Minutes: 09 October 2024

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4 and 5 in private. 

2. Consideration of continued petitions:

The Committee considered the following continued petitions: 

PE1862: Introduce community representation on boards of public organisations delivering lifeline services to island communities. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

PE1931: Improve the R100 rollout by prioritising properties who currently have speeds of less than 5 Mbps. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. 

PE1934: Develop an educational resource on gender-based violence for all year groups in High School. The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.  

PE1990: Introduce a Scottish Parliament question session for young people. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

PE2038: Commission suitable NHS services for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hyper mobility spectrum disorders. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government and NHS Wales.  

PE2041: Exempt community healthcare staff from parking charges. The Committee agreed to write to write to NHS regional health boards. 

PE2048: Review the FAST stroke awareness campaign. The Committee agreed to write to NHS regional health boards, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and the Scottish Government. The Committee also agreed to hold a roundtable discussion on the issues raised by the petition, and to delegate authority to the Convener to work with the clerks on inviting relevant stakeholders to participate.  

PE2049: Introduce buffer zones outside migrant accommodation. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

3. Consideration of new petitions:

The Committee considered the following new petitions:

PE2103: Legislate to standardise the prescribed learning hours for Primary and Secondary schools in Scotland. The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. The Committee also agreed to invite relevant stakeholders to give evidence at a future meeting. 

PE2107: Use more money recovered from the proceeds of crime to support community-based charities that train animals to assist in the detection of drugs. The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs.

PE2108: Obtain a second medical opinion before detainment under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. 

4. Work programme:

The Committee considered its work programme.  

5. Inquiry into A9 Dualling Project:

The Committee agreed to consider a revised draft at a future meeting.