Lyndsay McIntosh: Does the minister agree, particularly in the light of this morning's debate, that older, more mature couples would be welcome to apply for adoption and that our chosen children deserve the opportunity of a better home?
Lyndsay McIntosh: Members should not let the white hair fool them—I am the baby of the contributors in this debate. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to be closing for the Tories in the debate—and the boss ain't here. I give the chamber my apologies for not leaving promptly. Members may wonder why I say that. I should explain that I had apologised to the minister and the Presiding Officer because I...
Lyndsay McIntosh: Happily.
Lyndsay McIntosh: I concede that point and that the Executive has done well in introducing the concessionary travel scheme, but there are areas in which the scheme does not work as well as it might. For example, I am regularly assailed, through correspondence, by a gentleman—a senior citizen, no less—in a suburb of Cumbernauld called Banton, who harangues me to try to get better bus services in his area....
Lyndsay McIntosh: I do my level best to ensure that the member's constituents and those in the more southern part of Central Scotland get the chance to travel to Falkirk.
Lyndsay McIntosh: Of course, but I ask Mr Gibson what is up with his tie.
Lyndsay McIntosh: In a word, no. However, I can give the member a suggestion for his shoes—get Velcro fastenings, dear. I agree whole-heartedly with the comments that have been made about skills for the over-50 work force. I know many old people, some of whom are sitting not too far from me, who have a lot to contribute—they ain't done yet. As the minister is aware, the central heating programme has not...
Lyndsay McIntosh: What is this—get me day?
Lyndsay McIntosh: Police numbers are not at their highest. Gender equality is dear to the minister's heart. Significant lifestyle changes are now possible, but, in my grandmother's day, regardless of whether someone was working or retired, their life was pretty much the same, as Johann Lamont said. Nowadays, the situation is a bit less difficult, because people can change their lifestyle as they reach the...
Lyndsay McIntosh: Oh boy. In that case, I pay tribute to previous contributors Trish Godman, Kay Ullrich, Bill Butler, Mary Scanlon and Donald Gorrie. When Ian Jenkins mentioned Tina I was truly nervous. I thought that he had heard about last night and Dr Sylvia Jackson and me. That was worrying. What a lovely speech Colin Campbell made. I will leave it to him to tell members what a CRAFT moment is. John Young...
Lyndsay McIntosh: Indeed we are. However unwillingly, I shall be making way for an older person. I leave it to others to make the comparisons. However, there is life in this old dog yet. They used to say that life begins at 40. When I got there, they had bloody raised it to 50. At this rate, I will never catch up. It has been my privilege to serve in this first session of Parliament. I never sought a place in...
Lyndsay McIntosh: No, I did not. He signalled his intention up to me. Colleagues across the parties in Central Scotland were strangers who became friends. I am sure that there are many more friends that I have yet to make. No matter what the circumstances of our departures today—to pastures new or out to grass, and whether assured of success or disappointed by the outcome—I send all members every best wish.
Lyndsay McIntosh: Yes—strip to the waist.
Lyndsay McIntosh: Oh, but I am.
Lyndsay McIntosh: Does the minister agree that one contributory factor is the extent of bullying in schools? I have been horrified at what I have heard when I have met the parents of children who have taken their own lives. We do not do enough to support children when they are being bullied at school.
Lyndsay McIntosh: I congratulate Kenny Gibson on securing this debate on a topic of great significance to me and to members across the chamber—this is not a party-political issue, but one that should attract united sympathy and support. Members might not be aware of what prompted my interest in the incidence of suicide. My concerns were raised when I visited a charity in Glasgow that provides counselling...
Lyndsay McIntosh: Can the minister tell us, with reference to his negotiations with SCUP, what research has been undertaken on the effectiveness and stability of credit unions?
Lyndsay McIntosh: Can the minister comment on the stability and effectiveness of credit unions, in the light of any research that the Executive has undertaken on them?
Lyndsay McIntosh: Will David Davidson give way?
Lyndsay McIntosh: May I, David?