The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
Displaying 341 contributions
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 15 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
My questions are about fishing management. The marine protected areas were designated in 2014. I believe that NatureScot gave advice on fishing management in 2013, which stated that dredging and trawling ought to be banned in a number of MPAs. However, there are still many MPAs where those activities continue unrestricted. Are the NatureScot representatives concerned that their advice has not been heeded? What do all the witnesses think that we can do to ensure that similar mistakes are not made in the creation of the new future fisheries management strategy?
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 15 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
Good morning. My question relates to labour, particularly off the back of what Jimmy Buchan said about the need for a global workforce. Constituents in my north-east region have raised concerns about the living and working conditions of some workers in the industry, particularly those who come from international areas, such as the Philippines. What more do panel members think can be done to protect the rights and wellbeing of workers locally, whether they are from Scotland, Europe or somewhere else? What can be done to create decent jobs in local communities, as well?
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 8 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
In your opening remarks, you said that the Government is taking on board what island communities say that they want. There has been much talk of island community impact assessments. Do you think that the Scottish Government has had sufficient concern for island communities and island economies with regard to the decision by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited to push ahead with a process of centralisation?
10:45Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 8 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
Okay. Thank you.
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 8 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
Given that HIAL is publicly owned and that the Government has a policy of repopulating islands, I am surprised that more has not been done. However, it is good to hear that you are engaging with different stakeholders.
I am aware that the matter falls under the remit of the transport minister. The workers and their trade union representatives have written to him, asking to meet him. Would you encourage him to meet them?
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 1 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
It is a question about rural areas and islands. Is that okay?
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 1 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
Are you aware of any ways in which island and rural infrastructure can be improved to ensure compliance with animal welfare, environment and biodiversity standards, and of how that can best be supported by the Scottish Government?
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 1 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
Mary Brennan talked about the role of public procurement and local authorities in the local food economy. What role do you see for public canteens in places such as schools and workplaces in promoting the consumption of local food?
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 1 September 2021
Mercedes Villalba
It is really exciting to hear about all the changes that industry has planned. However, as Martin Reid pointed out, there are financial barriers and the targets need to be achievable. What policy changes could the Scottish Government make, or what resources could it provide, to support the food and drink supply chain to meet the targets and continue to make the changes that we need to tackle the climate emergency?
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Meeting date: 22 June 2021
Mercedes Villalba
I have no relevant interests to declare.