Official Report 217KB pdf
As it is nearly half past 11, I am keen to progress. Agenda item 2 is on the European year of disabled people. A paper has been circulated to members on a way forward for the committee. Do members have any comments to make on the paper?
The paper responds to our discussions and shows how matters can be progressed. It is a good piece of work, for which I commend the clerks. I am pleased that a wide range of organisations has been suggested for the evidence-taking sessions, from mental health organisations to further and higher education institutions. I welcome the paper.
I am happy with the paper, although I was struck by how central-belt oriented it is. Is there likely to be an opportunity to extend north and south, although not necessarily for a specific event?
There are ways of doing that. The committee and the clerks can consider that matter.
I do not want people from north and south of the central belt to perceive that they are left out.
You are absolutely right. The committee must bear that in mind.
Where was the event held in January?
In Edinburgh, but not on campus.
Given the population of Glasgow, it would be fair to hold the event there, although perhaps future events should be held in Aberdeen or Inverness.
There is no reason why we cannot consider getting out and about.
I echo the point that Nanette Milne made about people living outwith the central belt. All our reports from the previous session highlighted the fact that people in rural settings who had disabilities or who were facing discrimination had to deal with that without the access to services and support that their urban peers had. It would be interesting to hear from a rural perspective what impact, if any, the year made.
That is an important suggestion and we can consider how to develop it.
Perhaps we can consider the southern parts of Scotland. We have mentioned Aberdeen, Inverness and rural areas, but there are no cities in southern parts, so we could include those areas.
Yes, we will consider that.
Do members agree that we should submit a funding bid to the Conveners Group to implement the work?