Questions and answers

Question reference: S6W-15276

Asked by: Richard Leonard, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 2 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to develop an advice helpline or online support for those who hold a power of attorney, as recommended by the Scottish Mental Health Law Review, and, if so, within what timescale.

The Scottish Government recognises that acting as an attorney can be very demanding and attorneys must have information on their rights and responsibilities and the safeguards in place to protect individuals. This will benefit both them and the adults they are supporting.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.

Question reference: S6W-15381

Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 24 February 2023
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 2 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the downloading and use of TikTok on civil servants' phones, in light of reports of potential privacy and security concerns.

Scottish Government officials have access to Corporately Owned Privately Enabled (COPE) mobile devices. They are built with business in mind but with the flexibility to allow the users to install other applications. These devices are securely configured in line with NCSC best practice and third party applications (such as TikTok) are prevented from interacting with corporate applications. The Scottish Government has a social media policy that defines the responsibilities of all Scottish Government staff when using social media, this can be found on their website at www.gov.scot/publications/social-media-policy/ .

Question reference: S6W-15393

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 24 February 2023
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 2 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-14560 by Neil Gray on 21 February 2023, how many times the Joint Assurance Review group has met since November 2022.

Question reference: S6W-15342

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 24 February 2023
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 2 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how much it (a) allocated in 2022-23 and (b) will allocate in 2023-24 to NHS 24, to support the delivery of the Breathing Space service.

The Scottish Government has invested over £2.354 million to support the delivery of the Breathing Space service for this financial year.

Breathing Space funding is part of wider funding, totalling just under £10 million, which is allocated to NHS 24 to support wider actions to improve mental health and wellbeing. NHS 24 provides a whole systems approach involving a range of services, to ensure people experiencing mental health crisis and distress, can access support close to home, getting the right care at the right time.

The Scottish Government recognises the vital service Breathing Space provides. Funding for 2023-24 has not yet been allocated and will be subject to ongoing discussion with NHS 24.

Question reference: S6W-15277

Asked by: Richard Leonard, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 2 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken regarding the recommendation of the Scottish Mental Health Law Review that the development of support, training and guidance for attorneys should include "consideration of ways in which access to granting a power of attorney may be eased".

The Scottish Government encourages everyone to arrange power of attorney so that their needs and wishes can be met in the unfortunate event that they cannot make decisions for themselves.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.

Question reference: S6O-01992

Asked by: Stephanie Callaghan, MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 March 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government when it last engaged with NHS Lanarkshire.

Question reference: S6O-01988

Asked by: Paul O'Kane, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 March 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its target to recruit 800 additional GPs by the end of 2027.

Question reference: S6O-01989

Asked by: Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 March 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics for the year ending December 2022.

Question reference: S6O-01991

Asked by: Michelle Thomson, MSP for Falkirk East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 March 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government when the final report of the National Autism Implementation Team’s adult neurodevelopmental pathway trials, which were conducted within four NHS board areas, will be available.

Question reference: S6O-01995

Asked by: Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 March 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 March 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on introducing legislation in Scotland similar to the UK Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill.

Chamber and committees