Good morning. Question 1, from Patricia Ferguson, has not been lodged. The member has provided an explanation.
M8, M73 and M74 Motorway Improvements
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the M8, M73 and M74 motorway improvements project and its implementation. (S4O-05495)
February 2016 will mark 24 months since construction began on this complex infrastructure project and significant progress has been made on several key routes and structures. Two thirds of the new M8 between Baillieston and Shawhead is now complete and work on the new underpass at Raith, at junction 5 of the M74, is well under way. Officials will continue to work closely with the construction contractor to deliver the project on time in spring 2017.
I welcome the work that the Scottish Government is doing to improve traffic flow in what is a congested area in my region. What action is the Scottish Government taking and what further action could be taken to reduce noise pollution along sections of the motorway? Will fencing be erected alongside the M74 as part of the on-going motorway improvement plan works?
I know that Mr Lyle appreciates that the works are necessary and are worth the wait and the inevitable disruption. I advise him that the project is being delivered in accordance with all the relevant regulations and legislation, including those relating to noise. Prior to works commencing, the contractor agreed mitigation measures with the local authority, which has the necessary powers to ensure that those are implemented. My officials will work closely with the contractor and the local authority to ensure that noise levels are kept to a minimum through the use of best-practice techniques where practicable. The investment in the motorway network is well worth while to improve connections and I am sure that that will be welcomed by all members.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Planning)
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde paper, “Service and Financial Planning for 2016/17 and beyond”. (S4O-05496)
As I have said in response to the member’s questions on the subject over the past two weeks, the chair of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed that the document is a draft discussion paper that was prepared for the board’s directors to inform internal discussion on the board’s financial position for 2016-17. It was written prior to the issue of the Scottish Government’s budget in December, when a substantial increase in national health service funding was announced.
As the chair John Brown’s statement of 15 January confirms, the draft discussion paper does not contain definite proposals or an approved plan that the board intends to implement. None of the contents, including those relating to Lightburn hospital, have been approved by the board or referred to the Scottish Government for consideration.
As the minister confirmed, the document contains a proposal that confirms the possibility of the closure of Lightburn hospital. On 13 January, the minister advised me that that proposal had not been brought to her attention. Will she confirm that, before 13 January, there were discussions with the health board on the possibility of making £60 million of savings and on the document?
No proposal has been put to me on the closure of Lightburn hospital and there have been no discussions with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde about Lightburn hospital.
On future budgets, I have said to Parliament previously that Scottish Government officials will work with all boards on the efficiency savings that they need to make. Those savings will be reinvested in front-line services. One focus of those discussions will be how we can develop more shared services across not just the NHS but the whole public sector. I would have thought that Paul Martin would welcome that to protect front-line services.
The cabinet secretary is quoted in my local press as saying that she did not know about and would not approve the proposed cuts at the Vale of Leven hospital. Given that statement, will she tell us whether she knew about the closure of ward 6 only in December? Was she notified of that by the health board?
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will inevitably introduce changes in the services that it provides. When those changes are major and significant, we expect the board to consult the community. As Jackie Baillie knows, boards adjust their services all the time; it would be unreasonable for them to do otherwise. However, as she rightly said, I have made clear to her and to the local community that the vision for the Vale, as developed by this Government after Jackie Baillie’s Government closed accident and emergency services there—[Interruption.]
Order.
Jackie Baillie’s Government was set to close the Vale of Leven hospital, and it was this Government that saved the hospital and delivered the vision for it. This Government will ensure that services such as emergency care continue at the Vale. Jackie Baillie would be better advised to listen to the reassurance that I have given, rather than continuing to generate fear and alarm in the local community. I am sure that the local community will benefit from that continuation and welcome that assurance.
Fair Trade Nation
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on Scotland’s progress as a fair trade nation. (S4O-05497)
At the start of Fairtrade fortnight 2013, I had the great pleasure of announcing that Scotland had been declared one of the world’s first fair trade nations. Since then, significant achievements have been made. Every local authority has active fair trade groups, and two thirds of our local authorities have been awarded fair trade status. In addition, more towns, communities and schools have achieved fair trade status each year, and nearly 1,200 schools are part of the fair trade school scheme.
Scotland has also seen the launch of the only fair trade sports ball supplier in the UK: Bala Sport. I am pleased to say that good progress has been made since the initial announcement in 2013, and I thank all the people, businesses, public bodies, community organisations and individuals who have helped to achieve that considerable success.
The World Fair Trade Organization lists 10 aims for a fair trade nation. Three of those aims are:
“Ensuring no Child Labour and Forced Labour ... Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment”
and
“Respect for the Environment”.
Has Scotland as a fair trade nation been assessed against that organisation’s aims? If not, will the minister consider looking at those aims?
I have not seen the aims from that organisation, but everything that Claudia Beamish mentioned aligns exactly with our aims for Scotland as a fair trade nation, so I would be happy to take those principles into consideration. The fair trade status that we have managed to achieve comes with a heavy and robust set of criteria, many of which align with the criteria that Claudia Beamish mentioned. I will look in more detail at the organisation that she mentioned and I am happy to respond. It certainly seems eminently sensible that we should consider those criteria.
Gender Recognition Act 2004 (Update)
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on updating the Gender Recognition Act 2004 to bring it into line with international best practice, as called for in the Council of Europe Resolution 2048 (2015). (S4O-05498)
Scotland has a good record in that area. In 2015, Scotland was ranked by ILGA-Europe—the European region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association—in its rainbow map as the most inclusive country in Europe for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex equality, as a result of meeting 92 per cent of the organisation’s 45 criteria.
However, the Scottish Government is aware of concerns about the process of obtaining gender recognition under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and it is carefully considering the issues that have been raised by the Scottish Transgender Alliance’s equal recognition campaign. Any changes to the 2004 act would require full consultation, and any legislation in the Scottish Parliament to amend the act would have to be for the next session of Parliament.
I am grateful that the minister is considering the representations from the equal recognition campaign. The 2004 act marked a step forward at the time, but it is now outmoded and in need of reform. Gender recognition should be based on declaration, without the need for a panel of doctors and lawyers examining the evidence, and the minimum age for getting recognition should be reduced. Legal recognition of non-binary gender should also be introduced.
It is within the Scottish Parliament’s devolved competence to amend the 2004 act to bring it into line with what the equal recognition campaign is calling for. Will the Scottish Government agree to consult at least on those important matters, with a view to reforming the legislation?
As I have said, we are considering the issue, which I have already met the Scottish Transgender Alliance to discuss. We have noted the United Kingdom Women and Equalities Committee report, and I have discussed its inquiry with my colleague the member of Parliament for Lanark and Hamilton East, who took part in it.
I would not want to prejudge the outcome of any consideration and any subsequent consultation, but the record of this Government is that we were the first national Government in Europe to fund a transgender rights programme; we included trans and intersex matters in the Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009, which we supported; and we have the most progressive marriage legislation on trans issues. That should give comfort that we take trans and intersex rights seriously and are always prepared, where there is a strong case, to act on them.
Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and what issues were discussed. (S4O-05499)
Scottish Government officials last met the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, including its chief executive, on 14 January. A number of issues relating to the courts system were discussed. The chief executive of SCTS is a key member of the justice board, and through that forum regularly updates Scottish Government and justice board members on the progress of courts reform and the SCTS contribution to delivery of the justice strategy.
The Scottish Court Service’s 2012 consultation document that proposed the recent court closures, recognised that accommodation at Kirkcaldy sheriff court was not fit for purpose and that there was a need for a new sheriff and jury centre for the people of east Fife. The sum of £23 million has just been announced for a justice centre in Inverness, with Scottish Government backing and part funding. Does the minister agree that the plans for a Kirkcaldy justice centre need to be brought forward as soon as possible?
The member is quite right that the Scottish Government will be investing £5 million in 2016-17 towards the development of a new collaborative justice centre in Inverness, which will bring together justice and other bodies and provide a hub for justice technology. That will demonstrate the value of the proposed model and support justice throughout the Highlands. Work will commence on-site this year, with a view to the centre being operational in 2018.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service will continue to explore all funding options for further justice centres, which will include further discussions with the Scottish Futures Trust on a potential solution for Fife and Lanarkshire.
Oil and Gas Industry (Support)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its support for the oil and gas industry. (S4O-05500)
We already provide support, in particular through our enterprise agencies and the energy jobs task force. In addition, today we have announced £379 million of Scottish Government support for the north-east economy, including a £125 million contribution to the Aberdeen city deal. I know that the member and others will welcome that substantial investment in the region.
I thank the minister for his answer, which will be very much appreciated in the north-east. Does the minister agree that, given that the United Kingdom Treasury benefited from hundreds of billions of pounds of revenue from the north-east in the good years, it now needs to take action to support the sector and must take action in the March budget to put in place a more supportive fiscal regime for the oil and gas industry?
Yes, I do. It is correct to say that the industry is tackling costs and improving efficiency, but it is for the UK Government to deliver no later than the spring budget the necessary tax measures that the industry needs, which are to encourage investment in exploration; to maintain and enhance investment in late-life fields to prevent premature cessation of production; and to bring in new investors by clarifying decommissioning liabilities, which are blocking deals unnecessarily. The UK has had, in the good days, over £300,000 million of tax from the oil and gas industry based in Scotland—now it is payback time.
I understand that the Scottish Cabinet had a special briefing on the oil jobs crisis earlier this week. Can the minister therefore now tell us how many jobs have been lost in Scotland as a result of the downturn in the oil and gas sector?
The Oil & Gas UK estimate is that 65,000 jobs have been lost throughout the UK. That is an extremely serious matter and is precisely why the First Minister set up the energy jobs task force over a year ago. The task force has helped young people by preventing the loss of their apprenticeship with the £5,000 provision. It has reached out to around 1,500 people with direct support at three events in the beach ballroom and at Pittodrie park. It has held innumerable events and has had buy-in from the whole industry. Oil & Gas UK and the industry support its work and it will continue with a whole range of measures.
The Cabinet met this week and we are considering what more we can do. We are determined to do everything practical to maintain and support the industry at this difficult time.
National Health Service (Staff)
To ask the Scottish Government how many staff work in the national health service and how this compares with 2006. (S4O-05501)
Under this Government, a record high number of staff work in the NHS. There were 137,727.9 whole-time equivalent staff as at September 2015 compared with 127,061.9 whole-time equivalent staff in September 2006. That is an increase of more than 10,600 whole-time equivalent staff, or 8.4 per cent.
At the risk of being parochial, how many additional staff were recruited by NHS Tayside over that period? How does that break down in terms of consultants, doctors, nurses, midwives and so on?
Staffing has vastly improved over the past decade, which has enabled more staff to work in NHS Tayside. NHS Tayside has seen more than 7 per cent more staff, including more than 200 qualified nurses and midwives, and more than 150 consultants. In those consultant numbers, there has been a particularly big increase in emergency medicine consultants. They are up by 342 per cent, or 17.1 whole-time equivalents, from five to 22.1. I hope that the member welcomes that.
Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic Bullying
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. (S4O-05502)
The Scottish Government takes bullying very seriously. Bullying of any kind, including homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying, is unacceptable and must be addressed wherever it arises.
We want all children and young people to be free from discrimination so that they can learn and reach their full potential. Our “A National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People” sets out a common vision and aims to ensure that work across all agencies and communities is jointly focused on tackling all types of bullying, including prejudice-based bullying. That guidance is currently being refreshed by a working group that includes LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotland.
The minister will be aware that there are still lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in Scotland who are afraid to go to school because of their fear of being bullied. What more can the Scottish Government do to ensure that all teachers are fully equipped to tackle bullying wherever it takes place, be that in the classroom or the playground, and that every school in the country has an appropriate policy in place to tackle that important issue?
I very much agree with the member that the issue is important.
The member raised the issue of policies. We know that 28 councils have local authority-wide anti-bullying policies for schools that mention homophobic bullying; two are developing them; and the remaining two—Stirling Council and Aberdeen City Council—have been approached to work with the respect me service to do so as well.
The Scottish Government’s respect me anti-bullying service is funded by it to be the training body for anti-bullying work across the country. Some 700 teachers have been trained to be trainers, and since 2007, 100 per cent—I say again: 100 per cent—of the training that respect me has delivered has included specific work on prejudice-based bullying, including homophobic bullying.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport last met the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. (S4O-05503)
Ministers and Scottish Government officials regularly meet representatives of all health boards, including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
When the cabinet secretary visited my constituency in late November, concerns about the future of Inverclyde royal hospital were dismissed as having “no substance”. However, a recent health board paper has revealed that the hospital’s repair bill has soared to a staggering £65 million, 80 per cent of which falls within the clinical space. Given the sheer scale of the maintenance backlog, does the cabinet secretary now understand why my constituents are anxious about the future of the hospital? Will she now agree to a full public consultation so that the people of Inverclyde can have their say on the future of their local hospital?
I caught most of what Duncan McNeil said. I reassure him that the IRH’s future is very important to local health service delivery. As I said to Paul Martin earlier, none of the issues in the board’s draft discussion paper have formally been put forward for consideration, or been put to me.
Duncan McNeil mentioned backlog maintenance and I will write to him on the detail of that. A lot of progress has been made on high-risk backlog maintenance by prioritising.