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Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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1999–2026
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Showing 60 of 2,354,908 contributions. Latest 30 days: 0. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Mar 2026.
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
02 Apr 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the seventh meeting of the Equal Opportunities Committee in 2015. I ask everyone to set their electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off, please. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official r...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
13 Nov 2014
Draft Budget Scrutiny 2015-16
I welcome everyone to the 18th meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Will everyone please switch off their electronic devices or put them into flight mode? I like to start with introductions. We are supported by clerking and research staff, official reporters,...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
31 Oct 2013
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the 27th meeting in 2013 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or put them off.I will start with introductions. At the table we have our clerking and research team, together with our budget adviser, official reporters...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
19 Dec 2013
Decision on Taking Business in Private
I welcome everyone to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s 32nd meeting in 2013 and I ask all who are present to set any electronic devices to flight mode or turn them off.I will start with introductions. At the table, we have our clerking and research team, official reporters ...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
16 Jan 2014
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Happy new year, everyone, and welcome to the first meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please turn off any electronic devices or set them to flight mode.I start with introductions. At the table we have our clerking and research team, official reporters and br...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
20 Mar 2014
Fathers and Parenting
Welcome to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s sixth meeting in 2014. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off, please.Today’s only agenda item is an evidence session on our fathers and parenting inquiry. We will start the session with ...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
30 Jan 2014
Witness Expenses
Welcome to the second meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please switch off any electronic devices or set them to flight mode.We will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerking and research staff, official reporters and broadcasti...
The Convener Lab Committee
13 Mar 2014
Fathers and Parenting
Item 2 is an evidence-taking session on our fathers and parenting inquiry. We will start with some introductions. At the table are our clerking and research team, the official reporters and broadcasting staff. We are also supported around the room by the security office.My nam...
The Convener Lab Committee
20 Feb 2014
Tackling Sectarianism
Item 2 is an evidence session on the work of the advisory group on tackling sectarianism in Scotland. We will start with some introductions. We have members of our clerking and research teams, official reporters and broadcasting services staff at the table, and around the ro...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
06 Mar 2014
Fathers and Parenting
Welcome to the fourth meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to turn off their electronic devices or set them to flight mode. Today’s only agenda item is an evidence-taking session for our fathers and parenting inquiry. We will start the session ...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
25 Sep 2014
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Welcome, everyone, to the 14th meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or to the off position, please. The only item on the agenda is evidence on the Equality and Human Rights Commission. We will start ...
The Convener Lab Committee
05 Jun 2014
Female Genital Mutilation
Item 2 is an evidence session on female genital mutilation. I remind everyone who has just come in to switch off any electronic devices that they may have. We will start with introductions. At the table, we have our clerking and research team as well as official report and br...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
02 Oct 2014
Having and Keeping a Home
Welcome to the 15th meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set their electronic devices to flight mode or to turn them off. Today’s only agenda item is an evidence-taking session for our having and keeping a home inquiry. We will start the ses...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
19 Jun 2014
Female Genital Mutilation
I welcome everyone to the 12th meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee and ask everyone to set their electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off. The first agenda item is an evidence session on female genital mutilation. We will start the session with...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
06 Nov 2014
Draft Budget Scrutiny 2015-16
I welcome everybody to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s 17th meeting in 2014. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off, please. I would like to start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerking and research tea...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
20 Nov 2014
Decisions on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the 19th meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to switch their electronic devices to flight mode or turn them off altogether. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerking and research staff, official ...
The Convener Lab Committee
14 Aug 2014
Having and Keeping a Home
Our final agenda item is an evidence session in our youth homelessness inquiry. We will start off with introductions. At the table, we have our clerking and research team, official reporters and broadcasting services and, around the room, we are supported by security officers...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
05 Feb 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the second meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or turn them off, please. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters a...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
19 Feb 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the third meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or switch them off. We will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters and broadcasting ...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
05 Mar 2015
Age and Social Isolation
Welcome to the fourth meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerking and research staff, official reporters...
The Convener Lab Committee
16 Mar 2015
Age and Social Isolation
Today’s evidence is part of our inquiry into age and social isolation. We are meeting at the Bridge in Easterhouse. I thank the venue for hosting us, and I thank the people who have given up their time to give evidence. I also thank the Presiding Officer for letting the commit...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
26 Mar 2015
Age and Social Isolation
Welcome to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s sixth meeting in 2015. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or switch them off. We will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters and broadca...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
23 Apr 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
I welcome everyone to the eighth meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off, please. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, off...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
28 May 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the 10th meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or turn them off. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking, research, official report and broadcasting staff and, aroun...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
04 Jun 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the 11th meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please turn off any electronic devices or set them to flight mode. I start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerk, research staff, official reporters and broadcasting services, a...
The Convener Lab Committee
18 Jun 2015
Tackling Sectarianism
Again, I welcome everyone to the meeting and ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off, please. We will start with our usual introductions. I am the committee’s convener. I invite members to introduce themselves in turn.
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
25 Jun 2015
Race, Ethnicity and Employment
I welcome everyone to the 13th meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please switch off any electronic devices or put them into flight mode. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerking and research staff, official reporters an...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
03 Sep 2015
Interests
Good morning and welcome to the 14th meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set their electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off. I will start with introductions. I should point out first of all that we are supported at the table ...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
17 Sep 2015
Race, Ethnicity and Employment
Good morning everybody and welcome to the 15th meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or switch them off. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerk and research staff, official r...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
24 Sep 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s 16th meeting in 2015. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or switch them off. I start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, an official reporter, broadcasting services and,...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
01 Oct 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the 17th meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or switch them off. Apologies have been received from Sandra White. I start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research s...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
12 Nov 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
I welcome everybody to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s 18th meeting in 2015. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or switch them off. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters and broadcas...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
19 Nov 2015
Decision on Taking Business in Private
I welcome everyone to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s 19th meeting in 2015. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or switch them off. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by the clerking and research staff, the official reporters and br...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
26 Nov 2015
“Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland” (Scottish Housing Regulator Report)
I welcome everybody to the 20th meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to put any electronic devices into flight mode or switch them off. Apologies have been received from Drew Smith. Under agenda item 1, we have an evidence session with the Scot...
The Convener Lab Committee
04 Feb 2016
Scottish Transgender Alliance and the Equal Recognition Campaign
Item 2 is an evidence session on the Scottish Transgender Alliance’s equal recognition campaign. We will start the session with introductions. At the table, we have our clerking and research team, official reporters and broadcasting services. Around the room, we are supported ...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
11 Feb 2016
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the fourth meeting in 2016 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. Please switch off any electronic devices or set them to flight mode. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters and broadcasting ...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
10 Oct 2013
Draft Budget Scrutiny 2014-15
Welcome to the 26th meeting in 2013 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone present to switch off all electronic devices or put them on flight mode. We have received apologies from Alex Johnstone.I will begin with introductions. At the table we have our clerking a...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
20 Feb 2014
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Welcome to the Equal Opportunities Committee’s third meeting of 2014. Please set any electronic devices to flight mode or off. We will come to the usual introductions in a moment. Agenda item 1 is a decision on taking business in private. Members are asked to agree to take it...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
27 Mar 2014
Decisions on Taking Business in Private
I welcome everyone to the seventh meeting in 2014 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set their electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off. We will begin with introductions. At the table, we have our clerking and research team, together with o...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
11 May 2015
Age and Social Isolation
Madainn mhath. Fàilte gu coinneamh na comataidh. Welcome to the ninth meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to switch their electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off altogether. We will begin with introductions. We are supported a...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
04 Feb 2015
Portfolio Question Time · Town Centre Regeneration (Dumfriesshire)
The Scottish Government previously indicated that both the new start and fresh start relief schemes could support town centre regeneration. However, in response to a written question, I was told that data on the uptake of those schemes is “not held centrally.” How is the Gover...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
08 Sep 2015
Scottish Economy (Progress)
There is no doubt that we are now seeing growth and recovery in the Scottish economy, but we must put the welcome signs of progress that are referenced in the Government’s motion into context. As my colleague Jackie Baillie mentioned, yesterday the Federation of Small Busines...
Margaret McCulloch Lab Chamber
02 Sep 2015
Portfolio Question Time · Town Centre Regeneration (Central Scotland)
New-start rates relief is an important part of the town centre action plan, and is designed to help businesses into vacant new-build properties. Information that I had to obtain through freedom of information requests shows that only six of Scotland’s 32 councils have granted ...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
29 Jan 2013
Make Young People Your Business
This is not the first time that I have spoken in Parliament about youth employment, and it is certainly not the first time that Parliament has considered a motion on the subject but, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that we have in this session held a debate...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Committee
07 Nov 2011
Draft Budget 2012-13 and Spending Review 2011 Scrutiny
Group 1 looked at unemployment, capital investment, the budget and preventative spending. However, we had only 10 minutes for the final topic.Much of our discussion was taken up with the issue of unemployment, which everyone feels is important. For a start, there is a lack of ...
Margaret McCulloch Lab Committee
07 Nov 2011
Draft Budget 2012-13 and Spending Review 2011 Scrutiny
I have two questions for you, cabinet secretary, although I do not know whether I will be allowed to ask them both. I will start, anyway.The modern apprenticeship programme is close to my heart, as I previously worked in that area and with the training for work and the new dea...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
15 Sep 2011
Scotland Bill (Corporation Tax)
I listened carefully to the arguments that were presented and, as interesting as they were, I am ultimately unconvinced of the case that the Scottish Government is making. I have come to that conclusion after spending much of the summer recess speaking to businesses, talking t...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Committee
31 Jan 2012
Review of Cross-party Groups
I do not know whether my comment applies to paragraph 8. I go back to paragraph 6, which refers to“the variation in regularity of activity between groups, the low levels of submission of annual returns and the number of groups in operation relative to the number of MSPs.”I wou...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
15 Mar 2012
National Library of Scotland Bill: Stage 1
As I worked in libraries for many years, I start by putting on record my appreciation for the good work of libraries across Scotland and for the National Library of Scotland. In a previous life, I worked at the Mitchell library, as well as Stirling, Whiteinch and Parkhead libr...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
12 Jan 2012
Young People (Improving Learning Outcomes)
I welcome the opportunity to speak about education and learning because, as I have said before, subjects around young people, their training and their broader education are very important to me. They were a big part of my professional life before I entered Parliament and I am ...
Margaret McCulloch Lab Chamber
21 Jun 2012
Visitor Economy
No. I am tight for time. I am sorry. I will cover that point next.The performance of our ground and air transport is vital to our competitiveness as a destination, and we must ensure that there are excellent connections between our major cities and airports.The WEF index also ...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Committee
08 May 2012
Cross-party Groups
Good afternoon. From what you say, it sounds as if we have to go right back to the very start and look at the standards and procedures that should be set down for groups and individuals who want to set up cross-party groups. Do you agree? It sounds as if things are very open e...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
08 Mar 2012
Tourism
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the future of tourism in Scotland, given the importance of the sector to the Scottish economy. The future of large and small businesses and of a range of attractions and services in other sectors depends on the resilience and succe...
Margaret McCulloch (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
04 Sep 2012
Scottish Government’s Programme
As members return to the Scottish Parliament this week, the referendum bill might be topical but the economy must be foremost in our minds.In introducing the draft budget last year, the Scottish Government promised to squeeze every penny out of every pound and to link its spen...
Margaret McCulloch Lab Committee
28 Feb 2013
Cross-party Groups
People who are going to start a new cross-party group can have an initial meeting with all interested parties, complete the application form, and come to the committee. I was thinking about that. Richard Simpson was asked about what the agenda would be for the group’s first of...
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
19 Sep 2013
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I welcome everyone to the 23rd meeting in 2013 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask that electronic devices be set to flight mode or switched off.We will start by introducing ourselves. To my left are our clerks, our research team and the official reporters and around t...
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Sep 2013
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Thank you. Our only agenda item is evidence taking on the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, and perhaps I should start by telling our witnesses that, if they wish to speak, they should indicate to me or the clerk on my left.I welcome our first panel of...
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Sep 2013
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Thank you very much. I invite Marco Biagi to start the questioning.
The Convener Lab Committee
26 Sep 2013
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Thank you very much.The only item on the agenda is an evidence session on the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. Witnesses should indicate to me or to the clerk on my left when or if they wish to speak. John Mason will start the questions.
The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab Committee
12 Sep 2013
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Welcome to the 22nd meeting in 2013 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask those present to switch off or put into flight mode any electronic devices. The Parliament’s photographer is present and will be here for a few minutes while he takes some photographs. At the table...
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Committee

Equal Opportunities Committee 02 April 2015

02 Apr 2015 · S4 · Equal Opportunities Committee
Item of business
Decision on Taking Business in Private
McCulloch, Margaret Lab Central Scotland Watch on SPTV
Welcome to the seventh meeting of the Equal Opportunities Committee in 2015. I ask everyone to set their electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off, please. I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters and staff from broadcasting services, and around the room by staff from the security office. I welcome the observer in the public gallery. I am the committee’s convener. I ask members and witnesses to introduce themselves in turn, starting on my right. I ask the witnesses to restrict their introductions to their name and their organisation.

In the same item of business

The Convener (Margaret McCulloch) Lab
Welcome to the seventh meeting of the Equal Opportunities Committee in 2015. I ask everyone to set their electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them ...
Sandra White (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) SNP
I am the MSP for Glasgow Kelvin and the deputy convener of the committee.
Laura Alcock-Ferguson (Campaign to End Loneliness)
I am from the Campaign to End Loneliness.
Danny Boyle (BEMIS)
Good morning. I am the parliamentary policy officer with BEMIS Scotland.
John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP) SNP
I am the MSP for Glasgow Shettleston.
Grace Cardozo (LGBT Plus)
I am from Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus.
Alison Love (Royal Voluntary Service)
I am from the Royal Voluntary Service.
Annabel Goldie (West Scotland) (Con) Con
I am an MSP for West Scotland.
Sheila Fletcher (Community Transport Association)
I am from the Community Transport Association.
Natalie McFadyen White (Impact Arts)
I am from Impact Arts.
Christian Allard (North East Scotland) (SNP) SNP
I am an MSP for North East Scotland.
Karen Nicoll (Aberdeenshire Signposting Project)
I am from the Aberdeenshire Signposting Project.
Jenny Ridge (ACE IT)
I am from ACE IT.
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Ind) Ind
I am an MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
Liz Watson (Befriending Networks)
I am from Befriending Networks.
Jayne Baxter (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lab
I am an MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.
The Convener Lab
Thank you very much. Agenda item 1 is a decision on taking business in private. Do members agree to take in private item 4, which is consideration of our a...