Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:00 pm on 6 June 2024.
Kevin Stewart
Scottish National Party
2:00,
6 June 2024
To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its cross-government support for learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity, what discussions the education secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding how its proposed learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill will help people into work. (S6O-03538)
Natalie Don
Scottish National Party
The proposed learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill aims to ensure that the rights of neurodivergent people, including autistic people and people with learning disabilities, are respected, protected and championed. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills supports the bill and the Scottish Government’s on-going work in that area. Officials will continue to explore wider education and employability policy and practice to further support people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people to access fair and sustainable employment.
Kevin Stewart
Scottish National Party
I want to know how the Government will ensure that there is a holistic approach across Government—education, health, social care, skills—to create opportunities to allow LDAN people to work. How do we garner the voices of lived experience to get all of that right for people?
Natalie Don
Scottish National Party
Mr Stewart raises some really important points. A range of policies across Government holistically support neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities. Those include employability actions under our no one left behind delivery plan, Skills Development Scotland’s work with schools to support young people with additional support needs, and our fair work action plan.
Scottish ministers have also committed to introducing Scotland’s first national transitions to adulthood strategy to ensure that there is a joined-up approach so that all young disabled people can experience a supported and positive transition to adult life. It is an absolute priority to continue to embed the voices of lived experience in our work through public engagement and consultation.
Annabelle Ewing
Scottish National Party
As we have a wee bit of time, I will call Pam Duncan-Glancy for a supplementary.
Pam Duncan-Glancy
Labour
I thank you for your indulgence, Deputy Presiding Officer.
The Minister is right to point out the importance of transitions for this group of people. Will the minister say, on the record, whether the Government is considering that elements of the transitions to adulthood bill could now be part of the LDAN bill that the Government will bring forward?
Natalie Don
Scottish National Party
Pam Duncan-Glancy will be aware of the most recent update that I have provided on the transitions strategy. I would be happy to update her on the exact points in relation to the LDAN bill in writing.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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