Colin Beattie: 12. To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on the Scottish economy would be of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. (S4O-04195)
Colin Beattie: The minister will be aware that there are many individuals from other parts of the EU who live and work in Scotland, and whose status may be affected by a decision that the UK should withdraw from the EU. I would be grateful if he would outline what constitutional measures could be put in place to prevent Scotland from being taken out of the EU against the wishes of our people.
Colin Beattie: Employability in Scotland—much as in any country—is a crucial indicator of the strength of the economy and is one of the key components in eradicating poverty and ensuring equality throughout our society. We know that unemployment can have tremendously damaging long-term effects on young people. From a financial perspective, someone who is unemployed at a young age is more likely to...
Colin Beattie: 8. To ask the Scottish Government what initiatives it has to support community-based sporting groups over the coming year. (S4O-04251)
Colin Beattie: The minister may be aware of the Musselburgh Monarchs, which is a BMX biking group in my constituency. Given the recent resurgence of BMX biking in the rest of the United Kingdom, although there are only two other clubs in Scotland, what is the Scottish Government doing to promote the sport and improve its popularity?
Colin Beattie: In response to the survey findings, Larry Flanagan, Educational Institute of Scotland general secretary, said: “We increasingly see tired and hungry pupils coming to school. Austerity-led measures do have an impact on performance, just as deprivation at home impacts on pupil attainment.” Does the cabinet secretary agree with that?
Colin Beattie: I doubt that there is anyone in the chamber today who would disagree that education provides the main route for anyone from any background to reach their full potential, and I believe that the Scottish Government is absolutely committed to delivering an education system of which this country can be proud. We now have record exam results, with fewer pupils leaving school with no qualifications...
Colin Beattie: 4. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the level of engagement undertaken by Network Rail with local constituents during the building of the Borders railway. (S4O-04417)
Colin Beattie: The cabinet secretary is, of course, aware of our prior correspondence on the issue. What steps are being taken to enhance engagement between the constituents and Network Rail and to ensure that Network Rail is minimising any adverse effects on local residents from the railway?
Colin Beattie: Does the minister agree that one of the core principles of curriculum for excellence is that decisions are made locally to take account of local circumstances?
Colin Beattie: 14. To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to support and develop the use of Doric and Lallans Scots. (S4O-04501)
Colin Beattie: Given the increasingly successful support and recognition that has been given to Gaelic as a native language, are there any plans to support similarly use of Scots as a mainstream language in education and culture?
Colin Beattie: In these times of Westminster-imposed austerity, the financial challenges that Scotland has faced over the past few years are clear: food bank usage is at record levels, and an additional 100,000 children are expected to be living in poverty by 2020. That is even before we consider the impact of the next round of cuts, which are due in 2017 and 2018. Such levels of poverty will do nothing but...
Colin Beattie: 5. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Court of Session’s recent decision not to overturn NHS Lothian’s withdrawal of prescriptive homoeopathic medicine to a Midlothian resident. (S4O-04612)
Colin Beattie: Although the scientific benefits of homoeopathy are generally unproven, it is clear that, even as a placebo, many people find it of great help. Will the minister outline some ways in which homoeopathy can be supported in the national health service?
Colin Beattie: 6. To ask the Scottish Government what changes it expects to make to personal independence payments following their devolution. (S4O-04663)
Colin Beattie: As the minister is aware, there have been major delays at UK level in the processing of PIP applications. What steps might the Scottish Government take to minimise such delays and to ensure that all potential applicants are aware of the new procedures once the benefit is devolved?
Colin Beattie: 8. To ask the Scottish Government how it will work with further and higher education institutions to ensure that students in receipt of employment and support allowance will not find their education disrupted when universal credit is rolled out. (S4O-04675)
Colin Beattie: Many of the students from deprived areas in my Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency benefit greatly from ESA. Will the cabinet secretary outline how it has contributed to reducing the attainment gap across Scotland?
Colin Beattie: 1. To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many local authorities use the water direct scheme to deduct water and sewerage charges, and whether this includes Midlothian and East Lothian councils. (S4O-04718)