Anne McTaggart: Thank you, Presiding Officer, for the privilege of presenting my maiden speech today. Prior to addressing the chosen subject of education and lifelong learning, I will thank a few others. I thank my colleagues, both members and staff in the Parliament, for their warm reception and support to me, as a newly elected MSP. I congratulate all my colleagues in the chamber who have delivered their...
Anne McTaggart: 9. To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the level of insulin pump therapy available in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. (S4O-00120)
Anne McTaggart: According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, there are more than 700 people with type 1 diabetes in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area who could and should benefit from an insulin pump; yet, the number of people accessing pump therapy is a mere 67—only 1.1 per cent of the type 1 population. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has, to date, unfortunately failed to...
Anne McTaggart: On behalf of those constituents, I urge the Scottish Government to make a real effort to enforce its commitment. Access to pump therapy should be boosted significantly across NHS board areas over the lifetime of the action plan.
Anne McTaggart: I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate. I am sure that all members agree that the Parliament faces many important decisions in the current economic climate. This debate on the Scottish Government’s economic strategy allows us to address some of those decisions, and it is important to use the opportunity to highlight any strengths or offer alternatives to any weaknesses in the...
Anne McTaggart: I thank Paul Martin for securing the debate. I also welcome the members of the East Glasgow Parkinson’s support group to Parliament this evening along with some of my colleagues from Glasgow City Council. There is widespread concern at Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board’s decision to close Lightburn hospital, as was demonstrated by the recent march and rally calling for the plans to be...
Anne McTaggart: What additional funding will the Government provide for training on fuel poverty for individuals and organisations that work closely with the general public and, specifically, with vulnerable groups?
Anne McTaggart: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I am sure that all members will agree that a comprehensive action plan for dealing with severe winter weather is essential. We have, after all, seen the results of bad responses in bad weather. I therefore welcome the winter weather review group’s report, which was published last week. I am glad that the Government acknowledges in it that lessons had to be...
Anne McTaggart: No, but I will take the intervention at the end of my speech, if I have time. I am glad that Labour’s Jenny Marra has secured a crucial debate this evening on the alarming number of people in fuel poverty, and I hope that members will engage in the debate. We must ensure that tackling fuel poverty is part of the winter resilience plans. The review group acknowledged that individuals and...
Anne McTaggart: That is me finished. Sorry.
Anne McTaggart: I thank Jenny Marra for securing the debate. As we are all aware, the number of fuel-poor households has reached a staggering figure and, alarmingly, that figure continues to rise. That cannot be allowed to continue. People will be asked to prioritise food or fuel as we approach the winter months, especially if the weather is as severe as it was last year. It should be acknowledged that an...
Anne McTaggart: The credit union movement has utilised its low-cost loans to members to buy out prepaid meters, which have been shown often to hit poorer people harder.
Anne McTaggart: Also, by providing credit union—
Anne McTaggart: I add my support for Monday’s launch of national adoption week, which I am sure every member will support. I also acknowledge the foster carers, kinship carers, adopting parents and all those who strive to provide a caring and supportive life for Scotland’s looked-after children. All members will agree that, whether or not this debate is taking place during national adoption week, it is...
Anne McTaggart: 4. To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for local access under the regionalisation approach proposed for the further education sector. (S4O-00311)
Anne McTaggart: Many of the people I represent have lost out through community campus closures that have already taken place. How will the minister address concerns about a potential increase in travel, added childcare time and its cost and the accessibility needs of the most disadvantaged people affected by rationalisation?
Anne McTaggart: 2. To ask the Scottish Executive how it is strengthening the social economy to enhance sustainable growth. (S4O-00339)
Anne McTaggart: Many of the social enterprises that have contacted me have raised concerns that the Government cuts to the third sector are increasing the demand on the social economy for its services. How will the minister address those concerns in order to support further this vital area of the economy?
Anne McTaggart: The last time I spoke about youth unemployment in the chamber, I asked the Scottish Government to give a guarantee on the maximum waiting time for entry into the opportunity for all programme and reiterated the calls that have been made by some of our most respected children’s and young people’s groups. Today, I again join Barnardo’s Scotland in asking for a commitment from the...
Anne McTaggart: No. Writing a CV or application letter is difficult for anyone but, the first time round, the task seems almost impossible. However, with the aid of the internet, young people can get answers to their questions, get tips, watch online tutorials and find out the best way of putting together a CV and an application letter. All Scotland’s young people should have employment, training and...
