Minutes: 21 May 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4, 5 and 6 in private.

2. Consideration of continued petitions:

The Committee considered the following continued petitions: 

• PE2020: Provide fertility treatment to single women. The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Public Health and Women's Health.    

• PE2025: Improve the support available to victims of domestic violence, who have been forced to flee their home. The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Victims and Community Safety.  

• PE2088: Help eliminate cervical cancer through improved and at home HPV testing. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE2093: Review and update the Scottish Ministerial Code. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.  

• PE2108: Obtain a second medical opinion before detainment under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

• PE2111: Fund early learning and childcare from 9 months. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

3. Consideration of new petitions:

The Committee considered the following new petitions: 

• PE2141: Support the neurodiverse community by providing funding for psychoeducation. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. 

• PE2144: Ban the sale and use of artificial sweeteners in food and drinks. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

• PE2145: Bring in compulsory microchipping for cats in Scotland. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government.  

• PE2148: Improve Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services transition. The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport. 

4. Consideration of report:

The Committee considered a revised draft report: A blueprint for participation - embedding deliberative democracy in the work of the Scottish Parliament. The report was agreed for publication. The Committee also agreed to delegate authority to the Convener to finalise arrangements for publication.   

5. End of session planning:

The Committee agreed its approach to new petitions between now and dissolution, including the cut-off date for considering new petitions.

6. Annual report:

The Committee considered a draft annual report for the Parliamentary year from 13 May 2024 to 12 May 2025. The Committee delegated to the Convener responsibility for finalising the draft report for publication.