Hansard

Dennis Robertson SNP Chamber

23 Mar 2016

General Question Time · Scottish Pork

What else can the Government do to ensure that customers are not misled on supermarket labelling? Can we praise Aldi and Lidl for having 100 per cent Scotland-reared pork in their supermarkets? The other supermarkets should take that as good practice.

4. Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

23 Mar 2016

General Question Time · Scottish Pork

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the percentage of pork in Scottish supermarkets that is reared in Scotland. (S4O-05709)

Dennis Robertson SNP Chamber

16 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 (Implementation)

I am sure that the minister will agree that it is important for parents and families to get involved at home in the teaching of a child. What specific support is given to parents of a deaf child to ensure that that child can get the most out of their school?

14. Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

16 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 (Implementation)

To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in implementing the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015. (S4O-05669)

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

When the minister talks about priorities, is the top priority the safety of the users of the bridge at all times?

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Topical Question Time · High-speed Broadband (Access)

Will the cabinet secretary expand on which other companies, such as mobile phone companies, will provide superfast broadband? Are you in discussions with them to share masts? Are you in discussions with local authorities who will buy into those plans?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

That is fine—thank you.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

I think that it was one of the things for which the industry asked.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

With regard to support from Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise for the gaming sector primarily, I am trying to recall whether there was some discussion about creating a portal on the website of one of those bodies so that people could access information. If they wanted ...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

How proactive are Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland in getting out there and trawling for that business? HIE would just snap something up. Are we going out and being proactive in seeking out that business for our skilled workforce in Scotland?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

It provides a framework.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

Have you written to the UK Government with regard to membership of the Creative Industries Council? I believe that you hope that Creative Scotland can be part of that.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

Although those were not recommendations to you, cabinet secretary, they were about the two Governments working together.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

I want to pursue another area before we move on. The Scottish Affairs Committee made recommendations about the two Governments working together. Is that happening?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

Will a strategy be published? Mr Brodie may ask you about that. Are you confident that a strategy will be in place, perhaps within the next few weeks?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

How often does the partnership report to you on its progress?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

We heard from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which seems to have a very positive, energetic, can-do approach. We also heard from Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, but that seemed quite flat. I am not saying that they lack ambition, but it would appear that you have...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

I am not asking for that. I am trying to tease out whether there are interests in other parts of Scotland, even if they are in the early stages.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

We are trying to establish what is going on out there in the way of potential developments. We heard the good news in your announcement today, but we are also hearing that other avenues are being considered. I am trying to tease out a little about where they are.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

I had better say Prestwick, for Chic’s sake. Infrastructure and other aspects need to be considered, but is there anything outwith the central belt?

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Committee

09 Mar 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

I have a brief supplementary question to follow up on Lewis Macdonald’s questions. It seems to be central belt locations that are in the mix. Are there any beyond the central belt? Has there been any consideration of Dundee, for example?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

08 Mar 2016

Petitions

I declare an interest: I am convener of the cross-party group on heart disease and stroke, and Kim Hartley Kean is a representative on that cross-party group. She is also part of a sub-group of the CPG. We should suggest in our legacy paper that there is a piece of work to be ...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

08 Mar 2016

Subordinate Legislation

Brevity?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

08 Mar 2016

Subordinate Legislation

I was just looking for a degree of clarification that, in some of the new hospitals in particular, single rooms could be isolated and you would not have to close a ward per se. Where there is a mix of single rooms and Nightingale wards, there is the potential to move a patient...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

08 Mar 2016

Subordinate Legislation

Mr Pearson has just pre-empted my question, but I seek clarity with regard to single rooms. A ward may be comprised of a number of single rooms. Rather than close the ward, you may wish to isolate individual rooms. Can you give us greater clarity on that?

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Committee

08 Mar 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

Will the minister clarify whether an inspector of crematoriums would carry out an inquiry or investigation if no ashes were recovered to ascertain why that was the case? I do not know whether that would help to answer the issue for Malcolm Chisholm, too. On those rare occasion...

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

03 Mar 2016

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Question Time · Food Waste

I am sure that Linda Fabiani is not expecting this question, either. On the same topic of food waste, I wonder whether the SPCB has considered—it probably has—what happens in the mornings when breakfast is over. What is left goes into waste immediately. Can we not consider put...

Dennis Robertson SNP Chamber

03 Mar 2016

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Question Time · Garden Lobby (Lighting)

Given the significant cost and technical problems, I can fully understand that approach. Does the Parliament provide the additional lighting for the exhibition boards? Could any additional lighting be added? When organisations display their events and exhibitions here, they wa...

1. Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

03 Mar 2016

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Question Time · Garden Lobby (Lighting)

To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider improving the lighting in the garden lobby exhibition space to increase visibility and allow better photo opportunities. (S4O-05625)

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

01 Mar 2016

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Today, I was walking along and found a car impeding the whole pavement. I had no option but to go on to the road. There was no space against the wall—the car took up the whole pavement and I had to walk into on-coming traffic. It took me 10 minutes because I had to wait for as...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

23 Feb 2016

Access to New Medicines

That is very helpful.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

23 Feb 2016

Access to New Medicines

Do you have proposals in mind?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

23 Feb 2016

Access to New Medicines

Lesley Loeliger mentioned different protocols in different areas. Professor Jones, you said that perhaps national guidance would be more effective, although you still want there to be an element of individuality. Who would write the national guidance? Would it be you?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

23 Feb 2016

Access to New Medicines

Yes, a substantive increase.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

23 Feb 2016

Access to New Medicines

Thank you, convener. I want to continue the discussion on the IPTR system. Lesley Loeliger said that she wanted to abolish it. In her evidence, the cabinet secretary suggested that there has been a substantial increase in medicines because the IPTR system has been reviewed. Do...

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Committee

23 Feb 2016

Access to New Medicines

I am the SNP member for Aberdeenshire West.

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

23 Feb 2016

Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2016

I thank all the members who supported the motion and those who have stayed back on this very late evening in the chamber. This is an historic day for the Parliament, given that we have reached an agreement in principle with the United Kingdom Government on the fiscal settleme...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

11 Feb 2016

Subordinate Legislation

It would also save the practices £3,500. Is that right?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

11 Feb 2016

Subordinate Legislation

Those 30 or so clinics could register with the NHS and have one patient, and they would not then have to go through the regulation process that we are talking about.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

11 Feb 2016

Subordinate Legislation

A practice would require to have only one NHS patient and it would not then have to undergo regulation.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

11 Feb 2016

Subordinate Legislation

I could be wrong, but my understanding from reading the submissions is that, if a private clinic had one NHS patient, it would not have to undergo regulation because it would be inspected through the procedure to which NHS dentists are subject. Is that right?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

11 Feb 2016

Subordinate Legislation

My question is a supplementary, convener.

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Committee

11 Feb 2016

Subordinate Legislation

I am the MSP for Aberdeenshire West.

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

11 Feb 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I found the meetings of the Health and Sport Committee on the bill difficult because we were talking about something that is quite close to me as an individual and as a parent. What I found difficult was how emotive it was. Those giving testimony at committee were very brave b...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

10 Feb 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

You anticipated my question, Mr Hamilton. Thank you very much. Is Scottish Enterprise doing any proactive work on tax relief benefits that would assist people in the industry?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

10 Feb 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

I am glad that someone does.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

10 Feb 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

I wonder whether you can give the committee some reassurance. We have heard a lot about dialogue and, indeed, proactive dialogue but with respect, what we are not hearing—and what we are looking for—is an assurance that you are confident that that dialogue will benefit Scotlan...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

10 Feb 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

Reference has been made to public spend, and there are recommendations on tax relief, too. Do you feel that Scotland is getting its appropriate share of BBC content and production, or are we lagging behind? 10:45

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

10 Feb 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

Have you looked again at your 10-year plan with a view to incorporating the Scottish Affairs Committee’s recommendations, or are you confident that the plan already covers them?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

10 Feb 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

It is, as you have said, a recommendation.

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Committee

10 Feb 2016

Creative Industries (Economic Impact)

Natalie Usher’s comments lead me on to my question. We have heard about the 10-year plan, which is the strategy for moving forward. However, the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster recently came up with 12 recommendations, including “a robust assessment of the creative ...

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Chamber

10 Feb 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Oil and Gas Industry (Jobs)

What discussions is the Government having with the oil and gas sector and the wider supply chain to ensure that the appropriate skills will be retained in the event of the recovery, which I hope will be in the not-too-distant future?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

Thank you. I am sure that that news is very welcome for all recipients.

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

That is welcome news; I am sure that those who have been affected will be pleased to hear that announcement. We have heard about the impact on people’s wellbeing of hep C and other blood-borne conditions. Have you made any representations to the Department for Work and Pensio...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

Thank you. In relation to the financial settlement and the discussions that the Deputy First Minister is having with the UK Government, do you anticipate that that will have any impact in the form of powers being devolved?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

Good morning, cabinet secretary. You have heard quite a lot of the evidence, and it will be no surprise to you that there is some frustration about the Penrose inquiry—the length of time that it took and its having made only one recommendation. I welcome the statement that you...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

Is the £75,000 for three years?

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

You said that the Scottish Infected Blood Forum provides support, which is excellent, and I dare say that you provide appropriate information and advice. Do the two organisations have a common cause and a common aim to maintain awareness of the issue and call for appropriate o...

Dennis Robertson SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

The Scottish Government has agreed to fund the Scottish Infected Blood Forum and Haemophilia Scotland for the next three years. Do you have a common purpose for what you will do over the next three years and do you expect that there will be recurring funding after that?

Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP) SNP Committee

09 Feb 2016

Penrose Inquiry

It is just a quick supplementary question on death certificates. You are saying that the cause of death could have been hepatitis C or whatever but, because it was thought that the person had abused alcohol, that was what was on the certificate. However, we now have a much bet...