Hansard

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

03 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Agriculture (New Entrants)

On Saturday, the NFU president referred to post-Brexit trade deals, saying: “My greatest fear was that we would be used as a pawn in trade deals and effectively that is what’s happened.” Does the cabinet secretary share my view that a more prudent question might be: when wil...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

17 Mar 2022

Medium-term Financial Strategy and Resource Spending Review Framework

My first question is about child poverty. We expect that, by reducing child poverty, we will create budget savings in other areas, but it is hard to solidly link underspends or reductions in spend elsewhere to a reduction in child poverty. Can you suggest ways in which we can ...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Nov 2022

Western Isles Interconnector

My colleague Alasdair Allan has my complete support in seeking a new interconnector for the Western Isles, which is one of many actions that Ofgem needs to take, but is not yet taking, in order to serve our constituents to even the most minimal standard. I appreciate his comme...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

09 Mar 2023

Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

You have pre-empted my next question, because I was going to pick up on the question of a declaration. Will you expand on why, in your view, it would be helpful to have such a declaration in addition to the register? Would that force charities to declare that someone had never...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 Mar 2023

Wellbeing Economy

I find it very meaningful that we are having this debate at a time of great change for the country, as well as for the SNP and the Deputy First Minister. He has been an incredibly important figure for our party and manages to radiate kindness and authority at the same. I am lo...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

01 Jun 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Depopulation in Rural and Island Communities

I am grateful to Alasdair Allan for that important question. The Scottish Government is completely supportive of flexible, remote and hybrid working options for our workforce. Our national islands plan makes a commitment to demonstrating that jobs and careers can be sustainabl...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

01 Jun 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Depopulation in Rural and Island Communities

I suspect that most of that question is for my colleague the Minister for Transport, but I completely recognise the spirit in which it was asked. There are so many issues that we have to tackle if we are to tackle depopulation, including transport and infrastructure. The Scott...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

24 Oct 2023

Pre-budget Scrutiny 2024-25

That is another excellent question. First, I am glad that the panel members feel so positive about the process; I feel positive about it, too. It is a good experience to come to the committee and hear directly from committee members how they have been influenced by the work th...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

05 Nov 2024

Housing Emergency

Just before I get to my question, I have a supplementary question for Professor Gibb. Earlier on, you said that there have been unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies. Can you be specific on that?

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

20 Mar 2025

Salmon Farming

I think that there is disagreement on the question of being offshore or onshore and on the distance that is most suitable for salmon farms but, overall, more thought needs to be put into how we use marine areas. It is clear that some places are already warmer than others. Give...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 May 2025

Committee Effectiveness Inquiry

I want to get a couple of things out of the way before I start. First, I reassure Jackson Carlaw that nobody had to bully me to take part in the debate. You can check with my whips—I was well up for it. Secondly, I know that many committees have done excellent work in the Par...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

01 Jun 2021

Urgent Question · Homicide Law

The cabinet secretary will be aware that a person who kills in a jealous rage brought on by the belief that they have been cheated on can escape a murder conviction under the law as it stands. Does the cabinet secretary believe that, regardless of the ultimate conclusions on t...

3. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 Jun 2021

Topical Question Time · European Union Settlement Scheme

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Home Office regarding the reported backlog in processing applications for the European Union settlement scheme. (S6T-00104)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

22 Jun 2021

Topical Question Time · European Union Settlement Scheme

The settled status deadline poses huge risks to EU nationals, who have contributed so much to our society. It would simply be unacceptable for people to lose their rights overnight. It is of course wrong that EU nationals who live here are being forced by the UK Government to ...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

22 Jun 2021

Topical Question Time · European Union Settlement Scheme

Many key sectors in Scotland—in particular, here in the Highlands—such as hospitality and farming, are already struggling to recruit employees as a result of Brexit. There could not be a worse time to risk compounding that problem if people lose their right to work as a result...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Agriculture (New Entrants)

What is the Scottish Government doing to encourage more young people to get the skills and education that are needed to become farmers or crofters, or to take up other land-based career opportunities in the Highlands and Islands, in order to tackle depopulation?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

09 Sep 2021

General Question Time · Ferries (Capacity on West Coast Routes)

How much has the Scottish Government invested in ferry operations and infrastructure since 2007?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

09 Sep 2021

First Minister’s Question Time · Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd (Air Traffic Control)

It is clear that the situation is very challenging for island communities. They value air traffic provision being delivered locally, because that gives them a sense of security and ensures that much-needed skilled jobs are based on our islands. For obvious reasons, people are ...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

15 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Remand Prisoners

One of the 12 new bills that the programme for government announced was the proposed bail and release from custody bill. In what ways is it intended that the bill will address use of remand for prisoners?

5. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

16 Sep 2021

General Question Time · Managed Quarantine (Costs)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what support it can provide to people undertaking managed quarantine at Scottish airports who are unable to afford the costs but not in receipt of any welfare benefits. (S6O-00161)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

16 Sep 2021

General Question Time · Managed Quarantine (Costs)

Given the inadequacies of the universal credit application and award systems, will an expansion of existing eligibility for Scottish Government support to those who are not on universal credit but who are struggling to pay the costs be considered?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

16 Sep 2021

Pre-budget Scrutiny 2022-23

I am hearing from you that even doubling the Scottish child payment will not be enough, so my question is, what would be enough? What would you see as an adequate amount to be paid through the Scottish child payment as an end goal?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Vaccination Certification Scheme (Exemptions)

Can the cabinet secretary provide any information on discussions on those—in particular, younger people—who have not yet been able to receive a second dose of the vaccine due to their having been recently infected with Covid? How will that affect their ability to access events...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

23 Sep 2021

General Question Time · Short-term Lets (Licensing)

Does the cabinet secretary agree that the devastating impact on housing stock in certain areas of the Highlands and Islands due to the high density of short-term lets needs to be urgently addressed?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

23 Sep 2021

Scottish Government Priorities

Miles Briggs covered my question on the unsuitable accommodation order. I welcome the response and the further updates that are to come. As someone who has been homeless, I welcome the fact that homelessness is under the social justice remit rather than the housing remit. Is ...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

29 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Housing (Shortages and Costs)

Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on any discussions that the Scottish Government has had with local authorities on buying existing homes, particularly those that were sold off under the right to buy scheme?

6. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

30 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Scotland on Tour Fund

To ask the Scottish Government what role the Scotland on tour fund will play in aiding the recovery of the arts sector. (S6O-00222)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

30 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Scotland on Tour Fund

The Scottish Government’s commitment to the touring fund within the first 100 days is timely and extremely welcome. In the opinion of the Scottish Government, to what extent will the Scotland on tour fund benefit all Scotland’s communities, including those in the Highlands and...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

07 Oct 2021

Pre-budget Scrutiny 2022-23

My first question is for Crisis. The committee has had a lot of discussions about poverty proofing. What has the lack of poverty proofing led to historically? Can you see from legislation so far in the current and previous sessions of Parliament what impact the input from peop...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

07 Oct 2021

Pre-budget Scrutiny 2022-23

My next question is for Satwat Rehman and Eilidh Dickson. Much of the evidence that we have received so far has had a focus on the importance of lived experience. In considering child poverty, is it enough to speak to the parents or do we need to hear from kids who are current...

4. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

28 Oct 2021

General Question Time · Social Housing Providers (Highlands and Islands)

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support social housing providers in the Highlands and Islands. (S6O-00296)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

28 Oct 2021

General Question Time · Social Housing Providers (Highlands and Islands)

I thank the cabinet secretary for her response. Will the Scottish Government make extra funding available to social housing providers in the islands to help them to comply with the new building regulations, which require sprinkler systems? The regulations require water pressur...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

28 Oct 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Fish Farms (Environmental Standards)

The salmon farming industry has made investments that have benefited communities across the Highlands and Islands. Homes and businesses on the Knoydart peninsula and Loch Nevis have benefited from superfast broadband thanks to a collaboration between Scottish Sea Farms and a r...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

04 Nov 2021

General Question Time · Lochs and Rivers (Ecological Status)

The United Kingdom Government made a partial U-turn on allowing raw sewage to be dumped into rivers and coastal waters only after its members of Parliament came under extreme criticism. Scotland undertakes around 80 per cent of the UK’s tree planting and was one of the first n...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

04 Nov 2021

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping (Session 6 Priorities)

My question is for Lorraine McGrath, but given Shelter’s focus on prevention in its contribution, Gordon MacRae might want to come in. Certain groups are more at risk of homelessness. How much of that stems from the accessibility of local authority housing and how much of it s...

1. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

11 Nov 2021

General Question Time · Local Government Reform (Highland Council Boundaries)

I declare that I am a sitting councillor. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider local government reform in relation to the redrawing of local authority areas, in light of the reported issues associated with new boundaries for the Highland Council area. (S6O-...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

11 Nov 2021

General Question Time · Local Government Reform (Highland Council Boundaries)

Does the minister believe that, given its size, the Highland Council area can be described as “local” government? Would he see benefits in having an Inverness city council, both for our fastest-growing city and for the rest of the Highlands area, which has very different inter...

1. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 (Pandemic Handling) (Independent Public Inquiry)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the anticipated timescale for the publication of the independent public inquiry into the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. (S6O-00372)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

17 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 (Pandemic Handling) (Independent Public Inquiry)

What assurances can the cabinet secretary give that the voices of bereaved families will be fully heard during the inquiry?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Ferry Services

The purchase of the MV Utne in October is the latest instalment in a series of investments that the Scottish National Party has made in our ferry services, vessels and infrastructure since 2007. Despite the vessel reportedly being earmarked for the Oban to Craignure run, will ...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

18 Nov 2021

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Question Time

Given the importance of staying safe and healthy this year more than ever, can the corporate body advise what the ambient temperature should be in the Parliament building, specifically in offices? Can it outline what support can be given to members’ staff and SPCB staff to ens...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

18 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Avian Influenza

Given that the outbreak of avian influenza is affecting other UK nations—cases have been recently confirmed in England and Wales—can the cabinet secretary outline what engagement the Scottish Government has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the...

5. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

25 Nov 2021

General Question Time · Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (Phase 2 Consultation)

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the laying of national planning framework 4, whether it can provide an updated timescale for the consultation on phase 2 of the strategic transport projects review 2. (S6O-00450)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

25 Nov 2021

General Question Time · Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (Phase 2 Consultation)

I thank the minister for his answer and look forward to seeing more detail in the weeks to come. Does the minister acknowledge the need to promote freight transport by rail, particularly for long-distance journeys, in trying to reducing transport emissions?

8. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

15 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Rural Healthcare Services

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that healthcare services in rural areas are working for the people that they serve. (S6O-00531)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

15 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Rural Healthcare Services

I thank the cabinet secretary for his detailed answer. Is the Scottish Government encouraging and supporting the Scottish Ambulance Service’s patient transport service to make use of alternative types of vehicle, such as SUVs, for patients with mobility needs in rural areas in...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

16 Dec 2021

Adult Disability Payment

This question is for Craig Smith. I noticed that the SAMH response says that the assessment issues are the most significant problem for mental health patients applying for PIP. Do you agree that the changes that have been made to assessment amount to a massive change in the ex...

6. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

13 Jan 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Carbon-neutral Islands

To ask the Scottish Government how it is progressing plans for carbon-neutral islands. (S6O-00613)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

13 Jan 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Carbon-neutral Islands

In September 2021, a report by the Scottish Affairs Committee concluded: “Locational transmission charges weigh more heavily on developers in Scotland when projects in other areas of the UK, like Wales, are paid to connect to the grid.” Does the cabinet secretary share my co...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Feb 2022

Prevention of Homelessness Duties

I will start by recognising the amazing work that was done by the homelessness and rough sleeping action group in getting us to where we are today. The focus on early intervention could save a lot of people a lot of pain, and I am proud to be a member of the committee that has...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

03 Feb 2022

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

This question is for Alistair Dinnie. How does the Scottish Government’s approach in the new Scots refugee integration strategy differ from the UK’s approach towards asylum seekers and refugees?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

03 Feb 2022

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

On the legislative consent motion that has been lodged this week, Scotland has established age assessment practices that are carried out by trained social work professionals in line with the getting it right for every child approach. What is your view on the UK Government’s pr...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

10 Feb 2022

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Good morning, everyone. My question is for Lidia Dancu; it is an extension of what she said earlier. We know that migrant women are much more likely to be subject to domestic abuse, yet the NRPF policy prevents them from accessing support services. Given the high levels of de...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

10 Feb 2022

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

This question is for Phil Arnold, and it follows on from the questions asked by Pam Duncan-Glancy earlier. On the distribution of the crisis grant, have you learned any lessons that might be helpful to the Scottish Government or to local authorities when considering any future...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

10 Feb 2022

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

I have one more question, which is for Hassan Darasi. In the previous session, we spoke a lot about the effects of NRPF on women in particular. Are other groups of people, in particular those who share protected characteristics, disproportionately impacted by the policy?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

24 Feb 2022

General Question Time · Island Ferry Services

Our island communities have always had to contend with bad weather, but fortunately they have not also had to contend with a Tory Government—instead they have had the benefit of a Scottish National Party Government, which has invested more than £2.2 billion in the Clyde and He...

8. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

24 Feb 2022

General Question Time · Distress Brief Intervention Programme

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how the distress brief intervention programme is supporting people experiencing mental health crises. (S6O-00787)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

24 Feb 2022

General Question Time · Distress Brief Intervention Programme

The distress brief intervention programme was, in part, introduced to create a coherent approach to addressing mental health crises. With that in mind, will the minister say what is being done to ensure that access to mental health services is consistent across Scotland, and i...

5. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

03 Mar 2022

General Question Time · Second Homes

To ask the Scottish Government how it is tackling any issues related to high numbers of second homes in some parts of Scotland. (S6O-00816)

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

03 Mar 2022

General Question Time · Second Homes

The cabinet secretary will be aware that I and many in the Highlands and Islands have deep concerns about how housing availability affects depopulation. It is clear that, particularly in certain rural and island communities, second homes are contributing to that issue. Can she...