This week saw a busy schedule at Parliament with a wide variety of meetings and committee work ongoing.
Tuesday’s Finance and Public Administration Committee provided an opportunity to take further evidence in our enquiry into Effective Scottish Government Decision Making. I was pleased to ask questions of a number of witnesses on themes around culture, transparency and the relationship between accountability and risk, linking in with attitudes to innovation. Those wishing to find out more can do so on the following link:
On Wednesday, the Economy and Fair work Committee heard evidence on Scottish Government Policy priorities from Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy. You can watch our exchange in previous posts on my Facebook page, where I continued my line of questioning on the importance of gathering the right data to allow for better decision making, particularly when considering matters in relation to gender and equalities.
The committee also continued our enquiry into the Just Transition for a Grangemouth area, hearing from Graham Stuart MP, UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero among other witnesses. You can watch previous contributions to this enquiry earlier on my Facebook page, as well as Wednesday’s exchange here :
Closer to home I was delighted to see RSPB Scotland in the parliament this week and stopped by to chat, particularly about the fascinating work they undertake at the wetlands reserve down at Skinflats. Staff and volunteers have been working hard to improve nesting habitats for migrating birds in the tidal lagoon and enhance the biodiversity of this precious area. You can find out more about their work locally here : https://fb.watch/ku0E9zBKSE/
On Thursday, staff in my constituency office were able to undertake lifesaving training in the administration of Naloxone and learn more about the issues around overdose and preventable drug deaths. This was provided by the Scottish Drugs Forum who deliver general and specialist training on drug-related issues for a range of agencies. Others interested in finding more about training can do so here : https://www.sdf.org.uk/training/
I was also pleased to submit a number of motions to parliament highlighting the excellent work of local groups, artists, businesses, schools and organisations.
