Audit Committee
Last week, the Committee heard from the Auditor General for Scotland (AGS) on the performance of the NHS in Scotland.  The key messages from the AGS report are: improvements in the quality and availability of treatment are resulting in better clinical outcomes and increased life expectancy for people living in Scotland, however poor health is still a problem; setting targets is helping improve outcomes for patients but a more systematic approach is needed; the NHS should improve its financial, workforce, and performance management to meet its future cost pressures; and a lack of data is still making it difficult to assess whether the NHS is delivering value for money.

The Committee also considered a response from the Executive on its report into bowel cancer services.  The response highlighted the action already taken to address many of the Committee's concerns, including reviewing referral guidelines and expanding capacity.

Education Committee
The Committee was passed a petition lodged on behalf of the Arbilot Parents Group calling for a legislative presumption against the closure of rural schools unless there is undeniable educational and social benefit to the children and communities affected.  The Education Minister, Peter Peacock, has made it clear that he is not minded to consider such a presumption on closure.  However, he has stressed the need for councils to fully inform parents of the process of decision making when closure is considered and the requirement for councils to adopt an open and transparent consultation policy.  The Committee has agreed to continue the petition as the Minister is currently in discussions with CoSLA on the matter.

Continuing its evidence taking on the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill, the Committee heard from the Association of Headteachers in Scotland; the Headteachers' Association of Scotland; and the EIS.  The Headteachers' Association of Scotland contends that there are "fundamental flaws" in the proposals which run counter to the ethos and culture within Scottish education.  They are calling for an entitlement to teacher representation on the Parent Council; clarity around the statutory powers of the Parent Council and the role of the headteacher; a clear distinction between parental representation and parental involvement; a clear statement on parental responsibilities as well as rights; and further detail on the role of the Parent Council in the appointment of senior staff.  The EIS has less concerns, but would like to see the following addressed: the relationship between the Parent Council and the Forum; the level and quality of consultation with parents and the local authority; the standard of advice and guidance provided by the local authority; and the involvement of parents in communities which have previously not been so engaged.

Enterprise & Culture Committee
The Committee met in private last week to consider its report on the business growth inquiry.

The Committee also heard from the Pet Advisory Committee; the Pet Care Trust; the British Horse Society; and the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary. Issues raised included the licensing of sanctuaries to make sure they apply proper welfare standards.

Equal Opportunities Committee
The disability inquiry continued, with evidence from 9 organisations on employment opportunities, including Capability Scotland; Reed in Partnership; and North Lanarkshire Council.  To make the session less official, the evidence was taken in the form of a round table discussion and some interesting ideas on approaches were shared.  The inquiry continues.

• Analysis of benefits;

• Benchmarking impacts; and

• Comparative international study.

The aim is to have some indication of the evaluation strands by the summer of 2006.  The Committee was informed that Audit Scotland is also carrying out its own review of the relocation policy, with a view to publishing a report in April 2006.  The aim of the Audit Scotland report is to review the effectiveness of the process in meeting objectives surrounding value for money.

Health Committee
Last week's meeting held initial discussions on the Committee's Stage 1 Report on the Abolition of NHS Prescription Charges (Scotland) Bill.  The report should be finalised this week for publication at the beginning of January.

Justice 2 Committee
Stage 1 evidence on the Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill came from a range witnesses.  In broad terms, the Committee remains to be convinced of the worth of this position.  There are also questions about the practicalities of how a new Commissioner will link into the current framework of services.

Subordinate Legislation Committee
The Committee considered comments from the Executive in connection with delegated powers in the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill.  The main point concerned the functions of a Parental Council.  The Committee had noted that this provision conferred a power on Ministers to alter the functions conferred on a Parent Council and asked the Executive for clarification of the policy intention behind this power.  The Committee also asked the Executive if it had plans to include a formal requirement on the face of the Bill to consult Parent Councils before making an order amending their statutory functions.  The Executive responded by explaining that the power to alter functions may be exercised in light of the experience of new Parent Councils as they are established and develop.  The Executive confirmed that the power allows the functions to be added to in response to future changes in education policy.  With regard to consultation, the Executive stated that it would be a matter of good practice to consult with stakeholders.