Scottish Parliament e-Brief, Issue 261

SECTION 2 - NEWS

Thousands apply - more needed
Nearly 3,000 people have already expressed an interest in joining their local Children's Panel to help youngsters in their area as the recruitment campaign launched at the end of August continues.

It is, however, important that more men get involved as latest figures show 78% of callers to the recruitment helpline - 0845 601 2770 - so far were women.

No special qualifications are necessary to volunteer for the panel, which helps address the needs of vulnerable children.

Current panel members come from all walks of life - from shop assistants and dentists to students and fire fighters - and range in age from 20 to 71.

The children's hearings system is unique to Scotland and was established in 1971 to address the needs and behaviour of children and young people who face serious problems in their lives. These problems can include, for example, a child being abused, a child failing to attend school, the child's parents having difficulty looking after them, or a child committing an offence.

A children's hearing is a lay tribunal of three panel members. The child, parents/carers and relevant professionals all normally attend the hearing and take part in the discussion. The children's hearing considers and makes decisions on the needs of the child or young person before them.

During 2003 - 2004, over 45,000 children were referred to the Children's Reporter. Around two thirds of the cases are on care and protection grounds.

Full Story

Increase in drug seizures
Confirmation of a 46% increase in the number of drug seizures between 2000 and 2003 has been welcomed by Deputy Justice Minister, Hugh Henry.

Commenting on publication of Summary Home Office Statistics on drug seizures and known drug offenders in Scotland in 2003, Mr Henry said:

"The 46% increase in the number of drug seizures between 2000 and 2003 is evidence of the Scottish Police Service's commitment to combating the principal serious crime threat to Scottish communities.

"In the first six months of 2004-05, the SDEA seized more Class A drugs than in the whole of 2003-04 and over the 12 months - April 2004 to March 2005 - seized Class A drugs with a potential street value of over £22.3 million.

"Even more recently the 'Drug Dealers Don't Care' Campaign we launched earlier this year produced a massive four-fold increase in actionable calls from the public and led to the seizure of about £1.5 million of drugs and cash. Individuals, communities and the authorities standing up for their communities and fighting back against the activities of the dealers."

The related statistical publication - the Home Office's 2003 statistics on drug offenders and drug seizures for Scotland - can be viewed on the Drug Misuse Information Scotland website at: www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/ho_drugoffsez03.htm

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SECTION 3 - NOTES ON THIS WEEK’S CHAMBER BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY begins with an Environment and Rural Development Committee debate on the report of its Inquiry into Climate Change.

The report identifies the challenge which exists across all portfolios and sectors of government in responding to climate change. The Committee urges the Executive to consider its wide-ranging recommendations to cut emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the impacts of the changing climate.

The report includes the following recommendations:

Robust and challenging targets should be set immediately for reducing emissions in sectors where data is available. Scotland should work towards its own national target as well as contributing to the UK’s international obligations.
The public sector must step up its leadership on this issue at every level – using public procurement to drive investment, leading by example, and ensuring that all policy works consistently towards lowering emissions.
The Executive’s proposed energy efficiency strategy must include targets for improved efficiency, reduced overall energy demand and the development of small-scale renewable energy projects.
The Executive must work urgently with the UK Government to produce an energy strategy that includes a clear vision of the mix of different methods of generating electricity that will be needed to meet emissions reduction targets.
Integrating emissions reduction into agriculture, forestry and land use policy initiatives has so far been very disappointing, and this needs developed urgently.
Emissions from transport must be tackled if targets are to be met. So far no identifiable progress has been made, and the Executive’s transport strategy must firmly integrate emissions reduction targets into transport planning. A series of interim targets should be set towards the Executive's goal of stabilising total vehicle kilometres at 2001 levels by 2021. Vehicle kilometres are currently predicted to increase by 27% over the period.
The Executive must champion a change in business culture so that Scotland can take advantage of the huge opportunities as technologies develop to meet long-term emissions targets.
Understanding and adapting to the impacts of climate change has so far been given too low a profile, and the Executive must now step up its leadership on this issue.

Full report

This is followed by a Standards and Public Appointments Committee debate on its report on a Draft Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland.

Published on 8th September, the report finds that there is a public perception that "cronyism" and political patronage is prevalent in the public appointments system which may be at odds with reality. However, the Committee has been convinced that the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland is genuine in her endeavours to overcome the perception and that the draft Code of Practice (in conjunction with the forthcoming Equalities Strategy) will provide a solid platform from which to make those aspirations more of a reality. Whilst the Committee does not expect that the draft Code of Practice will have an immediate effect on perception, it believes that the draft Code is a robust mechanism in countering any negative image.

Full report

The day concludes with a Member's Business debate on the Accident Record on the A9 from John Swinney (SNP).

THURSDAY begins with two Scottish Green Party debates, on Economic Policy and the Children of Asylum Seekers.

As is usual with opposition debates, no motions have yet been published. As always, however, the motions will be published in Section F of the Business Bulletin in due course and a full transcript of the debates will be available in the Official Report from 08:00 on Friday.

This is followed by General Question Time and First Minister’s Question Time.

In the afternoon, after Themed Question Time (for the featured departments, see Section 1 above) there is an Executive debate on the Report of the Cultural Commission.

In June, the Cultural Commission delivered its final report on cultural provision in Scotland. The Cultural Commission's job was to make recommendations to the Executive, in the light of available resources, on the development of arts and culture, promoting wider access, excellence and building on the nation's reputation for creativity.

When published, Culture Minister, Patricia Ferguson, said she was "pleased that the Commission has recommended the concept of cultural rights and entitlements - this was a priority the Executive asked to be addressed."

"I am also happy that the Commission is recommending more links with the community planning process," she continued.

"I am interested in the options put forward by the Commission on infrastructure change. We will need to look at these in more detail, but agree that the status quo is not an option."

The Minister also pledged that, "Over the coming months we shall consider in detail the broad range of issues and recommendations outlined by the Commission."

Cultural Commission Final Report

The day concludes with a Member's Business debate on Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse from Marilyn Livingstone (LAB).

Wednesday 21st September 2005
14:35 - 16:15	Environment and Rural Development Committee Debate: Report on Inquiry into Climate Change
16:15 - 17:00	Standards and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Report on a Draft Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland
17:00 - 17:30	Member’s Business: Accident Record on the A9 (John Swinney (SNP))

Thursday 22nd September 2005
09:15 – 10:30	Scottish Green Party Debate: Economic Policy
10 :30 – 11:40	Scottish Green Party Debate: Children of Asylum seekers
11:40 – 12:00	General Question Time
12:00 – 12:30	First Minister's Question Time
14:15 – 14:55	Themed Question Time: * Environment and Rural Development; * Health and Community Care
14:55 – 17:00	Executive Debate: Report of the Cultural Commission
17:00 – 17:30	Member’s Business: Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (Marilyn Livingstone (LAB))

Tuesday 20th September 2005
AM	Finance	After considering a paper from the budget adviser on efficient government, the Committee will consider guidance for the subject Committees on the Budget Process 2006-07.
	Audit	The Committee takes evidence on its reports on the overview of the NHS' financial performance and NHS Argyll and Clyde from, among others, Head of the Scottish Executive Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, Dr Kevin Woods. The Auditor General then briefs members on his reports on delayed discharges, medicines in hospital and the Scottish Prison Service.
PM	Enterprise and Culture	Evidence for the inquiry into business growth is followed by consideration of whether to seek approval to appoint an adviser on forthcoming legislation to reform bankruptcy and diligence law.
	Justice 2	Stage 2 of the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Bill begins.
	Health	Professor David Kerr gives evidence on his landmark report on a national framework for service change in the NHS in Scotland.
	Local Government and Transport	Stage 2 of the Licensing (Scotland) Bill begins.
Wednesday 21st September 2005
AM	Public Petitions	New petitions cover topics including amendment of the Environmental protection Act 1990 and an independent body to investigate claims of medical negligence. The Committee also returns to the petitions on a third party right of appeal in the planning system and HMP Peterhead.
	Justice 1	Scottish Women’s Aid gives evidence on the Family Law (Scotland) Bill.
	Communities	Stage 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill begins.