Parliamentary questions
Monica Lennon
3,484 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
1 Jun 2021 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will begin and conclude its review of the role of incineration in Scotland’s waste hierarchy.
1 Jun 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding an inquiry into the historical practice of forced adoption.
Answer · Clare Haughey: I have recently written to Ms Vicky Ford MP, Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Children and Families, to request a meeting to discuss this issue.
27 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will define religious events, such as Baptisms and Holy Communions, as “life events” in order for them to take place safely, allowing for celebration in residential and public places.
Answer · Christina McKelvie: We acknowledge how challenging these past 15 months have been for everyone in our society, including our faith and belief communities who have not been able to come together to celebrate important occasions as they normally would. Ceremonies that take place…
27 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of any research regarding the benefits of using Ivermectin as a prophylactic measure in the treatment of COVID-19.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is aware that Ivermectin, administered orally, is being studied for safety and efficacy in numerous clinical trials worldwide. This includes an exploratory study being conducted within the UK: ht…
27 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements are in place for individuals whose circumstances require them to receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination in a different UK nation from where they received their first dose.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: Those who change address from any part of the UK after a first vaccination are advised to register with a local General Practitioner (GP) as soon as possible at their new address in order that they become known to their local Health Board. A Community Health …
25 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when children under the age of 18, especially those with health conditions, will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine.
Answer · Maree Todd: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-00061 on? 26 May 2021. 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…
25 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review non-domestic rates.
Answer · Tom Arthur: The Scottish Government commissioned an independent review of the non-domestic rates system in 2017 chaired by Ken Barclay, which provided recommendations aimed at improvements to better support business growth, long term investment and reflect changing marke…
25 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to support town centre businesses affected by the change of working patterns with more people working from home in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answer · Tom Arthur: We are focused on supporting town centre businesses affected by change of working patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the shorter term and for longer term adaption. We have extended 100% non-domestic rates relief for all retail, leisure, aviation …
21 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will introduce a register of interests for the judiciary.
Answer · Keith Brown: It was a manifesto commitment of the SNP to create a register of interests for members of the judiciary to improve transparency and trust in the justice system. Now that the new government is in place, we will start looking at ways this register can be intr…
21 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, following the mass disruption in George Square on 15 May 2021, what support is available to businesses who were advised to close due to concerns for their welfare.
Answer · Keith Brown: Operational policing decisions are matters for the Chief Constable, however Police Scotland confirmed that dialogue was maintained with business premises in the relevant locations contacted prior to 15 May 2021 where details of any threats, risks or potential…
21 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the forecast by Audit Scotland that Scotland’s colleges face a £54 million funding gap.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: I refer the member to the answer to the question S6T-00024 on? 26 May 2021, which can be found here: Meeting of the Parliament: 26/05/2021 | Scottish Parliament Website
21 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish details, including minutes, of all dealings between its ministers and/or officials and Mr Sanjeev Gupta.
Answer · Ivan McKee: The Scottish Government is committed to openness and transparency and updates Parliament regularly on discussions relating to Gupta Family Group companies. On 11 February 2021, Fergus Ewing the then Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy updated the Financ…
21 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, what action it is taking to support businesses that rely on tourism.
Answer · Ivan McKee: We are doing everything we can with the limited powers available to us to support the tourism sector. We have extended 100% NDR relief, which is more generous than the equivalent rates reliefs available in other UK nations, for all retail, leisure and hospit…
20 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that people who are on frontline placements with the NHS or other public sector organisations, and who require to drive to carry out their duties, will be able to access driving tests and driving theory tests, in light of the reported backlog caused by …
Answer · Graeme Dey: The UK government`s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is responsible for the delivery of driving tests in Scotland, however the Scottish government works closely with the DVSA to ensure that waiting times to access a driving test are minimised as muc…
20 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date a decision will be announced on social distancing measures at events such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and what action is being taken to safeguard the viability of such cultural events and protect jobs.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: Physical distancing has been an important element in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and we recognise that physical distancing has an impact on how businesses are able to operate and has an impact on the profitability of all businesses. The Scottish Govern…
18 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will align with Global Travel Taskforce arrangements simultaneously with other nations, to ensure that travel agents and the wider travel industry can resume business operations in line with the four nations approach.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government will take decisions on international travel in the best interests of Scotland at the right time and based on the scientific evidence available. The Global Travel Taskforce and its recommendations are for the UK Government, but where po…
18 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide guidance on the vaccine certification required by some cruise companies to allow passengers to sail.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: NHS Inform website provides guidance on what vaccination status records can, and cannot be used for. This is available at: www.nhsinform.scot/covid19status
17 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle and reduce any waste and pollution caused by the clothing and fashion industry.
Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government recognises the need to tackle our throw-away culture, which includes so-called ‘fast fashion’. For example, the Revolve Programme run by Zero Waste Scotland already seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of responsible consumption by…
17 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to address the reported disparities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake among different ethnic groups.
Answer · Humza Yousaf: It is vital for the current Covid-19 vaccination programme to reach everyone and that no one is left behind, both for individual health and our collective community wellbeing. In order to achieve this, we have embedded inclusion as a key aspect of our nation…
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many fatalities have resulted from house fires in the last 12 months.
Answer · Ash Denham: According to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Performance Data analysis for the year 2020-2021 the total number of dwelling fire fatalities stands at 46, with a further 7 in non-dwelling property types. As further information may yet come to light, for…
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support unemployed young people into jobs.
Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Young Person’s Guarantee, launched in November 2020, has the ambition that, within two years, every person aged between 16 and 24 will have the opportunity to study; take up an apprenticeship, job or work experience; or participate in formal volunteering.…
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date taxi (a) drivers will receive their second COVID-19 grant of up to £1,500 and (b) operators will receive their £10,000 COVID-19 payment.
Answer · Kate Forbes: The Scottish Government is working with a range of key sector stakeholders and local authorities to meet this commitment and make payments at the earliest opportunity within the first 100 days of the administration.
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce a moratorium on new incinerators.
Answer · Michael Matheson: Our commitment to becoming a net-zero society by 2045 is unwavering. In 2019, the whole-life carbon impact of Scotland’s household waste reached its lowest level since official recording began. To further accelerate progress, Scottish Ministers are fully com…
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date it will publish the Women’s Health Plan.
Answer · Maree Todd: The Scottish Government is making good progress with the development of a Women’s Health Plan and aims to publish it within the first 100 days of this new government.
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with McVitie's regarding preventing the proposed closure of its Glasgow factory, and what action it is taking to support workers at the site.
Answer · Kate Forbes: The Scottish Government was deeply concerned to learn that Pladis (McVitie’s) is entering into a consultation with its workforce over the potential closure of its Tollcross site. The Scottish Government has engaged with Pladis, as well as unions (GMB and Unit…
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made regarding improving treatment for women after they have experienced a miscarriage.
Answer · Maree Todd: The Scottish Government has given a commitment to establishing a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women. The aim is to support the development of individualised care plans after a woman’s first miscarriage and ensure mater…
13 May 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce legislation to give effect to "Anne’s Law" by granting care home relatives designated legal status.
Answer · Kevin Stewart: We are committed to strengthening residents’ rights in adult residential settings as part of a rights-based approach to care. This will include working quickly to assess what the most effective way, or ways, would be of giving effect to Anne’s law, where resi…
17 Mar 2021 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government what financial commitment it has made to support the delivery of the refreshed Heart Disease Improvement Plan.
11 Mar 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the number of medical school places for Scotland-domiciled students, including for graduate-entry programmes.
Answer · Jeane Freeman: We have asked NHS Lothian to carry out a review of its eye care services. We remain committed to working with NHS Lothian to support this and protect specialised eye services for the city and the wider region. Health Boards do not receive the funding for ma…
11 Mar 2021 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on when the money that is to be allocated to hospices that have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic will be paid, and how much has been paid to date, broken down by hospice.
Answer · Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the vital role of Scottish Hospices. In June 2020, we provided £10.1m in emergency funding to hospices to meet in full their funding requests for loss of income during the first lockdown period. On the 24 M…