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Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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Showing 60 of 2,096,198 contributions. Latest 30 days: 3,026. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 10 Jun 2026.
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
10 Mar 2016
General Question Time · Sex Offenders (Monitoring)
I do not want to be directed to a website; I want the specific figure. I advise the cabinet secretary that the latest figures provided by the Scottish Government show that convictions of sex offenders for offences against children have trebled over the past three years. Is the...
2. Paul Martin (Glasgow Provan) (Lab) Lab Chamber
10 Mar 2016
General Question Time · Sex Offenders (Monitoring)
To ask the Scottish Government how many registered sex offenders there are in Scotland and what resources are being allocated to monitor them. (S4O-05647)
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Annual Report
Okay colleagues, before there is any disagreement, I will move the committee into private session. I note that we have received apologies from Tavish Scott. 11:29 Meeting continued in private until 12:01.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Annual Report
All the parliamentary committees should operate in that way—they should ensure that we can work together on the common agenda. Does any member have a brief comment before we close?
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Annual Report
A fair point has been raised. The Public Audit Committee’s work is of public interest, so hopefully the future committee will keep the issue in mind. I point out to colleagues that this is our final meeting before dissolution. Before moving into private session, I want to tha...
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Annual Report
Sorry.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Annual Report
You were there.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Annual Report
We had a tour around NHS Highland.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Annual Report
Item 6 is the committee’s annual report. In line with previous years, this is simply a factual report on the committee’s work for the past year. Are members content to agree the draft report and for me to liaise with the clerks on the publication date? Members indicated agree...
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
Item 5 is a response from the Scottish Government on the AGS report “Implementing the Scotland Act 2012: An update”. The committee had asked the Scottish Government whether it accepted the report’s findings and recommendations. Is the committee content to note the Scottish Gov...
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
Do colleagues agree to that approach? Members indicated agreement.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
We can ask for the matter to be on the record.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
Item 4 is a response from the Scottish Government to four points arising from the committee’s consideration of the AGS report entitled “Health and social care integration”. Do colleagues have any comments to make?
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
Absolutely.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
I think that we can ask for common sense to prevail but still put the question in the interest of openness.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
I suggest that we correspond with Mr Gray on the points that committee members have made today and request a response within two weeks.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
We need to be careful what we put in the legacy document.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
Colleagues, I suggest that we pull those suggestions together. We could respond to the correspondence, asking for a response in the two-week period before Parliament dissolves; we could pass the Official Report of this meeting to our successor committee; or we could do both—se...
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Section 23 Reports
Item 3 is a response from the Scottish Government to the committee’s request for further specific information relating to the Auditor General’s report, “NHS in Scotland 2015”. I invite colleagues to make comments or propose actions.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
I thank the Auditor General for her final report before the end of the parliamentary session. I take this opportunity to thank her and her staff for the support that they have given the committee over the session. We wish you the very best for the future.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
Can you clarify, for the record, where that was?
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
Richard Simpson has two questions that he has promised me are 30-second questions.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
This seems to be another example of highly paid public officials who have significant responsibilities failing to carry out the basics. In this case, ensuring that there is a plan for and a timetable of meetings to progress the issues and to show leadership has not happened. G...
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
You have audited the situation, reported on there being no meeting held, and said that you are concerned. Has there been a meeting recently?
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
The director general for communities should have ensured that such meetings are progressed. That is when you would expect leadership to be shown.
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
What Government department would be responsible for that?
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
If it cannot arrange regular meetings to ensure that the strategy is progressed, that creates a certain picture. What about monitoring, keeping proper records of the meetings and ensuring that action points are being progressed? If regular meetings are not taking place, how ca...
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
Has there been any substantive explanation of why the group did not reconvene after December 2014?
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
I thank the Auditor General for her statement. I draw her attention to appendix 1 of the report, which says that “the National Community Planning Group has not met since December 2014”. I understand that you have received a response from the Scottish Government about that, ...
The Convener Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
“Community Planning: An update”
Item 2 is evidence on the joint Auditor General for Scotland and Accounts Commission report “Community planning: An update”. I welcome our panel of witnesses: Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland; Douglas Sinclair, chair of the Accounts Commission; and Antony Clark,...
The Convener (Paul Martin) Lab Committee
09 Mar 2016
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Good morning. I welcome members of the press and the public to the seventh meeting in 2016 of the Public Audit Committee. I ask all present to ensure that their electronic devices are switched to flight mode so that they do not affect the committee’s work. Item 1 is a decisio...
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
Just to clarify, I am asking the cabinet secretary to ensure that the decision that was taken by the then health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, is adhered to. It was taken only a few years ago, but the health board is already backsliding—it wants to revisit the decision. I ask th...
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
Of course, I will listen to local people before I listen to the former chair of Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board. Does John Mason think that Lightburn hospital should close at any point in the next 10 years—yes or no?
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
Will the member give way?
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
The document I have here is a live document that is being considered by the board. It includes the proposal to close Lightburn hospital. I question the cabinet secretary once again. Why is she not instructing the health board that we have already taken a political decision? On...
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
I will bring in the cabinet secretary in a second. Given that background, I was astounded that the financial planning document, which was created by Catriona Renfrew, confirms on page 8 that there is a proposal for the closure of Lightburn hospital. It says that the hospital ...
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
Again, Mr Doris does not refer to a specific Labour politician. Perhaps he can clarify that once again. I refer members to the members’ business debate on Lightburn hospital that I led on 29 September 2011, just after I had been elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 2011,...
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
I will let in Bob Doris in a moment—he will get his chance. Gerry McCann refers to a financial planning document that was prepared, as I understand it, by Catriona Renfrew, a senior official at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The document proposed £60 million-worth of cuts at ...
Paul Martin (Glasgow Provan) (Lab) Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
First, I will refer to the comments from Bob Doris and latterly from Stuart McMillan about scaremongering tactics. The save Lightburn group is led by Gerry McCann, who has no political allegiance to anyone. He has suffered from Parkinson’s for more than 20 years, and he made i...
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
I am not sure whether Stuart McMillan has been given the correct briefing by his resource centre. I confirm for the record that there are 27 members of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board; 20 of them are appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport.
Paul Martin (Glasgow Provan) (Lab) Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Health
Will the member take an intervention?
Paul Martin Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Portfolio Question Time · NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Meetings)
I attended a meeting of the save Lightburn campaign group on Monday of this week. The chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was also invited, but he declined to attend the event. Does the minister share my concern that an official paid to the tune of a reported £190...
11. Paul Martin (Glasgow Provan) (Lab) Lab Chamber
02 Mar 2016
Portfolio Question Time · NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what matters were discussed. (S4O-05605)
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Okay. We will leave it with the clerks to try to ensure that we do not duplicate the work of the other committee but that we take on board the points that have been made. We will now move on to the next agenda items, which we previously agreed to take in private. 13:02 Meeti...
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Shall we clarify with that committee what work it has done on that? If there is any duplication, we can allow it to lead on that, but if there are areas that are relevant to this committee, we can leave that with the clerks to prepare accordingly.
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Obviously, we do not want to duplicate the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee’s work.
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Okay. Can we be clear about the information that Tavish Scott is looking for? Will he confirm what he is recommending?
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Agenda item 4 is on the section 22 report entitled “The 2014/15 audit of the Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts”. Colleagues will have on their desks the connected response from Alyson Stafford, who is the director general of finance in the Scottish Government. Do colle...
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Thank you.
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
In conclusion, today will be the last time that this committee will interact with you. We thank you for your contribution, but we hope and would like to think that, given the robust report that we have put on record and the recommendations that we have made, the Scottish fundi...
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
You still made the package—
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
That is all that is being said here. We have asked for that information and it has become clear that the process was pretty haphazard. I have been an elected representative for 22 years, and I have been to meetings of community councils and residents associations that have mor...
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
The point—which the committee has made on many occasions—is that surely, when all that public money is going out the door, somebody has to say, “Yes, you might have a contract in place, but you need to make a business case for enhancements.”
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
That is where a business case would have come in, would it not?
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Right, so it is the case that, for the principal’s pension on the basis of early departure, there is a specific reference in the contract that says, “You will receive this sum plus the basics”—in other words, the 13 months’ salary.
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
When the board looked at that, are you saying to me that it was written into the principal’s contract that he would receive that enhancement—yes or no?
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
We do not have time to go over that. The college has not provided a business case. It is clear that a payment of £200,000 has been made—
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
I am not worried about that, Mr Kemp.
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
But other boards rejected that, including the board of Coatbridge College. For the record, can you make it absolutely clear that there was no need for a business case to provide for that pension enhancement?
The Convener Lab Committee
24 Feb 2016
Section 22 Reports
Was it a civil servant contractual arrangement?
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 10 March 2016

10 Mar 2016 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
General Question Time
Sex Offenders (Monitoring)
Martin, Paul Lab Glasgow Provan Watch on SPTV

I do not want to be directed to a website; I want the specific figure. I advise the cabinet secretary that the latest figures provided by the Scottish Government show that convictions of sex offenders for offences against children have trebled over the past three years. Is the time not right to consider an urgent reform of how we manage registered sex offenders that will deal with how we sentence them and to look at whether we should put in place proper neighbourhood notifications so that our communities are aware of the most dangerous individuals in our country?

In the same item of business

2. Paul Martin (Glasgow Provan) (Lab) Lab
To ask the Scottish Government how many registered sex offenders there are in Scotland and what resources are being allocated to monitor them. (S4O-05647)
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Michael Matheson) SNP
Police Scotland’s national offender management unit is responsible for collating and publishing statistics about registered sex offenders, the details of whi...
Paul Martin Lab
I do not want to be directed to a website; I want the specific figure. I advise the cabinet secretary that the latest figures provided by the Scottish Govern...
Michael Matheson SNP
I am aware of the statistics that the member refers to, but he will be aware that a significant proportion of those are associated with historical cases that...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) SNP
On the housing of registered sex offenders, I return to a regular concern of mine: the national accommodation strategy for sex offenders. As the cabinet secr...
Michael Matheson SNP
Decisions on where sex offenders live are based on where they can be appropriately monitored and supervised and on minimising any risk that they might pose. ...
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (Lab) Lab
I think that the cabinet secretary is aware of my particular concern about the rehousing of sex offenders in multistorey flats and other properties with comm...
Michael Matheson SNP
As the member will be aware, I just pointed out that under MAPPA and the national accommodation strategy for sex offenders, an environmental risk assessment ...