Questions and answers

Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for ��˿�� to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-13045

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 07 December 2022
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Matheson on 8 December 2022

To ask the Scottish Government when the final report containing the recommendations of the Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) will be published, and what the next steps are.

The suite of final reports presenting the recommendations of the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) will be published on the Transport Scotland website on 8 December 2022. This represents a key milestone for strategic transport planning in Scotland. Setting out a 20 year framework for capital investment to drive the change we need to achieve the Scottish Government’s strategic vision and move towards Net Zero – the majority of the 45 recommendations contribute directly towards achieving emissions reduction.

This marks the culmination of over three years’ intensive work.

The evidence gathering and robust objective-led appraisal work feeding in to this review has been informed by stakeholder engagement from the very outset. The public have been provided with several opportunities for involvement, not least the three month statutory consultation on draft versions of the reports during January to April 2022. All responses to this have been carefully considered and used to inform refinement of the final recommendations.

The intention was to publish a Delivery Plan for these recommendations, alongside the final report. However, due to the current huge lack of certainty around available capital budget and fiscal policy over recent months, this has not been possible as yet. As such the Delivery Plan will follow in 2023, which will include more detail on prioritisation and delivery timescales, however, I am pleased to note that work is already underway on 38 of the 45 recommendations.

Question reference: S6O-01649

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 30 November 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 7 December 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what response the constitution secretary has had from the UK Government to his recent letter calling for the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill to be withdrawn or significantly amended.

Question reference: S6W-12162

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 16 November 2022
Current Status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 24 November 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with Scotland’s universities regarding the efficacy and any limitations of the UK Government’s graduate visa in relation to addressing skills shortages.

The Scottish Government regularly engages with universities on matters impacting the sector.

Whilst the reinstatement of the Graduate Route in 2021 was welcomed, it remains clear that the UK Government’s immigration policy does not address Scotland’s economic, demographic and social needs.

In absence of a UK Government equivalent, the Scottish Government is developing, and seeks to pilot, a student retention programme, aiming to reduce the flow of students outside Scotland once they have completed further/higher education.

Question reference: S6W-12161

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 16 November 2022
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 24 November 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding removing the application fee and annual healthcare surcharge for graduate visa applicants in Scotland.

The Scottish Government strongly opposes the immigration health surcharge (IHS) and believes it should be removed, despite receiving £20.8 million in Barnett consequentials from it in 2018. Increasing the surcharge to £624 in 2018, more than three times the cost, was morally wrong.

The Scottish Government remains deeply concerned that multiple unnecessary immigration charges could make Scotland a less attractive destination for skilled workers and international students and impact student retention rates on the Graduate visa. Scottish Ministers have, and will continue to push the UK Government for an immigration system that meets Scotland’s needs

Question reference: S6W-11837

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 27 October 2022
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by John Swinney on 28 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government, following the Deputy First Minister’s announcement on 27 October 2022 that the terms of reference for the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry will be amended, when this will take effect.

The Hon. Lord Brailsford replaces the Hon. Lady Poole as Chair of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry today. The amended terms of reference also come into effect from today to further emphasise the expectation that the Inquiry will take a human rights-based approach, and that it will demonstrate how that approach has informed and improved the recommendations it makes. Specifically, this change will require the Inquiry when reporting, “To demonstrate how a human rights based approach by the inquiry has contributed to the inquiry’s findings in fact and recommendations”.

The amended Terms of Reference can be found in full here:

Question reference: S6W-11746

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 25 October 2022
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Matheson on 26 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress with establishing a virtual energy agency.

A virtual agency has been established within Scottish Government and will be housed within the Directorate of Energy and Climate Change bringing together our existing heat and energy efficiency delivery programmes. The agency will work with our existing delivery partners and operate as Heat & Energy Efficiency Scotland.

This is the first step in transitioning to a dedicated body by 2025. Heat & Energy Efficiency Scotland will be responsible for accelerating transformational change in how we heat and use energy in homes and buildings, aid public understanding and awareness, and co-ordinate delivery of investment. The agency will also act as a Centre of Expertise, which in time will support project delivery across a range of sectors, notably heat networks.

The virtual agency and transition to a dedicated body will be supported by an independent Strategic Board, chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar, who will work with us and key delivery partners to consider how to build on, improve and co-ordinate existing and future advice and support, as well as wider capital delivery programmes.

The profile of a virtual Heat & Energy Efficiency Scotland will be built progressively over the coming months.

Question reference: S6O-01452

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 October 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 26 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support women being released from custody to reintegrate back into their communities.

Question reference: S6O-01396

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 21 September 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 29 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Aberdeen City Council to meet its net zero ambitions.

Question reference: S6W-10703

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 06 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 20 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what (a) children's and (b) adult's organisations in Aberdeen Donside receive funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

In the first year of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults in 2021-22, the Scottish Government provided funding to the following organisations which operate specifically in Aberdeen Donside:

Name of organisation	Project name
Third Level Foundation	1. Foundation Steps - Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression 2. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Support Workshops 3. Families affected by BPD 4. Third Level Foundation Signposting
Danestone Community Centre	1. Community Connector 2. Chatty Café 3. Brunch Club
Silver City Blues Masters Swimming Club	Silver City Blues
Dyce & Stoneywood Community Association	1. Programme Development in Dyce 2. EncourAGE- Sheltered Housing Tenants and "In Abooters"
Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club	Jogscotland Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club
Mastrick Community Centre	Mastrick Community Centre - Parent and Toddlers
ABSA/Feil Graffiti	Bring our boys back safe
Zone In	Zone In
St Ninians Scottish Episcopal Church	Craft and Friendship Group
Early Intervention	Neurodivergent Parenting Programme
Sunnybank Community Centre Association	Welcome-Learn English in Sunnybank
Middlefield Community Project	MindU, Wellbeing, baby massage and ecotherapy support

Through the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults, the Scottish Government has also provided funding to the following organisations to support projects across the Aberdeen City region, which are accessible to people living in the Donside area.

Name of organisation	Project name
Grampian Stroke Club	Two projects, both named Project SING
Time to Heal	Domestic Abuse and Mental Health
Aberdeen Independent Multiple Sclerosis	AIMS Social Inclusion project
Disabled Persons Housing Service Aberdeen	Friendly Ear
Hand of Solace	Elderly Support Service
Team Jak	Jak's Denners Aberdeen
Future Choices	Breaking down the barriers
Create Aberdeen	Tune in music and drumming workshops
The Allotment Market Stall	Growing Healthy - Vegetable Garden Development
Ditch Debt with Dignity	Empowerment & Engagement
PEACE Pet and Companion	Team Expansion
COG (Community Outreach Group)	Don’t Be A Stranger
Mind Store	Mind Store –Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Support
Faceyouth	Mental Health Awareness and Stigma Reduction Initiative (MASRI)
Citymoves Dance Agency	Creative Movement – Dance for Parkinsons.
Aberdeen Action on Disability	Able to Aid
Cultivate Aberdeen	1. Potting Sheds for Patter 2. Volunteer and Community Co-ordinator
Yuva Yoga	Gentle Yoga
Aberdeen SANDS	Supporting bereaved families when their precious baby has died
Befriend a Child	Family Support Project
Grampian Regional Equality Council	GREC Health and Diversity Network
Station House Media Unit	SHMU Wellbeing Project
The Breadmaker	Health and Wellbeing for Adults with learning disabilities
Four Pillars	LGBT+ Outreach Coordinator
One Seed Forward	Community Food Growing
Aberdeen Taexali	Future Proof
Grampian 50+ Network	Getting Together Again - 2022
The Bridge	2022 Bridge 1 Application
TLC Aberdeen	Building a fairer Aberdeen together, free of loneliness & isolation
Avenue	Family Wellbeing Groups
The Leanne Fund	Get Active Aberdeen
The Living Well Project	Living Well Dementia Cafes
Touch of Love Outreach	Elderly Support Service
Aberdeen Science Centre	The Science of Mental Health
Parent Network Scotland	Self-healing and positive mental health - it starts with you!
Sereniti	Relaxation therapy project for parents with children with additional needs
Community Music Action	Future Melodies - A series of music making sessions with local autistic youth in Aberdeen
Aberdeen Women's Alliance	Friday Fun
Aberdeen Care and Repair Group	Care and Repair - Enablement Project
Choices Aberdeen	Creative Therapy and Bereavement Support
Grampian Disability Sport	Inclusive Activity Physical
CALICO (Cancer and Leukaemia In Children Orientated)	Carers Wellbeing
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust	Outside Artroom
Open Road	Fittie Community Choir
Pathways	Powis Pathways to Wellbeing
Citymoves Dance Agency	Dance for Parkinson's
Archway Charitable Trust	1. Covid Recovery & Mental Health Activity Project 2. Caring for Carers Too
Rape Crisis Grampian	Main Service support to Individuals and Group
Cairns Counselling	Volunteer-led mental health support expansion project
Grampian Autistic Society	Social Integration Support for Autistic community in Aberdeen
Mental Health Aberdeen	Your Mental Health Counts
Family Foundations	Family Foundations

Through the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Supports and Services Framework for children, young people, their families and their carers, Aberdeen City Council’s share of the additional £15m per annum funds the ‘Fit Like?’ Family Wellbeing Hubs.

The service works with families across Aberdeen offering practical and emotional support from its three hubs in Northfield, Torry and Tillydrone, the first of which lies within the Donside constituency.

Organisations and services which work together in the ‘Fit Like?’ Family Wellbeing Hubs include Children 1 st and a range of local authority and NHS services.

Question reference: S6O-01345

Asked by: Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 31 August 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 8 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how the National Planning Framework 4 will help to address vacant, derelict and abandoned buildings and land, including across Aberdeen city.