Joe FitzPatrick: The First Minister has already mentioned the Scottish child payment, which is being delivered by Social Security Scotland from its headquarters in the “Yes” city of Dundee. Will the First Minister say more about how the powers of independence would enable this Parliament to go much further to deliver a fairer and more equal society that improves people’s lives, as we see in so many...
Joe FitzPatrick: I know that the minister will be disappointed that she has had to take the measures announced in her statement. However, we should not lose sight of the excellent work that is taking place across Scotland. Just last week, I visited the Lochee hub, in my constituency. It is supported by significant Scottish Government funding, via the Corra Foundation, to deliver the five-tier recovery...
Joe FitzPatrick: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would have voted yes.
Joe FitzPatrick: 6. To ask the Scottish Government what services the £10,500 tariff provided by the United Kingdom Government for local authorities to support displaced Ukrainians arriving in Scotland is expected to cover. (S6O-01139)
Joe FitzPatrick: In addition to the costs that the minister mentioned, there are health costs, which do not appear to be covered. The tariff does not seem enough to cover what services will be required to spend and it is ridiculous to hear from the minister that no money is made available for people who are settling in Scotland under the family sponsorship scheme. Does he agree that the tariff is not...
Joe FitzPatrick: In session 5, the Equalities and Human Rights Committee unanimously recommended that Parliament agree to the general principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, and I welcome the cabinet secretary’s renewed commitment to implementing the UNCRC to the fullest extent possible. That really matters to Scotland’s children and young...
Joe FitzPatrick: Could the member tell us what the record is on those matters south of the border, where his party is in charge?
Joe FitzPatrick: I am sure that the First Minister and others across the chamber will join me in condemning reports of sexist, racist and homophobic comments at the Scottish Football Writers’ Association gala dinner and will offer support to those who walked out in protest. Although I recognise that an apology has been issued, does the First Minister agree that what happened appears to be a shocking...
Joe FitzPatrick: The expansion of the single building assessment pilot programme has resulted in properties in my constituency now being included, which was welcomed by affected constituents in Dundee City West. However, uncertain finances could undermine progress with the SBA. Can the cabinet secretary say more about discussions with the UK Government on consequentials? It is important that we ensure that...
Joe FitzPatrick: 6. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its discussions with the United Kingdom Government regarding food security and supply. (S6O-01011)
Joe FitzPatrick: I thank the cabinet secretary for her answer and for joining me last week on a visit to Dundee Cold Stores , where we heard about the additional strain that rising energy costs are putting on such businesses. It is expected that those rising costs will result in higher food prices and make it more difficult for the company to compete with European food producers. Therefore, I am pleased to...
Joe FitzPatrick: 1. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc. (S6O-00950)
Joe FitzPatrick: What role can MSIP play in delivering Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets, particularly around use of hydrogen? How much involvement has there been by, and how much support has come from, the United Kingdom Government?
Joe FitzPatrick: I am pleased to speak in the debate as convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. We thank all those who gave evidence to the committee, particularly the mining communities who took the time to share their experiences with us. We also thank the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and other organisations and groups for their assistance. The evidence that we heard was...
Joe FitzPatrick: As convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, I am grateful for the opportunity to open the debate and to set out the findings of our report on petition PE1817, “End Conversion Therapy”. The terms “conversion therapy” and “conversion practices” are used interchangeably in the report to reflect the wording that the petitioners and witnesses used. However,...
Joe FitzPatrick: 6. To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to people at risk of alcohol harm in the most disadvantaged communities. (S6O-00827)
Joe FitzPatrick: This is an area that the minister and I have a particular interest in and are particularly keen to make progress on. The minister mentioned that the alcohol-related death rate in the most deprived areas in Scotland is 4.3 times higher than in the least deprived areas. The minister will be aware of the report on alcohol-problem management in deep-end practices serving the most deprived...
Joe FitzPatrick: As a member of the cross-party selection panel that was established by the Presiding Officer under our standing orders, I am delighted to speak to the motion in my name, which invites members to agree to nominate Ian Duddy to Her Majesty the Queen for appointment as the chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. I chaired the selection panel, whose other members were Karen Adam, Maggie...
Joe FitzPatrick: As has been said, the debate around gender recognition can at times involve the use of language that some people can find hurtful and derogatory. Following on from the remarks made by the Presiding Officer and all Opposition spokespeople, does the cabinet secretary agree that it is important for all of us, as Scotland’s elected representatives, to set the tone of the debate by setting out...
Joe FitzPatrick: 6. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its action to decarbonise buses. (S6O-00801)