Press Release

1^st December 1999

School Surgery

MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has today announced that he will be finding out what concerns the young people of Inverclyde and what they want to see the Parliament doing by holding a surgery for local school pupils.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr McNeil said:

"I am aware that, to sections of the community, politics and politicians can seem remote. Unfortunately, the traditional ways of carrying out political business can too easily exclude young people.

"The success of the Scottish Parliament depends on all sections of the community being involved and having a voice. I was elected to represent everyone in Greenock and Inverclyde - not just those old enough to vote. The closer the Parliament is to the people, the better it will be at meeting our aspirations and improving our lives.

"It is wrong to ignore young people. The decisions taken in Holyrood affect them now – and it is vital that they are feel involved.

"That is why I am holding a surgery for school pupils in Gourock High School on 22^nd December 1999. This will allow pupils to tell me what they want the Parliament to do for them. They will be able to raise the issues which concern them - not what I, their parents or teachers feel should concern them."

Head Teacher of Gourock High School, Chris Robertson, welcomed the move, saying:

"We are delighted that Mr McNeil has accepted our invitation to present certificates of achievement and has offered to hold a lunch time surgery for students. Many of the students have strong views on their futures in Inverclyde and the school very much welcomes the opportunity they have been given."

ENDS

Background Notes:

1. The surgery will take place in Gourock High School on 22^nd December 1999.

2. This is the latest development in Mr McNeil’s ongoing "Democracy Closer to the People" initiative – which aims to make the Parliament more accessible.

3. Under the scheme Mr McNeil has already:

• launched the "Any Questions?" scheme, which allows constituents to suggest questions they wish to see put to the Executive in Parliament;
• held an extremely popular after hours surgery in TESCO on 23^rd November;
• published the Greenock and Inverclyde Scottish Parliament Bulletin - a regular newsletter which details the work of the Parliament and how it impacts upon the local area;
• published his surgery calendar until June 2000; and
• distributed over 3000 leaflets publicising his contact details.

4.Further plans are in hand to extend this initiative and will be announced in due course.

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