Chamber and committees

There are many merits in the petition, convener, and it is important that we write to seek the views of stakeholders on the action that it calls for. Those might include COSLA, Early Years Scotland, the Scottish Childminding Association, and the National Parent Forum of Scotland. They could all give us a good indication of views about the petition.

I think that further information is required in order for us to continue with the petition. I suggest that we write to the Scottish Government to seek its response to the recommendations that are proposed by the Scottish Law Commission in its report on cohabitation and the timetable for bringing forward legislation in that area. I also suggest that we write to the Scottish Law Commission to seek information on what consideration has been given to the use of judicial discretion as part of the review on aspects of family law. In addition, I suggest that we write to the Law Society of Scotland and Family Law Association to seek their views on the issues that are raised by the petitioner. I think that all of those suggestions have some merit.

It was about the further developments that are planned and about how families who are affected by suicide are supported.

The profession says that the licensing scheme is unworkable in the situation. It has indicated that it is completely unworkable because the birds are not able to “exhibit normal behaviour patterns.” You indicated that 21 licences have been issued, which is a small number.

Do you not believe, minister, that that is a very small number of licences to have been issued for that whole profession?

It is imperative that we write to the Scottish Government to ask for its view on whether there are differences, as the petitioner indicates, in the considerations that are given to local knowledge and scientific knowledge. We should also ask how it ensures that people with poor internet access, particularly in rural areas, are given the opportunity to respond to public consultation and what changes the Government intends to make in its practices, including the development of the delivery of conservation policy, following the representations in the report of the independent working group.

It would also be useful to write to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to seek information about the number of cases of motorcycle theft in each of the past five years and the outcomes of those cases.

You have touched on population issues. We know that NHS boards with larger populations have mental health assessment units that are available 24/7. That is really useful for larger populations, but the issue is in trying to evaluate these services, cabinet secretary. Is the Scottish Government looking to make it much more of a national service? You have touched on the issue of rural areas, where, as you have identified, it is a much bigger challenge for you to make that happen. There is a disparity between what happens in urban areas and what happens in rural areas, which do not have the same support and opportunities, and patients might fall through the gap.

This has been an eye-opening session, minister, and I am staggered at some of the responses so far—at the complete lack of understanding of the situation and circumstances that we have heard.

On the licensing system, the Scottish Government says:

“The Scottish Government believes that the licensing scheme for the control of mountain hares … does not impact on the ability of falconers to enable their birds to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.”

We have heard that the licensing scheme is completely and utterly unworkable, so do you believe that statement? It is not the position of the profession, which is able to understand what is taking place, but the Scottish Government fundamentally believes that it is the case. Do you still believe that it is?

In the submission that the Scottish Government made to the committee in March, you committed to consulting with stakeholders in justice and health to establish the best methods of recording how many requests for prescribed medication had been made by individuals in custody, and whether those requests had been met. Can you give us an update on any progress on that?