Questions · Richard Leonard

26 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what policy options are under consideration for procuring second-hand tonnage on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract, as part of the Islands Connectivity Plan.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: CMAL continue to be tasked by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to seek suitable second hand tonnage. Where a vessel is thought to have the potential to supplement the existing fleet, a business case will developed to be considered by Ministers. …

26 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how much CMAL has spent, to date, from the budgets in the Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) for the procurement of new (a) vessels and (b) pier and harbour infrastructure.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The requested spend information is as follows a) Vessel spend to date since the launch of the IIP has been just over £145.1m. This funding aligns to the Islay class vessels which were increased from two to four vessels. b) The capital investment funding pro…

20 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it will consult with employers to assess any impact of the ScotRail peak fares removal trial on businesses, including on business costs associated with any employee travel in the course of their work.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The final evaluation of the pilot will assess the effectiveness of the Pilot against the First Minister’s priorities of eradicating child poverty, growing Scotland’s economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving Scotland’s public services. The value f…

20 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what recommendation has been made regarding the peak fares removal trial, following the ScotRail board meeting on 18 April 2024.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: As announced by the First Minister in May, the Pilot was extended for a further three months until 27 September 2024. This was based on the existing data available and allows for a longer evaluation period to gather additional data on the pilot’s effectivenes…

20 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how the ScotRail peak fares removal trial contributes to supporting its commitment to (a) flexible working and (b) supporting family-friendly policies with a range of employers.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Removing the timing restrictions on off-peak fares helps to simplify ticket options and supports flexible working practices which have grown in popularity. Such simplicity is also helpful in providing more flexible choices for families.

20 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it has consulted trade unions representing the workers in the rail industry during the ScotRail peak fares removal trial.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Government regularly engages with the rail trade unions who have long campaigned for this Pilot and their members are key to the successful implementation of it to date.

20 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what additional steps are being taken in the coming months to increase awareness of the peak fares removal trial on ScotRail services.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Transport Scotland has written to a range of stakeholders to publicise the pilot as well as the ongoing public survey which will form an input into the final evaluation of the pilot. In addition, ScotRail has ran an extensive marketing campaign across radio,…

18 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) total and (b) annual cost is of its contract with Trainline to run the ScotRail ticketing app and website.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28245 on 10 July 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-committees…

18 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when its contract with Trainline to run the ScotRail ticketing app and website will expire.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28245 on 10 July 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-committees…

18 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of ScotRail tickets were sold through the Trainline app or website in each of the last 24 months, also broken down by (a) percentage and (b) total revenue.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: This is an operational matter for ScotRail. The Member may wish to contact ScotRail directly.

11 Jun 2024 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government how many homes provided by social landlords have been identified as containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

7 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it engages with rail companies that employ staff in Scotland, and in what ways it expects the Fair Work Framework principles to be applied.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Our vision is for Scotland to be a leading Fair Work Nation by 2025, where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society. In the absence of powers over employment legislation, the Scottish Government…

7 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has had with Avanti West Coast regarding the current dispute with the RMT union, in which catering staff have reportedly highlighted concerns regarding the disruption to work-life balance as a result of rosters being frequently amended at very short notice.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Whilst we expect public bodies to implement and promote Fair Work First in all relevant procurement processes, (and suppliers delivering public contracts) Avanti West Coast is contracted by, and reports directly to, the UK Government and the Scottish Governme…

7 Jun 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the employment practices for caterers at Avanti West Coast are compliant with the Fair Work Framework.

Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Our vision is for Scotland to be a leading Fair Work Nation by 2025, where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society. Whilst the Scottish Government expects public bodies to implement and promote…

22 May 2024 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it anticipates the first payment of Employment Injury Assistance will be made.

8 May 2024 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the owners of the Grangemouth refinery, its workers and trade unions regarding the future of the site.

30 Apr 2024 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Forestry Grant Scheme is fit for purpose.

24 Apr 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will conduct an assessment of any environmental impact of replacing grass pitches with artificial turf pitches that includes a full life-cycle assessment of the manufacture, use and disposal of artificial turf pitches and crumb rubber from playgrounds.

Answer · Maree Todd: We will give full consideration to new research in this area, and we are supportive of efforts to examine evidence on the wider impacts of microplastics which will be material to helping shape any future regulation. sport scotland are following the study bei…

24 Apr 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of international research and the European Chemicals Agency’s evidence-based assessment for banning microplastic 3G crumb rubber infills, whether it will now take steps to immediately start phasing out this reported pollutant.

Answer · Maree Todd: We will give full consideration to new research in this area, and we are supportive of efforts to examine evidence on the wider impacts of microplastics which will be material to helping shape any future regulation. EU legislation designed to protect the env…

24 Apr 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will conduct a comparative assessment of the (a) short-, (b) medium- and (c) long-term environmental impact of creating a standard sized natural grass football, rugby or hockey pitch, compared with 3G artificial surfaces of the same size.

Answer · Maree Todd: We will give full consideration to new research in this area, and we are supportive of efforts to examine evidence on the wider impacts of microplastics which will be material to helping shape any future regulation. EU legislation designed to protect the env…

24 Apr 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will incentivise (a) local authorities and (b) other public bodies to install sustainable artificial sports surfaces or natural grass pitches and playgrounds.

Answer · Maree Todd: We have no current plans to offer incentives. Local Authorities and other Public Bodies will need to make an assessment as to which materials are best suited for their projects.

24 Apr 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what changes it has made to procurement guidance since 2019 in order to reduce the amount of crumb rubber infill being discharged into seas and rivers.

Answer · Maree Todd: Public bodies have their own procurement policies and this should reflect their priorities in the design and construction of sports facilities. There are already alternatives on the market such as cork, corn husks and olive pits amongst others. sport scotlan…

2 Apr 2024 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on when it anticipates that it will be able to provide certainty to Skills Development Scotland regarding its budget for 2024-25.

Answer · Graeme Dey: Since the publication of the Scottish Government’s budget in December, and in the face the most challenging budget since devolution, we have worked closely with SDS to maximise front line delivery within their overall allocation. Letters of guidance setting o…