Chamber and committees

I understand that, but I think that your amendment runs the risk of having a bearing on a decision. Because it is there, it might sway a decision when it comes to someone who cannot articulate this sort of thing for themselves. That is my concern.

I have huge sympathy for and agree with the intention behind the amendments, particularly with regard to witnesses’ safety and that of their families. However, my concern on the remorse element is whether you have taken into consideration people with communication difficulties or those who might be neurodivergent and struggle to show remorse. Their behaviour in prison might have been exemplary, but they just cannot get that remorse over to the Parole Board. The converse is true for some prisoners who can articulate remorse but who maybe have not shown a great deal of progress in prison. A high number of prisoners will be in that category, so it is important that that is taken into consideration.

On my recent visit to HM Prison Low Moss, I was concerned to hear about the ever-increasing use of technology to smuggle drugs into prisons. What preventative work is being done by the Scottish Prison Service to ensure that prisoners do not take drugs in our prisons?

Page iv of the report clearly sets out that it is “an interim report” that does not represent the conclusion of the inquiry, the investigations of which into the Queen Elizabeth university hospital will continue. Does the cabinet secretary agree that the on-going work of the inquiry is of the utmost importance, so that families and patients can get the answers that they deserve?

I totally agree with the sentiment behind the amendment, but I think that you used the phrase “where practically possible” in your speech. Have you done any research into how practical this would be, given the pressure on courts and court staff?

It has been an absolute privilege to welcome Ukrainian people to Scotland during this difficult time. However, in this time of increased uncertainty—particularly over the past few days—many will understandably be concerned about what the future holds for their home country. What is the First Minister’s message to Ukrainian people who are living in Scotland at this difficult time?

I am pleased to speak in this important debate, and I thank Carol Mochan for bringing it to the chamber and for her informative speech.

Scotland has had a difficult relationship with alcohol over the years. The majority of us, thankfully, can enjoy alcohol without it elevating into addiction. However, it is important for everyone to understand that alcohol-related brain damage occurs in around 35 per cent of those who succumb to the illness of addiction. It happens as a result of long-term heavy drinking and accounts for between 10 and 24 per cent of all cases of dementia.

The Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems partnership has produced critical evidence of which we should all take heed. Most people with ARBD are in their 50s and 60s, but—as we have heard—more and more people in their 30s and 40s are being seen with symptoms, and that is incredibly worrying. Typically, women develop ARBD at a younger age than men do, and women are more vulnerable than men to ARBD after drinking heavily for a shorter length of time. That fact surely must correlate with a higher incidence of fetal alcohol disease, which is entirely preventable by abstaining from alcohol while pregnant.

As convener of the cross-party group on women, families and justice, I find the effect of alcohol on women really concerning. It is estimated that as many as 90 per cent of women in custody in Scotland have addiction problems, whether that involves alcohol or drugs. It is further estimated that 80 per cent of women in prison have brain damage due to head injuries that are caused by domestic violence, and a similar number of women suffer mental illness to some degree. The case for holistic prevention and recovery for all those who are affected by alcohol, and women in particular, could not be more stark.

Symptoms of ARBD include difficulties in making decisions and assessing risk; difficulties with concentration and motivation; impulse and emotional control problems; and changes in personality. In effect, it damages the brain’s control centre, which makes even daily tasks difficult or impossible.

Ironically, many people who are suffering from ARBD are not diagnosed. One symptom of ARBD is a lack of insight into the problems that it causes, so many patients do not recognise that there is anything wrong and do not seek medical help. There is also significant stigma surrounding the condition, which must be removed.

Worryingly, there is also a lack of understanding among clinicians. The numerous forms and presentations of the condition mean that, in order to make a diagnosis, clinicians need to be aware of the variations of ARBD. It can be difficult to distinguish between the long-term effects of alcohol on the brain and the short-term effects of intoxication or withdrawal, so awareness of the differences is key.

The good news among the gloom is that ARBD is not progressive, as dementia is. The brain can heal, people can recover and the damage can be reversed. Doctors are able to prescribe medication that can help to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Figures show that if excessive alcohol consumption is stopped and vitamin B1 intake is increased, 25 per cent of people can make a full recovery and 50 per cent of people make a partial recovery; sadly, 25 per cent do not recover and have to be cared for long term. Recovery services are key and everyone should have access to specialist care. SHAAP advocates for the expansion of alcohol brief interventions and for continued support for the managed alcohol programmes pilot in Glasgow.

In conclusion, I believe that it is time to rethink how we deal with the public health issue of addiction. We need to remove stigma and reframe recovery in a holistic and compassionate way. That is, I believe, the only way forward.

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to expand dyslexia support in schools, to remove any barriers for children who need the right support to thrive. (S6O-04371)

Investment and meaningful support for dyslexic individuals and young people with additional support needs are fundamental to getting it right for every child, which is an important commitment made by this Government. However, too many dyslexic children are slipping through the net. That has been highlighted in a report that was published by Dyslexia Scotland in collaboration with the University of Glasgow. Can the minister confirm whether the recommendations in that report will be considered?

Convener, is it okay if I go on to part 5?