Meeting of the Parliament

Meeting date: Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Official Report 764KB pdf

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Presiding Officer’s Ruling

Earlier today, Neil Findlay MSP raised a point of order regarding the alleged use of a social networking site by the First Minister during the debate on the Scottish Government’s programme.

The Presiding Officer wrote to all MSPs in March reminding them about the use of electronic media in the chamber. The letter stated that the Presiding Officer did not consider that the use of electronic devices for purposes such as social networking sites was compatible with the requirements on conduct in the chamber. Having investigated this particular matter, I can inform the chamber that the First Minister has confirmed that the relevant tweets were sent on behalf of the First Minister from this account. [Interruption.] Order. Details of how the account is managed can be found on the First Minister’s networking site.

Do not believe a word that he says.

Mr Henry, we are moving on to decision time.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. During the exchange with Neil Findlay regarding the First Minister and the tweeting or whatever it may be, the question was also asked how Neil Findlay could find out about it. While the First Minister was not using a device in the chamber, Neil Findlay was. So, is there not an order against him?

That is not a point of order.