Chamber
Plenary, 13 Sep 2001
13 Sep 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Scottish Qualifications Authority
I welcome the minister's statement and associate myself with the congratulations that have been offered to those who were involved in the successful delivery of the 2001 diet. In particular, I pay tribute to Anton Colella, who brought the perspective of the school to the heart of the SQA. That perspective had been very much lacking and its introduction to the SQA was long overdue.
It is vital that we build on the success of the 2001 diet. Success with the SQA should be a given, rather than an exception. The measures that the minister has outlined will go some way towards ensuring that. Our students need that kind of guarantee.
My first question follows on from George Lyon's, and concerns consultation. Given that much of what the minister has suggested will have an impact on the 2002 diet, how does he envisage the consultation taking place? What will be the timetable for that consultation and for what I assume will be a subsequent bill? Obviously, that will have an impact on the timetable of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
My second question concerns the make-up of the board. How does the minister see the board shaping up, to ensure that all the stakeholders are involved much more effectively and that they are able to take on responsibilities and respond to the challenges of managing the SQA?
It is vital that we build on the success of the 2001 diet. Success with the SQA should be a given, rather than an exception. The measures that the minister has outlined will go some way towards ensuring that. Our students need that kind of guarantee.
My first question follows on from George Lyon's, and concerns consultation. Given that much of what the minister has suggested will have an impact on the 2002 diet, how does he envisage the consultation taking place? What will be the timetable for that consultation and for what I assume will be a subsequent bill? Obviously, that will have an impact on the timetable of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
My second question concerns the make-up of the board. How does the minister see the board shaping up, to ensure that all the stakeholders are involved much more effectively and that they are able to take on responsibilities and respond to the challenges of managing the SQA?
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
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The Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs (Mr Jack McConnell):
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Michael Russell (South of Scotland) (SNP):
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Mr McConnell:
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The Presiding Officer:
NPA
A large number of members have indicated that they want to ask questions, so I appeal for brevity.
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
The Conservatives, too, welcome the minister's statement—I thank him for making an advance copy available to us. We welcome the fact that the 2001 exams roun...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I welcome Murdo Fraser to the front bench and to a seat that may appeal to him. I thank him for his comments. I can think of no more able deputy for Brian Mo...
George Lyon (Argyll and Bute) (LD):
LD
I offer my thanks to all the SQA staff and civil servants who worked so hard to make the 2001 diet a success. As the father of two girls who were involved in...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I am very pleased that George Lyon's daughters managed to receive their certificates. I wish that I had been in that position at 9 o'clock on the Tuesday mor...
Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab):
Lab
I welcome the minister's statement and associate myself with the congratulations that have been offered to those who were involved in the successful delivery...
Mr McConnell:
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Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP):
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Mr McConnell:
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Dennis Canavan (Falkirk West):
*
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Mr McConnell:
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Dr Sylvia Jackson (Stirling) (Lab):
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Mr McConnell:
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Miss Annabel Goldie (West of Scotland) (Con):
Con
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Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab):
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Mr McConnell:
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Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD):
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Mr McConnell:
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Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab):
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Mr McConnell:
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Mr Murray Tosh (South of Scotland) (Con):
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Mr McConnell:
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Bristow Muldoon (Livingston) (Lab):
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Mr McConnell:
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Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
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