Official Report 235KB pdf
Item one on the agenda is a progress report on the committee's investigation of domestic violence and the issue of interdicts. Committee members will recall that, at the last meeting, we designated Maureen Macmillan to be the reporter on the issue. We now have a brief opportunity to hear from Maureen about who she has spoken to since then and what further action she intends to take.
On 14 October, I visited the Scottish Legal Aid Board, with Richard Walsh, the senior assistant clerk. We met Lindsay Montgomery, the chief executive, and Catriona Whyte, the solicitor to the Scottish Legal Aid Board. They were aware of the committee's discussions on the possibility of extending interdicts and powers of arrest. They were disappointed that they had not been asked to come and speak to us and they raised some issues, mostly of a technical nature. I do not think that it is appropriate to go into that at the moment.
No.
Do members have any questions on the issues that Maureen has raised?
It might be helpful if staff who are not asked to make representations to us are thanked for all they have done and are asked to provide us with a note on the issue. I know that Maureen has given those thanks, but she mentioned further technicalities. Perhaps they could provide those of us who are curious with a note.
Yes.
It might be possible for Maureen, in collaboration with the clerk, to write up the notes of the meeting.
We have notes of the meeting, but I did not think that it was appropriate to present them today.
They would be very useful.
Are there any other questions?
I would like to talk to the Crown Agent about the implications for the fiscal service. I would also like to revisit the Family Law Association with our new proposals; we have moved on since our previous meeting.
So your next step is to go and see the Crown Agent and the Family Law Association.
Has Maureen had the opportunity to consider the final work plan prepared by the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse?
I have not yet had a copy of the final work plan. If I have received a copy it will be under the pile of papers here, but I do not think that I have.
We may be asked to debate the matter later this week and it would be helpful to see the plan before that.
There is a debate on Wednesday afternoon on an Executive motion that refers to the final work plan. I do not think that the final work plan has been published yet. A draft work plan was published in March 1999. That will give people an indication of the way in which the partnership is progressing. Everybody should have a copy of that. I hope that as many members of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee as possible will request to speak on Wednesday afternoon. Because of the work that we have been doing, we have much to add to the debate.
No.
Next
European Document