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Showing 60 of 2,096,228 contributions. Latest 30 days: 3,758. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 11 Jun 2026.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
22 Mar 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill
This has been a short and sweet, consensual debate. However, I suspect that another event later this morning, commonly known as First Minister’s questions, is likely not to take a lesson from the way in which we have conducted ourselves in dealing with the politics of this pla...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
22 Mar 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill
Perhaps they are someone else’s.
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
22 Mar 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill
There is an oxymoron at the heart of the debate—it is “forced marriage”. If something is forced, there cannot be a marriage. The evidence that we took on the bill indicated that there are clearly cases of this abhorrent practice. Scotland needs to stand above the rest of the w...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Higher Education Funding
The cabinet secretary referred to articulation. Does he recognise that departments of adult education are critical to the prospect of articulation? How will decisions made recently at one of our major universities impact on articulation?On the international role and mobility, ...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Denny Town Centre Regeneration
As Michael Matheson pointed out, the problem is long standing. It predates the current economic circumstances, regardless of who is to blame for them. Consequently, I am particularly interested in what steps the minister feels able to take to bring Falkirk Council to the table...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Denny Town Centre Regeneration
The distinction is an interesting one. It is not relevant, however. I apologise again to Mr McMahon. I did not see him sitting up there at the back. Given the extent to which the Labour Party claims to represent communities and the fact that it is the lead party on Falkirk Cou...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Denny Town Centre Regeneration
I apologise to the member. I did not see him sitting up there at the back.
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Denny Town Centre Regeneration
My congratulations go to Michael Matheson on bringing the issue to the chamber, and on his extensive knowledge of the locality. For my sins, or otherwise, I live in yet another carbuncle town: Cumbernauld. We were not desperately keen to get that award back, so I thank the peo...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Public Records (Scotland) Bill
Thank you, Mr Gibson.It is apparent from such programmes that there are inconsistencies in how local authorities and other public bodies keep records. The Public Records (Scotland) Bill, which is small but perfectly formed—we hope—and significant, will add to our success in pr...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Public Records (Scotland) Bill
This will perhaps be an easier task than is often the case with winding-up speeches. Many members who are not in the chamber have missed a trick in relation to the bill. All too often, bills that are allegedly big pieces of legislation get all the headlines, but the small, sig...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
15 Mar 2011
Annual Report
Hear, hear.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
15 Mar 2011
Annual Report
Yes. After all this time, we can trust you to do that.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
15 Mar 2011
Annual Report
Yes.
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Committee
15 Mar 2011
Annual Report
For balance, perhaps we need to refer to the action that the Government has taken in light of the decision that the committee made. To be fair, the Government could probably have gone round the committee and straight to the Parliament, but the fact that it has taken cognisance...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
09 Mar 2011
“Teaching Scotland’s Future”
Is the minister able to clarify the measures that are, or are likely to be, in place to tackle some of those issues?
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
09 Mar 2011
“Teaching Scotland’s Future”
Would the minister be good enough to clarify a couple of things for me? Like my colleague Margaret Smith, I am supportive of the national partnership group. We must recognise that, obviously, teachers teach children. What input will there be from children and parents to the pa...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
08 Mar 2011
Subordinate Legislation
It is interesting that Yvonne Strachan mentioned that point. Am I right in recalling that the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland has to detail the listing of applications for public appointments made by the Scottish Government? That seems to be at odds with what ...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
08 Mar 2011
Subordinate Legislation
I am interested in the minister’s distinction between different parts of the UK. That approach is not necessarily reflected in the Government’s position on procurement. I am sure that others will address that point.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
08 Mar 2011
Subordinate Legislation
I am aware of the commission’s statutory obligations.In the draft regulations for Wales, public bodies will be required to explain why a protected characteristic has not been included in their equality objectives. Why do you consider regulation 3 in this proposed set of regula...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
08 Mar 2011
Subordinate Legislation
At what stage did you discuss the draft regulations with the EHRC? Did you consult it prior to last week’s aborted evidence session or has your department been in touch with it subsequent to that? Given that this has been on the radar for a couple of weeks, I am a little conce...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
08 Mar 2011
Subordinate Legislation
You seem to be following the Welsh model. Is that correct? Jatin Haria is nodding.
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Committee
08 Mar 2011
Subordinate Legislation
Some respondents to the Government’s consultation raised concerns about requiring equality outcomes on all protected characteristics. Why do you consider it necessary to require public bodies to publish equality outcomes relating to each of the protected characteristics?
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Committee
01 Mar 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
I simply want to acknowledge Elaine Smith’s knowledge of Scots law and history and use of Latin.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
24 Feb 2011
Regeneration
I will be brief. As I think was clear from Jeremy Purvis’s opening remarks, we support the proposal.11:14
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
24 Feb 2011
Regeneration
I can make no comment on that, given that, at that time, I was looking at the situation from the perspective of someone who was involved in a commercial organisation that was seeking to regenerate bits of the east end of Glasgow. I know the challenges that that organisation fa...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
24 Feb 2011
Regeneration
I accept Duncan McNeil’s correction. For those who are not aware of what we are talking about—I am sure that most members are—that is the time until the election. It therefore comes as no great surprise to me or to anyone else that, during the course of the debate, we have hea...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
24 Feb 2011
Regeneration
Having done a rough calculation, I think that it is 69 days—
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
24 Feb 2011
Regeneration
For the member’s information, Mr Tolson is currently engaged in a meeting with the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, dealing with transport issues that are relevant to his constituency. The member’s comment was completely unnecessary.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
23 Feb 2011
Migration and Trafficking
That point is well made and I share the member’s concern. In due course, individual members might consider communicating with George Osborne about that and about the shutting down of the migration impact fund.What fascinated me most about the process of the inquiry was the ses...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
23 Feb 2011
Migration and Trafficking
I associate myself with Mary Scanlon’s remarks about the length of the debate. Given that the report is one of the most substantial reports that the Equal Opportunities Committee has produced in any session of the Scottish Parliament, it strikes me as rather unfortunate, given...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
10 Feb 2011
Public Records (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I will be brief. The bill is important and—I hope—a step towards resolving some of the long-standing social and personal issues that individuals who were subjected to abuse in residential homes or schools suffered. Perhaps our taking a step forward with the bill will go some w...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
10 Feb 2011
Public Records (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
For the avoidance of doubt, I confirm to members that I am not Margaret Smith and therefore was not on the committee. I apologise for Margaret Smith not being here today. She is unwell.Having looked at the detail of the report—somewhat quickly, I have to say—I believe that for...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
10 Feb 2011
Early Intervention
I would not cast away so readily the suggestion at this stage.My observation in all this is simple: we need to be very careful that early intervention is seen not only on a timeline—early intervention is not purely chronological. Early intervention should be delivered at the a...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
10 Feb 2011
Early Intervention
That is an interesting observation. I am not aware of that, as I was not part of the previous Administration. However, we are living in different times.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
10 Feb 2011
Early Intervention
Rather than commenting from a sedentary position now, Mrs Eadie should have made her comments during her speech.Previous speakers have rightly made observations on what constitutes early intervention and have spoken in chronological terms about age, years and so on. I would li...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
10 Feb 2011
Early Intervention
I am not sure how to follow that consensual contribution from Mrs Eadie.
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
03 Feb 2011
First Minister’s Question Time · Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (Meetings)
Given the First Minister’s fulsome support for the voluntary sector and his recent meeting with the SCVO, does he want to comment on information that has been given to members? A document that they have been given says that the SCVO’s“vital work is being undermined by Scottish...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
02 Feb 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Will victims automatically appear on the vulnerable persons database, which the police manage, and will that be flagged up through partnership agencies that have access to the VPDB?
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
02 Feb 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
It seems almost no time since I stood up for my opening speech. Unfortunately, this is a very limited debate. I would have welcomed having much more time for it, because it is clear from the speeches that we have heard that people have an interest in the subject, as is only ri...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
02 Feb 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I have no argument with that at all. I recognise fully that forced marriage in any form, whether it involves physical, psychological or other duress—or indeed cultural duress—is not an acceptable way for anyone to proceed.Where both parties enter into an open agreement and arr...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
02 Feb 2011
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
The Scottish Liberal Democrats are happy to support the bill at stage 1. However, wearing two hats, as I am also a member of the Justice Committee, I support my convener’s comments about the recommendations in the committee’s report, and look forward to engaging in some of the...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
27 Jan 2011
Dementia Strategy
Not unexpectedly, this has been a very consensual debate. The dementia strategy that was prepared and published in June last year was warmly welcomed and continues to be warmly welcomed by people across the community. That has been reflected in the speeches that we have heard ...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
27 Jan 2011
Dementia Strategy
I welcome the minister’s provision of that funding. Will she say how it will be protected from leaking into other areas of NHS activity?
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
I will not ask you what the conclusions were. I suspect that you would say, “Watch this space.”Is there an opportunity for staff who use the toolkit to provide feedback on how they found it to use? That would allow continual development of the kit, rather than its being a stat...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
That will be fine, if you feel comfortable doing that and as long as the same example will not be in next year’s report.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
It might be useful if, in next year’s report, there were one or two relatively straightforward examples of how the toolkit has been used, subject to any confidentiality issues. Apart from anything else, that would demonstrate to others who may have a similar toolkit what the o...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
It is interesting that you are monitoring. We often find that people will go through the process, but there is no indication of whether use of the toolkit had any impact on the policy and changes to it, or whether it is a case of staff having had a look at the assessment and t...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
The report refers to the equality impact assessment toolkit for staff that was made available in December 2009. It was discussed with Mike Pringle, and he indicated that such assessments would become a mandatory requirement for any paper that the SPCB, the strategic leadership...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
I need to get a peaked cap and braided epaulettes, so that I can facilitate people’s egress.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
For members and staff who remain addicted to nicotine, watching people—whether they are sighted or not—attempt to leave the confines of the Parliament is a source of endless entertainment.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
There is not. There is nothing at all.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
It was more in relation to migration. That might be worth putting on the to-do list.
Hugh O’Donnell LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
Hugh is fine. I know you well enough.
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Committee
25 Jan 2011
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Equalities Report 2009-10
My question relates to an issue that Marlyn Glen will raise. When the committee took evidence during its inquiry into migration and trafficking, I suggested to the UK Border Agency that it would be beneficial if its website or the Home Office website provided a direct link to ...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
20 Jan 2011
Young People (Opportunities)
I would not dare to disagree with that or with much else that Margaret Smith says.When the Scottish Government considers the issues that I and others have talked about, I draw its attention to deeper involvement by Scotland in the European voluntary service, which the European...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
20 Jan 2011
Young People (Opportunities)
I always worry about taking an intervention from my colleague Margaret Smith.
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
20 Jan 2011
Young People (Opportunities)
This has been a relatively consensual debate. That does not reflect the fact that we are getting closer to 5 May, but it does reflect the consensus in the Parliament in relation to the role of organisations such as the Grameen Bank. Members have spoken fulsomely about the qual...
Hugh O’Donnell LD Chamber
13 Jan 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Autism (Adult Diagnosis)
Who will be responsible for the gathering of the data that result from the consultation, and what use will the health department make of that information?
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
13 Jan 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Autism (Adult Diagnosis)
14. To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults are awaiting a diagnostic appointment relating to autism. (S3O-12575)
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD Chamber
13 Jan 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · NHS Lanarkshire (Meetings)
In the course of the discussions with Lanarkshire Health Board, was any progress made on access to X-ray facilities for patients in the Cumbernauld area? I am given to understand that there have been some challenges regarding the hardware and the equipment involved.
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 22 March 2011

22 Mar 2011 · S3 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill
O'Donnell, Hugh LD Central Scotland Watch on SPTV
This has been a short and sweet, consensual debate. However, I suspect that another event later this morning, commonly known as First Minister’s questions, is likely not to take a lesson from the way in which we have conducted ourselves in dealing with the politics of this place.

As other members have said, the bill demonstrates Scotland choosing a piece of legislation that is desperately needed, taking it forward in a constructive and positive manner and arriving at a conclusion to which everyone who has spoken in the debate contributed, such as Anne McLaughlin, who gave an emotive recounting of a constituent’s experience, Christina McKelvie, Marlyn Glen and Elaine Smith, who again demonstrated her command of the Latin language.

As has been said, we will need a mechanism to allow us to undertake post-legislative scrutiny. If I have had a theme as a member of the Scottish Parliament for the past four years, it is that, although the process is sometimes contentious, we as a Parliament are good at taking legislation forward but are not necessarily as good at reviewing its effectiveness and usefulness. In that regard, I am pleased to have been a member of a committee that has reviewed legislation on mental health and other issues.

As my final contribution to this session of Parliament, I ask that, whoever is in government in the next session, we consider what we have done as well as what we would like to do and ensure that it all works for all the people of the country.

10:05

In the same item of business

The Presiding Officer (Alex Fergusson) NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S3M-8157, in the name of Alex Neil, on the Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill....
The Minister for Housing and Communities (Alex Neil) SNP
I thank the members of the Equal Opportunities Committee, its convener, Margaret Mitchell, and the committee clerks for their work on the bill. I thank also ...
Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab) Lab
Will the minister take an intervention?
Alex Neil SNP
I am afraid that I am just finishing my speech.We expect the bill to result in more victims seeking help because—for the first time in Scotland—a focus will ...
The Presiding Officer NPA
I call Johann Lamont, who has about six minutes.09:31
Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Lab) Lab
For once, I might not use my full quota of minutes, but that does not mean that the bill is not significant. It is relatively straightforward and short, and ...
Margaret Mitchell (Central Scotland) (Con) Con
The Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill is important legislation that the Equal Opportunities Committee had the opportunity to ...
Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD
There is an oxymoron at the heart of the debate—it is “forced marriage”. If something is forced, there cannot be a marriage. The evidence that we took on the...
The Presiding Officer NPA
We have a little time in hand, so there is a bit of flexibility, if anyone needs it.09:44
Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow) (SNP) SNP
This will be my final speech as an MSP. I have decided to set myself a challenge. Instead of having the speech written out in front of me in 16-point bold, w...
Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab) Lab
I am pleased to make my final contribution in the Parliament during this important debate on forced marriages. The Forced Marriage etc (Protection and Jurisd...
Christina McKelvie (Central Scotland) (SNP) SNP
I am pleased to speak in the debate on the second-last bill that we will pass in this session of the Scottish Parliament—the first session in which I have ha...
Hugh O’Donnell LD
Perhaps they are someone else’s.
Christina McKelvie SNP
Perhaps they are.When the Parliament was established, human rights and equality were written into its proceedings from the outset. The Parliament was establi...
Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab) Lab
Having served on the Equal Opportunities Committee since 1999, I am pleased that the last debate of the parliamentary session in which I will participate con...
Hugh O’Donnell LD
This has been a short and sweet, consensual debate. However, I suspect that another event later this morning, commonly known as First Minister’s questions, i...
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con
I, too, thank Marlyn Glen for everything that she has done in the Parliament and wish her happiness and success in the future.It is a pleasure to close for t...
The Presiding Officer NPA
I call Johann Lamont to close on behalf of the Scottish Labour Party. You have quite an amount of flexibility, Ms Lamont.10:07
Johann Lamont Lab
Hugh O’Donnell described this as a short and sweet debate. Neither the minister nor I often contribute to short and sweet debates, so we should cherish the m...
The Presiding Officer NPA
We come to the minister to wind up the debate. Minister, I can offer you your second 15-minute slot in a row. You have until 10.30 should you choose to use t...
Alex Neil SNP
Johann Lamont started by saying that it is not often she and I do short and sweet. I disagree. We do short and sweet all the time: she does the short, and I ...
Elaine Smith Lab
Will the minister join me in thanking Jean McFadden for my knowledge of Latin? She taught me at St Patrick’s high school in Coatbridge.
Alex Neil SNP
The Minister for Community Safety has just intimated to me that the correct pronunciation is “nobil-ay” officium. I am sure that the minister knows all about...
Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD) LD
I was going to make that point to the minister.
Alex Neil SNP
Another lawyer—they are all around me this morning. I put on record the fact that Robert Brown, who nearly made an intervention, has made an enormous contrib...