0:00:48 > 0:00:51Willie Rennie failed to get a single answer from the First Minister
0:00:51 > 0:00:54on whether the SNP will support all EU membership in its manifesto.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56He should have waited a week, now we have two.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Nicola Sturgeon's stated position is to be a full member
0:00:58 > 0:01:01of the European Union, MPs stated position is to leave
0:01:01 > 0:01:04of the European Union, her MPs' stated position is to leave
0:01:04 > 0:01:05the common fisheries policy.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06But full membership of the European Union
0:01:06 > 0:01:08means full membership of the fisheries policy.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Isn't that the case, First Minister?
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Ruth Davidson has clearly not been paying attention.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15The SNP has been consistent over many, many years in our criticism
0:01:15 > 0:01:25of the common fisheries policy.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31And very clear about our intentions to see it fundamentally reformed,
0:01:31 > 0:01:40the 2007 manifesto continued to work for withdrawal from the CFP,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42in 2011, the CFP well past its sell by date,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45the 2014 by paper on independence, independence for Scotland
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and the European Union would give Scotland an opportunity to take
0:01:47 > 0:01:50a leadership role in reforming the common fisheries policy sober
0:01:50 > 0:02:00a leadership role in reforming the common fisheries policy.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02So the reality here is, it's the SNP
0:02:02 > 0:02:03that stands up for Scottish fishing
0:02:03 > 0:02:05and always will stand up for Scottish fishing!
0:02:05 > 0:02:07And of course, the uncomfortable truth for Ruth Davidson
0:02:07 > 0:02:12is that its success at Tory governments who have sold out
0:02:12 > 0:02:15is that its successive Tory governments who have sold out
0:02:15 > 0:02:18the fishing industry.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Remember the words...
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Remember the words - I know Ruth Davidson
0:02:23 > 0:02:25doesn't want to hear what's coming next, Presiding Officer.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Remember the words of the Tories - in the wider UK context,
0:02:28 > 0:02:37the fishermen must be regarded as expendable!
0:02:37 > 0:02:40That's the Tory record on fishing - and of course,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43we know that the Tories are at lining up to sell out fishing
0:02:43 > 0:02:50again because the Brexit white paper makes it clear that fishing will be
0:02:50 > 0:02:56a negotiating chip in the Brexit talks, so the SNP stands up
0:02:56 > 0:02:57for fishing - Tories sell them out.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Ruth Davidson.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Priceless, Presiding Office - she wants to quote internal SNP
0:03:04 > 0:03:05documents.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Let me quote a document, chapter 13...
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Chapter 13 of a little thing called the EU conditions
0:03:10 > 0:03:16of membership, and it says, it requires the introduction
0:03:16 > 0:03:19and participation in the common fisheries policy, and it doesn't get
0:03:19 > 0:03:28much clearer than that.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30So let's spell out the complete absurdity of the SNP's position
0:03:30 > 0:03:32here or should I say the positions.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Firstly, it's the SNP's position that Brexit is a terrible threat
0:03:35 > 0:03:38to Scotland, and that fishermen are better off
0:03:38 > 0:03:40being governed by the EU's hated common fisheries policy.
0:03:40 > 0:03:47That's the position Angus Robertson outlined at the weekend when he said
0:03:47 > 0:03:52we're in favour of Scotland being a member state of the EU
0:03:52 > 0:03:54and in favour of a reformed Common fisheries policy.
0:03:54 > 0:04:01But it's also
0:04:01 > 0:04:03their Brexit position, that Brexit is a sea of opportunity
0:04:03 > 0:04:06for fishermen and we must avoid any policy, any practice or regulation
0:04:06 > 0:04:09or treaty which could return us to the common fisheries policy -
0:04:09 > 0:04:15and we know that because on Tuesday, two of his parliamentary colleagues
0:04:15 > 0:04:22signed a pledge written by the Scottish Fishermens'
0:04:22 > 0:04:23signed a pledge written by the Scottish Fishermen's
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Federation saying so.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Can I ask the First Minister, was Mr Robertson wrong
0:04:27 > 0:04:30or are his colleagues wrong or is that the SNP plan to try
0:04:30 > 0:04:33and say they are all right so they think the people are so daft
0:04:33 > 0:04:34we won't notice?
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Ruth Davidson has managed to hold several different positions
0:04:37 > 0:04:44on Brexit all by herself.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Brexit is a terrible threat to Scotland is what Ruth says
0:04:46 > 0:04:50is the SNP's decision.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52is the SNP's position.
0:04:52 > 0:05:01The problem is that used to be her position as well!
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Remember her screaming it from Wembley, but now
0:05:03 > 0:05:05of course, it's different, she's fallen into line
0:05:05 > 0:05:07with Theresa May, and now Brexit is the greatest thing
0:05:07 > 0:05:08since sliced bread.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10You know, on this issue, Ruth Davidson flip-flops more
0:05:10 > 0:05:12than a fish being landed.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Flip-flop, flip-flop!
0:05:14 > 0:05:17On Brexit.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20The truth of the matter is that the SNP always has
0:05:20 > 0:05:29and always will stand up for fishing.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32You know, we've already heard about the Tories thinking fishing
0:05:32 > 0:05:37is expendable, expendable.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40That was the word the Tories used about Scotland's fishing industry
0:05:40 > 0:05:47but let's come up to date and let's read the Brexit white paper,
0:05:47 > 0:05:51paragraph 8.16 - given the heavy reliance on UK waters of the EU
0:05:51 > 0:05:58fishing industry, it's in both our interests to reach
0:05:58 > 0:06:01a mutually beneficial deal that works for the UK and the EU's
0:06:01 > 0:06:02fishing communities.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03Let me translate that for the Davidson.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07That means the Tories are lining up in these negotiations to sell out
0:06:07 > 0:06:15the fishing industry, and allow European countries what they say
0:06:15 > 0:06:18that they don't want, which is access to Scottish fishing waters.
0:06:18 > 0:06:28The Tories are preparing to perpetrate a con on Scotland's
0:06:33 > 0:06:37fishermen - they will not get away with it, it is the SNP who stand up
0:06:37 > 0:06:38for the fishing industry.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Ruth Davidson.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Presiding Officer, maybe Nicola Sturgeon's MPs didn't report
0:06:41 > 0:06:44back to her, but let me quote but the Chief Executive
0:06:44 > 0:06:46of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation told them and MPs
0:06:46 > 0:06:47at Westminster last week.
0:06:47 > 0:06:53Two Secretaries of State, two ministers said the UK is leading
0:06:53 > 0:06:56the EU and the CFP, and we will regain control
0:06:56 > 0:07:03of our fishing -she wants to go toe
0:07:03 > 0:07:05to toe over fishing, let's bring that on.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06Presiding Officer,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09this week, Mike Russell was in Brussels and he was speaking
0:07:09 > 0:07:11to fishing industry chiefs and his pitch was that Scotland
0:07:11 > 0:07:15will leave the EU with the rest of the UK but after independence it
0:07:15 > 0:07:18will go straight back in, but it will opt out of all the things it
0:07:18 > 0:07:20doesn't like including the common fisheries policy.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22And this is utter nonsense.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25So right now, we have SNP MPs in fishing communities saying the CFP
0:07:25 > 0:07:29is terrible and Scotland would pull out, and at the same time we have
0:07:29 > 0:07:34Nicola Sturgeon standing up in Edinburgh trying to win the vote
0:07:34 > 0:07:41of remainers, saying they would go straight back in.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Doesn't even the First Minister see the utter hypocrisy here?
0:07:44 > 0:07:49Utter consistency in the SNP's position over years on the common
0:07:49 > 0:07:51fisheries policy - what I see from the Tories
0:07:51 > 0:07:53is flip-flopping all
0:07:53 > 0:07:56the time on Brexit and on fishing.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01And ff Ruth Davidson's argument
0:08:01 > 0:08:02And if Ruth Davidson's argument
0:08:02 > 0:08:05today is that the Tories are not preparing to celebrate fishing
0:08:05 > 0:08:08industry to use them as a bargaining chip in negotiations that lie ahead
0:08:08 > 0:08:10I give her the opportunity to explain in simple terms
0:08:10 > 0:08:11to the chamber today
0:08:11 > 0:08:18for exactly the Brexit white paper means when it says that the UK
0:08:18 > 0:08:21government wants a deal that works for the EU's fishing community.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23What does that mean if that doesn't mean allowing Spain
0:08:23 > 0:08:25and other countries access to European fishing waters?
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Why can't Ruth Davidson be honest with the fishing community?
0:08:28 > 0:08:31The Tories are preparing to treat them as expendable all over again.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33It's the SNP that will always stand up for fishing.
0:08:33 > 0:08:42Ruth Davidson.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45After Brexit, we'll be out of the CFP as
0:08:45 > 0:08:50members of her party that
0:08:50 > 0:08:52want to take us back in.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53But what we've got,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57Presiding Officer, is the SNP saying they're in favour of joining
0:08:57 > 0:08:58the European Union, but the First Minister
0:08:58 > 0:09:01not confirming whether the SNP will back full membership
0:09:01 > 0:09:05in their manifesto.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07They say they are in favour of the common fisheries policy,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11except for MPs and fishing can these who say they are against it and then
0:09:11 > 0:09:14we have the real whopper, in Scotland, we have Nicola Sturgeon
0:09:14 > 0:09:16saying the coming election hasn't anything to do
0:09:16 > 0:09:17whatsoever with independence.
0:09:17 > 0:09:18But from the broadcast studios
0:09:18 > 0:09:21of London, up pops Alex Salmond to confirm they want to use this
0:09:21 > 0:09:25election to demand a referendum that the rest of us don't want.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27So the First Minister thinks that on fishing, on EU membership
0:09:27 > 0:09:31and on independence, she can face both ways and promise
0:09:31 > 0:09:34all things to all people - isn't it the case she's treating
0:09:34 > 0:09:35the electorate as fools?
0:09:35 > 0:09:42First Minister.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47This election of course, as I said yesterday morning, is an opportunity
0:09:47 > 0:09:49to determine who chooses Scotland's future -
0:09:49 > 0:09:50is it a Tory government
0:09:50 > 0:09:53at Westminster, or is that this democratically elected
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Scottish Parliament, exactly the same as Alex Salmond
0:09:56 > 0:09:58commented yesterday afternoon.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03But let's get back to fishing
0:10:03 > 0:10:10because what we've just seen here is Ruth Davidson
0:10:10 > 0:10:13all at sea, drowning in our fishing waters because she can't explain...
0:10:13 > 0:10:16And Ruth Davidson really has to explain this in simple terms
0:10:16 > 0:10:22to Scotland's fishing communities - I gave her the opportunity once
0:10:22 > 0:10:25and she failed to do so, so I am going to give her
0:10:25 > 0:10:26the opportunity again.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29What does it mean in the UK Government says that they want
0:10:29 > 0:10:31a deal that works for the EU's fishing communities?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34That can only mean that the Tories are preparing to sell
0:10:34 > 0:10:36out Scottish fishermen, grant other European countries
0:10:36 > 0:10:38access to fishing waters, and treat that vital Scottish industry
0:10:38 > 0:10:45as expendable once again.
0:10:45 > 0:10:55I think that is crystal clear from Ruth Davidson today.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58It's the SNP that will always, as we always have done,
0:10:58 > 0:11:05stand for Scottish fishing.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Question number two, Kezia Dugdale.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08To ask the First Minister what engagement she has planned
0:11:08 > 0:11:10for the rest of the week.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11Engagements to take forward the Governor's
0:11:11 > 0:11:12programme for Scotland.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Next week, voters will go to the polls to decide the future
0:11:15 > 0:11:19of local services like our schools.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23The First Minister it used to claim that education was her number one
0:11:23 > 0:11:26priority, but even she doesn't claim that any more.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28After ten years of SNP government, Scottish education is facing
0:11:28 > 0:11:31challenges like never before.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Since the SNP took office there are 4,000 fewer teachers,
0:11:34 > 0:11:441,000 fewer support staff and class sizes are bigger.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47International studies show that Scotland is declining in maths,
0:11:47 > 0:11:48reading and in science.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51John Swinney's response to this was to publish a mini manifesto
0:11:51 > 0:11:57repeating the very promises he's been breaking every year since 2007.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00So can the First Minister tell teachers, parents and pupils why
0:12:00 > 0:12:01they should believe the SNP this time around?
0:12:01 > 0:12:04First Minister.
0:12:04 > 0:12:10Well, education is my top priority, that's why...
0:12:10 > 0:12:14Kezia Dugdale doesn't like to hear this, but that's why right now,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17across Scotland, head teachers and teachers have in their hands
0:12:17 > 0:12:23?120 million of additional funding.
0:12:23 > 0:12:29That's why local government services are better off to the tune
0:12:29 > 0:12:35of ?400 million under this SNP government, and I would say
0:12:35 > 0:12:41to Kezia Dugdale, that she has zero, not a shred of credibility left
0:12:41 > 0:12:43on the issue of local government funding.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Because for years, in her local government manifesto,
0:12:45 > 0:12:55published just days ago, she complains about the council tax
0:12:56 > 0:12:58freeze, how it's strangling local goverment services, and yet,
0:12:58 > 0:13:01of the eight councils freezing the council tax in this election,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03you know how many are led by Labour?
0:13:03 > 0:13:07All eight.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10This is Stirling - Labour freeze your council tax.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12So don't come here talking about funding for local services
0:13:12 > 0:13:15So don't come here talking about funding for local services,
0:13:15 > 0:13:17when it's your councils failing to raise the money we
0:13:17 > 0:13:19need for our schools.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24Kezia Dugdale.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26From the First Minister who has cut ?170 million from local
0:13:26 > 0:13:36services this year alone?!
0:13:42 > 0:13:45And if education was her top priority she would be listening
0:13:45 > 0:13:47to teachers across Scotland who are crying out for help.
0:13:47 > 0:13:53Black Priory School in Edinburgh felt the need to e-mail all parents,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57the e-mail said, "As you may be aware there is currently a national
0:13:57 > 0:14:00shortage of teachers - this is making it challenging
0:14:00 > 0:14:02head teachers around the country to trying to fill vacant
0:14:02 > 0:14:03posts or indeed cover classes."
0:14:03 > 0:14:09There is a teacher at shortage in Scotland.
0:14:09 > 0:14:17Will the First Minister be honest, how many schools are struggling
0:14:17 > 0:14:20like Black Hall, just how many teacher vacancies either across
0:14:20 > 0:14:22the whole of Scotland?
0:14:22 > 0:14:24John Swinney, myself, this government have never shied
0:14:24 > 0:14:28away from the issue that Scotland, like many countries right now, has
0:14:28 > 0:14:31an issue with teacher recruitment, that is one of the reasons why
0:14:31 > 0:14:33we have increased the intake to teacher training to train more
0:14:33 > 0:14:36teachers, to work in our schools and close the attainment gap.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41The fact of the matter is it is this SNP Government that
0:14:41 > 0:14:43is investing in local services.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Whatever Kezia Dugdale tries to say, there is ?400 million available
0:14:46 > 0:14:48extra in this financial year for council services
0:14:48 > 0:14:54and the question for Labour is this -
0:14:54 > 0:15:00if they don't think there is enough money for council services, why
0:15:00 > 0:15:02are there eight Labour-led councils going into this election promising
0:15:02 > 0:15:03to freeze the council tax?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Maybe Kezia Dugdale will give us a straight answer
0:15:06 > 0:15:07to that straight question?
0:15:07 > 0:15:10In all of that, Presiding Officer, there was no answer to the question
0:15:10 > 0:15:15that I asked, and I'll give the answer to the First Minister.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21The reality is that there are 700 teacher vacancies in Scotland
0:15:21 > 0:15:25and 400 of them are in our secondary schools,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29where pupils will begin their exams in just a matter of days.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33And I can reveal today that the Government's own internal
0:15:33 > 0:15:36documents admit that it could take up to three years to
0:15:36 > 0:15:40fill these vacancies.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Three years for the Government to ensure there are enough teachers
0:15:43 > 0:15:45to educate our children, three years to clean up
0:15:45 > 0:15:47the mess the SNP have been making for the past ten.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Three years to give our young people a fair chance in life.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54But we all know Nicola Sturgeon will spend the next three years
0:15:54 > 0:15:59campaigning for independence, so can the First Minister really keep
0:15:59 > 0:16:02a straight face and tell teachers, parents and pupils that, once again,
0:16:02 > 0:16:03education is her number one priority?
0:16:03 > 0:16:04First Minister.
0:16:04 > 0:16:12As I said, we recognise the challenge in teacher
0:16:12 > 0:16:19recruitment, Scotland is not unique in that regard,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22that's why in 2017-18 we are making resources available to train...
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Kezia Dugdale doesn't want to listen to this,
0:16:26 > 0:16:34to train an additional 371 teachers, its why the General Teaching
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Council right now has a number of initiatives underway
0:16:36 > 0:16:38to encourage people back into teaching to encourage
0:16:38 > 0:16:40new people into teaching.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43These are the actions we are taking to tackle what is a problem
0:16:43 > 0:16:46and challenge for many countries and we are doing that of course,
0:16:46 > 0:16:47in conjunction with the national improvement framework,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49the attainment challenge, the attainment fund,
0:16:49 > 0:16:55putting extra resources into the hands of head teachers,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57because our commitment to raising attainment and closing that
0:16:57 > 0:17:02attainment gap is absolute and we'll get on with the hard work of doing
0:17:02 > 0:17:05it, leaving Labour, as usual, carping on the sidelines.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06We have a couple of constituency questions.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11Thank you.
0:17:11 > 0:17:17The First Minister will be aware last Thursday Diageo announced plans
0:17:17 > 0:17:19to cut up to 100 jobs in Scotland, potentially
0:17:19 > 0:17:29affecting up to 70 workers at premises in my constituency.
0:17:31 > 0:17:38The GMB union laid the blame squarely at a Tory hard Brexit.
0:17:38 > 0:17:48What assurances can the First Minister get my
0:17:51 > 0:17:59constituency?
0:17:59 > 0:18:03I was very concerned to learn that Diageo has begun
0:18:03 > 0:18:06consultation with staff over potential job losses and I know this
0:18:06 > 0:18:08will be an extremely anxious time for employees and their families.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Keith Brown has a body arranged to meet with the company
0:18:11 > 0:18:13and officials and Scottish enterprise are engaged
0:18:13 > 0:18:16with the company already and we will do all we can to explore
0:18:16 > 0:18:18all options for storing the business and protecting jobs
0:18:18 > 0:18:20and while families and individuals are affected by this situation
0:18:20 > 0:18:23have the right to expect a similar response from the UK
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Government, I think it's really troubling that the GMB union appears
0:18:26 > 0:18:28to have raised concerns about the impact of Brexit on these
0:18:28 > 0:18:31jobs and got very little response from the UK Government.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34This is yet another example of the threat that rakes
0:18:34 > 0:18:36-- Brexit poses to Scotland.
0:18:36 > 0:18:43Ruth Davidson used to tell us but doesn't any longer
0:18:43 > 0:18:45but what I still believe and examples like this sadly illustrate,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48we will continue to do everything possible to support the workers.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49John Lamont.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Thank you, Presiding Officer, I declare an interest as a trustee
0:18:52 > 0:18:54of the Lifeboat Trust, one of the best examples
0:18:54 > 0:18:56of a community campaign was for the creation
0:18:56 > 0:18:58of an independent lifeboat when the RNLI withdrew their service,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00the community rallied together organising a fundraising effort
0:19:00 > 0:19:03to raise funds needed to establish their own lifeboat service...
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Order, order.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10When donations started to roll in the community trust was used
0:19:10 > 0:19:17to funds whilst Lifeboat Trust was set up, the money was
0:19:17 > 0:19:19transferred to the Lifeboat Trust and the new boat was purchased.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22I had the pleasure sitting beside the First Minister
0:19:22 > 0:19:24at the launch of the new lifeboat.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26On Twitter, the First Minister spoke of this incredible achievement,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29of the community coming together and spoke of what they had achieved,
0:19:29 > 0:19:39it was something special.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48It now transpires Scottish Waters have stripped
0:19:48 > 0:19:51the community trust of the water rates exemption for the community
0:19:51 > 0:19:59cafe and its centre.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01I've been in correspondence with the SNP environment minister
0:20:01 > 0:20:04but she has confirmed that she will not give the exemption
0:20:04 > 0:20:05for this community trust.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Given the exceptional circumstances surrounding this will First Minister
0:20:09 > 0:20:11unlike her backbenchers apply some common sense to this?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14This issue has a ready been drawn to my attention,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16the situation with the water and sewerage charge around ?900 that
0:20:16 > 0:20:18has gone to the community trust.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20On the investigation I've done into the matter is so far this
0:20:20 > 0:20:24charge appears to be a direct result of the excellent efforts to raise
0:20:24 > 0:20:26funds for the lifeboat, funds that didn't actually belong
0:20:26 > 0:20:29to the trust but which they held and then transferred to the Lifeboat
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Trust account when that account was set up.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Given those circumstances, I am hugely sympathetic
0:20:33 > 0:20:35to the situation they find themselves in, and I have this
0:20:35 > 0:20:38morning instructed my officials to look again at this issue
0:20:38 > 0:20:39to try to find a solution.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43I was at the launch of the lifeboat, it was a fantastic example
0:20:43 > 0:20:50of a community coming together in order to preserve a service
0:20:50 > 0:20:53that is vitally important to life in that community, so having looked
0:20:53 > 0:20:56at this it seems unfair, that's why I've instructed officials
0:20:56 > 0:21:04to see what they can do to fix it.
0:21:04 > 0:21:11That's the kind of action people can expect from an SNP Government.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Question three, Patrick Harvey.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17To ask the First Minister from the Cabinet will next meet.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21I think I heard that question - Tuesday.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I think the reason the First Minister couldn't hear was
0:21:23 > 0:21:26because the Deputy First Minister was shouting across the chamber
0:21:26 > 0:21:28in her ear.
0:21:28 > 0:21:35Can I suggest, I know this is election time,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38can I suggest all members are more respectful to all other members,
0:21:38 > 0:21:39so we hear questions and answers?
0:21:39 > 0:21:40Patrick Harvie.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43If the Deputy First Minister wants to continue to distract
0:21:43 > 0:21:53the First Minister it's no skin off my nose.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Can I say the Scottish Government proposed tax cuts for aviation
0:21:58 > 0:22:03which we all know, even though the Scottish Government at first
0:22:03 > 0:22:05denied it, will increase carbon emissions that are driving climate
0:22:05 > 0:22:07change, increasing emissions at the time when we should be
0:22:07 > 0:22:08cutting them radically?
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Even if the First Minister thinks the aviation damage to the climate
0:22:11 > 0:22:18can be ignored, its clear that this tax cut will also be very unfair.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Research published by the Green Party shows just how unfair -
0:22:21 > 0:22:27even if the airlines pass the full tax cut on through reduced ticket
0:22:27 > 0:22:29prices, the highest income households stand to gain far more
0:22:29 > 0:22:30than anyone else.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Of the 90-odd million tax giveaway going to UK
0:22:32 > 0:22:40leisure passengers alone, the richest 10% of households
0:22:40 > 0:22:45will gain over 33 million while the poorest 10% stand to benefit
0:22:45 > 0:22:47by just 8.5
0:22:47 > 0:22:49While public transport that people depend on everyday remains
0:22:49 > 0:22:52expensive and unreliable, how can it possibly be fair to offer
0:22:52 > 0:22:55a tax break that drives up both pollution and inequality?
0:22:55 > 0:23:04Can I deal with both of those issues, firstly,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06the climate change issue, because it is extremely important
0:23:06 > 0:23:08to this Government.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11We are meeting our climate change targets and we have some of the most
0:23:11 > 0:23:14ambitious climate change targets any for in the world, the UK Committee
0:23:14 > 0:23:16on Climate Change previously commented on this issue making
0:23:16 > 0:23:19the point, and it's a point I would endorse more generally,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23where any policy has a potential adverse effect on emissions
0:23:23 > 0:23:30that increases the responsibility of Government to make sure
0:23:30 > 0:23:33we balance that in other ways, and our overall ambition to meet
0:23:33 > 0:23:35those climate change targets is absolute as a commitment
0:23:35 > 0:23:40that the Government has set.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45On the wider issue of reducing ADT, and I should say the discussion
0:23:45 > 0:23:48and vote in parliament this week was not on rates of discount tax,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50it was about transferring the legal responsibility for this
0:23:50 > 0:23:59from the Westminster Parliament to the Scottish Parliament,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01this is about trying to improve the connectivity of Scotland,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03because we know improving connectivity of Scotland is one
0:24:03 > 0:24:07of the key things we need to do to grow the economy of Scotland.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09We all know growing the economy of Scotland is really important
0:24:09 > 0:24:14in terms of supporting the public services that all of us rely on,
0:24:14 > 0:24:22that's why we must have a balance in our policies.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27But, as Patrick Harvie will be aware, in response
0:24:27 > 0:24:29to the Finance and Constitution Committee stage one report,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33already confirmed we will commission an independent economic assessment
0:24:33 > 0:24:42and the Government will bring forward tax exemptions
0:24:42 > 0:24:45at stage two so there is plenty of opportunity for the parliament
0:24:45 > 0:24:49to scrutinise the details.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52It's important we get policies right in the round so, yes,
0:24:52 > 0:24:54we are supporting our vital public services but we are also supporting
0:24:54 > 0:24:57the economic growth that is so vital to doing exactly that.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Patrick Harvie.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02The vote this week wasn't on rates and bands and a Green Party
0:25:02 > 0:25:04will move amendments to introduce social and environmental principles
0:25:04 > 0:25:06into that legislation and we won't vote for it
0:25:06 > 0:25:07unless those powers.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10But the First Minister cites the UK Committee on Climate Change,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12who have argued for a cap on aviation emissions growth.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14She also says we need more connectivity -
0:25:14 > 0:25:16it's perfectly clear from the continuing growth
0:25:16 > 0:25:18of our existing aviation that Air Passenger Duty has not
0:25:19 > 0:25:26stopped that growth.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Even for routes where rail is a perfectly viable option,
0:25:29 > 0:25:31we are failing to make sure it's the affordable choice
0:25:31 > 0:25:32for people to make.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Relentless aviation growth cannot possibly be sustainable,
0:25:34 > 0:25:38we have visitors today to Parliament who are the most directly affected
0:25:38 > 0:25:43people by that growth, affected by the noise and pollution
0:25:43 > 0:25:45from increasing flights here in Edinburgh and those campaigning
0:25:45 > 0:25:48against an additional runway at Heathrow.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52The aviation industry itself can well afford to lobby hard,
0:25:52 > 0:25:58sponsoring lavish events here at Westminster and even
0:25:58 > 0:26:01at the First Minister's Party Conference, but should we not be
0:26:01 > 0:26:09listening more closely to those whose lives will be most affected
0:26:09 > 0:26:11by increased inequality, increased pollution here at home
0:26:11 > 0:26:15and the effects of climate change around the world?
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Is it not time the Scottish Government had a coherent policy
0:26:18 > 0:26:21on aviation levels, including a cap on the emissions and protection
0:26:21 > 0:26:24for communities from the direct impacts they have to live
0:26:24 > 0:26:27with on a daily basis?
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Firstly trying to find some consensus, it's important
0:26:29 > 0:26:35all voices are listened to.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39The Scottish Government has made clear that in our view
0:26:39 > 0:26:41there are benefits to Scotland from Heathrow expansion, but it
0:26:41 > 0:26:44would be for the UK Government in taking forward that policy
0:26:44 > 0:26:47to answer the questions on the impact on people living
0:26:47 > 0:26:49around that area, and also the impact
0:26:49 > 0:26:53on the environment and of course we will continue to pay very close
0:26:53 > 0:26:55attention to the answers to those questions and the case
0:26:55 > 0:27:03made as it develops.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05On our own policy, Patrick Harvie talks about
0:27:05 > 0:27:15relentless growth in aviation, it's not what I'm proposing
0:27:21 > 0:27:24or what the Government is proposing or advocates, but good
0:27:24 > 0:27:26connections for Scotland, of course good real connections
0:27:26 > 0:27:28are vitally important and I would encourage people to use
0:27:28 > 0:27:31the train when travelling across the UK but our economy also
0:27:31 > 0:27:33needs good aviation connections and we know over past years,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36the constraints there are a spin on the economy from lack of certain
0:27:36 > 0:27:39routes and in particular of direct flights into and out of Scotland
0:27:39 > 0:27:42so we need to get these policies right, we must grow our economy.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44How many times rightly and understandably in this chamber
0:27:44 > 0:27:47do we talk about the challenges facing the economy and the need
0:27:47 > 0:27:49to have policies to grow the economy.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52That's a key priority of the government and connections
0:27:52 > 0:27:55for business, for exporters, is a vital part of that but of course,
0:27:55 > 0:28:01we have to make sure all of our policies taken together,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04pass the climate change challenge, and it would be one thing
0:28:04 > 0:28:09to level these criticisms of the Scottish Government
0:28:09 > 0:28:11if we weren't meeting climate change ambitions, but not only
0:28:11 > 0:28:13are we meeting those, and have been praised
0:28:13 > 0:28:16by the committee on Climate Change for our record, we are meeting
0:28:16 > 0:28:20the targets ahead of schedule, are not complacent,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23we want to up our ambition and go further, but we need to have policy
0:28:23 > 0:28:26balance so we can support economic growth and have support for public
0:28:26 > 0:28:28services across the chamber that we want to see.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Willie Rennie.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35To ask the First Minister of what issues will be discussed
0:28:35 > 0:28:37at the next meeting of the Cabinet?
0:28:37 > 0:28:38Excuse me.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Matters of importance to the people of Scotland.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42The First Minister has done nothing in the last 20 minutes
0:28:42 > 0:28:45to avoid her party looking shifty and evasive on Europe
0:28:45 > 0:28:48and independence.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50The First Minister said on Monday, this election is not
0:28:50 > 0:29:00about independence.
0:29:06 > 0:29:16Yesterday, we see her sitting on a "Yes to Independence" branded
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Yesterday, we see her sitting on a "Yes to Independence" branded
0:29:41 > 0:29:43motorbike, in the shadow of the Wallace Monument
0:29:43 > 0:29:53on the B-road to Bannockburn.
0:30:03 > 0:30:13So can the First Minister tell me what the position is today?
0:30:13 > 0:30:16So can the First Minister tell me what her position is today?
0:30:16 > 0:30:19My position is as it's always been, he seems to be struggling
0:30:19 > 0:30:21to understand it, I support Scotland being independent and an independent
0:30:21 > 0:30:24member of the European Union, there you go, how can Willie Rennie
0:30:24 > 0:30:25struggle to understand that?
0:30:25 > 0:30:27And he's right, I went to Bannockburn yesterday,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31I went to visit a fantastic heritage project, the restoration,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33the proposed restoration of Alnwick Berghuis where
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed back in those days,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38so that was a fantastic visit yesterday and I'm proud in this
0:30:38 > 0:30:41election, to get out there and make the case for a strong opposition
0:30:41 > 0:30:43to the Tories at Westminster and making the case that
0:30:43 > 0:30:45on the key questions, independence and other key
0:30:45 > 0:30:48questions, it should be the voice of this Parliament,
0:30:48 > 0:30:49is democratically elected parliament that determines
0:30:49 > 0:30:51the future of Scotland, not the voice of an
0:30:51 > 0:30:53increasingly right-wing Tory government at Westminster.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54Willie Rennie.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Does she really think we're all buttoned up the back?
0:30:56 > 0:30:57She said...
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Once again, once again, she has refused to say that this
0:31:00 > 0:31:02is what the election is about, but her predecessor
0:31:02 > 0:31:05was on the radio saying exactly that is what it is about,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07it's about independence first, last and every priority.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Last week, she was evasive about her future plans
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Last week, she was evasive about her future plans in Europe -
0:31:12 > 0:31:13this week utter confusion about independence.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Starting with denial, and ending with a Hell's Angels tour
0:31:16 > 0:31:16of the central belt.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Meanwhile, the economy is teetering on the edge of recession,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21international education rankings have slipped, and the mental health
0:31:21 > 0:31:22strategy is months behind schedule.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24She should be ashamed of that record.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28The best way out of all of this is for her to do just
0:31:28 > 0:31:32what the majority of people in this country would applaud her for -
0:31:32 > 0:31:35why can't she just cancel this divisive, independence referendum
0:31:35 > 0:31:37referendum campaign, and get back to her
0:31:37 > 0:31:43job for Scotland?
0:31:43 > 0:31:45So says the guy that's gone around the country arguing
0:31:45 > 0:31:55for a second EU referendum.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58And in answer to Willie Rennie's first question, I think most people
0:31:58 > 0:32:00watching this would start to think that yes, the Liberal Democrats
0:32:00 > 0:32:04appear buttoned up the back.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08So, Willie, if the cap fits, perhaps you should wear it.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11But more seriously, Willie Rennie raises in passing
0:32:11 > 0:32:19issues like education and the economy and mental health.
0:32:19 > 0:32:27I agree that these are fundamentally important issues, which begs
0:32:27 > 0:32:29the question, why Willie Rennie didn't take the opportunity of these
0:32:29 > 0:32:32questions today to actually ask me about any of these matters?
0:32:32 > 0:32:33He has the opportunity.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Here am I, standing here,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38he can ask me anything he likes, but chooses not to ask me
0:32:38 > 0:32:43about education, health, or the economy.
0:32:43 > 0:32:50Do you know why that is, Presiding Officer?
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Because all of the opposition parties here - actually
0:32:52 > 0:32:55they are the ones that only want to talk about independence,
0:32:55 > 0:32:56and why is that?
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Because it is a smoke screen.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02It is a smoke screen, Presiding Officer, because none
0:33:02 > 0:33:04of them are prepared to talk about their own policies
0:33:04 > 0:33:05or their own record.
0:33:05 > 0:33:13So let me tell you what I am going to work in this election.
0:33:13 > 0:33:19So let me tell you what I am going to work in this election to do.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22I am going to work to win this election -
0:33:22 > 0:33:23there is no other party
0:33:23 > 0:33:31in this chamber prepared to say that that is what they are trying to do.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33The first supplementary question from Monica Lennon.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35I have a question on a domestic matter, it's about education.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40The First Minister will be aware that college electors
0:33:40 > 0:33:42are on strike today, and they're gathering outside Parliament
0:33:42 > 0:33:45for a rally this afternoon after talks on Tuesday aimed
0:33:45 > 0:33:48at resolving the ongoing industrial dispute failed to reach a solution.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Now, the SNP have been promising lecturers equal pay since 2011.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Lecturers have already compromised by agreeing to stagger pay over
0:33:53 > 0:34:03three years up to 2019.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07But despite this, a deal was agreed last year
0:34:07 > 0:34:08still has not been honoured.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10What message is does the First Minister have
0:34:10 > 0:34:12for the striking lecturers, and what action ministers taking
0:34:12 > 0:34:15for the striking lecturers, and what action are ministers taking
0:34:15 > 0:34:16to resolve the dispute?
0:34:16 > 0:34:17First Minister.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19In terms of the lecturers that are visiting Parliament today,
0:34:19 > 0:34:22the Minister for further education and higher education will meet
0:34:22 > 0:34:24with them later today.
0:34:24 > 0:34:24I want to see this dispute resolved, because strike action
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I want to see this dispute resolved, because strike action
0:34:27 > 0:34:33I want to see this dispute resolved, because strike action
0:34:33 > 0:34:35in our colleges is in no-one's interest, certainly not
0:34:35 > 0:34:37in the interest of college students.
0:34:37 > 0:34:43But let me be clear what has happened here.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46We have put in place, as we were asked to do, arrangements
0:34:46 > 0:34:47for national bargaining.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Now, when you have those arrangements, it becomes ultimately
0:34:49 > 0:34:52a matter for the trade union and the employers to resolve.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Now, as I understand it, and clearly I pay close
0:34:54 > 0:34:56attention to these matters,
0:34:56 > 0:35:01this is not actually a dispute about pay.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03The pay increases have broadly been agreed.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04This is now a dispute
0:35:04 > 0:35:07about terms and conditions about the amount of class contact
0:35:07 > 0:35:08time and numbers of holiday.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09time and numbers of holidays.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13So I would encourage certainly the employers to go the extra mile
0:35:13 > 0:35:16to resolve this dispute, and I hope in discussion with the union,
0:35:16 > 0:35:18they will be able to do that.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19I think the move to national bargaining
0:35:19 > 0:35:23is a significant step forward.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25But once you have governments having to step in to resolve these
0:35:25 > 0:35:36things, you no longer have national bargaining.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41So if we want national bargaining that is going to work,
0:35:41 > 0:35:44both sides have to be prepared to come to a resolution under very
0:35:44 > 0:35:45much hope that happens and soon.
0:35:45 > 0:35:46Tavish Scott.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48The First Minister will know that farmers and crofters
0:35:48 > 0:35:51have three weeks to make 2017 payment applications.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54She will also know the ?180 million computer system to make these
0:35:54 > 0:35:55payments does not work.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Will she undertake to give her long-suffering officials
0:35:59 > 0:36:02in departments across Scotland the tools in order to make their job
0:36:02 > 0:36:04possible, and that does not include continuing with a computer system
0:36:04 > 0:36:09that does not work?
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Well, of course we support our officials working
0:36:11 > 0:36:12across the country,
0:36:12 > 0:36:14and officials working on these matters are working
0:36:14 > 0:36:23exceptionally hard.
0:36:23 > 0:36:33We will ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to do
0:36:33 > 0:36:35the job, it's vitally important that payments to crofters
0:36:35 > 0:36:38and farmers more generally paid and paid on time.
0:36:38 > 0:36:39We are focused on that.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42I am prepared to ask him to meet with Tavish Scott to listen to any
0:36:42 > 0:36:44concerns he continues to have.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46And we set out what we're doing to address them.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47Fulton MacGregor.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50I would ask the First Minister, what action the Scottish Government
0:36:50 > 0:36:52is taking to protect children and young people online?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Last week the Minister for children launched a national action plan
0:36:55 > 0:36:56on Internet safety for children and young people.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59It contains a range of actions we will undertake, working
0:36:59 > 0:37:01in partnership with the police, health boards, and crucially
0:37:01 > 0:37:09children and young people themselves.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Our approach seeks to help young children stay safe on the Internet,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15and to support parents and carers be more where the potential
0:37:15 > 0:37:16risks they face online.
0:37:16 > 0:37:23Fulton MacGregor.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24I welcome this development.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27It's vital we all do what we can to keep children safe in every
0:37:27 > 0:37:28aspect of their life.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33Can the First Minister advise what role was envisaged for service
0:37:33 > 0:37:35providers and technology businesses, who clearly also
0:37:35 > 0:37:38have a responsibility
0:37:38 > 0:37:41to protect children from harm online?
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Well, the online industry, and I have to say, social media
0:37:44 > 0:37:46providers in particular, have a key role,
0:37:46 > 0:37:49a key responsibility in ensuring that children and young people
0:37:49 > 0:37:50do stay safe online.
0:37:50 > 0:38:00It is reassuring to see the industry taking its responsibility
0:38:00 > 0:38:02to protect children seriously, through a range
0:38:02 > 0:38:03of actions and measures.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06But we should continue where it is necessary to put pressure
0:38:06 > 0:38:08on the industry to take the action that is appropriate, because there
0:38:08 > 0:38:11is more for the industry and for providers to do.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Indeed I think there's more we can all do to help keep
0:38:14 > 0:38:15children safe online.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18So the action plan we published last week sets out how the government
0:38:18 > 0:38:21will take the steps that are for us to take, and I look forward
0:38:21 > 0:38:24to industry playing its role fully with ministers and other
0:38:24 > 0:38:25stakeholders to implement its measures.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27I mean, the Internet overwhelmingly is a force for good.
0:38:27 > 0:38:28We should embrace that positively.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31It opens new worlds to children every single day,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34but the downside are the dangers and the risks children face.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37So we must tackle, them so children can continue to enjoy
0:38:37 > 0:38:39and benefit from the Internet as they currently do.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40Liam Kerr.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's
0:38:42 > 0:38:46position is on the accuracy of the GERS figures.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49GERS is a national statistics publication, which means it has been
0:38:49 > 0:38:51independently assessed by the UK Statistics Authority to make sure it
0:38:51 > 0:38:55meets the code of practice.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57meets the code of practice for official statistics.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59That code ensures that statistics are of high
0:38:59 > 0:39:01quality and public value.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05GERS estimates the level of public rent new raised in Scotland
0:39:05 > 0:39:11and for residents of Scotland under the current constitutional
0:39:11 > 0:39:14It is based on a range of estimates and it is not
0:39:14 > 0:39:17an indication of the finances of an independent Scotland,
0:39:17 > 0:39:19which of course would be dependent on a range of other factors,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22including the spending choices and priorities of the government
0:39:22 > 0:39:23of the day.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Liam Kerr.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28I thank the First Minister for that reply.
0:39:28 > 0:39:34But she has to say that to those SNP supporters including
0:39:34 > 0:39:39members of this chamber, who in recent months have mounted
0:39:39 > 0:39:46a concerted attempt to undermine and de-legitimise GERS.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49So can she also put on record that GERS are official statistics,
0:39:49 > 0:39:55produced by her government to the highest standards
0:39:55 > 0:40:01and that those who denigrate the figures are - including in this
0:40:01 > 0:40:03chamber - as a matter of fact, simply wrong?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Well, can I recommend to the member that when he comes here
0:40:06 > 0:40:08and asks a question, he actually manages
0:40:08 > 0:40:09to listen to the answer?
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Let me repeat what I said in my first answer.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14He asked me to put on record that they national statistics.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17The first words in my original answer were "GERS is a national
0:40:17 > 0:40:18statistics publication."
0:40:18 > 0:40:21A bit of listening instead of heckling might have gone down well.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25The point I'm making, the simple point I am making is this.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27GERS doesn't tell us anything much about the finances
0:40:27 > 0:40:31of an independent Scotland,
0:40:31 > 0:40:38and it's not just me that says that.
0:40:38 > 0:40:48The Frazier of Allah Institute says that GERS
0:40:54 > 0:40:55reflects that current constitutional arrangements.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57An independent campaigner said recently that nobody suggests
0:40:57 > 0:40:59the GERS figures reflects what an independent
0:40:59 > 0:41:00Scotland would look like.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Yes, they are official statistics known to be of high value.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04They have a range of estimates underpinning them
0:41:04 > 0:41:05as everyone is aware.
0:41:05 > 0:41:06as everyone is aware,
0:41:06 > 0:41:08but crucially they reflect the position in Scotland,
0:41:08 > 0:41:09under current constitutional arrangements, not
0:41:10 > 0:41:10under independence.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15Alex Rowley.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government
0:41:19 > 0:41:21will take to ensure that older people receive the free
0:41:21 > 0:41:23personal care payments that they are entitled to,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25in light of research by Age Scotland, which suggests that
0:41:25 > 0:41:28thousands are missing out due to delays in accessing
0:41:28 > 0:41:37and arranging care.
0:41:37 > 0:41:47Age Scotland's figures show that 95% of older people assessed as needing
0:41:48 > 0:41:53care received the services they need within five weeks.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55And those with critical and substantial needs were conducted
0:41:55 > 0:41:57within two and a half weeks.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00That said, no-one should have to wait longer than necessary
0:42:00 > 0:42:02to receive their care package, that's why we continue to work
0:42:02 > 0:42:04closely with councils to make provision even better
0:42:04 > 0:42:05than it already is.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06Alex Rowley.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08I thank the First Minister for that question.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10But the fact remains that for many individuals
0:42:10 > 0:42:12and for many families, far too often their experience
0:42:12 > 0:42:22of health and social care is not always a good one.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Pope Francis, Presiding Officer, said where there is no honour
0:42:29 > 0:42:32to the elderly, there is no future for the young.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Being able to provide support and care for older people
0:42:34 > 0:42:36in Scotland at the point where they need that
0:42:36 > 0:42:39support and that care, must be the accepted will of every
0:42:39 > 0:42:40Scottish Government.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Will the First Minister agree to set up a review that will examine
0:42:43 > 0:42:46the progress today in rolling out integrated health and social care,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49looking at what is working, what is not, and why it is not,
0:42:49 > 0:42:51and building on best practice across Scotland to ensure that every
0:42:51 > 0:42:53individual who needs health and social care
0:42:53 > 0:42:56is able to access it?
0:42:56 > 0:43:04First Minister.
0:43:04 > 0:43:13I agree strongly with the sentiments behind Alex Rowley's question.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22How we care for our older people is very often the proof
0:43:22 > 0:43:26of a civilised society.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29We should all be proud of elder care in this country.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31And the fact that vast majority older people get good,
0:43:31 > 0:43:34high-quality care, and they get it upon an assessment that says
0:43:34 > 0:43:35they need that care.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38Yes there are still some individuals for whom that is not the experience,
0:43:38 > 0:43:40and we must and determined to work to resolve that.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43For that reason, we did take the step as a Government,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46a step that no previous Government was prepared to do, to formally
0:43:46 > 0:43:49by statute integrate health and social care.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52It is why, as Alex Rowley is aware, we are now doing again
0:43:52 > 0:43:54the very difficult thing that governments have shied
0:43:54 > 0:43:57away from my long time, of transferring money from acute
0:43:57 > 0:43:59health services into social care and community care,
0:43:59 > 0:44:01in recognition of the fact that it is those services that
0:44:01 > 0:44:03are absolutely essential that individuals, particularly older
0:44:03 > 0:44:05people, but when it comes to relieving the pressure
0:44:05 > 0:44:06on our acute health service.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09He asks for a review, I would say the progress
0:44:09 > 0:44:11of integration is under constant monitoring and review will stop that
0:44:11 > 0:44:13will continue to be so.
0:44:13 > 0:44:18It is absolutely the right thing to do.
0:44:18 > 0:44:19Initiatives of that magnitude clearly have
0:44:19 > 0:44:21challenges along the way.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25I already speak on a regular basis to people who work in social care
0:44:25 > 0:44:28in different parts of the country who point to improvements that
0:44:28 > 0:44:36are already being made because of that integration.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39We are delivering, or the people out there are delivering those
0:44:39 > 0:44:41services, are delivering a high quality service for older people.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43Working with health services and voluntary organisations
0:44:43 > 0:44:45which are absolutely crucial here as well, to make sure
0:44:45 > 0:44:54that is the experience for every single older person in Scotland.
0:44:54 > 0:44:55Christine Graham.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58As the First Minister is aware, the introduction of free personal
0:44:58 > 0:45:03care in 2002 has saved over the 15 years, tens of millions
0:45:03 > 0:45:06to the Treasury because they're not required to pay out attendance
0:45:06 > 0:45:09allowance.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11Tens of billions that could have gone towards free personal care.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15Does the First Minister agree with me that it is ironic,
0:45:15 > 0:45:20indeed hypocritical, that in the same breath as the Tories
0:45:20 > 0:45:22defend their cruel rape clause and demand the Scottish Government
0:45:22 > 0:45:24provide funding to support that callous clause,
0:45:24 > 0:45:27they refuse to pay out savings that we have made in this Parliament
0:45:27 > 0:45:28through our compassionate policies?
0:45:28 > 0:45:32She is absolutely right.
0:45:32 > 0:45:37It remains something of a national scandal
0:45:37 > 0:45:42that the UK Government clawed back attendance allowance from Scotland
0:45:42 > 0:45:44following the introduction of free personal and nursing
0:45:44 > 0:45:53care under previous administration in 2002.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01Christine Grahame talks, I may have misheard her,
0:46:01 > 0:46:04about the tens of billions of pounds that have been lost to this
0:46:04 > 0:46:07Government as a result of past and current UK governments.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Let me tell you how much much that is exactly,
0:46:09 > 0:46:11over the past 15 years.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15It now amounts to ?600 million.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18More than half a billion that rightly should be here in Scotland,
0:46:18 > 0:46:21helping to support our older people that is now currently in the pockets
0:46:21 > 0:46:22of the London Westminster Treasury.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25That policy, I have to say, was started by a Labour UK
0:46:25 > 0:46:27Government but it has been continued by Tory UK Government.
0:46:27 > 0:46:32If either of those parties now wants to say that they stand up
0:46:32 > 0:46:34for pensioners, although that would be difficult for the Tories,
0:46:34 > 0:46:38who are preparing to abandon the triple lock on pensions,
0:46:38 > 0:46:41but if either of those parties want to come here and talk
0:46:41 > 0:46:44about what more we need to do for older people, the support
0:46:44 > 0:46:46for this government is trying to get that money back for Scotland
0:46:46 > 0:46:54would certainly be overdue, but it would be very welcome indeed.
0:46:54 > 0:46:59Thank you, that concludes FMQs.
0:47:45 > 0:47:50APPLAUSE
0:47:50 > 0:47:53Thanks very much I'll try and live up to that billing, now,
0:47:53 > 0:47:57and thank you all for coming this morning and being with
0:47:57 > 0:47:59with us for this launch.