Section F – Motions and Amendments

Motions and amendments are normally only printed the day after the day on which they are lodged and then with the complete list of motions and amendments lodged the previous week which is published in this section of the Bulletin every Monday. That list also contains any motions lodged for debate in the forthcoming week.

Where the text of a motion or amendment is altered, the motion or amendment is re-printed with the changes marked by asterisks in the text.

Where a motion or amendment attracts additional support after it is first published, that additional support is shown separately at the end of this section.

Motions eligible for consideration for debate as members’ business in the Parliament are marked with a hash symbol (#).

Motions submitted for members’ business in the Parliament but which have not yet received the requisite cross-party support are marked with a diamond symbol (♦).

Motions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an "R".

An indication is also provided where motions and amendments have been withdrawn.

A full list of current motions is available to view each Monday in paper copy at the Chamber Desk or alternatively on the Scottish Parliament web site at Current Motions

(http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/motionsAndAmendments/motions.htm). A search facility is also available on the Scottish Parliament web site at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/motionsAndAmendments/index.htm

New and altered motions and amendments

*S3M-2576 Christina McKelvie: Dungavel and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child—That the Parliament welcomes the UK Government’s opting-in to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the fact that this will mean the end of the practice of incarcerating asylum seeker children and child migrants without judicial scrutiny; further welcomes the fact that Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre will no longer hold children in close proximity to potentially dangerous adults; encourages the UK Government and the National Asylum Support Service to implement the convention now instead of waiting until domestic legislation is aligned with the convention, and congratulates all those who have campaigned to end child detention at Dungavel on the success of their campaign at last.

Supported by: Bob Doris*, Rob Gibson*, Alasdair Allan*, Robin Harper*, Bill Kidd*, Mike Pringle*, Stuart McMillan*, Keith Brown*, Patrick Harvie*, Hugh O’Donnell*, Bill Wilson*, Kenneth Gibson*, Angela Constance*, Sandra White*, Christopher Harvie*, Robert Brown*, Liam McArthur*

*S3M-2575 Hugh O’Donnell: FSA Ban on Short Selling—That the Parliament welcomes the decision of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to suspend the practice of short selling by traders in the financial markets; believes, however, that this practice should be banned on a permanent basis and that the temporary ban will not resolve the damage that the practice does to the viability of financially-sound companies, and is firmly of the view that both the FSA and Westminster Government should extend the ban permanently.

*S3M-2574 Sarah Boyack: Meningitis Research Foundation’s Awareness Week—That the Parliament welcomes the Meningitis Research Foundation’s Awareness Week between 15 and 21 September 2008; notes that meningitis is a disease that infects 12 people every fortnight in Scotland, of whom one will die and two more will suffer life-altering after-effects, such as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations; further notes that babies and children are most at risk and that more young lives can be saved through raising awareness among clinical practitioners and the public of the early warning signs; encourages continued support for the Scottish meningitis working group to improve awareness of the disease; also notes that continued efforts are needed to improve the uptake of primary vaccinations against invasive diseases, particularly pneumococcal disease, and urges continued support for aftercare, as well as continued support for further research to eradicate meningitis and septicaemia.

*S3M-2573 Alasdair Allan: BBC Alba Launch—That the Parliament welcomes the launch of BBC Alba, the world’s first Scottish Gaelic language television channel; congratulates all those involved in the creation of this channel and the recent exciting expansion of the Gaelic broadcasting industry; notes that this service has been long awaited by many in the Gaelic community; believes that this new channel is one more step towards the continued survival of the Gaelic language, and wishes the channel every success for the future.

The member has provided the following Gaelic translation:

Gu bheil a’ Phàrlamaid a’ cur fàilte air tòiseachadh BBC Alba, a’ chiad sianal telebhisean airson Gàidhlig na h-Alba san t-saoghal; gu bheil i a’ cur meal a naidheachd air gach duine a bha an sàs ann an cruthachadh an t-sianail ùir agus san leudachadh mhòr, o chionn ghoirid, den gnìomhachas craolaidh Gàidhlig; gu bheil i a toirt fa-near gu bheil a’ choimhearsnachd Gàidhlig air a bhith a’ dèanamh fiughair ris an t-seirbheis seo bho chionn fhada; gu bheil i a’ creidsinn gu bheil an sianal ùr na cheum eile air an rathad gus Gàidhlig a chumail beò agus gu bheil i a guidhe gach soirbheas don t-sianal airson an àm ri teachd.

Supported by: Robert Brown*, Jamie Hepburn*, Brian Adam*, Bob Doris*, Kenneth Gibson*, Bashir Ahmad*, Jamie McGrigor*, Keith Brown*, Bill Kidd*, Hugh Henry*, Ted Brocklebank*, Aileen Campbell*, Robin Harper*, Angela Constance*

S3M-2572 Christopher Harvie: Return of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge Ferry—That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Government and Forth Ports on securing a new operator for the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry service, which will resume in spring 2009; welcomes the decision of the new ferry operator, Norfolkline, to deploy a new vessel on the route and match the schedule previously provided and hopes that it will consider an extension to the previous schedule; further hopes that this resumption of a direct maritime contact with Europe, with its beneficial impact on freight transport and tourism, will lead to increased prosperity for Rosyth, Fife and Scotland in general, and encourages the governments of Scotland and Flanders to mark the occasion of the resumption of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry with a celebration commemorating Scotland’s links with the Low Countries.

Supported by: Brian Adam*, Bob Doris*, Stuart McMillan*, Kenneth Gibson*, Alasdair Allan*, Jamie Hepburn*, Bashir Ahmad*, Keith Brown*, Robin Harper*, Bill Kidd*, Bill Wilson*, Angela Constance*, Jim Tolson*

S3M-2571 Bashir Ahmad: Sikhs in Scotland—That the Parliament recognises the enormous contribution made by the Sikh community in Scotland in a variety of sectors, particularly the arts, music, drama, media and sports; congratulates all the winners of the Sikhs in Scotland Achievement Awards 2008, held in the Parliament and organised by the Mel-Milaap Community Centre; notes the excellent work done by the Mel-Milaap centre in promoting the true message of Sikhism and carrying out valuable work across Scotland, and urges everyone to pay a visit to http://www.sikhsinscotland.org/.

Supported by: Dr Richard Simpson*, Jamie Hepburn*, Des McNulty*, Joe FitzPatrick*, Stuart McMillan*, Hugh Henry*, Elaine Smith*, Bob Doris*, Christina McKelvie*, Hugh O’Donnell*, David Whitton*, Sandra White*, Ken Macintosh*, Robert Brown*, Kenneth Gibson*, Shirley-Anne Somerville*, Nanette Milne*, Elizabeth Smith*, John Lamont*, Bill Kidd*, Alasdair Allan*, Rob Gibson*, Roseanna Cunningham*, Jackson Carlaw*, Ross Finnie*, Mike Pringle*, Robin Harper*

S3M-2570 Stuart McMillan: Gourock Celebrates 150th Anniversary as a Burgh—That the Parliament welcomes the 150th anniversary of Gourock in Inverclyde becoming a burgh; notes that this historic occasion is being marked by a series of events organised by Inverclyde Council and Gourock Community Council, and further notes that Inverclyde Tourist Group, the Royal Gourock Yacht Club and Gourock Community Council will host a £4 bus tour giving an insight into the town’s history and heritage, that alongside this there will be inter-school activities including sports events and that, in November 2008, there will be an art exhibition of the work of Inverclyde schoolchildren to mark the 100th anniversary of the opening of Gourock Outdoor Swimming Pool.

Supported by: Ross Finnie*, Roseanna Cunningham*, Alasdair Allan*, Bob Doris*, Keith Brown*, Jamie McGrigor*, Joe FitzPatrick*, Sandra White*, Kenneth Gibson*, Bill Wilson*, Bill Kidd*, Rob Gibson*

S3M-2569 Nicola Sturgeon: Draft Housing Grants (Assessment of Contributions) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2008—That the Local Government and Communities Committee recommends that the draft Housing Grants (Assessment of Contributions) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2008 be approved.

Supported by: Stewart Maxwell

S3M-2568 Kenny MacAskill: Draft Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (Transitional, Savings and Consequential Provisions) Order 2008—That the Justice Committee recommends that the draft Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (Transitional, Savings and Consequential Provisions) Order 2008 be approved.

Supported by: Fergus Ewing

S3M-2567 John Swinney: Draft Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (Amendment of Specified Authorities) Order 2008—That the Local Government and Communities Committee recommends that the draft Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (Amendment of Specified Authorities) Order 2008 be approved.

Supported by: Bruce Crawford

S3M-2566 Tricia Marwick: Congratulations Glenrothes—That the Parliament congratulates Glenrothes on receiving the coveted Rosebowl Trophy at the Beautiful Scotland Awards; notes that the award is provided to the most clean, sustainable and beautiful community in Scotland; congratulates the park staff at Fife Council and all those involved in creating such fantastic floral displays, and believes that the award is fitting recognition for Glenrothes as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Christina McKelvie, Bashir Ahmad, Joe FitzPatrick, Bill Kidd, Robin Harper, Stuart McMillan, Brian Adam, Christopher Harvie, Keith Brown, Rob Gibson, Jim Tolson, Kenneth Gibson, Roseanna Cunningham, Bob Doris, Dr Richard Simpson*, Aileen Campbell*, Alex Neil*, Bill Wilson*

S3M-2565# Joe FitzPatrick: Friendly Football—That the Parliament notes with concern the decision of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to withdraw its referees from the Dundee Saturday Morning Friendly League due to its lack of affiliation; recognises that this decision has ramifications for friendly leagues across Scotland, which now face an uncertain future; notes with further concern that this decision has threatened the viability of a league which has for 15 years proved to be a resounding success based on the principles of fair and friendly play; recognises the value of this league not only in raising money for local charities but also as income for Dundee City Council in pitch and facilities fees; believes that the approach taken by the SFA whereby registered referees can participate in any other non-affiliated league except this one is inconsistent and simply unfair, and applauds the organisers of the Dundee Saturday Morning Friendly League for their drive and determination to make sure the league continues in spite of the SFA’s position.

Supported by: Mike Pringle, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan*, Bashir Ahmad*, Bill Kidd*, Brian Adam*, Hugh O’Donnell*, Bob Doris*, Sandra White*, Jim Tolson*

S3M-2564# Sandra White: Cambuslang and Rutherglen for Fairtrade—That the Parliament welcomes the Camglen Fair Trade Forum’s "Big Sign Up" events to be held in Cambuslang and Rutherglen on 25 October and 1 November 2008 respectively; notes that the events are aimed at supporting and highlighting the campaign for Fairtrade Town status for Rutherglen; commends the Forum for the great work it has done in campaigning for Fairtrade status for these towns, and hopes that in the near future Cambuslang and Rutherglen will become the 47th and 48th Fairtrade Towns in Scotland.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Patrick Harvie, Rob Gibson, Bob Doris, Ken Macintosh*, Robert Brown*, Aileen Campbell*, Alex Neil*, Christina McKelvie*

S3M-2563 Nicola Sturgeon: Draft Mental Health (England and Wales Cross-Border Transfer: Patients Subject to Requirements Other Than Detention) (Scotland) Regulations 2008—That the Health and Sport Committee recommends that the draft Mental Health (England and Wales Cross-border transfer: patients subject to requirements other than detention) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 be approved.

Supported by: Shona Robison

S3M-2562 Kenny MacAskill: Draft Scottish Commission for Human Rights (Specification) Order 2008—That the Justice Committee recommends that the draft Scottish Commission for Human Rights (Specification) Order 2008 be approved.

Supported by: Fergus Ewing

S3M-2561 Kenny MacAskill: Draft Adults with Incapacity (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2008—That the Justice Committee recommends that the draft Adults with Incapacity (Electronic Communications) (Scotland) Order 2008 be approved.

Supported by: Fergus Ewing

S3M-2560 Kenny MacAskill: Draft Freedom of Information (Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) (Scotland) Order 2008—That the Justice Committee recommends that the draft Freedom of Information (Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) (Scotland) Order 2008 be approved.

Supported by: Fergus Ewing

S3M-2559 George Foulkes: HBOS and Lloyds—That the Parliament recognises the personal intervention of the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown MP, in negotiations between HBOS and Lloyds to save Halifax Bank of Scotland; believes that the Prime Minister’s strength of leadership and decisive action will preserve the jobs of thousands of people not only in Scotland but across the United Kingdom and overseas while also securing the finances of tens of thousands more, and further believes that there is no one better equipped to steer the United Kingdom through these difficult economic times than Gordon Brown.

Supported by: Mary Mulligan, Ken Macintosh, John Park, Elaine Murray, Helen Eadie, David Whitton, David Stewart, Jackie Baillie, Dr Richard Simpson, Trish Godman, Richard Baker

S3M-2558 Trish Godman: Help for Heroes Rugby Match—That the Parliament warmly congratulates Gordon Bulloch, Dave Hilton and Kenny Logan who have accepted invitations to play in the Help For Heroes Challenge Match at Twickenham on Saturday 20 September 2008; notes that this rugby match will place a Help For Heroes XV against an International Select XV; further notes that the charity Help For Heroes, which gives help to servicemen and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, is seeking to improve facilities and services at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court and the NHS Selly Oak Hospital, both of which provide medical treatment and care for wounded service personnel, including numerous Scots; believes that Help For Heroes is a notable addition to that estimable group of military charities, such as the Erskine Home in West Renfrewshire, the Royal British Legion, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Families Association (SSAFA) and the Army Benevolent Fund, all of which perform an important role in caring for our military veterans and have, of course, done for so many decades; acknowledges the admirable work of the members of these charities, but is of the firm view that the state itself, assisted where appropriate by the Scottish Government, other devolved legislatures, local authorities and relevant agencies, must always shoulder the financial and administrative responsibilities involved in the medical treatment, care and comprehensive rehabilitation of our wounded veterans.

Supported by: Nanette Milne, David Whitton, Ken Macintosh, Sarah Boyack, Mike Pringle, Jamie Hepburn, Karen Whitefield, Pauline McNeill, Robin Harper, John Park, Helen Eadie, Elizabeth Smith, Mary Mulligan, Hugh Henry, Rhona Brankin, Bill Kidd, Dr Richard Simpson, Des McNulty, Elaine Murray, Karen Gillon*

S3M-2557 Bill Kidd: The Late Dr Alan F Phillips—That the Parliament notes with sadness the passing away of Dr Alan F Phillips, who dedicated much of his life work to the elimination of nuclear weapons as a result of his involvement in the early development of radar during World War Two, leading to him becoming a leader in the field of radiation therapy and clinical radiotherapy, which in turn allowed him to gain an intimate understanding of the secrets of the atom that imbued him with a unique moral imperative to work for nuclear weapons elimination, and hopes that his passion and dedication to nuclear disarmament will serve as a shining example to all those seeking the same.

Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Brian Adam, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Aileen Campbell, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Jamie Hepburn, Robin Harper, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Patrick Harvie, Gil Paterson*, Bill Wilson*, Michael Matheson*

S3M-2556 Pauline McNeill: Conflict Children—That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Conflict Children campaign by the children’s newspaper First News in partnership with the UK Department for International Development and Save the Children, which aims to educate schoolchildren across the United Kingdom about the spread of conflict in our world, about conflict prevention, resolution and recovery and about the hundreds of thousands of children and young people who are affected by violence across the world and to encourage them to lobby their leaders and the United Nations for stronger international protections for children who are caught up in violence as a result of becoming child soldiers or due to threats to their personal safety or that of their families or difficulties in accessing education or healthcare; notes that the campaign has already received support from the Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander MP, and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, David Miliband MP; congratulates those schools that have already signed up to supporting the campaign, and calls on all schools, local education authorities and the Scottish Government to do all that they can to encourage support for the campaign across Scotland.

Supported by: Richard Baker, Patrick Harvie, Jackie Baillie, Mary Mulligan, Iain Gray, John Park, Dr Richard Simpson, Sandra White, Mike Pringle, David Whitton, Cathy Peattie, Karen Gillon, Ken Macintosh, Marlyn Glen, Trish Godman, Christina McKelvie, Jamie Hepburn, Karen Whitefield, Hugh O’Donnell, Alex Neil, Robin Harper, Sarah Boyack, Helen Eadie, Hugh Henry, Des McNulty, Elaine Murray

S3M-2555 Mike Pringle: Clarification of Acceptability of Scottish Qualifications for UK Citizenship Applications—That the Parliament is concerned that the UK Government Immigration and Nationality Directorate’s unfamiliarity with the relevant Scottish qualifications in the form of SQA certificates that meet the application requirements for UK citizenship, as laid down by the Home Secretary, may have resulted in the rejection of Scotland-based applications for citizenship, and calls on the Scottish Government to clarify the acceptability of these Scottish qualifications with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

Supported by: Jim Hume, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Elaine Smith, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Stone, Hugh O’Donnell, Kenneth Gibson, Jim Tolson, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson*

S3M-2554# Rhona Brankin: Scottish Qualifications Authority—That the Parliament is concerned by proposals to move the Scottish Qualification Authority’s offices from Midlothian; notes that the Minister for Schools and Skills has not ruled out such a possibility; acknowledges that the SQA is a major employer in Midlothian, with more than 200 permanent posts, 67% of which are currently filled by Midlothian residents; recognises that there are fewer than 20 employers employing over 100 people in Midlothian, and understands the importance of keeping jobs locally in the county to support the local economy and minimise the environmental impact of any relocation.

S3M-2552 Brian Adam: APSE Award for Aberdeen City Council—That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen City Council on its recent achievement in being recognised for an award by the Association of Public Service Excellence for best service team in the construction and building service category.

Supported by: Stuart McMillan*, Bill Kidd*, Alasdair Allan*, Bob Doris*, Kenneth Gibson*, Jim Tolson*

S3M-2550 Ms Wendy Alexander: MSP Visits to GP Practices—That the Parliament congratulates the British Medical Association on its initiative in organising MSP visits to local GP practices; welcomes the opportunity to learn about current local and national issues from front-line staff working in practices; further welcomes the chance to witness first-hand the range of high-quality services available to patients; notes the integral role that GP practices play in local communities, and encourages all members who have yet to do so to sign up to this initiative.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Nanette Milne, Liam McArthur, Brian Adam, John Lamont, Claire Baker, Elaine Murray, Mike Pringle, David Whitton, Hugh Henry, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Des McNulty, Elaine Smith, Sarah Boyack, Trish Godman, Roseanna Cunningham, Helen Eadie, Jamie Stone, Hugh O’Donnell, Rhona Brankin, Dr Richard Simpson*, Ken Macintosh*, Keith Brown*, James Kelly*

S3M-2550.1 Michael Matheson: MSP Visits to GP Practices—As an amendment to motion (S3M-2550) in the name of Ms Wendy Alexander, leave out from "and encourages" to end and insert "notes the increasingly important role that practice nurses have in carrying out patient consultations, with practice nurses now carrying out 32.6% of practice consultations according to Audit Scotland, and encourages all members who sign up to this initiative to ensure that they meet all front-line staff, including practice nurses, to discuss their input into improving the nation’s health."

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn*

S3M-2549 Jamie Stone: Cromarty Firth Environmental Management Plan—That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Cromarty Firth Port Authority’s Environmental Management Plan; supports the commitment to providing for the long-term sustainable development of the Cromarty Firth, including a framework for minimising emissions from port operations and working to protect the designated conservation areas, and believes that this plan will help ensure that economic, environmental and social activities continue to thrive on the Cromarty Firth.

S3M-2548 Alison McInnes: Loss of Arctic Ice - Global Climate Concern—That the Parliament notes with concern that the amount of summer sea ice in the Arctic is continuing its alarming downward trend with possibly less ice in this year than in any other year since monitoring began; understands that the continuing loss of older, thicker ice means that the Arctic ice cover has become dramatically younger and thinner this year; also understands that the area of ice that is at least five years old has decreased by 56% between 1985 and 2007; recognises that these changes are affecting the indigenous peoples of the Arctic whose traditional livelihoods depend on healthy ecosystems and that there are signs that species such as polar bears are in peril as climate change erodes the ice platform on which they rely; is concerned that the reduction in sea ice has wider implications for global climate change, as the Arctic ice is like a mirror reflecting the sun’s heat back into space and, as the ice goes, Arctic waters absorb more heat, further adding to global warming; also recognises that this warming will release more greenhouse gases from the Arctic previously locked in permanently frozen ground; considers that the trend of melting Arctic sea ice is also alarming for the rest of the world as the Arctic is key in stabilising the global climate, and therefore believes that we must heed the implications of this loss of Arctic ice cover and take immediate action to reduce emissions by acting now and demonstrating clear leadership on tackling climate change.

Supported by: Jim Hume, Bashir Ahmad, Jamie Hepburn, Des McNulty, Elaine Smith, Hugh O’Donnell, Jamie Stone, Ken Macintosh, Mike Pringle, Liam McArthur, Robert Brown, Jim Tolson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Ross Finnie, Gil Paterson*

S3M-2547 Sandra White: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee—That the Parliament notes that the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning will be held this year on Friday 26 September; recognises that this event is promoted by MacMillan Cancer Support, which encourages all individuals and organisations to hold their own coffee mornings; notes that last year saw over 50,000 such events raise an incredible £7.5 million; encourages everybody to get involved in this worthwhile cause in the hope that this year’s £8.5 million target is met, and advertises the fact that, yet again, Glasgow Region SNP MSPs, in conjunction with Stelmain, will hold their own event on 22 September at 10.30 am in the Baltic Chambers in Glasgow.

Supported by: Joe FitzPatrick, Kenneth Gibson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Rob Gibson, Christina McKelvie, Aileen Campbell, Bob Doris, John Lamont, Bill Kidd, Nigel Don, Keith Brown, Alex Neil, Bashir Ahmad, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Gil Paterson*, Michael Matheson*

S3M-2546 Aileen Campbell: New Lanark Annual Victorian Fair—That the Parliament congratulates New Lanark on hosting another hugely successful Victorian Fair; notes that this event drew crowds of around 3,000 to witness local villagers dressing up in Victorian costumes; recognises the fantastic array of entertainment that was showcased for villagers, enthusiasts and tourists alike at this year’s event; thanks the organisers, New Lanark Primary School, Lanark Pipe Band, the Claire Brown Cheer and Dance Squad, the Britannia Panopticon Performers, the West Lothian Independent Scottish Dancers and all others who contributed to such a great event, and, finally, looks forward in anticipation to next year’s fair.

Supported by: Keith Brown, Rob Gibson, Bob Doris, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Robin Harper, Christina McKelvie, Jim Tolson, John Lamont, Bill Kidd, Bashir Ahmad, Alex Neil, Christine Grahame, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Jim Hume, Gil Paterson*, Michael Matheson*

S3M-2545 Jackie Baillie: SNP U-Turn on Single Status—That the Parliament deeply regrets the actions of SNP-controlled West Dunbartonshire Council in reversing an earlier council decision about the single status agreements reached with employees; considers that its actions in diminishing the benefits available to its employees will leave as many as 2,000 staff out of pocket; believes that this demonstrates a complete disregard for those who are the lowest paid; acknowledges the hard work of the trade unions in attempting to arrive at a collective agreement with the council; believes that the basis of the council meeting that reversed this decision is questionable and is currently the subject of independent investigation, and, notwithstanding this, calls on the SNP government to encourage its councillors to reconsider their position and support their hardworking employees.

Supported by: Des McNulty, David Whitton, John Park, Elaine Murray, Mary Mulligan, Karen Gillon, Trish Godman, Ken Macintosh, Helen Eadie, Bill Butler

S3M-2544# Kenneth Gibson: Missed Out, Missing Out—That the Parliament welcomes the publication by Quarriers of Missed Out, Missing Out and shares Quarriers’ concern that service provision for adults with learning disabilities is inconsistent in Ayrshire and across Scotland, especially for those 12,500 adults with learning disabilities who live at home, and considers that there should be a review of data collection, planning services and the current eligibility criteria used to determine service provision for these vulnerable individuals and that all disabled adults should be provided with the proactive support required to achieve their lifestyle aspirations, including appropriate housing options, advocacy and short breaks.

Supported by: Robin Harper, Alex Neil, Elaine Smith, Hugh O’Donnell, Rob Gibson, Alasdair Allan, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Christina McKelvie, Roseanna Cunningham, Gil Paterson*, Liam McArthur*, Michael Matheson*, Bill Wilson*, Sarah Boyack*

S3M-2514 Margo MacDonald: Legacy from Lottery Funding for Community Sport—That the Parliament, in view of the reduction in lottery funding for the development of community sport in Scotland, supports calls for a substantial sum of National Lottery funding to be released now, thus ensuring both support for ongoing coaching programmes and a legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that benefit the population of Glasgow and all of Scotland, and believes that such funding is capable of enhancing the Glasgow games so that, in addition to supporting a spectacular event, the investment would lay the foundations for health and sporting improvements across the entire population of Scotland.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Jack McConnell, Sandra White, Michael Matheson, Jackie Baillie, Jim Hume, Bill Kidd, Robin Harper, Robert Brown, Elizabeth Smith, Alex Neil, Jackson Carlaw, Stuart McMillan, Mike Pringle, Jamie McGrigor, John Park, Hugh Henry

S3M-1950# Murdo Fraser: Action to Protect the Red Squirrel—That the Parliament is concerned at the continuing encroachment of the non-native grey squirrel in Scotland on native red squirrel territory, including parts of Mid-Scotland and Fife; notes that Scotland is the last stronghold in the United Kingdom for red squirrels and is home to approximately 120,000 reds, which accounts for 75% of the UK red squirrel population; observes that red and grey squirrels are unable to co-exist together in the same territory and that red squirrels eventually disappear due to competition for food and the carrying of the squirrel pox virus by grey squirrels which is harmless to them but fatal to reds; is alarmed to learn that the first grey squirrel was officially reported in the Highlands near Inverness in April 2008 and that the first red squirrel in Scotland contracted squirrel pox in the South of Scotland in May 2007, underlining the growing threat to red squirrels in Scotland, and believes that urgent action is required to protect the red squirrel, including research into immunocontraception for grey squirrels.

Supported by: Mary Scanlon, Bill Aitken, John Lamont, Bill Kidd, Jim Hume, Jamie McGrigor, Jackson Carlaw, Bashir Ahmad, Elizabeth Smith, Nanette Milne, Christine Grahame, John Scott, Joe FitzPatrick, Elaine Murray, Alex Johnstone, Robin Harper, Patricia Ferguson, Marlyn Glen, Roseanna Cunningham, Mike Pringle, Bob Doris, Gil Paterson, Irene Oldfather, Jack McConnell, Dave Thompson, Cathy Peattie, Annabel Goldie, Peter Peacock

S3M-1861# Keith Brown: Support for Veterans in Scotland—That the Parliament recognises that ex-service personnel in Ochil and throughout Scotland often suffer particular problems in areas such as health, employment, housing and pensions; welcomes the recent Scottish Government announcements of support for the Houses for Heroes Campaign, run by the Scottish Veterans’ Garden City Association, and the Scottish Veterans’ Fund, run in association with Veterans Scotland; believes that the commitment to assistance from a Scottish perspective is particularly important; further believes that the Parliament should be at the centre of the developing debate about how best to provide appropriate support to ex-service personnel, and welcomes any initiatives by the Scottish Government to continue to engage with the range of organisations involved in supporting ex-service personnel and addressing the challenges that they face.

Supported by: Christina McKelvie, Bashir Ahmad, Joe FitzPatrick, Alasdair Allan, Christine Grahame, Angela Constance, John Wilson, Brian Adam, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Alex Neil, Aileen Campbell, Roseanna Cunningham, Mike Pringle, Sandra White, Robin Harper, Bill Wilson, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Dave Thompson, Nigel Don

Motions and amendments which have attracted additional support

S3M-2542 Clydebank Women’s Aid Jog Group Complete the Great Scottish Run (lodged on 12 September 2008) Gil Paterson*, Helen Eadie*

S3M-2541 Carlyle Conference (lodged on 12 September 2008) Gil Paterson*

S3M-2540 Forth Valley College Boost (lodged on 12 September 2008) Gil Paterson*

S3M-2538 Biggar Little Festival (lodged on 11 September 2008) Gil Paterson*

S3M-2537 Mind the Gap - The Next Step (lodged on 11 September 2008) Helen Eadie*

S3M-2533 Opportunity Walks (lodged on 11 September 2008) Gil Paterson*

S3M-2530 The Economic Impact of Rugby Matches at Murrayfield (lodged on 10 September 2008) Helen Eadie*

S3M-2529# Parkinson’s Disease Society - Get it on Time Campaign (lodged on 10 September 2008) Jamie Stone*

S3M-2527 Asthma UK Scotland (lodged on 10 September 2008) Helen Eadie*

S3M-2474 Scots Language Centre and Scottish National Dictionaries (lodged on 2 September 2008) Shirley-Anne Somerville*