SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Europe, External Affairs and Culture
Creative Scotland (Job Losses)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken by the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution to help those people losing their jobs as a result of the establishment of creative Scotland to find alternative employment. (S3O-8644)
The proposed business structure for creative Scotland was announced in October. Working with the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd is continuing discussions with staff and the trade unions about the transfer of staff, the post-filling process and how best to support those people who do not have a post in the new structure.
I welcome the minister's commitment that there will be no compulsory redundancies, and the information that he has given us. He will be aware that 33 of the existing 146 full-time jobs will be lost. Although I appreciate that he might not know exactly which posts might be at risk, I ask him to do all that he can to maintain expertise in creative Scotland. In particular, I ask him to ensure that the organisation retains a knowledge base on broadcasting, given the significant concerns that he knows exist—not only in Parliament, but across Scotland—about its future.
I acknowledge that point, which is a good one. It is a difficult time for many of the staff, but the organisation is committed to retaining expertise, and I am extremely enthusiastic about the new structure that has been devised by Creative Scotland 2009. It manages to blend a deep level of expertise with the flexibility that the organisation will need to respond to modern challenges in the broadcasting sphere and across the rest of the creative industries and the arts. We are mindful of those issues, and I am grateful to Margaret Smith for raising them.
I am grateful that the minister has repeated his assurance that the policy of no compulsory redundancies will be adhered to in the setting up of creative Scotland. I seek a similar assurance that staff who will be asked to take on new responsibilities will be given timeous notice, as well as full and adequate training, before they take up their new duties.
It will clearly be in the interests of the new organisation, and of all of us who are concerned for culture in Scotland, to ensure that the people in the new posts are well trained, have experience, can operate in a flexible manner and are focused on the task in hand. I am certain that we will achieve all those things, and I am grateful for the support of members across the Parliament for the process of developing and building the new creative Scotland.
National Conversation
To ask the Scottish Government what the next steps will be for the national conversation. (S3O-8609)
The Scottish Government will publish a white paper on 30 November and introduce a referendum bill in 2010.
I welcome the Scottish Government's willingness to take forward the national conversation, and the fact that it has a preferred timescale for letting the people of Scotland decide their future.
I agree with Aileen Campbell. [Laughter.] I know that that comes as a surprise to Mr McLetchie and his colleagues—Mr McLetchie always laughs loudest when he is surprised.
Given that support for independence continues to languish lowly in the opinion polls without showing any sign of increasing, surely it is time the Government dropped the national conversation nonsense and spent the money on something more useful?
I have been at many of the national conversation events and I have not found there to be any languishing at all. Quite the reverse is true.
In line with the other Presiding Officers, I would like questions that are to the point and, perhaps, answers that are, too.
European Single Currency
To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions ministers have had regarding the impact on Scotland of the United Kingdom joining the European single currency. (S3O-8558)
Scottish ministers discuss all matters that may influence the future prosperity of the Scottish economy, including issues such as the impact of the UK joining the euro.
On what economic conditions do Scottish National Party ministers plan to judge any decision to join the euro?
A number of economic tests would require to be applied, and the willing assent of the Scottish people would be required. Those two things should not be seen separately. There are strong arguments that the euro in Scotland would be useful to Scottish business. Ultimately the Scottish people will take the decision. It would be best taken when Scotland is independent, so I look forward to being able to take the decision reasonably soon.
Is it the SNP's policy that, on achieving independence, it will support monetary union within the United Kingdom?
We are in a monetary union within the United Kingdom, and neither I nor any of my colleagues intend to relieve ourselves of the money that we possess within that monetary union, so Jeremy Purvis can take it that we have to support a monetary union within the UK.
What impact would joining the single currency have on Scottish business?
This is a proper subject for debate, and people hold strong positions on either side of the argument. It has been argued that adopting the euro would reduce the cost to Scottish companies of trading across the euro area, an economy that is five times the size of that of the UK. Almost all the European Union states are committed to membership of the euro, including the fast-growing accession states such as Poland and the Baltic neighbours. The advantage of trading in euros would therefore grow in time. The euro would also bring exchange rate stability.
Independence Referendum (Costs)
To ask the Scottish Executive what its latest estimate is of the cost to the public purse of holding a referendum on independence. (S3O-8557)
The detailed costs of the referendum will be set out in the financial memorandum accompanying the referendum bill, which we will introduce early next year.
I thank the minister for his non-answer. His colleague, Mr David Kerr, the Scottish National Party candidate in the recent Glasgow North East by-election, was not so coy. He blithely told us that it would cost £9 million. Perhaps that is why he lost, and not for the first time.
Mr McLetchie, the more you talk, the slower the question comes. Can we have a question please?
Yes; this is about the relevance of a referendum and the costs of independence. It is nowhere near the top of the list of priorities of people in Scotland. Will the minister abandon his plan, focus on his real job and find some creative and cultural ways of spending the money instead?
My real job is to serve the people of Scotland, and to help them to understand the reality of their situation. In those circumstances, I can think of nothing better to do than to tell the truth about the difficulties that the union presents to Scotland, and the opportunities that independence will present to Scotland. I am pleased to undertake that task.
Treaty of Lisbon
To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications for Scotland are of the ratification of the Lisbon treaty. (S3O-8556)
The Lisbon treaty will have a significant effect on Scotland. There will be new areas of European Union competence and practice relevant to Scotland's devolved responsibilities, affecting how the EU operates in the areas of energy, agriculture, fisheries and justice, among others. The treaty also includes a protocol on subsidiarity that will give the Scottish Parliament the opportunity to influence Commission legislative proposals.
There are many concerns in Scotland over reform of the common fisheries policy and the new regulations on aquaculture that are currently before the EU Committee on Fisheries. Will those matters fall under the new rules of the Lisbon treaty or will they be dealt with by consultative powers that were in force when the proposals were introduced earlier this year?
Once the Lisbon treaty is in force, everything will need to be negotiated by co-decision between the council and the European Parliament, except fishing opportunities. I appreciate that Mary Scanlon is asking where matters that are in progress will fall. I believe that, if they are completed, the regulations will be completed under the present powers. However, I am happy to write to her to clarify that important point.
Question 6 was not lodged.
Scotland-Cuba Relations
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will send a delegation to Cuba to build on Scotland-Cuba relations and Scottish interests in the region. (S3O-8603)
The Scottish Government currently has no plans to send a delegation to Cuba, but I am open to discussions with both Elaine Smith and the Cuban Government about how relations between our countries might be developed. I have agreed to meet the Cuban ambassador on his visit to Scotland next month.
Does the minister know that an early-day motion at Westminster referring to the wish you were here postcard campaign and calling for a British ministerial visit to Cuba has attracted support from more than a third of MPs from across the political parties? Is he aware that the Cuban Government has already this year welcomed foreign ministerial visits from European Union countries such as Ireland and Spain? Does he agree that an official Scottish Government visit would not only be good for Scotland-Cuba relations in devolved areas such as education, health and sport, but could lead the way for the rest of the United Kingdom? Perhaps he could discuss that with the Cuban ambassador on his visit on 9 December.
In my discussions with the Cuban ambassador, I shall focus on matters that relate to the bilateral interests that exist between the two nations. Any decision that the Westminster Government makes is for the Westminster Government. It is my view that, in the light of positive developments around human rights and political freedom issues in Cuba, we should talk about the ways in which we can build and develop a relationship of confidence between Scotland and Cuba.
Independence Referendum (Costs)
To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of the proposed referendum on independence will be and from what budget they will be met. (S3O-8595)
As I said just a moment ago to Mr McLetchie, the detailed costs of the referendum will be set out in the financial memorandum accompanying the proposed referendum bill, which we will introduce early in the new year. It is appropriate for the Scottish Government to make provision for the referendum in the budget once the Parliament has approved the bill.
I am sure that all parties look forward to scrutinising the details of the financial memorandum.
Ms McNeill, is there a question?
Deputy Presiding Officer, I am just giving the background to the question.
I need the question, please.
As the minister will be aware, the leaked minute said that the 14 work streams are led by directors. What is he holding back? There is a contradiction in the two positions. Why will he not tell us what the work streams are? Will he tell me what they are? If he cannot tell me today, I would like a note on that as soon as possible.
I am not a believer in conspiracy theories, unlike the questioner. The reality is that there are proper processes for making freedom of information requests and for answering parliamentary questions, which are all being answered with transparency and honesty. The white paper that will be published on Monday will indicate the way in which the work has been undertaken. The member would have learned—
I am a parliamentarian asking a question.
If the member would pause for a moment, she might learn something from this answer. She would have learned a great deal about the process had she attended a single one of the national conversation meetings or taken part in any of the processes of the national conversation. It is somewhat perverse to attempt to criticise that process without having taken part in it. It strikes me as being a sign of a closed mind. The national conversation has been for open minds—it could even have opened her mind.
Traditional Arts (Economic Contribution)
To ask the Scottish Government what role Scotland's traditional arts play in the country's economy. (S3O-8610)
From festivals to ceilidhs, traditional arts activities the length and breadth of the country play not only a vital economic role, but a valuable cultural one. I am sure that that will be evident this weekend as we all celebrate St Andrew's day.
This weekend in Kilmarnock, a feast of traditional music and other activities will mark the end of the year of homecoming. As the minister knows well, the Gaelic language is a vital part of Scotland's heritage and its development offers real opportunities for young people throughout Scotland. Will the minister consider what more the Scottish Government could do to support East Ayrshire Council and Kilmarnock College to secure and enhance Gaelic learning in Kilmarnock and Loudoun?
I am certainly happy to do so. As I have said several times in the chamber, and as I will repeat when I give the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecture on 7 December, there is a real need to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers in Scotland, which needs to be done in every part of Scotland. If enthusiasm and commitment exist in Kilmarnock, I will certainly encourage them. In bringing to an end the year of homecoming, which was highly successful, as we now know from the published figures—
It should be self-evident.
In bringing the year to an end, we will also look forward, in order to ensure that the tourism and cultural activities continue unabated. I hope that even those well-known killjoys, such as the member who is commenting from a sedentary position, will trip the light fantastic, sing and dance this weekend to celebrate the great success of the Scottish year of homecoming.
Gaelic-medium Secondary Education
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the provision of Gaelic-medium education at secondary level. (S3O-8630)
A number of initiatives are in place to make progress with the provision of Gaelic-medium education at secondary level, including increased funding and resources, continuous professional development for teachers, public body Gaelic language plans, teacher recruitment and the Bòrd na Gàidhlig education working groups that are considering various aspects of GME provision at secondary level.
I am sure that the minister is aware of the recent Scottish Qualifications Authority study in Highland Council that indicates that students who go through Gaelic-medium education perform better in core subjects than students who have only English. In the light of those findings, does the minister agree that Gaelic-medium education must be a priority for the Government, to ensure not only that we remain connected to our heritage, but that we provide our children with the best possible education?
Gaelic-medium education has been remarkably successful and it is one part of a range of provision. To return to the creation of a new generation of Gaelic speakers, there is no doubt that, although Gaelic-medium education has continued to sustain the language, the total number of speakers has not risen in the way that the previous Government and the present one hoped when the plans were set. We must therefore focus as strongly as we can on increasing that number. That will be the focus of Government policy as we proceed.
Education and Lifelong Learning
New and Refurbished Schools
To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 236 new or refurbished schools mentioned in its press release of 8 October 2009 as completed were commissioned under the previous Administration. (S3O-8592)
Given normal lead-in times for major capital projects, it is not unexpected that planning and construction began on a good number of the 236 schools prior to May 2007. The same situation was faced by the first Scottish Executive Administration: of the school projects completed during the first Administration's term of office, over half were pre-devolution projects. Responsibility for funding those projects fell largely on the first Executive Administration, just as responsibility for paying for most of the 236 projects has fallen on this Government.
I thought that the Parliament's standing orders required ministers to answer the questions that are asked. My very clear question was about the number of new and refurbished schools that have been delivered by this Government.
Since May 2007, 236 schools have been completed. I must caution the member on this matter: I think that the public want schools to be built with public money and despair when they hear the Labour Party's quibbling over which of them are Labour schools and which are SNP schools. This Government is making a £2 billion investment in school refurbishment, which is helping construction and is improving the terms and conditions of our pupils and teachers.
Perhaps I should explain that members are asking questions of the minister. I ask the minister to be careful to answer those questions, where possible, and not to give statements.
When will the first school funded by the Scottish Futures Trust be opened?
We anticipate that the Scottish Futures Trust's support for the £1.25 billion school building programme will ensure that the first school will be delivered by 2011.
School Transport (Statutory Right)
To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the stringent economic times, whether the statutory right to school transport will be retained. (S3O-8589)
There are no plans to alter the responsibility of local authorities to provide school transport according to existing legislation and Government guidance.
I welcome that assurance. Will the Scottish Government remind all local authorities that, as they consider Scottish Government-imposed cuts, they have a statutory obligation to provide school transport?
I am unaware of any Scottish Government-imposed cuts, but I am certainly aware of Westminster-imposed cuts. I am also aware that in South Lanarkshire a reduction in school transport provision is being proposed. However, the details of travel arrangements are for education authorities to determine in the light of local circumstances.
Newly Qualified Teachers (Permanent Posts)
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help ensure that permanent posts are available for newly qualified teachers. (S3O-8554)
The local government settlement is resourced at a level to maintain teacher numbers and posts. Yesterday, I announced a scheme to enable councils to fund early retirement schemes for up to 500 teachers in order to support new employment opportunities for others. That follows on from the reduced intakes to initial teacher education courses in both 2009 and 2010, which will reduce the number of probationers who require employment in the succeeding year and increase the job opportunities for other unemployed teachers.
As the cabinet secretary has her roots in Ayr, she will know that, according to figures in The Times Educational Supplement two months ago, as few as four out of 65 probationer teachers in my council area of South Ayrshire had found full-time posts at that time. Giving councils the ability to borrow to fund early retirement might help some of those probationer teachers into permanent posts—I sincerely hope that it will—but what additional steps does the cabinet secretary believe might be taken to remove the rigidities in the labour market for teachers to further help newly qualified teachers who seek full-time employment?
The Scottish Government established the teacher employment working group, and 14 or 15 recommendations have been taken forward that will help to relieve the situation. In addition to maintaining resources in the local government settlement to maintain teacher numbers, I provided an additional £9 million for 300 teachers in 2007, and only this year the Scottish Government funded another 100 teachers to support the curriculum for excellence.
On the scheme that the cabinet secretary announced yesterday, is it not the case that most authorities will have to undertake a trawl to prepare a list of teachers who are seeking early retirement? As there is a 12-week period between the processing of an application and the release of a teacher's pension, is the earliest that the scheme could take effect March next year? If teachers are released in March next year, how will the cabinet secretary's proposal affect pupil learning in a highers class, for example? Surely it is not in pupils' best interests for their teacher to be replaced in the middle of an academic year unless there are special circumstances.
The member might be aware that teachers retire during the academic year all the time. The focus on replacing teachers is particularly important in the primary sector, because that is the area where we want to see reduced class sizes. There is clear provision in the local government settlement for those opportunities to be provided now.
East Ayrshire Council (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning last met East Ayrshire Council and what matters were discussed. (S3O-8583)
I met representatives of East Ayrshire Council on 1 May 2008 as part of a programme of visits by ministers to all local authorities to discuss a range of education issues. Those visits focused on our shared agenda of improving outcomes for all Scotland's children and young people.
During her discussions with the leader and the deputy chief executive of the council, did the cabinet secretary have the opportunity to hear about the position of Crossroads primary school, which is not in my constituency but which serves a number of families who live there? Is she aware that the pupils of that school are currently housed at Bellfield primary school some miles away? Is she aware that parents are extremely concerned about the projected costs of rebuilding the school and fear that, despite the recent legislation that the Parliament passed with the intention of protecting small rural schools, their small rural school will be closed by default if East Ayrshire Council does not have the resources to rebuild it?
Responsibility for the school estate lies with East Ayrshire Council. I have received representations from parents of pupils at Crossroads primary school. As the member will appreciate, under the terms of either the existing legislation or future legislation, I need to be careful what I say about any individual school. However, I will certainly ensure that my officials respond both to the parents who have contacted us and to East Ayrshire Council. We will alert the council to the concerns that the member has raised.
Colleges (Bursary, Hardship and Child Care Funds)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that colleges receive sufficient bursary, hardship and child care funds. (S3O-8611)
Further education bursary, discretionary and child care funds are reviewed annually by the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council through an in-year redistribution process, which considers both pressures on and savings in college student support funds. The process is supported by Scotland's Colleges.
I am sure that the minister is aware of the two excellent colleges in my constituency, Oatridge College and West Lothian College, which are awaiting the outcome of their requests to the Scottish funding council for bursary funds for the next year. As overall funding for the college sector has increased by £45 million, can the minister give any indication of how much of that 6.9 per cent increase will actually go towards funding college bursaries? Can he give us any further clarity as to when we will know?
The member is correct to draw attention to the increase in resources for colleges. I also highlight the £28 million that has been made available to the Scottish Government through consequentials, which has all gone to colleges this year. The exact proportion of the funding that is allocated to discretionary and hardship funds will be for the colleges themselves to decide, but that will be based on the decision of the Scottish funding council. As for when the announcement will be made, it is imminent—it will be made very soon.
Adam Smith College, in my region, is experiencing the same financial strain on bursaries, hardship and child care funds as other colleges across the country. It appears that more colleges are claiming money than are putting money back in to be redistributed. Can the minister confirm whether extra money will be allocated to meet the needs of colleges such as Adam Smith, in my region and throughout Scotland?
I repeat that additional money is being made available to colleges this year, including the £45 million that I mentioned. The proportion of the Scottish budget that is now going to colleges is higher than it was under the previous Administration. The Scottish funding council has already provided an additional £6.7 million this academic year to help colleges respond to an increased demand for FE student support. That brings the SFC's investment in FE bursaries, child care and discretionary funding to a record £79 million—a 9.3 per cent increase on 2008-09.
Question 6 was not lodged.
Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to assess the impact of the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007. (S3O-8648)
We are closely monitoring the progress of implementation of the provisions of the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 through the programme of school inspection that is carried out by health and nutrition inspectors.
When the Parliament passed the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill, there was a general acknowledgement that we would need to pay close attention to the impact on the uptake of school meals, which could not necessarily be predicted. Witnesses provided evidence that the benefits would be realised only if the bill's provisions were allied to a more creative approach to procurement, which is more a matter of will than of legislation. Colleagues on the Public Petitions Committee have heard that there could be unintended consequences for schools that are trying to achieve fair trade status.
A question, Mr Harvie.
Is it not appropriate to hold a brief review of the legislation, to ensure that we are achieving the benefits without bringing about unintended consequences?
In relation to fair trade and sustainability, the current guidance is still valid, but we are examining the whole issue of local suppliers and how best to assist with procurement. We have asked procurement officials to gather evidence, and we are seeking to produce a revised version of the guidance early next year.
As the minister will know, the 2007 act encourages the uptake of school meals, including free school meals. Will he reassure me that reports in the media earlier this week that the Government is considering extending free school meals to all primary school children are mistaken? Does he agree that it should not be a priority to extend free school meals to those who can well afford them at a time when our teachers and support staff are being laid off?
There is no intention by the Scottish Government to extend eligibility for free school meals beyond pupils in primary 1 to primary 3. As the member well knows, our aim is to try to effect a culture change, as it were, to encourage healthy eating habits among our youngest children. That remains the Government's purpose.
Adopt an Apprentice Scheme
To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses have applied to the adopt an apprentice scheme. (S3O-8628)
There are 192 employers that have had applications approved for funding through the adopt an apprentice scheme.
As our economy begins to progress out of the recession, how is the Government highlighting that important scheme within the business community, and is that having an impact?
We are already working with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland to ensure that details of not just the adopt an apprentice scheme but the range of measures under the ScotAction programme are communicated to local employers. The uptake of the adopt an apprentice scheme has been recognised by a number of sector skills councils. ConstructionSkills, which is a United Kingdom-wide organisation, has indicated that there is a higher percentage—43 per cent—of redundant apprentices in construction in Scotland than in any other part of the UK. Chris Horton, who is the chair of the national skills academy for process industries, has urged UK ministers to follow Scotland's lead and apply innovative thinking to come up with a similar scheme.
Further Education (Bursaries)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the bursaries available to further education students. (S3O-8590)
Demand for student support is difficult to predict. In order for the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council to match its funding as closely as possible to demand, it reviews student support each year through an in-year redistribution process.
Does the minister recognise that the impact of increased demand for further education places is greatest on the largest colleges, such as Aberdeen College, which is in my constituency? Will he undertake to ensure that any additional funding that the funding council allocates for bursaries is allocated on a proportionate basis, so that the assistance goes where it is needed most?
The decision on the distribution of funding is for the Scottish funding council to take. The funding that was allocated—the £28 million that I mentioned in an earlier answer—was given to the funding council, and it was asked to target that funding at the areas hardest hit by the recession and at young people. It did that successfully. The funding did not go to every college—that much is true. Sometimes, it will be more appropriate to ensure that things are done on the basis of the old formula. However, such decisions will be taken as circumstances arise.
Gaelic-medium Education (Glasgow)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution regarding the expansion of Gaelic-medium education throughout Glasgow. (S3O-8619)
Regular discussions take place between me and the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution both about the wider direction of Gaelic policy and about the progress of GME in Scotland more widely and within Glasgow.
Will consideration be given to bringing the provision of Gaelic education within the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning's responsibilities, to integrate the Gaelic language further in mainstream schooling?
Yes. Policy responsibility for Gaelic education lies with education and lifelong learning divisions. Wider Gaelic duties—including the budget for Gaelic and Gaelic-medium education—remain the responsibility of the Gaelic unit in the culture, external affairs and tourism directorate. The working relationships are good. We continue to work with officials and authorities to make progress on Gaelic education in mainstream schooling.
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