Oliver Mundell

18 May 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-35339 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 February 2021, whether it will provide an update on the steps it is taking to improve the response times for enquiries to SEPA, given that responses to some routine enquiries are reported to be taking in excess of …

Answer · Michael Matheson: Following the criminal cyber-attack on SEPA in December 2020, the Scottish Government is working with SEPA, Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, to a clear recovery strategy in response to a complex …

14 May 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to increase the frequency of passenger train services between Kilmarnock and Dumfries.

Answer · Graeme Dey: As a result of the easing of the COVID restrictions the ScotRail timetable changed on 17 May adding over 400 extra trains across the Scottish network including two additional Glasgow to Dumfries services in each direction.

13 May 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what further support it plans to make available to assist wholesalers that are continuing to face adverse trading conditions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer · Kate Forbes: It is clear that this is an extremely difficult time for businesses of all kinds across Scotland, and the Scottish Government is fully aware of the economic impact that restrictions have had, not least on the food and drink wholesale sector. Whilst we know th…

11 Mar 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what criteria must be met for the cross-border transport restrictions that have been put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to be lifted.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government’s timetable for easing restrictions, published on 16 March ( Coronavirus (COVID-19): timetable for easing restrictions - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) , set out that the current ban on non-essential travel to and from Scotland and the rest…

11 Mar 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that people in the NHS Dumfries and Galloway area who are waiting for a hip replacement operation are given a date for their surgery, such as the cases that have been highlighted in the Dumfries & Galloway Standard.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: The national Clinical Prioritisation Framework for Supporting Elective Care across NHS Scotland was published in November last year.  This Framework sets out the key principles that NHS Boards should follow when considering decisions around prioritising cases…

8 Mar 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of a draft being circulated in September 2019, when the final version of the application guidance for the cultivation for upland productive woodland creation sites will be published, and what the reasons have been for any delay.

Answer · Fergus Ewing: Scottish Forestry has been working with a range of stakeholders to develop operational guidance on soil cultivation for woodland creation in Scotland. A final draft of this guidance is being considered by Scottish Forestry’s Customer Representatives Group at…

5 Mar 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether acupuncturists are allowed to practice under the current COVID-19 restrictions and, if not, for what reason they have been offered vaccinations as healthcare workers.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government follows the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) Guidance in the planning of vaccine delivery. This evidence based guidance advises that the single greatest risk of mortality from COVID-19 is increasing age, and that …

4 Mar 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S5W-34988 and S5W-35371 by Roseanna Cunningham on 4 and 26 February 2021 respectively, what its position is on the social and cultural heritage associated with falconry, and what steps it is taking to preserve this, particularly in areas where blue ha…

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: The Scottish Government recognises the social and cultural heritage associated with falconry. Blue (or mountain) hares are now a protected species following the passage of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act in June 202…

4 Mar 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to classroom learning assistants who work in close contact with pupils where social distancing is not possible.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: The JCVI list now includes staff directly involved in the direct care of children and young people with the most complex additional healthcare needs who are clinically vulnerable to severe effects of COVID. They may be at higher risk of exposure due to their …

1 Mar 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government on what date further COVID-19 grant support for bed and breakfasts will become available.

Answer · Fergus Ewing: B&Bs paying Non-Domestic Rates are already eligible to apply for financial support from the Strategic Framework Business Fund. An equivalent support scheme for B&Bs paying council tax opens for applications on 15 March. This is after work to ensure the suppor…

22 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether twice-weekly COVID-19 testing will be available for nursery staff in the private, voluntary and independent sector.

Answer · Maree Todd: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-35275 on? 3 March 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/…

19 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how the planned licensing system for blue hare will accommodate falconry as a purpose.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: I refer the member to the answer to question S5W–34988 on 12 February 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusine…

19 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how (a) bed and breakfast owners and (b) other stakeholders will be represented on the working group considering guidance for short-term lets.

Answer · Kevin Stewart: A wide range of interests, including self-caterers, bed and breakfast owners and rural interests are represented on the working group considering guidance for short-term lets. The bed and breakfast owners are represented by the Scottish Bed and Breakfast Asso…

18 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that SEPA is able to respond to elected representatives and members of the public in a timely manner.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham: Scottish Government Officials are working closely with SEPA to ensure that there is minimum disruption to elected representatives and members of the public. SEPA quickly re-established key services after the cyber-attack and SEPA’s Service Status page, which …

18 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there is no option to appeal or re-apply to the Mobile Close Contact Fund under any circumstances, including when an administrative error has been made.

Answer · Kate Forbes: Anyone affected by the initial systems error of the Mobile and Home Based Close Contact Services Fund and the Newly Self Employed Hardship Fund has already been invited to re-apply for these funds. Applicants who are concerned they have made a mistake in the…

15 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer treatment and survival rates.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: The majority of cancer treatments have and will continue throughout the pandemic. Some patient’s treatment plans will change to minimise their individual risk. Those that require changes will always be done on a clinical basis and will be in discussion with t…

15 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will conduct a feasibility study on extending the Borders Railway to include an alternative route via Langholm.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The Scottish Government’s second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) is underway and includes consideration of options to extend Borders Rail from Tweedbank to Carlisle and also towards Berwick-upon-Tweed. Phase 2 of STPR2 will conclude in autumn 2021…

15 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-34977 by Jamie Hepburn on 15 February 2021, what support is available for employees who worked at stores that have closed permanently.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government provides support for individuals affected by redundancy through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment, PACE initiative. Despite restrictions in place as a result of the pandemic, we are continuing to provide PACE support thr…

9 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the provisions in the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill as introduced, what the burden of proof for survivors or victims is, and what this would mean in practice where official records do not exist.

Answer · John Swinney: The stage 2 proceedings for the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill concluded on Wednesday 17 February 2021. Given the importance of Redress Scotland being independent, the burden of proof lies with the applicant. This means…

9 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the provisions in the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill as introduced, whether people who can prove on the balance of probabilities that they were in receipt of a local authority bursary to attend a denominational boarding school where they…

Answer · John Swinney: The stage 2 proceedings for the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill concluded on 17 February 2021. As amended, the Bill applies the civil standard of proof - “on the balance of probabilities”. The Bill therefore provides tha…

9 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discretion local authorities have to reduce or suspend business rates where a property has unexpectedly become empty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer · Kate Forbes: Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, local authorities have wide-ranging powers to award bespoke non-domestic rates reliefs to reflect local needs and circumstances. This may apply to a sole business, sector or area. The relief may be an adapt…

8 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to (a) prevent suicide and (b) highlight the support available during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Answer · Clare Haughey: The Scottish Government believes that no death by suicide should be regarded as inevitable. Immediate support is available to anyone who is experiencing distress or symptoms of depression by contacting a local GP, NHS24, and NHS Inform website. In August 201…

4 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that NHS-funded providers of independent advocacy for people with mental health issues, including the Dumfries and Galloway Advocacy Service, are not entitled to the Health and Social Care Staff Bonus.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: The £500 recognition payment relates to staff covered by NHS payment and remuneration arrangements and staff in organisations registered with the Scottish Social Services Council. For other key workers, it will be for their employers to determine their remune…

3 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the retail sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, including employees of  stores closed by the COVID-19 restrictions.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn: The Scottish Government recognises the enormous challenges facing the retail sector, exacerbated by the direct impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions in place to inhibit its spread. Since the start of the pandemic we have allocated more than £3 billion to s…

2 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the plans to reopen Thornhill Station.

Answer · Michael Matheson: The South West Scotland Transport Study (SWSTS), published in January 2020, includes the option for re-opening of a railway station at Thornhill within a package of measures to deliver new stations on the Glasgow South Western Line, such as at Cumnock, Thornh…

2 Feb 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what advice there is for people with allergies, such as to eggs and penicillin, who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon: Based on the clinical advise, neither egg nor penicillin allergies are contraindications to the COVID-19 vaccine More general information can be accessed via Covid-19 leaflet here: COVID-19 vaccination What to expect leaflet (healthscotland.com)

28 Jan 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to help ensure that manufacturers in Scotland benefit from public sector contracts.

Answer · Ivan McKee: The Supply Chains Development Programme, announced in the Sept 2020 Programme for Government, is a key part of our economic recovery approach. It spans sectors where we see sustainable economic potential to grow Scottish supply chains and will explore how we …

27 Jan 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it is allocating to drug awareness and prevention.

Answer · Angela Constance: The First Minister recently announced that we have committed to provide additional funding of £250m over the next session of the parliament, with an additional £5m being made available immediately to ensure priority work is initiated as quickly as…

27 Jan 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has reviewed funding newly self-employed people are able to access where they are also claiming universal credit, in light of recent changes for taxi drivers.

Answer · Kate Forbes: Yes. We have written to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) seeking assurances that receipt of Covid 19 business grant support from the Scottish Government will not impact individuals’ state benefits entitlement. In the absence of a reply on that issue …

27 Jan 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what support is being given to those undergoing teacher training who have not been able to complete their placements in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the rest of Scotland.

Answer · John Swinney: The national COVID-19 Education Recovery Group is overseeing work being led by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and supported by the Scottish Government, the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland and the Scottish Council of Deans o…