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I echo those comments. The committee seems to have been discussing the issue one way or another for seven to 10 years, and the idea that we are seven to 10 years away from achieving something that has not yet been agreed is a concern.

PE1867, which was lodged by Scott Macmillan, is on establishing a new national qualification for British Sign Language. I highlight that consideration of the petition will, as we have discussed, be available to watch on the Scottish Parliament’s BSL channel.

The petition calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to encourage the Scottish Qualifications Authority to establish a national qualification in British Sign Language at Scottish credit and qualifications framework level 2. We last considered the petition at our meeting on 4 May, when we agreed to write to the Scottish sensory hub. We now have responses from the National Deaf Children’s Society and the Scottish sensory hub.

The National Deaf Children’s Society stated its hope that BSL can be afforded similar support and status to that which the Gaelic language has received. It also highlighted that, without a national qualification, we are unlikely to see sufficient numbers of teachers choosing to develop their skills in teaching BSL.

The Scottish sensory hub noted that students currently

“earn more university entrance points for spoken language qualifications than ... for BSL”,

which it suggests results in students “reluctantly” opting for

“spoken language courses ... to maximise university entry opportunities.”

That is despite the increasing number of people who wish to take up BSL.

The Scottish sensory hub highlighted that the

“development of BSL qualification pathways and ... increased BSL fluency amongst the general population”

could have a positive impact on the wellbeing of deaf individuals and their sense of connectedness in everyday life. Any exposure that we have had to BSL has visibly demonstrated that to colleagues and the Parliament.

Do members have any suggestions for action?

Thank you, Mr Stewart. That was a comprehensive series of suggestions. If colleagues do not have anything to add, are we content to do what has been suggested?

Members indicated agreement.

You say that women might find themselves subject to prosecution under the provisions in England. Is that a hypothetical situation, or has that happened?

Good morning and welcome to the 15th meeting in 2022 of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee. We have received apologies from the deputy convener, David Torrance, who unfortunately cannot be with us this morning. However, we are joined by his substitute, Marie McNair. I am delighted to welcome her to our proceedings. Good morning, Marie, and welcome to the committee. We are also joined online by our colleague Paul Sweeney, who is participating remotely this morning.

Under agenda item 1, as this is Marie McNair’s first appearance at the committee, I invite her to make any declaration of interests that she wishes to make.

Right. Thank you very much.

I want to follow up on one point with Dr Neal. You referred—as did Nicola Murray in her evidence—to the fact that Scotland stands alone in this regard, and that there is a far higher level of protection in law, or at least an offence that can be pursued in law, elsewhere in the United Kingdom. What impact has that had on the way in which such matters are pursued or on their incidence elsewhere in the UK? Let us establish and agree that such matters sit apart and that there is a separate offence that can, therefore, be pursued in that way. What has been the impact of that legislation in those jurisdictions?

This is a general question, but would you say that that has led to a different kind of sentencing?

Thank you, Monica. You said that the report is 900 pages long—that is almost as big as the number of days on the waiting list. It occurred to me that Parliament will potentially have dissolved before some people are at the top of that waiting list. It is getting close to 2026 before people will be seen, which is an indication of the scale of the issue.

Before we close, does Karen McKeown want to say anything in conclusion?

Thank you. That has been helpful. We have covered quite a lot of ground, and we understand where you would like to see us move in relation to that. Monica, would you like to contribute?