Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame) SNP

The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S5M-03029, in the name of Alison Johnstone, on extending maternity and paternity leave for ...

Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Green) Green

I am very glad to have the opportunity to lead this debate. I thank Catriona Ogilvy and Karen Stirrat, whose campaigns and petitions have gathered so much su...

Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP) SNP

I congratulate Alison Johnstone on bringing this debate to the chamber and, of course, I commend Catriona Ogilvy for launching her Smallest Things campaign a...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Thank you, Mr Gibson. I think I heard the sound of a naughty mobile phone, but it has no doubt gone away. 14:56

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

I warmly welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I thank Alison Johnstone for lodging the motion for a members’ business debate. As a father of...

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I thank Alison Johnstone for lodging her motion and so paving the way for this important debate. It is often said that the measure of a society is how it tr...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Yes—you must conclude, I am afraid. You have gone over four minutes.

Richard Leonard Lab

Okay. Thank you. 15:05

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Green

I thank the various groups who supplied briefings for the debate for those and for the outstanding support that they provide, which members have mentioned. I...

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Con) Con

I congratulate Alison Johnstone on securing today’s debate, in which I am pleased to take part. I commend the excellent work of the staff of Bliss Scotland,...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Thank you, Mr Briggs. Mr Balfour—I can give you two minutes, if that is all right. That is all the time I have left. 15:12

Jeremy Balfour (Lothian) (Con) Con

I thank Alison Johnstone for her speech. I want to make just a few brief comments, as someone who has experienced here in Edinburgh the care that we have bee...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Thank you very much, Mr Balfour. I am glad that I managed to fit you in. Jamie Hepburn will respond for the Government. 15:15

The Minister for Employability and Training (Jamie Hepburn) SNP

I join other members in thanking Alison Johnstone for securing the debate. I also thank members who have spoken in the debate and people in the gallery who h...

Alison Johnstone Green

I appreciate that it is a reserved matter, but for the sake of absolute clarity, does the minister agree that, as a matter of equity, maternity leave and pay...

Jamie Hepburn SNP

That is not our area of responsibility, but I believe that it should be. I have already said that we will be looking very closely at the legislation that is ...