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Official Report: search what was said in Parliament

The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.  

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Dates of parliamentary sessions
  1. Session 1: 12 May 1999 to 31 March 2003
  2. Session 2: 7 May 2003 to 2 April 2007
  3. Session 3: 9 May 2007 to 22 March 2011
  4. Session 4: 11 May 2011 to 23 March 2016
  5. Session 5: 12 May 2016 to 5 May 2021
  6. Current session: 12 May 2021 to 13 January 2025
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Displaying 2361 contributions

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Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Budget Scrutiny 2024-25

Meeting date: 23 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

That is really what my last question was about—that third strand of work and mainstreaming the net zero test across the whole of Government, making it integral to the budget process. I am a little bit concerned by the response that we had from Màiri McAllan, which seemed to suggest that the net zero test would not be intrinsic to the annual budget setting process. I am getting a slightly more nuanced position on that from you, Deputy First Minister. It is being piloted and extended across Government, but ultimately it needs to be there, even though it is not the only consideration when it comes to the budget.

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Budget Scrutiny 2024-25

Meeting date: 23 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

Yes, it has been an interesting discussion. To follow on from that, where is green hydrogen right now, within the context of this year’s budget? Are the market opportunities near market, or are we still looking at far-market opportunities?

Looking at the hydrogen innovation scheme and what has been funded already, there are some really useful and interesting feasibility studies for quite small-scale application of green hydrogen. However, it feels as though a lot of that stuff is about demonstrating its value; it does not feel as though the full commercial opportunities are here—right here, right now. That may go back to your comment about offshore wind and the strategic focus. What is that focus for green hydrogen, perhaps in the longer term?

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Budget Scrutiny 2024-25

Meeting date: 23 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

Okay, but on the specifics—because we are wondering who is ultimately responsible for the work in Government—is it a budget issue, and therefore your responsibility, or is it Màiri McAllan’s responsibility? We have had correspondence from both of you.

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Budget Scrutiny 2024-25

Meeting date: 23 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

That is fine; that is joined-up Government.

In those three areas of work, the first strand was the narrative, which has been useful. The second strand was taxonomy and classification, and that has been expanded so that it is now not only about capital but is about revenue, as well. Is that it, for the second strand, or will there be a review of it and further expansion of the work? Will there be transparency about that?

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Budget Scrutiny 2024-25

Meeting date: 23 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

If there is more information about how that pipeline is shaping up, it would be very useful to get that.

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

BBC Annual Report

Meeting date: 18 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

I, too, have had that sort of experience on a committee visit to Orkney, where I did a lengthy interview with BBC Radio Orkney.

I want to ask about support for emerging grass-roots artists. The context here is that, across the UK, at least one grass-roots music venue is shutting every single week. There is a real pressure there, and there is a declining opportunity for new artists to get heard, both on the radio and through live performance.

The other context here, which Mr Cameron has already started to discuss, is the cuts that you have put forward and have now implemented in jazz and classical music, the regular programming for which has been taken off air—although I know that you have instigated a number of other initiatives to try and fill that hole. I am interested to know what your focus is when it comes to grass-roots live music and emerging artists. We seem to be in a perfect storm in relation to support for grass-roots music across the UK, and I am concerned about how that relates to Scotland.

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

BBC Annual Report

Meeting date: 18 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

That would be useful. The BBC, as a public broadcaster, is there to help to create that platform. The point about live music venues is that that platform is declining, so if you are not going to do it, who else is? I would like to understand whether the platform is shrinking or getting bigger. It is a decision for you whether it is done by having a specialist programme or by getting particular genres or emerging artists into a range of other more mainstream programmes, but it would be very useful to know whether the platform is getting bigger or smaller, highlighting the opportunities that are there across genres.

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

BBC Annual Report

Meeting date: 18 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

I am interested in the metrics for new, emerging and live music—that is where we are seeing the need to expand the platform rather than see it being stripped down.

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

BBC Annual Report

Meeting date: 18 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

Are you looking at any particular innovative ways to improve or develop the way in which you approach elections this time around, or will it be very similar to previous elections?

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

Budget Scrutiny 2024-25

Meeting date: 18 January 2024

Mark Ruskell

I come back to your comments about how the additional £6.6 million will be allocated, and the priorities and themes in relation to that spend. The impression that we got from Creative Scotland last week is that there is to be a discussion with Government about your priorities. In your initial comments, you said that it is up to Creative Scotland to come forward with its priorities, but you also said that you expect a focus on the recovery of the sector, the sustainability of the sector and innovation in the sector. Will you say a bit more about that? It is not a vast amount of money, but where do you expect the focus to be? We hear that all those things are needed, but the creative sector has the potential to address wider societal needs. How much of that can really be developed with £6.6 million?