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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.

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Question reference: S6W-07503

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 22 March 2022
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 12 April 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has reported to it any long-term plan for remedial works to Kisimul Castle, and what its position is on whether any agreements undertaken on this subject are being honoured by HES.

Question reference: S6W-07390

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 17 March 2022
Current Status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 29 March 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the most recent known rate of participation in higher education among 16- to 30-year-olds in Scotland, and how this compares with (a) England and (b) Wales.

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) annually publish the Higher Education Initial Participation Rate (HEIPR) which is an estimate of the probability that a 16 year old will participate in Higher Education by the age of 30.

In 2019-20, the HEIPR for 16-30 years olds in Scotland was 57.4%.

https://www.sfc.ac.uk/publications-statistics/statistical-publications/2021/SFCST032021.aspx

The closest comparison for England is the Higher Education Initial Participation (HEIP) measure published by the Department for Education (DfE) measuring participation rates for those aged 17-30. This publication shows in 2019-20 the HEIP in England was 53.4%.

Unlike the Scottish data, this measure contains higher education delivered at Alternative Providers in England. If these institutions are excluded, then the rate for England is 52.4%.

England does not include 16 year olds in their HEIP measure as very few 16 year olds in England participate in higher education.

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/participation-measures-in-higher-education-2006-to-2020

No HEIPR is published for Wales for those aged 16-30.

Question reference: S6W-07417

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 18 March 2022
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 25 March 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what representations it is making to the UK Government to ensure that Gaelic broadcasting achieves parity in statute through the broadcasting bill, which is reportedly due to be introduced in the UK Parliament.

These matters are at an early stage and we understand that the UK Government is currently considering next steps. We are aware, however, that MG ALBA is making preparations for a possible media bill and will be meeting the Minister for State at DCMS to discuss these matters soon. We are also aware of what MG ALBA would hope to see included in a bill and the Scottish Government will support MG ALBA with its requests to ensure greater equity between minority indigenous languages across the UK and to defend and strengthen public service broadcasting in Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-07206

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 11 March 2022
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 24 March 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will urgently consider revising the criteria applied to insulation installations in the Western Isles, in light of reports that Tighean Innse Gall is no longer able to administer government-funded insulation projects due to the PAS 2035 standards causing demand for such schemes to collapse in the islands.

We are keen for Tighean Innse Gall to continue to help deliver insulation improvements as part of our Area Based Schemes. We’re also keen for them to retain their status as an approved installer of insulation with the British Board of Agreement.

Scottish Government officials and officers from the local council have been working with Tighean Innse Gall to find practical solutions to the specific issues in the Western Isles. The Scottish Government will shortly be writing to confirm the actions that have been agreed with the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

These are issues we have raised with the BSI, including the particular challenges of improving the insulation and ventilation of traditionally constructed homes in the Western Isles. We are pleased that the BSI has agreed with us that a greater input from Scottish stakeholders with local experience and knowledge is key to delivering meaningful standards. This will include technical experts from our remote rural and island communities in future.

The PAS2035 and PAS2030 standards for retrofit and installation of energy efficiency measures are published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Installers of insulation measures must comply with PAS2030:2019 to retain their approved status as part of recognised industry schemes.

We agree that changes to the PAS2030 and PAS2035 standards are needed if they are to better reflect the housing stock, weather and environmental conditions in Scotland. However these are UK standards and the BSI are sponsored by the UK Government.

Question reference: S6O-00762

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 16 February 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 23 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the justice secretary has had with the UK Government regarding the impact on Scotland of the Online Safety Bill.

Question reference: S6O-00754

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 02 February 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 10 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to ensure that energy companies do not discriminate against island residents in relation to the installation of smart meters in residential properties.

Question reference: S6W-05797

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 20 January 2022
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the impact (a) of PAS 2035 and PAS 2030 ventilation standards, such as the creation of window vents and gaps under internal doors, on homes in exposed rural and coastal areas and (b) that these new standards could have on people's willingness to have Scottish Government-funded energy efficiency measures installed in their homes.

Question reference: S6W-05796

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 20 January 2022
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will reconsider the extent to which PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 ventilation standards need to be applied in its Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Area Based Schemes (HEEPS: ABS) and Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Warmer Homes Scotland (HEEPS: WHS) programme for homes in rural areas with high average windspeeds.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) standards relate to the overall approach to retrofit and general processes to be followed by installers in installing energy efficiency measures. These standards are intended to be informed by agreed best practice, as they are applied to different construction types and local conditions. The Scottish Government is working with the BSI to set up a Scottish specific working group to feed into the standards to ensure the unique circumstances in Scotland are reflected in the standards e.g. building types and geography.

Question reference: S6W-05351

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 23 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 20 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that adequate transport links to the Isle of Harris are maintained during (a) 2022 and (b) the shoulder months while the Uig Harbour upgrade takes place.

The existing Uig-Tarbert ferry timetable will be maintained in 2022, with formalised deployment of the mezzanine decks to ensure the timetable can be delivered within the operational challenges. We have asked CalMac to continue to closely monitor the route and maximise the use of space on the vessel.

CalMac has revised the initial proposals and these represent the best available options to maximise capacity on the Skye Triangle routes for Summer 2022.

The planned upgrade of Uig Harbour by The Highland Council is required to ensure continuity of ferry services to Harris. The closure is essential to allow major investment in replacing life expired infrastructure and improving the resilience of Uig harbour for the benefit of the Skye Triangle routes. This follows the significant recent investment in the upgrade of Tarbert harbour on Harris. The works have been scheduled out with seasonal peaks, however we regret any associated disruption.

CalMac recently undertook community consultation, including at Tarbert (Harris) Community Centre, on plans to introduce an alternative ferry service while work at Uig is underway. The consultation closed on 7 January and community feedback will be presented to Transport Scotland and Scottish Ministers for careful consideration prior to any final decision on this matter.

Question reference: S6O-00658

Asked by: Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 January 2022
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 20 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what it is doing to ensure that islanders are represented on the boards of David MacBrayne Ltd, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and CalMac Ferries Ltd.

As Alasdair Allan is aware, since becoming Transport Minister, I have been determined to ensure the views, knowledge and experience of island residents informs the delivery of ferry and other relevant transport services. I am clear that I would very much favour an island-based presence on the boards of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and David MacBrayne Ltd. I understand the disappointment that the most recent round of appointments did not address such concerns therefore I have tasked the new Chair of the David MacBrayne board with exploring how we might achieve this, as one of his first priorities.