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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: S6O-00571

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 December 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 22 December 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what further financial support it considers may be necessary to assist the hospitality sector as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Question reference: S6W-04344

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 18 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 3 December 2021

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-03267 by Michael Matheson on 11 October 2021, while decarbonisation projects of any size can progress through the Marine Scotland Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) decarbonisation plan, whether innovation projects in Scotland that are not part of the oil and gas decarbonisation programme are subject to a 100MW cap; if so, what its position is on whether this curtails such projects in Scottish waters; what specific consideration it will give to raising the cap for these Scottish innovation projects through INTOG from 100MW to 300MW, to enable such projects in Scottish waters to compete with any similar pre-commercial projects in the English and Welsh waters of the Celtic Sea that are up to 300MW in size, and what its position is on whether this would provide an opportunity for innovative Scottish stepping-stone projects to be brought forward.

As per the previous answer to question S6W-03267 highlighted, a consultation has taken place on the Planning Specification and Context Report for the Sectoral Marine Plan for Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas Decarbonisation (INTOG). That consultation closed on 20 October 2021 and the Scottish Government is aiming to publish the results of that consultation alongside the Initial Plan Framework, which sets out all parameters and spatial components, shortly. This document will include definitions for both Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas components. It is, of course, the intention to ensure that projects delivered under INTOG are competitive.

Question reference: S6W-04535

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 19 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 2 December 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to support insulation and sound mitigating measures for ceilings in flatted developments that do not currently have them.

The Scottish Government recognise the negative impact that noise disturbances can have on building occupiers. In response to queries regarding such issues Building Standards Division has previously published 'Noise - Guidance on Home Improvements' which provides advice to those considering the installation of hard surface floor coverings (such as laminates, wood, or tiles) and the benefits of providing suitable underlay materials.

Further guidance on improving sound insulation within homes can be found within 'Housing and Sound Insulation: Improving existing attached dwellings and designing for conversions' (Edinburgh Napier University) which sets out good practice on how to upgrade separating walls and floors to improve sound insulation performance. Individuals seeking to make improvements to the sound insulation of their properties are encouraged to seek advice from an acoustics professional to ensure appropriate solutions to reducing noise levels from their neighbouring properties.

Where noise from neighbouring properties is deemed excessive, individuals are encouraged to liaise with their local authority to seek specific advice on such matters.

Question reference: S6O-00484

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 24 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 December 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what support is in place for parents who experience stillbirth.

Question reference: S6W-04072

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 01 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 22 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what the expected timetable is for NHS boards to access the long COVID support fund, to help them deliver a long COVID support service.

We anticipate that the long COVID Support Fund will be allocated over the next three financial years, providing Boards with additional resource to respond in a flexible and tailored manner to the needs of people with long COVID.

Our 2021-22 Budget takes the total health portfolio funding to in excess of £16 billion, with a further £1.9 billion of funding to address pressures related to COVID-19. This substantial additional investment is already benefiting a range of NHS services which are supporting the needs of people living with long COVID.

Question reference: S6O-00451

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 November 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details of its plans to entitle all children, whose school start is deferred, to access funded early learning and childcare in their deferred year.

Question reference: S6W-04186

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 05 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 16 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the creation of a Lead MS Nurse for Scotland and the development of this as a leadership role.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Scotland are able to receive the best possible care and support and benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put the patient at the centre of their care.

Since 2015, the Scottish Government has provided £2.4 million annually to improve specialist nursing services. NHS Boards make the decision on where to prioritise this funding based on local need. NHS Boards are expected to ensure that patients, including those who require MS services, have access to a range of professionals to provide the appropriate management of their condition.

The Scottish Government currently has no plans to create a lead MS nurse post, but is willing to consider and discuss any proposals received.

Question reference: S6W-04185

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 05 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 16 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the provision of mental health support for people living with MS and other neurological conditions.

I fully understand that those with MS and other long term neurological conditions may need support to cope with potential impacts upon their mental wellbeing.

Over the past 13 months we have invested over £300,000 to projects which specifically aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people with MS in Scotland.

Improving timely access to local care and support for mental health is an existing priority. As of 1 January 2021, through action 15 of the Mental Health Strategy 2017-27 and the Primary Care Improvement Fund, 193 additional Mental Health Worker posts have been created in GP settings.

We have also made a longer term commitment that by 2026, every GP Practice will have access to a mental health and wellbeing service, funding 1,000 additional dedicated staff who can help grow community mental health resilience and offer social prescribing opportunities on a wide range of services such as arts and cultural activities, green space, physical activity and leisure. Later this year, and on the basis of local plans submitted by Integration Authorities, we will start providing funding to begin national implementation of a new model for Mental Health in Primary Care.

Question reference: S6W-04085

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 01 November 2021
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 15 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with equestrian communities and groups regarding raising the awareness of motorists on safely overtaking horses.

Question reference: S6W-03666

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 11 October 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 8 November 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the waiting times for people requiring an x-ray.

The Scottish Government has made more than £9 million available to Health Boards this year for diagnostic imaging and is currently supporting additional X-ray appointments during evenings and at weekends. This service is being delivered while maintaining patient safety and flow through departments, as well as preserving infection prevention control measures at all times.

Moving forward we have recently published the NHS Recovery Plan, which is backed by more than £1 billion of investment and aims to improve service delivery and increase capacity, in order to tackle the regrettable backlogs that have emerged as a result of the pandemic.