Questions and answers

Question reference: S4O-03409

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 June 2014

To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages the establishment of student associations, and how many have been set up since the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013 came into force.

Question reference: S4F-02143

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 02 June 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 5 June 2014

To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will respond to the report of the Expert Working Group on Welfare.

Question reference: S4O-03279

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 28 May 2014

To ask the Scottish Government what conclusions emerged from the recent payday lending summit.

Question reference: S4O-03250

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 21 May 2014

To ask the Scottish Government what importance it places on modern apprenticeships in engineering.

Question reference: S4O-03133

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 23 April 2014

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to calls to allow the docking of tails of working dogs.

Question reference: S4O-03103

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 2 April 2014

To ask the Scottish Government what impact the continuing levying of air passenger duty is having on the Scottish tourist industry.

Air passenger duty (APD) has a negative impact on our tourism industry by making travel to and from Scotland more expensive. A study by York Aviation in October 2012 found that by 2016, £210 million less per annum will be spent in Scotland by inbound visitors than if APD had not risen as it has since 2007.

As set out in Scotland’s Future, this Government would prioritise a 50 per cent reduction in APD within the first term of an independent Scottish Parliament with a view to eventual abolition of the tax when public finances allowed.

Question reference: S4W-19944

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 27 February 2014

To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the remit, scope and structure of the Wild Fisheries Review.

I met with Andrew Thin, Chair of the Wild Fisheries Review, last week and I have given him the following remit, scope and structure:

Wild fisheries review

Remit:

To consider from first principles the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland’s wild fisheries (salmon and freshwater), the management system and funding required to meet those challenges and deliver those opportunities.

To consider the balance of responsibility and accountability as regards the international commitments, obligations and domestic policy objectives associated with wild fisheries and their environment.

To set out how Scotland’s natural fish and fisheries resources should be sustainably managed, conserved and developed in the context of Scotland’s international commitments, obligations and domestic policy objectives in the best national interest and in a way that is underpinned by evidence.

To identify and map the essential components of a modern wild fisheries management system; one responsive to the changing and multi-factoral impacts and pressures on fish and fisheries.

To consider the information required to make and implement evidence-based management decisions.

To consider the skill set required to deliver any new management system.

Scope:

Specifically, the review and subsequent report will consider how:

A strategic and joined up approach can be created in order to preserve, protect and develop Scotland’s fisheries in a sustainable manner in the best interest of Scotland as a whole;

Relevant data and research should be collected and shared to inform management decisions and who should have the lead responsibility for data collection, storage and research commissioning;

All fisheries species focus and management can be achieved optimally;

Fisheries management should be funded in a way that is both transparent and accountable;

To manage non-compliance with wild fisheries legislation in a proportionate and consistent manner;

The sustainable management of salmon netting activity could be taken forward in the future;

Some countries supporting a similar range of species to Scotland manage their wild fisheries and what lessons can Scotland learn from international perspectives;

Evidenced based management decisions should be implemented to ensure compliance with national and international obligations and legislative accountability;

Appropriate skill sets required for fisheries management are developed and provide opportunities for continuous professional development;

To create a better environment and increase the opportunity for all but especially young people to stimulate their interest in fishing and fisheries management;

Appropriate interventions and actions, including broader policy, can overcome barriers, weaknesses or omissions in fostering productive working relationships between and across sectors.

The review may further develop any objectives to enable its aims to be delivered and to advise Scottish Ministers on any aspects related to management of wild fisheries that merits their attention.

Structure:

The review will be conducted independently of Scottish Government by a panel comprising Andrew Thin (Chair), Jane Hope and Michelle Francis. It will be supported by a secretariat from the Scottish Government, and a technical advisory group drawn from Marine Scotland Science, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Institute of Fisheries Management. It is for the chair and panel to determine how the review is conducted, but it will be structured around delivery of the remit set out above.

Timing and Timescale:

The review will begin in March 2014, and it is envisaged that it will take six months to complete with a final report delivered to me thereafter.

I will consider any recommendations made and will consult on any subsequent proposals to implement a new management regime.

Question reference: S4O-02986

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 6 March 2014

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the UK Government on defence in an independent Scotland.

Question reference: S4O-02880

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 5 February 2014

To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages local and national organisations to work in partnership to promote historical locations and events.

Question reference: S4O-02839

Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 29 January 2014

To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on introducing its proposed legislation on carers.

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