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Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-16962

Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 17 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide any data that it holds regarding response times by SafeDeposits Scotland to its customers.

SafeDeposits Scotland has a duty to provide a quarterly performance report of the scheme’s performance measured against the key performance indicators (KPIs) in the Schedule to the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 .

The latest quarterly performance report indicates all KPIs have been met, with the average call response time was 12 seconds and email response time was 8 minutes.

Question reference: S6W-16484

Asked by: Sue Webber, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 17 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many fast-track cancer diagnosis centres it (a) has built to date and (b) plans to build in the future, and whether it will provide as much detail as possible on any proposals it has to build more centres.

Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (formerly known as Early Cancer Diagnostic Centre) are established within existing NHS infrastructure.

RCDSs provide primary care with access to a new fast-track diagnostic pathway for patients with non-specific symptoms suspicious of cancer, such as weight loss and fatigue. So far, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Fife, NHS Dumfries & Galloway and NHS Borders have established a RCDS with NHS Lanarkshire expected to be operational by June 2023.

Question reference: S6W-17225

Asked by: Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what involvement it has had with the proposed Scottish Power Energy Networks Glenmuckloch to Glenglass Reinforcement Project; whether it has carried out any environmental and nature impact assessment, and whether it assessed the feasibility of undergrounding the project, either in part or in full.

Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) submitted an application for consent for the Glenmuckloch to Glenglass Overhead Line (OHL) Reinforcement Project to Scottish Ministers on 16 January 2023.

The application was accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) which assesses the significant environmental effects of the project and contains the consideration of alternatives to the chosen route (including undergrounding).

This is a live application and therefore it would not be appropriate for Scottish Ministers to take any views on it.

Question reference: S6W-17052

Asked by: Fiona Hyslop, MSP for Linlithgow, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 14 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether any further consideration has been given to the introduction of a mediation bill, in light of the recommendations made in the 2019 report, Bringing Mediation into the Mainstream in Civil Justice in Scotland, which proposed introducing a mandatory requirement on parties to attend a session about mediation, funding options and primary legislation by way of a mediation act.

The Scottish Government response to the recommendations of the Report of the Independent Review of Mediation in the Civil Justice System in Scotland was published in December 2019. As set out in that response, we confirmed our intention to work with key stakeholders on a collaborative basis to fully understand the implications of those proposals in order to assist help shape any potential future legislative reform.

The Scottish Government established a Dispute Resolution Group consisting of key organisations and agencies representing a wide range of interests including dispute resolution organisations, Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service and consumer bodies to develop and shape an evidence-based package of reform aimed at mainstreaming the use of mediation in the civil justice system in Scotland. The Group met in 2020 but the work of the Group ceased due to the combined pressures of responding to Brexit and COVID 19.

The Scottish Government is using its existing powers to provide funding to key Mediation and Arbitration delivery organisations to give our citizens access to flexible, affordable and less stressful means of settling disputes benefitting them and saving time in courts.

We are also working with key stakeholders to continue the expansion of the availability of mediation services across Scotland to ensure access to justice for all our citizens.

Question reference: S6W-17053

Asked by: Fiona Hyslop, MSP for Linlithgow, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 14 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what protections are in place for anyone who has had unfounded allegations put against them during divorce proceedings, and who, as a result, must underatke costly legal proceedings.

The majority of divorce actions are undefended and therefore do not require the non-applicant party to incur the expenses involving in entering the proceedings.

Where a divorce action is defended, either party may be eligible for civil legal aid.

The courts may make orders on how legal expenses incurred in a case should be met. The Scottish Government’s understanding is that in doing so the court can take account of a party’s behaviour in making or defending their case.

If the member wishes to write to me with additional information, I may be able to offer further comment.

Question reference: S6W-16820

Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 11 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential public health implications of the closure of the charity, HIV Scotland, including any impact on the Scottish Government’s target to achieve zero HIV transmissions in Scotland by 2030.

HIV Scotland, along with all our third sector organisations, have made a significant contribution to Scotland’s goal of eliminating HIV Transmissions by 2030.

We were saddened to hear of the decision to close the organisation, and thank HIV Scotland for their support for people living with HIV in Scotland, and their valuable input across the sector.

Whilst their contribution will be missed, Scotland has a number of other excellent third sector organisations who share our ambition to eliminate HIV transmission within Scotland by 2030, and to improve the lives of those living with HIV. By working in partnership, I remain confident that we will meet those goals.

As one example, HIV Scotland were previously funded to lead the HIV self-test pilot which expands testing services so people can order a test in the privacy of their own home. Terrance Higgins Trust will now be funded to provide the service and mitigate any risk to the at-home testing service.

Question reference: S6O-02163

Asked by: Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 April 2023
Current Status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 27 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to raise awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, in light of recent reported incidences of sheep worrying.

Lambing and calving are now underway in many parts of Scotland and it is troubling to see reports on social media of irresponsible behaviour by dog owners. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 has been in force for over a year and provides Police Scotland and the courts with greater powers to deal with those who allow their dogs to worry, attack or kill livestock in Scotland’s countryside.

We want everyone, including dog owners, to enjoy their right to access Scotland’s stunning countryside and landscapes responsibly. I would encourage people to familiarise and remind themselves of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and to exercise caution and vigilance when in and around farms and fields with livestock to help prevent livestock worrying incidents.

Question reference: S6O-02190

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 4 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce a Scottish Child Payment top-up for parents under the age of 25 who are in receipt of Universal Credit, as called for by the End Young Parent Poverty campaign, in light of it reportedly being supported by more than 30 charities and civil society groups.

Question reference: S6O-02188

Asked by: Maurice Golden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 4 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how it is improving data gathering in relation to health outcomes.

Question reference: S6O-02189

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 4 May 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the plans for a pilot scheme to provide free school meals in secondary schools.