Minutes: 07 May 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

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

2. Consideration of continued petitions:

The Committee considered the following continued petitions:

• PE1931: Improve the R100 rollout by prioritising properties who currently have speeds of less than 5 Mbps. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE1989: Increase defibrillators in public spaces and workplaces. The Committee agreed to invite the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health to give evidence at a future meeting.

• PE2101: Provide Defibrillators for all Primary and Secondary Schools in Scotland. The Committee agreed to invite the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health to give evidence at a future meeting.

• PE2018: Recognise the value of swimming pools and provide financial relief to help keep pools open. The Committee agreed to seek a Chamber debate on the issues raised by this petition, and to write to the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport.

• PE2034: Stop the current proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HMPAs) in Scotland. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE2081: Make chronic kidney disease a key clinical priority. The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.

• PE2082: Improve the support provided to families affected by cot death. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. In closing the petition, the Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government.

• PE2083: Review the rules to ensure that no dog becomes more dangerous as a result of breed specific regulations. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE2090: Update the legislation granting permission for Digital Display Boards. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE2102: Require anyone found guilty of rape or sexual assault to be registered as a sex offender. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Sentencing Council, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, and the Lord Advocate. 

3. Consideration of a new petition:

The Committee considered the following new petition: 

• PE2147: Create more women-only homeless accommodation that protects and meets the specific needs of women. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. 
  

4. Consideration of report:

The Committee agreed to consider a revised draft report: A blueprint for participation - embedding deliberative democracy in the work of the Scottish Parliament, at a future meeting. 

5. Petition signature process:

The Committee agreed its policy on the removal of signatures from petitions.