Anne McTaggart: Women in Scotland continue to be half as likely as men to establish a business. In the light of the fact that the significant entrepreneurial potential of Scotland’s women remains untapped, what specific measures has the Scottish Government taken to address the concerning gender gap in business start-up rates?
Anne McTaggart: In my role as a member of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee, I have had the opportunity to examine the evidence of current limitations on the delivery of regeneration across Scotland. I have also been presented with examples of how public and private bodies are working together to achieve regeneration in a way that reflects the aspirations of the communities that they serve. I...
Anne McTaggart: As a member of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee, I have had the opportunity to consider in some detail the proposal contained in the bill and its likely effects. I thank Dennis Robertson MSP for bringing an important issue to the attention of the Scottish Parliament, and I commend his efforts in raising awareness of the very real consequences of blue badge misuse in towns and...
Anne McTaggart: As a member of the Public Petitions Committee, I, too, thank Kidney Research UK and Caroline Wilson of the Evening Times, who is in the gallery, for their tireless work in bringing this vitally important issue to the attention of the Scottish Parliament. As a result of the evidence that was presented to the committee by a wide range of individuals and organisations, I have become convinced...
Anne McTaggart: We do not propose to remove anybody’s rights. In the soft opt-out system there is the right to opt in or opt out. There is no silence. The family will still be consulted and there will be guidance and support throughout. If we can achieve reform, it is my ambition that organ donation will become the default position which, with public support, will change cultural expectations. That will...
Anne McTaggart: 9. To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has put in place to increase opportunities for disabled students to access further education. (S4O-03058)
Anne McTaggart: In light of the significant contribution that is made by young carers throughout Scotland—as has been highlighted by a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament—what level of financial assistance has the Scottish Government made available to assist physically disabled young people and young carers to progress from further education courses to undergraduate-level qualifications?
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.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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...
