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Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Find out more about parliamentary questions

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Question reference: S6W-32264

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether illness would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.

Question reference: S6W-32263

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) weather conditions and (b) late delivery of a bull would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, and in what circumstances the late delivery of artificial insemination would qualify crofters and farmers for protection under this clause.

Question reference: S6W-32262

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what qualifying circumstances would be covered under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, and how crofters and farmers can (a) access protection and (b) appeal a decision of a rejected application to access protection under this clause.

Question reference: S6W-32261

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether animal health concerns would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.

Question reference: S6W-31795

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 11 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government on what (a) relevant knowledge and (b) experience the Cabinet Secretary for Transport based her appointment of Mark Tarry to the board of CMAL.

CMAL Board appointment campaigns are carried out in line with the Ethical Standards Commissioner’s Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland.

Scottish Ministers consider the recommendation presented to them by the selection panel appointed to take forward Public Body Board appointment campaigns. The selection panel includes an advisor appointed on behalf of the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

In this instance the CMAL Board required a candidate with specialist risk and assurance expertise and experience. The selection panel evaluates the evidence presented by each candidate as part of the Board appointment process, this is tested when reviewing each application form and also at interview. The selection panel recommend to Scottish Ministers the candidates they consider as being most able to meet the requirements of the role or roles as advertised. This is based on merit and is in line with the Ethical Standards Commissioner’s Code of Practice.

Question reference: S6W-31793

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 11 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a policy that no individual will be appointed to the board of David MacBrayne Limited or CMAL without being able to demonstrate experience of island communities and conditions.

Scottish Ministers have been clear on their desire to ensure greater islander representation on the Boards of David MacBrayne Ltd and CMAL. Previous recruitments have resulted on at least one board member in each organisation who has the skills required for the role and is also an islander. We will continue to work hard with both Boards to fully explore all options that will result in encouraging more island residents to apply for future Board opportunities.

Question reference: S6W-31792

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 11 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Transport last met with Erik Østergaard (a) in person and (b) remotely.

Scottish Ministers and Transport Scotland officials meet regularly with David MacBrayne Ltd & CalMac Ferries Ltd. This includes Ministerial meetings with the Board and Senior Management Team as well as Transport Scotland participation in a range of DML led working groups.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport last met the DML Board Chair (Erik Østergaard) in person on, 17 September 2024, and remotely on, 16 November 2023.

Question reference: S6W-32082

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 7 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of marine environment (a) are currently undergoing active restoration work and (b) have planned active restoration work.

Question reference: S6W-32079

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 7 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a restoration plan for marine and coastal areas, which was scheduled for publication by 2025.

Question reference: S6W-32080

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 7 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government which groups are represented on the stakeholder advisory group for the restoration plan for marine and coastal areas.