Anne McTaggart: I am pleased to contribute to this important debate on the Scottish Government’s play strategy and the wider efforts that are being made to ensure that Scotland is the best place in the world to grow up. I whole-heartedly agree with the Scottish Government that play is vital from the early ages and stages of a child’s life and that engaging in fun educational activity is hugely beneficial...
Anne McTaggart: As an MSP representing the large, diverse and multicultural region of Glasgow, I believe that it is part of my duty to tackle prejudice, intolerance and discrimination in all forms, not only because prejudice impacts on the lives of those who experience it, but because it holds us back as a nation. The passing of the bill will have both legal and symbolic significance for LGBT people and...
Anne McTaggart: 5. To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to people who have experienced miscarriage. (S4O-02646)
Anne McTaggart: I thank the minister for that reply. Organisations such as Scottish Care and Information on Miscarriage have been supporting mothers in my region—Glasgow—since 1992 and have worked to identify and tackle the causes of miscarriage and stillbirth through expert research. Does the Scottish Government have any plans to review their level of funding or to assist them and similar charities in...
Anne McTaggart: I am keen to contribute to this important debate on the review of opioid replacement therapies in Scotland. In my region of Glasgow, the issue is of particular importance, as it affects thousands of families who are struggling with addiction and substance dependency issues. I am confident that members across the chamber will agree that opioid replacements such as methadone can, in particular...
Anne McTaggart: I am very happy to contribute to Alex Johnstone’s members’ business debate on the Arbroath CAFE project. I am especially keen to take part in a debate to promote the value of a community project because I previously worked in community learning and development environments in both rural and urban locations across Scotland. In my view, the Arbroath CAFE project is a first-class example of...
Anne McTaggart: I congratulate the Finance Committee on its comprehensive report, and I thank the clerks who put it together. In my speech tonight, I represent the interests of my constituents across Glasgow and my colleagues in local government. This budget could have addressed the most dire economic circumstances that we have faced for a generation. Local authorities are the very last line of defence...
Anne McTaggart: If the council tax freeze were not underfunded, I am sure that we could fund both things. The harsh reality is that the council tax freeze disproportionately benefits the rich, while an increased reliance by local authorities on council charges disproportionately affects those who are most in need. Those families who are most likely to rely on council services lose out, while people who own...
Anne McTaggart: I most certainly was not saying that they are all rich. For too many families, this Christmas will be a modest affair, with the tragic choice between heating and eating once again being contemplated. More families are in this situation than was the case at this time last year because of the huge number of public sector redundancies that have been necessary in order to meet yet more budget...
Anne McTaggart: I am delighted to participate in tonight’s members’ business debate on the throughcare support project at HMP Greenock. I thank Jackson Carlaw for stepping up to the plate and enabling the debate to go ahead, and I wish Annabel Goldie a speedy recovery. As members will be aware, I have a professional interest and experience in youth and adult offender education. In my position in social...
Anne McTaggart: 9. To ask the Scottish Government what additional measures it has put in place to support teachers in light of recent concerns expressed by Educational Institute of Scotland members regarding the introduction of national 4 and 5 exams. (S4O-02805)
Anne McTaggart: Does the minister intend to delay the system’s introduction?
Anne McTaggart: As a member of the City of Edinburgh Council (Leith Links and Surplus Fire Fund) Bill Committee, I am pleased to contribute briefly to the debate, which deals with an issue that I am sure is of importance to the local community. In my role as a member of the committee, I have gained a valuable insight into an important and historical local issue that necessitates full consultation prior to...
Anne McTaggart: The consultation process afforded the opportunity to seek guidance from Police Scotland, which, following its viewing of the initial plans, indicated that the site was vulnerable and that “consideration should be given to installing public space monitoring CCTV or other measures” to ensure that it would be safe and secure. The committee was informed that such concerns had been taken into...
Anne McTaggart: 1. To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the rehabilitation of young offenders in their communities after short custodial sentences. (S4O-02807)
Anne McTaggart: The cabinet secretary will be aware that key events in an offender’s life, including their reintegration into the local community, impact on the person’s motivation not to reoffend. A highly individualised process is required if reintegration is to be effective. Given that, what practical measures is the Government taking—now and for the future—and how will their impact be measured?
Anne McTaggart: I am especially pleased to participate in the debate, as I am a member of the Public Petitions Committee that produced the report on tackling child sexual exploitation. As fellow members of the committee are well aware, it took more than 10 months of evidence taking to produce the report, the origins of which can be traced away back to July 2011, when the committee received a petition from...
Anne McTaggart: As a member of the cross-party group on Tibet, I am keen to contribute to this important debate on the subject of self-immolation by those who protest against the questionable human rights record of China in the region. I thank Maureen Watt for securing parliamentary time to consider the significant issues that are raised in the motion. I acknowledge her long-standing record of campaigning on...
Anne McTaggart: 7. To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to tackle air pollution in Glasgow. (S4O-02963)
Anne McTaggart: I thank the minister for that extremely detailed response, given that as many as 3,000 people die prematurely from air pollution in Scotland, and that the worst levels of air pollution have been recorded in Hope Street, in Glasgow. I think that the minister has clearly indicated what action the Government has taken.
