Mary Fee: 3. To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting adults with additional support needs in the West Scotland region into employment. (S5O-05132)
Mary Fee: Despite the Government continuing to promise to reduce the gap by at least half, the employment rate for disabled people still sits as low as 47.8 per cent, which compares with 81.3 per cent for those who are not disabled. The Scottish National Party’s “A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People: employment action plan” sets out an interim target of an employment rate of 60 per cent for...
Mary Fee: The issue of guidance has been of interest to many stakeholders and many members across all parties throughout the consideration of the bill, which prompted me to lodge my amendments in relation to that at stage 2. However, I was happy to listen to the minister and not to press those amendments. As with much else in the bill, the issue has been proceeded in a spirit of co-operation and...
Mary Fee: I thank Clare Adamson for her very kind words, and I confirm my support for all the amendments in the group. Amendment 45 is in line with my amendment 38, which was debated in group 5, on guidance. It will ensure that there is a similar requirement on the Scottish ministers to provide guidance to support listed authorities in fulfilling their reporting requirements under section 15. There is...
Mary Fee: Amendment 46 would require the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to publish a report outlining how the work of the Parliament has met the requirements of the bill. Having worked closely with stakeholders, including Together Scotland, on the issue, I can say that it is of great importance to those groups. The Scottish Parliament is a human rights guarantor and should play a leading role in...
Mary Fee: I thank Alex Cole-Hamilton and the cabinet secretary for their positive and helpful comments. I am grateful for Andy Wightman’s comments and explanation on behalf of the corporate body and for the consideration that the corporate body has given to the matter. Throughout the evidence sessions, the committee heard repeatedly the view from stakeholders that the Parliament should be included in...
Mary Fee: Amendments 47 and 48 in my name seek to ensure that all bills introduced in the Parliament—not just Government bills—meet the UNCRC requirements. Effective scrutiny of legislation is essential for protecting, respecting and fulfilling children’s rights in practice. The bill already requires scrutiny of the compatibility of Scottish Government primary and secondary legislation by...
Mary Fee: I have no further comments. I will press my amendments. Amendment 47 agreed to. Amendment 48 moved—[Mary Fee]—and agreed to.
Mary Fee: As a member of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, I am delighted to open the debate for Scottish Labour. I would like to begin by thanking the committee clerks and the bill team for their extremely hard work on the bill. They have worked tirelessly for the past few weeks to ensure that we could reach the final stage of the bill in a shorter timeframe than we had originally...
Mary Fee: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I reassure you and all members that this is definitely my final contribution to a debate in the Scottish Parliament. I will use some of my time to reflect on my 10 years as a member of the Scottish Parliament for West Scotland. It has truly been an honour and a privilege to represent the area since 2011. My time in Parliament has aligned with many positive...
Mary Fee: I hope that, in the next parliamentary session, Parliament continues to work to make our society fairer, more equal and more protected and that the members who remain here are a positive example of how we can enhance equality and protect human rights. I said in my opening remarks that the best parting gift that I can give is empowerment, protection and respect for our children, by voting for...
Mary Fee: 2. To ask the Scottish Government how many virtual prison visits have taken place since 29 June 2020. (S5O-05026)
Mary Fee: With restrictions on travel and on prison visits, digital visits will have been a lifeline for many, as they support both the welfare and mental health of prisoners. In light of the fact that more than 1,200 prisoners are currently self-isolating, what support is being given to prison activities, including digital visits? Can the cabinet secretary assure me that digital prison visits will...
Mary Fee: I begin in the same way that I began the debate that is referenced in the motion—by thanking the Liberal Democrats for bringing the debate. I also indicate our support for the Liberal Democrat motion and the Conservative amendment. I appreciate every opportunity to discuss mental health because doing so helps us better understand and enhance the mental health of our country. A lot has taken...
Mary Fee: 4. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce homelessness. (S5O-04980)
Mary Fee: The reality is that the extension of the unsuitable accommodation order for all homeless persons has twice been delayed and the affordable housing budget has just been reduced by £132 million. Those actions by the Government are hampering efforts to reduce homelessness. Does the minister agree with Shelter Scotland that building affordable housing should be the “cornerstone of Scotland’s...
Mary Fee: 1. To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to tourism businesses in the West Scotland region in light of the current Covid-19 restrictions. (S5O-04921)
Mary Fee: The £104.3 million of support will help many tourism and hospitality businesses in my region, but what support—financial or otherwise—is available to businesses in the tourism and hospitality supply chain that primarily rely on that sector?
Mary Fee: It is a privilege to speak in this stage 1 debate on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill and to open for Scottish Labour. The significance of the proposed legislation cannot and should not be underestimated. It will have a life-changing and lifelong positive impact on all our children. As a member of the Equalities and Human Rights...
Mary Fee: Early in December, a report by the Incorporated Society of Musicians showed that Scotland has been the most negatively impacted country of the four United Kingdom nations in terms of the provision of music tuition across primary and secondary schools during the pandemic. Some teachers have highlighted concerns that local authorities are interpreting the guidance in different ways. I welcome...