Questions and answers

Question reference: S5W-21698

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 15 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 6 March 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce the screening of adolescents for scoliosis.

The Scottish Government works closely with the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). This independent expert advisory group advises Ministers and the NHS in the four UK countries about all aspects of screening policy using the international research evidence base and establishing pilot programmes where appropriate to collect additional evidence.

The UK NSC last reviewed screening for Scoliosis in 2016 and did not recommend introducing a national screening programme. This is because there is no agreed cut off for the Adam Forward Bend Test where doctors would agree that treatment is necessary. The further test is an x-ray examination and this would expose people to radiation which is harmful. It is also unclear whether treating people found through screening is better than waiting for symptoms to develop.

Although the UK NSC does not currently recommend a national screening programme for Scoliosis, all policies are reviewed regularly and screening for scoliosis will be reviewed again in 2019-20. Any change to the recommendation will be carefully considered by the Scottish Government.

Question reference: S5O-02943

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 February 2019
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 6 March 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with businesses regarding the potential economic impact of Brexit.

Question reference: S5W-21092

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 17 January 2019
Current Status: Answered by Kezia Dugdale on 29 January 2019

To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what plans it has to raise the paternity leave entitlement for Parliament staff from two to four weeks, to bring it in line with that offered to Scottish Government staff.

Question reference: S5O-02825

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 23 January 2019
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 30 January 2019

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its discussions with the UK Government regarding Brexit.

Question reference: S5W-20661

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 18 December 2018
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Humza Yousaf on 19 December 2018

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to meet the commitment in its Programme for Government to increase the openness and transparency of the parole system.

Question reference: S5W-20590

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 13 December 2018
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Russell on 14 December 2018

To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its proposed consultation on prisoners voting in devolved elections in Scotland.

I am pleased to announce the publication today of our Consultation on Prisoner Voting.

In response to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee report, the Scottish Government announced that a consultation on prisoner voting would be launched before the end of the year. The consultation paper, published today, sets out the Scottish Government's proposal for ensuring compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights on the matter of prisoners voting.

The proposal is to enfranchise only those prisoners on short sentences. Views are sought on the appropriate length of term.

The consultation will run for a 12 week period to seek views on prisoner voting in Scottish Parliament and Local Government elections. After the consultation has closed, the responses will be analysed and a report published. The Scottish Government will then advise of next steps.

I am pleased to announce the publication today of our Consultation on Prisoner Voting.

In response to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee report, the Scottish Government announced that a consultation on prisoner voting would be launched before the end of the year. The consultation paper, published today, sets out the Scottish Government’s proposal for ensuring compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights on the matter of prisoners voting.

The proposal is to enfranchise only those prisoners on short sentences. Views are sought on the appropriate length of term.

The consultation will run for a 12 week period to seek views on prisoner voting in Scottish Parliament and Local Government elections. After the consultation has closed, the responses will be analysed and a report published. The Scottish Government will then advise of next steps.

Question reference: S5O-02710

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 December 2018
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 19 December 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what impact the introduction of universal credit has had on people in Scotland.

Question reference: S5O-02688

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 December 2018
Current Status: Answered by Clare Haughey on 12 December 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to evaluate users' experiences of the impact of augmentative and alternative communication legislation.

Question reference: S5W-20388

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 December 2018
Current Status: Answered by Kate Forbes on 12 December 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to local authorities to implement winter resilience plans.

Question reference: S5O-02635

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Current Status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 29 November 2018

To ask the Scottish Government what monitoring it undertakes to ensure that NHS boards provide the necessary support and equipment for people who have speech and other communication difficulties.

NHS Boards have a legislative duty to provide children and adults who have lost their voice or have difficulty speaking, a right to the provision of communication equipment and support in using that equipment.

The Scottish Government recently introduced guidance and a national pathway to support the legislation, and officials are working closely with executive leads in boards to support implementation of the legislative duty.

Officials are also working with stakeholders to build an overall picture of people who use Assisted and Augmentative Communication who are known to services as well as exploring whether there are any gaps.

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