- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 26 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Jim Wallace on 17 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12600 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2001, what progress is being made in relation to the establishment of the central registered body to process applications for criminal record checks for volunteers; how this body will be organised; what si'e of workforce it will have, and whether it will be managed by any particular agency.
Answer
We believe there would be considerable benefit for all concerned in establishing the central body within an existing organisation that already has a strong connection with volunteers and the voluntary sector. With that in mind we have been examining with Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) whether that organisation could assume the role of the central body. VDS has agreed in principle to act as the central body and for the body to be located within and as part of its organisation. A draft specification has been prepared and VDS has been invited, on an informal basis at this stage, to consider its terms.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 26 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Jim Wallace on 17 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive whether all voluntary sector organisations will have to register with the central registered body being established to process applications for criminal record checks for volunteers; if so, what the registration process will involve and, if not, how organisations will access and implement checks via the central registered body.
Answer
It is not envisaged that voluntary sector organisations will have to register as such with the central registered body. The central body will, however, need to be satisfied about the bona fides of those organisations on behalf of which it countersigns applications. The central body will be entitled to disclose the information provided as a result of an application to the organisation concerned.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 26 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Jim Wallace on 17 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive when relevant information, guidance and publicity will be provided to the voluntary sector regarding the implementation of Part V of the Police Act 1997.
Answer
Publicity about Part V of the Police Act 1997 will start to become available shortly. A programme of seminars is also being planned and the Executive will be issuing guidance and a Code of Practice. The central body being established to process applications for criminal record certificates on behalf of the voluntary sector will produce guidance to help the sector make the best possible use of the criminal record checks under Part V.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 26 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Jim Wallace on 17 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to off-setting the additional administrative costs to voluntary organisations of processing checks under Part V of the Police Act 1997.
Answer
We are providing £1 million per annum so that volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults in the voluntary sector will not have to pay for criminal record checks under Part V. In addition, up to £250,000 per annum is being made available to establish the central body to help the voluntary sector make the best use of criminal record checks.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 22 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Allan Wilson on 12 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects a Scottish division of Supporters Direct or an equivalent body to be established and what financial and legal support it intends to provide for any such body.
Answer
We are discussing with interested parties how best financial and other support can be given to supporters' groups interested in forming supporters' trusts.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 22 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Allan Wilson on 12 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the establishment of football supporters' trusts following the meeting between the Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture and representatives of the Scottish Independent Supporters' Coalition on 2 April 2001.
Answer
I understand that three supporters' trusts have been formed in Scotland and several supporters' groups are interested in forming trusts. We are discussing with supporters' group representatives and other interests how the Executive can help responsible supporter groups wishing to have a closer involvement with their clubs.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 22 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Allan Wilson on 11 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that the WPGA International Matchplay event scheduled to take place at Gleneagles in September 2001 will not be postponed owing to a lack of funding given this event's importance in relation to Scotland's bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup.
Answer
Positive discussions have been held and I hope to make an announcement about this event shortly.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 22 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Allan Wilson on 11 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to publicise Scotland's bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup; when the bid's official website was created, and how often it is updated.
Answer
We continue to promote Scotland's Ryder Cup bid at a range of golf, media and tourism events together with our bid partners in the public and commercial sectors. Recent events have included a media reception promoting our prospective venues hosted by Bank of Scotland (4 June) and a television advertising campaign run by visitscotland during the US Open Golf Championships. We have a number of events planned to take place over the summer at major golf tournaments in Scotland and Europe.
The website was created in August 2000. It is currently being redesigned and is expected to be back online shortly.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 19 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Sarah Boyack on 11 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions regarding public liability insurance cover are contained in the contract with Skye Bridge Limited for the operation of the bridge.
Answer
Under the terms of the Concession Agreement between Scottish ministers and Skye Bridge Limited, the bridge operator is required to effect and maintain appropriate insurance cover for a number of different risks, including third party liability. Details of the specific requirements and conditions set out in the agreement form part of the operating contract with the company.
- Asked by: Irene McGugan, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 19 June 2001
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Current Status:
Answered by Sarah Boyack on 3 July 2001
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to safeguard users of the Skye Bridge following the move into provisional liquidation of the Independent Insurance Group, Skye Bridge Limited's public liability insurers.
Answer
The question of insurance is primarily a matter for the operators of the bridge, Skye Bridge Limited. However, officials have discussed the recent change in insurance arrangements with the company and are satisfied that proper provision has been maintained.
