Monica Lennon

28 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can detail its strategy for peatlands restoration.

Answer · Gillian Martin: Publicly funded peatland restoration is delivered by Peatland ACTION – a flagship partnership programme established by the Scottish Government with five public sector delivery partners – NatureScot, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority, Scottish …

28 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met with any private sector organisations to discuss peatlands restoration.

Answer · Gillian Martin: The Scottish Government regularly discusses peatland restoration with private sector organisations mainly through the Peatland ACTION partnership. For example, as part of our Peatland ACTION programme NatureScot works with land management representative orga…

28 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met with representatives of any private investment funds to discuss peatlands restoration.

Answer · Gillian Martin: The Scottish Government have discussed peatland restoration with representatives of private investment funds as part of our commitment to develop a values-led high integrity market for responsible private investment in natural capital. This engagement has inc…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-13295 by Michael Matheson on 22 December 2022, for what reasons it has not joined the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance as a core member.

Answer · Neil Gray: As Michael Matheson advised in line with the Scottish Government’s evidence-led approach to policy development, we were undertaking a programme of work and analysis to better understand Scotland’s energy requirements as we transition to net zero and how this …

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-13295 by Michael Matheson on 22 December 2022, whether it plans to join the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance as a core member.

Answer · Neil Gray: Oil and gas licensing is a matter that is reserved to UK Government. In line with the Scottish Government’s evidence-led approach to policy development, we have completed a programme of work and analysis to better understand Scotland’s energy requirements as …

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when its (a) ministers and (b) officials last discussed the issue of joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance as a core member.

Answer · Neil Gray: Oil and gas licensing is matter that is reserved to UK Government. Through our draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, we have set out a clear pathway to deliver on global commitments and capitalise on the enormous opportunities offered by becoming a …

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide an update on the establishment of a Scottish Government office in Warsaw.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: As previously announced, we intend to open a Scottish Government Office in Warsaw within the lifetime of this Parliament. The office will contribute to a fairer, greener Scotland by promoting Scottish culture and expertise, attracting inward investment and fo…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it last discussed the issue of establishing new Gaelic-medium schools with (a) COSLA and (b) local authorities.

Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The establishment of new Gaelic medium schools is a matter for local authorities and the Scottish Government will seek to provide support where possible. Officials from the Gaelic and Scots team discussed these matters with COSLA in a meeting in June 2022 and…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide an update on the number of listed buildings in Scotland that have been retrofitted with energy efficiency improvements since 1 January 2021.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-20292 on 14 August 2023. 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-committe…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on the number of listed buildings in Scotland that are currently undergoing retrofitting projects relating to energy efficiency improvements.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested. There are an estimated 47,000 listed buildings in Scotland. If listed building consent is required for building alterations associated with energy improvements, this is done through local planni…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government by what date it expects that all listed buildings in Scotland will have been retrofitted with energy efficiency improvements.

Answer · Patrick Harvie: The Heat in Buildings Strategy published in October 2021 set out a pathway to achieve zero emissions from all buildings in Scotland by 2045. As part of a phased approach, our ambition is to see domestic buildings meeting energy efficiency standards of equival…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to commission a study into the cause of mass whale beachings. 

Answer · Gillian Martin: Scottish Government fund the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) which already undertakes investigations into the cause of death of marine animals (e.g. dolphins, whales, porpoises, seals, turtles and basking sharks) stranded around the Scottish c…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how many incidents have (a) taken place and (b) been investigated where pods of whales have died as a result of becoming stranded on beaches in Scotland in each year since 1 January 2021.   

Answer · Gillian Martin: The Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme (SMASS) at the University of Glasgow, is funded by the Scottish Government to provide a coordinated approach to the surveillance of marine species (e.g. cetaceans, seal and basking sharks) strandings around the Sco…

27 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether Marine Scotland plans to launch an investigation into the reported incident of a pod of pilot whales dying after becoming stranded on a beach on the Isle of Lewis.

Answer · Gillian Martin: The response to the mass stranding event of 54 pilot whales at Tolsta, Isle of Lewis last month was led by the Scottish Government-funded Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) at the University of Glasgow. Examinations and samples were undertaken on…

25 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it (a) last met and (b) will next meet with the Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland.

Answer · Jenni Minto: The Scottish Government last met the Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland on 28 July 2023 and the next meeting is scheduled for the 25 August 2023.

25 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it last discussed expanding access to environmental health courses accredited by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland with tertiary education providers.

Answer · Jenni Minto: The Scottish Government last discussed expanding access to environmental health courses accredited by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland with tertiary education providers on 28 June 2023.

25 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to assist local authorities to implement low emission zones in towns.

Answer · Mairi McAllan: The Scottish Government published both the National Low Emission Framework, and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Guidance to assist any local authority wishing to introduce a LEZ to improve air quality. Substantial grant funding has also been provided to assist loca…

25 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions its ministers have had with their counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland regarding amendments to any provisions in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill that could potentially allow the UK Government to legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the releva…

Answer · Shona Robison: Scottish Ministers have discussed their opposition to the UK Government’s Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill with Welsh Government ministers, including during meetings of the Intergovernmental Ministerial Group also attended by UK Government Ministers and sen…

25 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding whether it plans to introduce amendments to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to address the Scottish Government’s concerns as set out in its Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM-S6-23) that provisions in the Bill could pot…

Answer · Shona Robison: Scottish Ministers have been clear that it is for the Scottish Government, accountable to the Scottish Parliament, and not the UK Government to decide how policies in devolved areas are developed and delivered in Scotland, including allocation of funding, in …

25 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will support the UK Government's reported policy to "max out" North sea oil and gas reserves.

Answer · Neil Gray: Decisions on oil and gas exploration and licensing remain reserved to the UK Government. However, the Scottish Government does not support the UK Government’s approach to oil and gas policy. The unlimited extraction of fossil fuels is not consistent with Sc…

25 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-19464 by Shona Robison on 24 July 2023, whether it will consider amending section 5 of the air travel policy to mandate that all official domestic trips within Scotland and the UK undertaken by ministers and officials utilise terrestrial or maritime…

Answer · Shona Robison: We are actively exploring various measures to address emissions from business travel. As part of this process, we will consult on amending the air travel policy to mandate terrestrial or maritime modes of travel for official domestic trips within Scotland and…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had at the Prime Minister and Heads of Devolved Governments Council regarding any implications for Scotland of potentially re-assessing the UK's military presence in Scotland, in light of the Scottish Affairs Committee's ongoing Defence in Scotland inquiry.

Answer · Angus Robertson: There was no discussion at the Heads of Devolved Governments Council regarding the UK’s Military presence in Scotland. However, we have previously highlighted to the Scottish Affairs Committee decisions made by the UK Government on defence, which is a reserv…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-18723 by Graeme Day on 20 June 2023, whether it can provide an update on its progress towards delivering a Scottish Education Exchange Programme.

Answer · Graeme Dey: Over the summer, the Scottish Government will continue to work with partners to develop a 1-year Scottish Education Exchange test and learn pilot programme, to commence in 2023-24.    

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering establishing or entering into a transnational vocational training scheme for apprentices.

Answer · Graeme Dey: Those opting to take part in an apprenticeship are employed by various organisations across Scotland. Therefore, it is at the discretion of individual employers in regards to placement opportunities available outside of Scotland and the rest of the UK. The S…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-19414 by Jenni Minto on 11 July 2023, what the names are of the new pathway alternatives that are offered by each NHS board; how long patients generally wait before being offered an alternative pathway; how many patients choose alternative pathways …

Answer · Jenni Minto: The number of patients waiting for first appointments with specialist chronic pain services and the length of wait they experience is published by Public Health Scotland. The latest report can be found here: https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/chr…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recent survey findings of the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland that almost two fifths of Scottish SMEs have limited or no understanding of government targets relating to net zero, including how these will impact their business, and how it plans to ad…

Answer · Patrick Harvie: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19812 on? 1 August 2023. 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-committe…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recent survey findings of the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland that, of the businesses that have never offered an apprenticeship, two fifths had not done so due to not having the financial resources to do so, and how it plans to address these finding…

Answer · Graeme Dey: Small and micro businesses tend to make up a high percentage of Modern Apprentice (MA) employers. Data from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) shows that in 2019, 49.7% of MA employers were microbusinesses (0-9 employees) and 30.8% were small businesses (10-49…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recent survey findings of the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland that four fifths of Scottish SMEs have not engaged with any government support initiatives regarding the transition to net zero, and how it plans to address these findings.

Answer · Patrick Harvie: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19812 on? 1 August 2023. 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-committe…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can detail any (a) internal and (b) external discussions it has had regarding a permanent memorial to the victims of forced adoption, since the First Minister's statement to the Parliament on historic forced adoption on 22 March 2023.

Answer · Natalie Don: We are considering the calls for a meaningful and fitting recognition of the pain and trauma suffered by those with experience of historic forced adoption. It is Scottish Government policy that the costs of creating and maintaining memorials are not to be met…

21 Jul 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to make access to adoption records easier, since the First Minister's statement to the Parliament on historic forced adoption on 22 March 2023.

Answer · Natalie Don: The Scottish Government continues to engage with National Records of Scotland and adoption agencies to understand further the challenges in accessing adoption records. We have also commissioned research to explore the unmet needs of those people affected by…