Chamber and committees

The best way to reduce alcohol and drug-related crime is to get problem drug users into appropriate treatment and support services. We are committed to providing opportunities at all stages of the criminal justice system for people to access treatment.

There are a number of excellent schemes operating across the country such as the Community Service Centre at Alness, which I visited on 27 November and saw some fine work being done in partnership with Apex and SACRO.

On the same day, during a visit to Inverness Prison, I was also impressed by the work of the IMPACT group, which is a multi-agency project. IMPACT runs in the community and focuses on offering clients tools to help them in their recovery. Of 30 new service users who started attending the IMPACT group in 2008, 22 have gone on to the Progress to Work programme, 19 to Learn Direct and seven have gained employment.

Design work is progressing on a scheme for a major refurbishment of the Cromarty Bridge. The scheme is likely to include extensive repairs to structural defects, upgrading of concrete surfaces, renewing the bridge deck waterproofing system, complete resurfacing of the bridge, replacing the bridge deck expansion joints and replacing the bridge parapets.

The programme for this essential work has still to be determined but it is anticipated that a three month investigative trial contract over a representative section of the bridge will be undertaken in 2010. This will assist in determining the scope of the works. The start date of this contract has yet to be determined and will be subject to the availability of funding and the outcome of local consultation.

It is anticipated that resurfacing will be necessary on the Connel Ferry Bridge over the next few years. Further investigation will be carried out before developing initial design proposals.

The Kessock Bridge has not been fully resurfaced since construction in 1982. In 2000, 960 square metres of surfacing was replaced due to deterioration at the north end of the bridge.

In 2000, two spans of the Cromarty Bridge were resurfaced. There are no records of any other resurfacing works being undertaken since it opened in 1979.

A scheme to resurface the Kessock Bridge is currently being progressed, with a proposed start date for the works in the spring of 2011 at the earliest. However, the timing of the works is subject to the availability of funding and the outcome of local consultation.

The Food Standards Agency informs me that no such meetings have taken place since the meeting on 18 September 2009.

However, one meeting has taken place between employees of the Food Standards Agency and one member company of abc concerning a specific commercial matter.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28021 on 27 October 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Food Standards Agency informs me that no such meetings have taken place since the meeting on 18 September 2009

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28021 on 27 October 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are finalising the National Renewables Infrastructure Project (N-RIP) which is a key action from the Scottish Government''s Renewables Action Plan. This project is setting out a spatial framework for the development of key infrastructure in Scotland required to support offshore renewables, with wave and tidal development being a key element of this work. The project will also set out approaches to funding the key infrastructure identified.

The findings of the report will be submitted to ministers later this month with publication of the findings expected by the end of this year. These findings will play an important role in the delivery of the marine renewables leasing round in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

The Scottish Government has worked closely with third sector partners in developing the Third Sector Resilience Fund. The fund will be administered by the Scottish Government and all eligible applications will be considered by a panel which includes representatives from the third sector.