Chamber
Plenary, 29 Mar 2007
29 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Antisocial Behaviour
General Questions
I pay tribute to Susan Deacon's crucial contribution to Parliament's creation and to making it the successful institution that it has become. [Applause.]
I fully acknowledge her point about the importance of prevention and of working with families at an early stage to ensure that issues are dealt with before they become serious problems. That has underpinned our approach to tackling antisocial behaviour. We understand that if matters are not addressed at an early stage, communities and lives end up being destroyed and people end up having no future.
We are talking about two parts of the same important picture. To realise the potential of our young people and to give us safe communities, not only must we challenge—rather than tolerate—problem behaviour, we must also work with the families in the most difficult circumstances. We should not write anyone off, nor should we shrug our shoulders and say that nothing can be done. Underpinning our strategy on antisocial behaviour is a commitment to, and an understanding of, the potential of all our young people and of all our communities to be safe and thriving places for people to live.
I fully acknowledge her point about the importance of prevention and of working with families at an early stage to ensure that issues are dealt with before they become serious problems. That has underpinned our approach to tackling antisocial behaviour. We understand that if matters are not addressed at an early stage, communities and lives end up being destroyed and people end up having no future.
We are talking about two parts of the same important picture. To realise the potential of our young people and to give us safe communities, not only must we challenge—rather than tolerate—problem behaviour, we must also work with the families in the most difficult circumstances. We should not write anyone off, nor should we shrug our shoulders and say that nothing can be done. Underpinning our strategy on antisocial behaviour is a commitment to, and an understanding of, the potential of all our young people and of all our communities to be safe and thriving places for people to live.
In the same item of business
6. Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab):
Lab
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the next steps in its efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour. (S2O-12528)
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Johann Lamont):
Lab
We have given tackling antisocial behaviour a very high priority because it is one of the main problems facing communities across Scotland. We have made sign...
Ms Alexander:
Lab
I thank the minister for her answer.It is perhaps an appropriate day on which to pay tribute to her personal role, first as a back bencher, then as a committ...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I thank Wendy Alexander for her kind words. On antisocial behaviour, we should acknowledge the members of our communities who imposed their will on Parliamen...
Margaret Mitchell (Central Scotland) (Con):
Con
Given that, to date, no parenting orders have been issued, will the minister outline how she intends to encourage use of that provision, which will undoubted...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
We are disappointed by the lack of use of parenting orders, which are a support for, rather than a threat to, parents. Crucially, they are also a support for...
Susan Deacon (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) (Lab):
Lab
Does the minister agree that prevention is always better than cure and that politicians of all parties should take heed of the words of the head of Scotland'...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I pay tribute to Susan Deacon's crucial contribution to Parliament's creation and to making it the successful institution that it has become. Applause.I full...