Chamber
Plenary, 07 Mar 2001
07 Mar 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
That is one of the issues that has arisen during early consideration of the bill. I will say more about it later in my speech, but I stress now that, at stage 1, it is important for us to focus primarily on the key principles, on which I am pleased to say that there has been wide agreement. The essence of the consultation process that has taken place and the continuing dialogue that will take place should ensure that we can continue to consider how we move forward most effectively.
One of the main concerns to us all is how the new bodies that we are creating should operate. I am keen that as many experts as possible should be involved in the process. We have already set up working groups on developing single care homes and on inspection methods. A group to consider transition arrangements, which will involve staff and union representatives, will meet for the first time on 19 March. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those who have contributed in the consultation process.
I also pay tribute to the parliamentary committees for the role that they have carried out, particularly the Health and Community Care Committee, which is the lead committee on the bill. I am pleased that that committee has supported the bill's principles. Its stage 1 report is a thorough, thoughtful document, which raises a number of issues for consideration at stage 2.
Let me touch on some of the specific issues that have been raised. The Health and Community Care Committee has noted some concerns about the definitions of care services in the bill. I am sure that that is an area that will be considered further at the next stage.
I fully support the committee's view that there must be close co-operation between the Scottish social services council and the Scottish commission for the regulation of care; I look forward to hearing the committee's suggestions on how that might best be achieved.
I am pleased that the bill will introduce for the first time a statutory minimum number of inspections across all care sectors. We note that various views have been expressed on what that minimum should be and on wider operational matters relating to the inspections process. The inspection methods group that has been established will provide advice on inspection methods before the end of stage 2.
The committee has also suggested that there should be a timetable for the registration of the different parts of the work force. Again, we can consider at stage 2 how best to achieve that and when it would be realistic to expect firm plans from the council. We will also consider further how best to deal with staff who are not yet registered and who breach the code of conduct.
As we have indicated, we will introduce amendments to add the important areas of adoption and fostering to the bill. We also hope to introduce amendments to add to the care services that can be regulated agencies that arrange adult placements and home care for children. Adult placements are where accommodation and care is provided for vulnerable adults, particularly people with learning disabilities, in the homes of specially recruited individuals. That sector is growing and is likely to continue to expand in the wake of the recent learning disability review. We have recently consulted on whether that service should be regulated; our proposal that it should be has received wide support.
One of the main concerns to us all is how the new bodies that we are creating should operate. I am keen that as many experts as possible should be involved in the process. We have already set up working groups on developing single care homes and on inspection methods. A group to consider transition arrangements, which will involve staff and union representatives, will meet for the first time on 19 March. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those who have contributed in the consultation process.
I also pay tribute to the parliamentary committees for the role that they have carried out, particularly the Health and Community Care Committee, which is the lead committee on the bill. I am pleased that that committee has supported the bill's principles. Its stage 1 report is a thorough, thoughtful document, which raises a number of issues for consideration at stage 2.
Let me touch on some of the specific issues that have been raised. The Health and Community Care Committee has noted some concerns about the definitions of care services in the bill. I am sure that that is an area that will be considered further at the next stage.
I fully support the committee's view that there must be close co-operation between the Scottish social services council and the Scottish commission for the regulation of care; I look forward to hearing the committee's suggestions on how that might best be achieved.
I am pleased that the bill will introduce for the first time a statutory minimum number of inspections across all care sectors. We note that various views have been expressed on what that minimum should be and on wider operational matters relating to the inspections process. The inspection methods group that has been established will provide advice on inspection methods before the end of stage 2.
The committee has also suggested that there should be a timetable for the registration of the different parts of the work force. Again, we can consider at stage 2 how best to achieve that and when it would be realistic to expect firm plans from the council. We will also consider further how best to deal with staff who are not yet registered and who breach the code of conduct.
As we have indicated, we will introduce amendments to add the important areas of adoption and fostering to the bill. We also hope to introduce amendments to add to the care services that can be regulated agencies that arrange adult placements and home care for children. Adult placements are where accommodation and care is provided for vulnerable adults, particularly people with learning disabilities, in the homes of specially recruited individuals. That sector is growing and is likely to continue to expand in the wake of the recent learning disability review. We have recently consulted on whether that service should be regulated; our proposal that it should be has received wide support.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
Our main item of business is a debate on motion S1M-1523, in the name of Susan Deacon, on the general principles of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill, w...
The Minister for Health and Community Care (Susan Deacon):
Lab
I am conscious that, as we gather here this afternoon, certain events south of the border may have distracted some politicians and members of the public from...
Nicola Sturgeon (Glasgow) (SNP):
SNP
On consultation, the minister will be aware that concern has been expressed by, I think, everybody who has given evidence to the Health and Community Care Co...
Susan Deacon:
Lab
That is one of the issues that has arisen during early consideration of the bill. I will say more about it later in my speech, but I stress now that, at stag...
Mr Keith Raffan (Mid Scotland and Fife) (LD):
LD
Will the minister give way?
Susan Deacon:
Lab
In the interest of time, I will continue, if I may.We already intend to regulate home care for children with disabilities. We now propose to extend regulatio...
Nicola Sturgeon:
SNP
Will the minister give way?
Susan Deacon:
Lab
I regret that, in the interest of time, I am unable to give way. The deputy minister will respond at the end of the debate and will pick up on points that ha...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I call Mary Scanlon to speak to and move the amendment.
Iain Smith (North-East Fife) (LD):
LD
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Will you clarify for me the reasoning behind accepting the amendment? According to rule 9.6.4 of the standing orders,...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I commend to Iain Smith and to all members the guidance that I issued on this subject only a week or two ago. The amendment falls completely within the terms...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
Although we have lodged amendment S1M-1523.1, the Scottish Conservatives welcome the broad principles of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill. We particula...
Iain Smith:
LD
Will the member give way?
Mary Scanlon:
Con
I think that Mr Smith has said enough for today and I would rather keep my contribution positive.
Mrs Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD) rose—
LD
Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab) rose—
Lab
Mary Scanlon:
Con
Alzheimer Scotland does not pay registration fees—Interruption.
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Order. Three members are asking whether Mrs Scanlon will give way, but it is up to her to decide whether to do so.
Mary Scanlon:
Con
I will give way to Mrs Smith.
Mrs Smith:
LD
The SCRO check payments have been set aside. All parties in the chamber supported that and the Executive has listened.
Mary Scanlon:
Con
I am aware that, between the submission of evidence and today, there has been quite a bit of movement. That is why I say that the points that have been made ...
Shona Robison (North-East Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
On behalf of the Scottish National Party, I welcome the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill. I also welcome the fact that the headquarters of the new Scottish...
Mrs Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD):
LD
I begin by thanking the members of the Health and Community Care Committee for their work on the bill. I thank the members of all the other committees that h...
Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab):
Lab
The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill is part of our modernising programme for government—and rightly so.I say to the Tories that to suggest, even as a joke...
Ben Wallace (North-East Scotland) (Con):
Con
Will Trish Godman give way?
Trish Godman:
Lab
No. I have just started my speech.No one in any political party would disagree that we should safeguard vulnerable people. That means vulnerable people of al...
Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I want to raise several children's issues that have been identified by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee and by the cross-party group in the Scottis...
Margaret Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab):
Lab
I declare an interest in the matter, as a member of Unison and the mother of a student nursery nurse. I do not want anything to come back to haunt me later.T...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
Will the member give way?
Margaret Jamieson:
Lab
No, I am winding up.In particular, I draw members' attention to section 2(2) of the bill, in which reference is made to somebody "being of a young age". At n...