Chamber and committees

We have talked about agency in communities, but does the “area of linguistic significance” not give the potential for that to happen?

If the bill is to proceed—I suspect that the Government is keen to proceed—could amendments along the lines that you have outlined, in relation to local organisations being empowered with the appropriate funding, give communities agency in the way that you described?

I did not think that Niall Bartlett was going to stop with his very impressive list. You are clearly on top of all the detail and what you set out is genuinely impressive.

I want to focus on the provisions on areas of linguistic significance, or the Gàidhealtachd. Can you explain the point of those provisions? They seem a bit woolly and vague. What actual difference will people who live in those areas see?

Do you have anything further to say, Professor McLeod?

I will be blunt. The care-experienced young people were pretty angry when we met them. They think that nothing has really changed. They think that there is a lot of talk and that there are lots of plans, documents and surveys, but that nothing really happens. That is why they are angry, cynical and sceptical. They gave us a pretty hard time, because they think that we are part of the problem. Are you angry about that? Are they right to be angry? Do you share the anger about those in positions of power?

Is that the good example?

You are dodging.

The commissioner will be aware of the debate that is currently taking place about behaviour, distress and violence in schools. You will also be aware that the cabinet secretary is preparing a report and action plan. I am interested to know what involvement you have had in that action plan and particularly what your views are on some of the emerging issues of exclusion, boundaries and consequences, resources, and the effectiveness of restorative practice. What is your take on all that?

Okay.

Give me an example of great progress on the Promise and an example of very poor progress or no progress being made.