Adam Ingram: Yes, Presiding Officer. Notwithstanding those issues of detail, which can be addressed at later stages, I am pleased to support the principles of the bill and the Government’s ambition to build Scotland into a hydro nation.
Adam Ingram: Will the minister comment on the timing of the strikes? Does he agree that it would be appropriate for both sides of the argument to set aside their differences at what is an important time of the year both for families trying to make arrangements to get together and for our communities?
Adam Ingram: 5. To ask the Scottish Government what further measures it will take to prevent the sexual exploitation of children, to support its victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. (S4O-01440)
Adam Ingram: The research that the cabinet secretary mentions indicates that there is a lack of robust evidence with regard to the numbers of children and young people who experience sexual exploitation in Scotland. We have, of course, all been scandalised by the disgraceful Savile affair and the failure by the BBC and others to reveal systematic child sexual abuse. How will the Government ensure that all...
Adam Ingram: This year marks the 200th anniversary of the gas industry in this country, and tonight the Parliament is holding a reception—hosted by my colleague Mark McDonald—to celebrate the major contribution that the industry has made and continues to make to Scotland and its economic wellbeing. I encourage fellow MSPs to participate in the event. I am particularly grateful to have this opportunity...
Adam Ingram: 3. To ask the Scottish Government how it will showcase Scots culture for the year of homecoming 2014 and beyond. (S4O-01191)
Adam Ingram: With her Ayrshire connections, the cabinet secretary will be well aware of the huge contribution that Burns country could make to the year of homecoming. What discussions has the Scottish Government had with the National Trust for Scotland and others to connect up existing offerings, such as music and literary festivals, perhaps using the Robert Burns birthplace museum as a hub for Scots...
Adam Ingram: 6. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on data published by the Office of Communications suggesting that 85 per cent of the Scottish population is covered by 2G mobile coverage compared with 99 per cent in England. (S4O-01094)
Adam Ingram: I thank the cabinet secretary for his answer but can he assure me, and particularly my constituents in the village of Barr in South Ayrshire, who are currently excluded from access to any digital infrastructure, including mobile telephony, that the Scottish Government will succeed in making its 2015 targets where broadband delivery UK—BDUK—has failed?
Adam Ingram: 10. To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the recommendations in the report, “Communication Matters: Improving Communication in Additional Support Needs”, by the centre for research in education, inclusion and diversity at the University of Edinburgh. (S4O-01078)
Adam Ingram: I look forward to the Government’s response in due course. The report also highlights that the right of young people to make a reference to formal dispute resolution mechanisms is not being exercised. Without parental support, looked-after young people are being disadvantaged in the system. How does the minister intend to address that issue?
Adam Ingram: 7. To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made to establish a rural parliament. (S4O-00995)
Adam Ingram: Will the cabinet secretary outline the opportunities that the establishment of a rural Parliament will offer to rural communities across Scotland, particularly in my constituency of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley?
Adam Ingram: I am pleased to wind up a constructive debate on behalf of the committee. It is clear that there is and has been cross-party support for the 2012 commitment in several parliamentary sessions and under different Administrations. It is one policy on which the whole Parliament can take pride in its implementation. As Shelter has pointed out, in 90 per cent or so of council areas, we are there or...
Adam Ingram: The member makes a very good point, with which I agree. Partnership is also about local authorities, housing associations, voluntary organisations and private landlords working together to make the best possible use of the available housing supply. The committee believes that the five housing options hubs are well placed to take forward that agenda and we have called on the Scottish...
Adam Ingram: What assurances can the First Minister provide to the 60-strong workforce at Solway Precast in Barrhill, which is facing closure, and the workforce at the nearby Nestlé plant in Girvan, who are facing significant redundancies, following announcements from both companies over the past week? Will the Scottish Government work effectively to mitigate the impact on them, their families and the...
Adam Ingram: 3. To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for the development of the Ayr to Stranraer railway line. (S4O-00741)
Adam Ingram: I was encouraged to hear from the minister that a working group has been established with the remit to bring forward implementation of a short-term action plan for the Ayr to Stranraer line. Can the minister comment on a parallel but unconnected initiative at this time to establish a stakeholder group or forum that will include elected members, community organisations and local business...
Adam Ingram: 9. To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met NHS Ayrshire and Arran and what matters were discussed. (S4O-00715)
Adam Ingram: I will follow up on that telephone conversation. Could the cabinet secretary comment on the Healthcare Improvement Scotland investigation of NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s handling of critical incidents and significant adverse events following this week’s scathing report by the Scottish Information Commissioner? Will she agree to meet me and my constituent, Rab Wilson, whose courage and...
