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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

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Paul O'Kane

Scottish Labour

MSP for West Scotland (Region) 2021 - present day

About Paul O'Kane

Contact details

Contact online

Contact at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Phone: 0131 348 5942
Text relay calls welcome.

Contact at local office

Phone: 0141 887 5111
Text relay calls welcome.

Committees

Cross-party groups

Paul is a member of 17 cross-party groups

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Building Bridges with Israel

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Care Leavers

Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Carers

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Changing Places Toilets

Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Co-Operatives

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Deafness

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Diabetes

Co-Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Dyslexia

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on India

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Learning Disability

Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on LGBTI+

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Long Covid

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Poverty

Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Science and Technology

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Social Work

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Ukraine

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Volunteering

Member

Parliamentary and Government Roles

Paul does not have any parliamentary or government roles

Party Roles

Paul has 3 party roles

Party Spokesperson on Equalities

Scottish Labour

Party Spokesperson on Social Justice

Scottish Labour

Party Spokesperson on Social Security

Scottish Labour

Previous roles

Paul has had 5 previous roles

Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.

22 September 2021 - 25 April 2023

Equalities Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee

Substitute Member

22 June 2021 - 25 April 2023

Health Social Care and Sport Committee

Deputy Convener

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Public Health

Scottish Labour

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Social Care

Scottish Labour

17 June 2021 - 22 June 2021

Health Social Care and Sport Committee

Member

Register of interests

Paul's register of interests

MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.

Here is the register for Paul O'Kane. The date of their initial statement was 07 June 2021.

Remuneration and related undertaking

Until 10 May 2021, I was a Policy and Participation Manager at ENABLE Scotland (a Learning Disability Charity and Social Care Provider of Inspire House, 3 Renshaw Place, Eurocentral, North Lanarkshire, ML14UF). I worked 21 hours per week and the remuneration I received was between £30,001 and £35,000 (pro-rata) per annum.

Until 4 May 2022, I was a councillor for East Renfrewshire Council (of Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, G46 6UH) and additionally, until 10 June 2021, I was Depute Leader of the Council and Convener for Education and Equalities. I worked approximately 21 hours per week and, until 10 June 2021, received remuneration of between £20,001 and £25,000 per annum. I had resigned as Depute Leader of the Council and Convener for Education and Equalities with effect from 10 June 2021 but remained as a councillor. From 10 June 2021 to 4 May 2022, I received remuneration of between £15,001 to £20,000 per annum. My councillor salary was donated to local community groups in my Ward. [Amended interest 5 October 2022]

Until 10 June 2021, I will be Chair of the Transport and Mechanical Advisory Group Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) (a not for profit unincorporated association of 300 Councils across the UK promoting excellence in public services of Scottish Office, Brandon House, 23-25 Brandon Street, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, ML3 6DA). I work 4 hours per month and receive remuneration of between £1,001 and £2,000 per annum. I resigned from this role with effect from 10 June 2021.

Gifts

On 18th September 2022, I received two Group D Finals tickets for my husband and I for the Davis Cup in Glasgow from the Lawn Tennis Association (National Tennis Centre, 100 Priory Lane, Roehampton, London, SW15 5JQ). The value of these tickets was £492. [Registered 3 October 2022]

Overseas visits

No registrable interests

Controlled transactions

No registrable interests

Heritable property

No registrable interests

Interest in shares

No registrable interests

Voluntary

I was paid £70 by You Gov on 25 July 2024 for completing a survey. [Registered 16 September 2024]

I am a member of the Scottish Co-operative Party.

I was paid £30 by You Gov on 25 April 2024 for completing a survey. [Registered 16 September 2024]

I am a member of Community Union.

I was paid £75 by Savanta on 26 June 2024 for completing a survey. [Registered 16 September 2024]

I received two complimentary tickets from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland of Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB for my husband and I to attend the Royal Highland Show on Sunday 23 June 2024, the estimated value of the tickets was £68.00. [Registered 16 September 2024]

I am a member of LGBT Labour Scotland.

I was paid £100 by You Gov on 10 July 2024 for completing a survey. [Registered 16 September 2024]

I am the Chair of Trustees of Neilston War Memorial Association.

I am a member of GMB Union.

I am a patron of LGBT Labour.

I received two complimentary tickets from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland of Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB for my husband and I to attend the Royal Highland Show on Sunday 25 June 2023, the estimated value of the tickets was £68.00. [Registered 16 September 2024]

I was paid £100 by You Gov on 25 September 2024 for completing a survey. [Registered 25 September 2024]

I am a member of ENABLE Scotland.

Recent Activity

What was said

What Paul O'Kane has said in Parliament

These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.

Chamber meeting date: 3 October 2024

Adult Disability Payment

1. Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to bring down processing times for the adult disability payment, in light of the most recent high level statistics from Social Security Scotland indicating a reversal in the previous reduction to processing times. (S6O-03797)"

Chamber meeting date: 3 October 2024

Winter Heating Payment

Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab): "I asked this question on Tuesday, but I do not think that I got an answer on the additional supports that the Government offers…

Chamber meeting date: 1 October 2024

Heating (Affordability for Pensioners)

Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab): "Will the cabinet secretary explain why, prior to the UK election, the Scottish Government chose to cut the fuel insecurity fund for households and repeatedly cut energy efficiency budgets, resulting in two thirds of houses in Scotland falling below the recommended energy efficiency standards? It would also be useful for people to understand why her…

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee meeting date: 1 October 2024

Human Rights (Scotland) Bill

Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab): "Good morning. A number of reasons were given when the Government announced that it was not proceeding as expected with the bill. I am keen to hear our witnesses’ views on those reasons…

Chamber meeting date: 26 September 2024

Energy Prices (Low-income Households)

Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab): "Undoubtedly, this is an important issue. I am sure that, after 17 years, another working group will be widely welcomed. It is clear that making work pay and accelerating the just transition will also be vital components of reducing bills…

Votes

How Paul O'Kane has voted in Parliament

Find out how Paul O'Kane has voted recently.

Motion ref. S6M-14719

Housing Emergency

Submitted by: Anas Sarwar, Glasgow, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Monday, September 30, 2024

Supported by: Mark Griffin, Paul Sweeney, Martin Whitfield
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Result 59 for, 55 against, 8 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-14719.4

Housing Emergency

Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Supported by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Kaukab Stewart
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Result 60 for, 54 against, 8 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-14710

Aggregates Tax and Devolved Taxes Administration (Scotland) Bill

Submitted by: Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, September 30, 2024

Supported by: Shona Robison
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Result 112 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 17 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-14652.1

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: Timetable for Consideration

Submitted by: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Jackson Carlaw, Finlay Carson, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Douglas Lumsden, Roz McCall, Edward Mountain, Oliver Mundell, Douglas Ross, Liz Smith, Alexander Stewart, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Result 60 for, 60 against, 0 abstained, 9 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Defeated

Motion ref. S6M-14652

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: Timetable for Consideration

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Result 60 for, 61 against, 0 abstained, 8 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Defeated

Motions

Questions

Questions Paul O'Kane has asked

These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.

Question ref. S6W-29825

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 12 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its proposed Adults with Incapacity Bill as outlined in its Programme for Government 2024-25, whether it plans to consult on each of the recommendations contained under Recommendation 13…

Answered by Maree Todd on 27 September 2024

Question ref. S6O-03797

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 25 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to bring down processing times for the Adult Disability Payment, in light of the most recent high level statistics from Social Security Scotland indicating a reversal in the previous reduction to processing times."

Taken in the Chamber on 3 October 2024

Question ref. S6W-29669

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 6 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to open the £10 million Changing Places toilet fund, in light of the reprofiling of the commencement of the fund, as detailed in the letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government to the Convener of the Finance and Public Administration Committee, published on 3 September 2024."

Answered by Maree Todd on 19 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-29668

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 6 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is still committed to investing £10 million in Changing Places toilets by the end of the current parliamentary session, in light of the reprofiling of the commencement of the Changing Places toilet fund, as detailed in the letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government to the…

Answered by Maree Todd on 19 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-29670

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 6 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government, prior to the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, in her letter to the Convener of Finance and Public Administration Committee, that the Changing Places toilet fund would be reprofiled, what work it had undertaken to prepare for the fund to open at the start of 2025, as previously…

Answered by Maree Todd on 19 September 2024

Question ref. S6O-03747

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a recent report from the Scottish Health Equity Research Unit, which highlights that "core outcomes related to inequalities and health are not improving significantly and some are getting worse"."

Taken in the Chamber on 19 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-29112

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 15 August 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that lessons from the implementation of the public sector equality duty are taken into account in the development of its proposed Human Rights Bill."

Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 5 September 2024

Question ref. S6O-03704

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 4 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its Pre-budget Fiscal Update on 3 September, what the potential impact will be of its "review and reprofile of recruitment" at Social Security Scotland on the agency’s provision of frontline services to clients."

Taken in the Chamber on 12 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-29110

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 15 August 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to revisit and expand the review of the public sector equality duty, in light of the letter to stakeholders on 4 October 2023 from the then Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees."

Answered by Kaukab Stewart on 3 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-29141

Asked by: O'Kane, Paul, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 16 August 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is committed to continued support through Transport Scotland of SUSTRANS’ Places for Everyone programme, as part of its commitment to supporting active travel."

Answer expected on 16 September 2024

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