Monica Lennon

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has given to (a) community organisations, (b) third sector organisations and (c) educational facilities in each of the last five years for the explicit aim of promoting an understanding of Scotland's role within the British Empire.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: No direct funding has been provided from the Scottish Government to community organisations, third sector organisations and educational facilities with the explicit aim of promoting an understanding of Scotland’s role within the British Empire. Following th…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government which (a) third sector organisations, (b) campaign groups, (c) activists and (d) other third parties it has consulted or met with to discuss the implementation of education modules within the Curriculum for Excellence that focus on the role that Scotland played within the British Empire.

Answer · Jenny Gilruth: In 2021 we established the Anti-Racism in Education Programme (AREP), with the purpose of developing and delivering an education system in Scotland that is fundamentally anti-racist. As part of the work on the AREP that addresses curriculum reform there has b…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what specific historical subjects and periods are covered in any education modules in the Curriculum for Excellence that focus on the British Empire.

Answer · Jenny Gilruth: As set out in the answer to parliamentary question S6W-16999 on 2 May 2023, within the broad general education phase there is the opportunity to teach the topic of the British Empire within the people, past event and societies section of social studies, and i…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has discussed the issue of education on the history of the British Empire with (a) other devolved governments, (b) the UK Government and (c) international governments.

Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The Scottish Government has not specifically discussed the issue of education on the history of the British Empire with other devolved governments, the UK Government or international governments. However, there are opportunities to engage on curriculum design…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made an assessment of how many historical artefacts there are in Scottish educational institutions that were obtained as a result of colonialism, and what action it is taking to ensure that any such artefacts are returned to their countries of origin.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: Although the Scottish Government has not made an assessment of historical artefacts within Scottish educational institutions obtained as a result of colonialism, it has encouraged public collections to consider the method of acquisition of all objects in thei…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the specific role that Scotland played in the British Empire is highlighted in (a) the school curriculum (b) further education.

Answer · Jenny Gilruth: Colleges operate independently of government, it is for them to decide on the shape of their curriculum, taking into account the needs of the region and communities they serve. In terms of the delivery of national courses (such as national 5s, Highers and Ad…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that the history of the British Empire is taught in schools.

Answer · Jenny Gilruth: Curriculum for Excellence is a flexible curriculum, and History sits within the wider curriculum area of social studies, with experiences and outcomes that allow for teaching and learning of a very wide range of topics. This ensures that practitioners are abl…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-15469 by Ivan McKee on 16 March 2023, which contractors are part of the 6% that pay less than £10.90 an hour or an equivalent salary; when it last met each of them, and what specific action it is taking to encourage these contractors to pay at least…

Answer · Tom Arthur: The Scottish Government now mandates the real Living Wage in its contracts and those contractors will now pay the real Living Wage either through a change of supplier during a re-let or via contract management processes. As such, we are not aware of any suppl…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government further to the answer to question S6W-00020 by Ash Denham on 27 May 2021, how many fatalities have resulted from house fires since 2020-21, and what assessment it has carried out of the statistics.

Answer · Siobhian Brown: According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Incident Statistics, in 2020-2021 the total number of dwelling fire fatalities was 46. For 2021-22 the total number of fatal casualties from fires in dwellings were 30. SFRS Fire and Rescue Incident st…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-01240 by Humza Yousaf on 9 August 2021, how many deaths have been attributed to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome in each year since 2019, broken down by (a) age group, (b) gender and (c) ethnicity.

Answer · Jenni Minto: Further to question S6W-01240 submitted by Monica Lennon answered by Humza Yousaf on 9 August 2021. The Scottish Government does not hold this information. Information on deaths by cause are held by National Records of Scotland (NRS). Data is available at: L…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-05574 by Keith Brown on 20 January 2022, how many people died while in the custody of the Scottish Prison Service in (a) 2022 and (b) the first quarter of 2023.

Answer · Angela Constance: In response to question (a) There were a total of 44 deaths in SPS custody during 2022. In response to question (b) There have been a total of 4 deaths in SPS custody during the first quarter of 2023. The SPS publishes information regarding all deaths in ou…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote, develop and widen access to pickleball.

Answer · Maree Todd: The Scottish Government recognise the valuable role that sport and physical activity can play to the overall health of the nation. Encouraging people to take part in sport at all levels, including in newer sports such as pickleball, is key to getting more pe…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the Scottish Ambulance Service recorded 60 physical assaults and 37 verbal attacks on paramedics in Lanarkshire from 2020 to 2022, and what national action it is taking to keep paramedics safe at work.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) have assured the Scottish Government that they have a range of measures in place to help protect staff, including training and risk assessments. We will continue to work closely with SAS to monitor the safety and wellbeing…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how many people who received Scottish Child Payment, and whose child met the age conditions, received Best Start Grant (a) Early Learning and (b) School Age Payment, following automatic checks by Social Security Scotland.

Answer · Shirley-Anne Somerville: Social Security Scotland routinely releases information on Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods including applications received, application outcomes, and payments. These are currently available on Social Security Scotland’s statis…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding light pollution and action to reduce any adverse impacts it may have on people and wildlife.

Answer · Mairi McAllan: Local Authorities have a duty to investigate light pollution complaints under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA). The Scottish Government engages with local authorities through the Environmental Health Officers network and relevant …

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-00020 by Ash Denham on 27 May 2021, how many fatalities have resulted from house fires in the last 12 months.

Answer · Siobhian Brown: The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) 2021-2022 Incident Statistics outline that the total number of fatal casualties from fires in dwellings during 2021-2022 was 30. As further information may yet come to light, for example from coroners reports, this …

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when the Minister for Community Safety last met with the Fire Brigades Union, and what issues were discussed.

Answer · Siobhian Brown: The previous Minister for Community Safety met with the FBU on 2 February 2023. This meeting, which included Professor Anna Stec of the University of Central Lancashire, was specifically to discuss issues around the FBU DECON campaign including firefighter he…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding taking preventative action to protect firefighters and their families from carcinogenic contaminants.

Answer · Siobhian Brown: The Scottish Government moved swiftly to meet with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) after the Members debate on the FBU DECON Campaign on 19 January 2023. In addition to regular discussions with the SFRS Chair and Chief Officer, the former Minister…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has appropriate levels of resources to respond to every incident in a safe and timely manner.

Answer · Siobhian Brown: The Scottish Government has continued the commitment to support SFRS service delivery and reform with a further uplift of £10m resource for 2023-24. In recognition of the pay and inflationary pressures faced by SFRS, we have provided SFRS with additional budg…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to (a) monitor and (b) address the incidence of in-work poverty and financial hardship among public sector workers.

Answer · Shona Robison: Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical and interdependent missions for the government along with our focus on the economy and strengthening public services. Our Public Sector Pay Strategy for 2023-24 continues to have explic…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government on what dates its ministers have met with the Scottish National Investment Bank, and, in each case, what was discussed.

Answer · Neil Gray: As the Bank is a non-departmental public body, ministers meet with the Chair and senior officials on a regular basis. These meetings address the Bank’s progress against its strategic aims and how its investment activity across its three missions can support g…

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to build or install a Scottish independence readiness thermometer in a prominent public location.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government has no plans to build or install a Scottish independence readiness thermometer at any location.

3 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government on what date in Spring 2023 it plans to publish its proposed new cancer strategy.

Answer · Michael Matheson: We plan to publish the proposed new cancer strategy in Spring 2023. We do not have a specific date.

1 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that planning authorities are able to recover financial contributions from developers in a timely and efficient manner.

Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: Subject to the tests in Circular 3/2012 being met, planning obligations entered into under Section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 can be used to secure contributions from those carrying out development. Planning obligations are enforc…

1 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what (a) staffing, (b) budgetary and (c) departmental resources will be available to the Minister for Independence to undertake their specific responsibilities for (i) independence strategy, (ii) parliamentary co-ordination and liaison and (iii) communication with people, businesses and …

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-16884 on 25 April 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-committees…

31 Mar 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to mark Reusable Nappy Week 2023.

Answer · Jenni Minto: Whilst the Scottish Government have no official plans to mark “Reuseable Nappy Week 2023”, we promote and raise awareness of reusable nappies by including a voucher for 1 waterproof nappy wrap, with 5 stay dry nappy pads inside Scotland’s Baby Box. As well …

31 Mar 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that it is considering pausing the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme, and if this is the case, whether it will clarify whether it is considering such action in relation to small producers only, or all affected companies.

Answer · Lorna Slater: On 18 April 2023, the First Minister announced that Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will now launch on 1 March 2024. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that businesses of all sizes can participate in our DRS. As a part of this the Minister for…

31 Mar 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prioritise (a) liver cancer and (b) other less survivable cancers in the 10-year cancer strategy, which is due to be published later in 2023.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government’s ambitious 10-year cancer strategy is nearing completion, with publication planned this Spring. The strategy will be under-pinned by action plans which will evolve with the changing cancer landscape. The strategy will take a comprehen…

31 Mar 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of NHS boards currently utilise intelligent Liver Function Testing (iLFT) in primary care to improve early detection of liver disease.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government does not hold this information. This is a matter for Health Boards locally.  

29 Mar 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish the final and statutory version of its guidance on the guiding principles on the environment, under section 17 of UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.

Answer · Mairi McAllan: The Scottish Government plans to present the draft guidance on the guiding principles on the environment, under the provisions of section 17 of the Continuity Act, before the summer recess.