of the UK and Scottish governments regarding the franchise for Scottish Parliament elections and eligibility of EU citizens resident in Scotland to stand and vote in Scottish Parliament elections f…

Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Scottish Government has urged the UK Government, including at JMC(EN), to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK post-Brexit. We want EU citizens in Scotland to feel settled and secure, and able to ensure their voices are heard. EU citizens…

1 Nov 2017 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with transferring responsibility for managing the sea bed to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: We will introduce a Crown Estate Bill to establish a framework for the management of Crown Estate assets and we are aiming to include powers to reform who manages individual assets. Crown Estate Scotland (Interim Management) are continuing positive discussi…

30 Oct 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it gave to the location of bidders during the procurement process for the Fair Start Scotland Employability support contract, including whether this was seen as a significant factor; what size of organisation was permitted to tender, and whether charities were its pref…

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: One of the underpinning principles of Fair Start Scotland (FSS) is to design nationally and deliver services locally, encouraging consortia and partnership approaches to delivery. We believe that a mixed economy of public, private and third sector suppliers w…

26 Oct 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-11908 by John Swinney on 25 October 2017, whether it considers that the role of the International Council of Education Advisers should or should not include "second-guessing" the reforms proposed by ministers, and what the reasons are for its positi…

Answer · John Swinney: The role of the International Council of Education Advisers is to advise on the Scottish Government’s priorities for education, including the reform agenda, and to ensure the actions taken are influenced by international best practice.

26 Oct 2017 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-11909 by John Swinney on 25 October 2017, on what date in 2018 the two-year appointment of the council expires.

Answer · John Swinney: The two year appointment of the members of the International Council of Education Advisers will expire on 31 July 2018.