Meeting of the Parliament

General Questions Richard Leonard S6O-02252 1. To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the completion of the Monklands Replacement Project. Stephanie Callaghan S6O-02253 2. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of the volunteering action plan. Annabelle Ewing S6O-02254 3. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the Head of Housing Services at Fife Council and what was discussed. Emma Harper S6O-02255 4. To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to lay regulations to restrict the marketing and advertising of vaping products, following the publication of the responses to its consultation, Tightening rules on advertising and promoting vaping products , on 27 September 2022. Pam Gosal S6O-02256 5. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its commitment to abolish NHS dental charges by the end of the current parliamentary session. Marie McNair S6O-02257 6. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to maximise the uptake of Scottish social security benefits. Finlay Carson S6O-02258 7. To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to announce the delivery plan for the second Strategic Transport Projects Review. Murdo Fraser S6O-02259 8. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to assist any businesses that are struggling to recruit skilled workers. followed by First Minister's Questions Douglas Ross S6F-02111 1. Question to be taken in Chamber. Anas Sarwar S6F-02112 2. Question to be taken in Chamber. Alex Cole-Hamilton S6F-02135 3. To ask the First Minister for what reason only 4% of Scotland's sewage discharge points are monitored, compared with 91% in England. Kaukab Stewart S6F-02113 4. To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the work of the Scottish Government to address potentially dangerous cladding on residential properties. Liz Smith S6F-02130 5. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s response is to a recent poll that found that more than a third of people in Scotland would consider relocating if income taxes were increased further. Monica Lennon S6F-02119 6. To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will reintroduce the Social Care Staff Support Fund, or take other action to improve sick pay provision for social care workers, in light of reports of a survey by GMB Scotland stating that 80% of social care workers in the private sector have considered quitting, and wider warnings that the care sector is on the brink of collapse. followed by Members' Business — S6M-08721 Rona Mackay: Supporting Foster Carers in the Workplace with Fostering Friendly Employers Scheme That the Parliament recognises Foster Care Fortnight, taking place from 15 to 28 May 2023; notes the view that more flexible and supportive workplaces are needed, to assist foster carers in employment, and, in turn, encourage more working people to foster; understands that research carried out by the Fostering Network found that 41% of foster carers combine their role with other employment in Scotland, while 60% of foster carers said that a fostering-friendly HR policy would help them to work while fostering; believes that workplaces becoming Fostering Friendly Employers (FFE) helps to provide foster carers with additional support and raises awareness of the extra demands placed on them to nurture what it sees as some of the most vulnerable people in society; understands that there are presently 4,623 children in foster care in Scotland; is grateful for the 3,716 fostering families in this country and commends their hard work and the unconditional love that they give to the children in their care; understands that 500 more fostering families are needed; further understands that being part of the Fostering Network’s FFE scheme ensures that foster carers have the opportunity for paid leave for training, respite, meetings and other requirements to fulfil what it sees as their vital role; acknowledges that the theme during Foster Care Fortnight 2023 is Fostering Communities, and believes that being an FFE is a great example of how the wider fostering community can provide support, understanding and respect, which is entirely in line with The Promise.