11. I was getting worried for a minute, Presiding Officer.

To ask the Scottish Government how important local authority care homes are in the provision of care for older people. (S4O-03711)

Local authority care homes are extremely important in the provision of care for older people. The Scottish Government’s reshaping care for older people programme aims to keep people living as independently as possible in a homely setting, including in care homes. Local authorities have an important role to play in ensuring that there is provision of the right type of care settings in their areas now and in the future.

Now I can announce that questions 12 and 13 have been—

Supplementary!

You want a supplementary?

Is it me, Presiding Officer? [Laughter.]

I got confused because you did not mention Paisley. [Laughter.]

You will be glad to know that I do not intend to.

Will the Cabinet secretary join me in congratulating my constituents who campaigned to retain Hunterhill care home? Renfrewshire Council tried to close it, which caused understandable outrage among family members, local Scottish National Party councillors and staff, who all campaigned to retain the home. Does that not prove that councils such as Labour-controlled Renfrewshire Council should consult members of the public more when they make such decisions?

Not only do I agree with George Adam but I am delighted to contribute to his press release, which I am sure is already en route to the Paisley Daily Express.

It is entirely a matter for local partners to plan provision to meet local needs. However, I congratulate all involved in the campaign on their efforts to extend the consultation on the closure of Hunterhill care home. They have convinced Renfrewshire Council of the case for keeping the home open, which will ensure that the residents—some of whom have dementia—will be able to remain in their home without the need for a move, which might have caused disruption or extra distress.

It is extremely important that, in facing up to the challenge of delayed discharges, we retain and build on the capacity and high-quality provision that we have in residential homes throughout Scotland. That is a vital part of our health and social care system.

For the third time, I say that the questions from Graeme Dey and Mary Fee have been withdrawn. I have an explanation.