Chamber and committees

Representatives of speaker communities have expressed concern that the duties that are set out in the bill on relevant public authorities to

“have regard to the desirability”

of taking action in respect of Gaelic language and culture are not strong enough, and that the reference to “desirability” could suggest that taking action to promote, facilitate or support Gaelic might not be desirable. Amendment 34 therefore removes the reference to “desirability”. A duty to “have regard to” taking such action will be clear for public authorities while addressing stakeholder concerns.

Ross Greer’s amendment 33 seeks to achieve the same aim, but it imposes a more complex two-stage test that might be less clear for public authorities that are seeking to comply with the duties. Therefore, I hope that members will support amendment 34 in preference to Mr Greer’s amendment.

How does the Scottish Government’s announcement of bright start breakfasts build on the current provision of breakfasts in Scotland?

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not get on to the app. I would have voted yes.

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting NHS Grampian with its winter preparedness. (S6O-04079)

When the business programme for this week was published, I asked my office manager whether he thought that I should put my name forward to speak in the veterans debate, given that I had spoken in previous years, and he suggested that it would be a great opportunity to talk about how wonderful he was. I should perhaps clarify that he is an Army reservist, not someone with an overinflated ego.

One of the first things that he did when he came to work with me was to encourage me to sign the armed forces covenant, in my role as an employer. I understand that there was some discussion about whether I could, in fact, sign it. I signed up as an employer, not as an elected representative, which is similar to the way that living wage accreditation works.

Once that was established, the process was easy to follow and I was helped along the way by Ray Watt from the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. I even went a step further and applied to the defence employer recognition scheme, or ERS, with my office achieving a bronze award. It was an easy process that I would recommend to every one of my colleagues across the chamber. Highland RFCA was incredibly helpful throughout and I am sure that Lowland RFCA would offer just as much support. I am happy to give folk a steer if they want to catch me after the debate. Just this afternoon, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body answered a question that I asked about what support would be given, telling me that the SPCB would be able to provide help to members.

The armed forces covenant benefits not just the wider armed forces family, as a lot of workplaces could benefit from it, too. My dad, my granda and my great granda all served in the Gordon Highlanders—at different times, obviously—and I have had the opportunity to work alongside a number of veterans and reservists over the years, so I know that those who have served are motivated and hard working and have experience of being able to work well under pressure. They are great folk to have in your team.

There was, for a while, an idea that veterans needed to be somehow rehabilitated or that it was an act of charity to employ them, but that is absolutely not the case: they are excellent employees. The person who gets the most from employing a veteran will be whoever employs them. That has become even more true in the past few decades. I understand that preparation for leaving the Army begins just about when someone joins. Soldiers, sailors and airmen are encouraged to get qualifications and are given learning credits to use. Many of the wide-ranging skills that they develop in their service are now matched to civilian qualifications, and advice is given throughout their service to help them plan what they will do when they leave the forces.

Overall, our veterans give a lot to our country, not only throughout their service but afterwards. However, there are times when support is needed. The demands of service life can cause difficulties for those who are serving or have left the forces, and for their families. Much of that can be, and is, addressed by the Ministry of Defence, which takes responsibility for many veterans issues. Sometimes, the MOD does not, or cannot, do that, but in any event, it is right that the Scottish Government and local authorities also play their part. It is also welcome that a wide range of charities and businesses add to that support.

I am pleased to support the motion and I agree that veterans and armed forces families should receive the best possible support and access to services.

I am pleased to hear that the minister is exploring the issue further, because I share his disappointment. What can we, as members across the chamber, do to help to rectify that situation?

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting NHS Grampian with its winter preparedness. (S6O-04079)

Following the critical incident that was declared in NHS Grampian last week, will the cabinet secretary speak about the actions that the Scottish Government will take to alleviate pressure on accident and emergency services in the winter months and to ensure the most effective possible care for patients?

I have a couple of questions about the care-experienced young people we spoke to. They told the committee that they often do not manage to keep the same social worker, and that that has a negative impact on their care journeys. What is being done to ensure that as few care-experienced young folk as possible are impacted by that lack of continuity?

Ben, you are smiling at me, so I will go to you first.

I just meant that you caught my attention.