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 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: 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: 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: I congratulate Malcolm Chisholm, as other members have done, on bringing this debate to the Parliament, which is about furthering awareness of an issue of which many people in Scotland are perhaps not as aware as they should be. People might have heard of spina bifida, but many will not understand its causes and how it might be prevented. The Scottish Government began its report “Improving...
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: This feels rather like the graveyard shift. I speak in the debate for a number of reasons. First, as nearly all members said, the 1974 act is almost 40 years old and, although it has undergone review, a major review is long overdue, particularly in relation to the provision of genuine learning and skills development opportunities for offenders. Secondly, in the years since the 1974 act was...
Anne McTaggart: I am happy to contribute to this discussion and thank Joan McAlpine for opening the debate. I also thank Fiona McLeod for gaining an allocation of the chamber’s time for her motion, and I wish her a speedy recovery. I also thank the group for coming along today, for being in the public gallery tonight and for their outstanding display. I am happy to participate for a number of reasons in...
Anne McTaggart: Corroboration is not only an important and unique feature of Scots criminal law, but a cornerstone of Scots law. The University of Strathclyde school of law professors John Blackie and Donald Nicolson have recently produced a research paper that studies the likely consequences of this profound change to the system of criminal justice in Scotland. They state: “Whether or not the...
Anne McTaggart: Every member in the chamber is passionate about the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. I hope that the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will prove to be a positive step in making Scotland the best possible place for children to grow up in. However, I am cautious about the named person proposal. I have spoken with a wide range of professionals from across the board on...
Anne McTaggart: I am delighted to contribute to this debate on the important subject of families who are affected by alcohol-related issues. I commend Gordon MacDonald for securing time to congratulate Al-Anon Family Groups on its fantastic work to support families who are affected by alcoholism. As a former addiction counsellor with Glasgow Council on Alcohol, I understand the devastating impact that drug...
Anne McTaggart: 4. To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that people who care for stroke patients are given a carer’s assessment. (S4O-02385)
Anne McTaggart: Recent studies have recognised that depression and a range of other mental health conditions are often consequences of stroke for stroke survivors and their carers. In light of that fact, will the minister advise the chamber of the progress that has been made in assisting the thousands of primary carers who are both suffering from and supporting others who are in significant psychological...
Anne McTaggart: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this stage 1 debate on the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill. First, I wish to highlight that how the referendum is seen in the eyes of the general public is paramount in the whole process of conducting it. I am pleased that the bill’s objective is to provide a truly democratic process. Bearing that in mind, the Parliament’s aim in...
Anne McTaggart: 5. To ask the Scottish Government whether it is meeting its targets to reduce air pollution. (S4O-02356)
Anne McTaggart: The cabinet secretary will be aware that recent studies of the subway system in Glasgow have highlighted dangerously high levels of air pollution and a concentration of tiny metallic particles that is well in excess of recommended safety limits. In light of that discovery, what action has the Scottish Government taken to reduce levels of pollution and increase air quality for commuters in Glasgow?
Anne McTaggart: The budget represents another significant real-terms reduction in the resource grant for local government. Will that not inevitably result in more job losses on top of the 37,000 jobs already lost under this Government?
Anne McTaggart: I congratulate Alex Ferguson on securing today’s debate. I am pleased to hear that Dalbeattie high school will be involved in such an exciting challenge and wish them all the best with their endeavours. I, too, welcome our guests to the Scottish Parliament. I take this opportunity to mention the different learning styles that are available to not only children and young people, but adults...
