Seòmar agus comataidhean

That is okay, convener. Thank you.

This question is to Mr Watters. Some of the evidence that the committee has taken from families was about social media and threats of violence or violence on social media. They felt that the police had “become immune to it” and that there was no response from the police. Can you put on record what your position is?

I was very tempted to suggest closing the petition under standing orders, but I would like the committee to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport seeking further detail on the delivery plan, funding and governance of the A83 Rest and Be Thankful programme, including information on work that is being undertaken to ensure the statutory processes and construction are completed without unnecessary delay.

I have one more question for you, Mr Watters. The families we spoke to did not feel that the police would respond to any threats to their children on social media. Can you elaborate on what Police Scotland would do if such threats were constantly being aimed at a child?

No, it was not. I was very tempted, convener. [Laughter.]

I wonder whether the committee would consider writing to the Scottish Government once again to ask when it expects to publish the outcomes of the consultation on effective community engagement and local development planning guidance; to seek an update on the work to explore the scope for planning authorities to determine more applications for onshore windfarm developments, including the impact that onshore wind sector deals for Scotland has had on that work; and to highlight the petitioner’s continuing concerns about the lack of professional support that is available to assist members of the public contributing to public inquiries.

Could the committee write to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to request a timeline for the development and publication of the joint action plan on relationships and behaviour in schools, and information about how the Scottish Government expects its call for accurate recording of incidents in schools to be achieved?

Yes, please.

Why would the petitioners like to see an inquiry being set up before the conclusion of the Scottish child abuse inquiry?

What concerns do the petitioners have about the current procedures, statutory duties and national child protection guidance?

I wonder whether the committee would consider writing to the Scottish Government for an update on whether its delivery plan and timetable for phasing out a sale of horticultural peat will be published and whether it intends to look beyond the sale of peat and consider banning the extraction of peat, but with an exemption for crofters and traditional and cultural use.