Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-12126

Asked by: Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 14 November 2022
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 29 November 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what analysis (a) it and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise has carried out on any impact of the recent cancellations and disruptions to ferry services on investment and employment in the islands.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken specific analysis, regarding the impact of disruption to ferry services on investment and employment in the islands, however, recognise the importance of the provision of safe and reliable lifeline ferry services for investment, employment and for our island economies.

Scotland’s ferry network has a wide ranging impact on National Outcomes: from connecting individuals to employment opportunities; supporting business and freight movements; facilitating access to essential public services and transporting tourists to/from the islands. These priorities are developed through evidence-based policy making, through which consideration is applied to relevant statistics and data, research evidence and publications.

A key objective of the National Islands Plan is to “Review the availability, usefulness of, and the wider barriers to, island level data both at an individual island level, groups of islands and consider the creation of a “Scottish Islands” data level in order to better understand the challenges faced by island communities.” Our National Islands Plan Survey has supported this process.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) submitted evidence to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee’s inquiry into a modern and sustainable ferry service for Scotland, evidence of which is published on the Scottish Parliament website . In their response, HIE referenced the impact on businesses of disruption to ferry services. The agency has sought feedback through its Panel Surveys on issues relating to transport. In response to a 2021 survey, a majority (71%) of islands businesses said that they relied on ferries and, for those reliant on ferries, the resilience and reliability of services was seen as particularly important.

We are determined to support, protect and enhance lifeline services for residents, communities and industries that rely on them. Ferry services are key to supporting the economic, social and cultural development of island communities and operators ensure where possible and when safe to do so, that services are provided to maintain service provision.

Question reference: S6T-01012

Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 29 November 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to tackle the illegal trade in puppies, in light of the Scottish Multi-Agency Strategic Threat Assessment report that the trade is funding serious organised crime.

Question reference: S6T-01010

Asked by: Tess White, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 29 November 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the cyber-attack on 4 August 2022 which reportedly targeted NHS Scotland's patient management software.

Question reference: S6T-01004

Asked by: Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 29 November 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to tackle cancer inequalities.

Question reference: S6F-01600

Asked by: Gillian Mackay, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 1 December 2022

To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that alcohol sport sponsorship can cause harm to vulnerable groups such as young people and those in recovery.

Question reference: S6F-01601

Asked by: Michael Marra, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 1 December 2022

To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will provide an urgent update on its discussions with the EIS after the announcement of new strike dates.

Question reference: S6F-01585

Asked by: Gillian Martin, MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 1 December 2022

To ask the First Minister what impact any proposed reduction in the number of overseas student visas will have on Scottish universities.

Question reference: S6F-01586

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 1 December 2022

To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to build on the enduring legacy of Doddie Weir and support efforts to cure MND and similar neurological conditions.

Question reference: S6F-01589

Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 1 December 2022

To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Question reference: S6F-01579

Asked by: Anas Sarwar, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 28 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 1 December 2022

Question to be taken in Chamber.