Meeting of the Parliament, Continued

Portfolio Questions Education and Skills Evelyn Tweed 1. [Withdrawn] Michelle Thomson S6O-04082 2. To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide an update regarding its consideration of whether to legislate to prescribe the number of learning hours. Kevin Stewart S6O-04083 3. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that college courses are being tailored to meet the needs of industries involved in energy efficiency, carbon reduction and the just transition. Brian Whittle S6O-04084 4. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that students are supported throughout their educational journey with career advice that aligns with the future economic need for specific roles and skills. Christine Grahame S6O-04085 5. To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the provision of support for children with additional support needs, what assessment it has made of any impact of the reported delays to ADHD assessments for children on their education. John Mason S6O-04086 6. To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and promote them as an attractive career path for young people. Foysol Choudhury S6O-04087 7. To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to ensure that pupils have access to practical science activities as part of the curriculum. Maggie Chapman S6O-04088 8. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the University of Dundee, in light of recent reports regarding its financial situation, senior management resignations and its failure to recruit enough Scottish students. followed by Scottish Government Debate: Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community in Scotland Graeme Dey S6M-15734 That the Parliament recognises and acknowledges the importance of Scotland’s veterans and Armed Forces community and greatly values the significant contribution that it continues to make to society; further recognises that the contribution of veterans and their families continues and grows as they move back into the communities that they served, with their experiences positively enriching society and providing a valuable talent pool for employers, and agrees that the Scottish Government, cognisant of the important ongoing work of the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, should continue to work with partners across the public, private and third sectors to ensure that the veterans and Armed Forces community receives the best possible support and access to services. followed by Scottish Government Debate: Empowering Young People’s Voices in Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Kaukab Stewart S6M-15735 That the Parliament recognises the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign 2024; further recognises the vital contribution that the sector has made this year to tackle violence against women and girls, in particular the role that it has played in supporting children and young people who have experienced violence, abuse and exploitation; welcomes this year’s debate at the Scottish Youth Parliament, which challenged politicians to ensure that the youth voice is central to action to address gender-based violence; recognises the importance of working with young people to ensure that their experience and expertise are harnessed to build a future that is equally safe; further recognises and champions the importance of education as an early and ongoing strand of prevention; condemns misogyny and all forms of violence against women and girls, and acknowledges the significant harm that they cause to individuals and wider society. followed by Decision Time