Summary

  • MSPs take evidence from a mother whose ten-year-old son died from cardiac arrest and who is calling for better access to defibrillators

  • Nicola Sturgeon is quizzed during first minister's questions

  • A Tory MSP leads a debate on arthritis and access to work

  • A statement on energy efficiency is made

  • The economy committee leads a debate on economic performance and data

  1. Postpublished at 12:14 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

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  2. Postpublished at 12:12 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

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  3. People aged 85 and over are still waiting to get the vaccine says Carlawpublished at 12:11 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    The first minister warns against undermining confidence in the vaccination programme.

    Mr Carlaw replies there are people aged 85 and over who are still waiting to get the vaccine.

    The Scottish Conservative leader insists we are entering the flu season and calls for NHS Scotland will ensure everyone who needs the vaccine will get it without delay.

    The first minister replies: "Yes, I will give that assurance."

  4. Sturgeon insists there is sufficient stocks of vaccine for the over 75spublished at 12:08 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Mr Carlaw says only 39% of people over 65 have been vaccinated, a drop of 5% on last year.

    The Scottish Conservative deputy leader says: "Patients are waiting and wanting to know when they'll be vaccinated."

    Will all over 75s get the vaccine by the end of this month, he asks.

    Ms Sturgeon insists there is sufficient stocks of vaccine for the over 75s.

    She points out that there is an effective vaccine for those under 75 years old.

    The first minister encourages all people to get the vaccine if they need it and insists it is an "effective and robust programme".

  5. Why are their delays in getting flu vaccine?published at 12:06 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Jackson Carlaw

    Mr Carlaw says he has been told of an 85-year-old who has still not had the vacccination.

    The Scottish Conservative deputy leader points out you have to be 75 to get the vaccination in Scotland, rather than 65 down south and again ask about why there are delays.

    The first minister says Scotland has followed the recommendations of the expert JCVI group.

    She explains more vaccine has been ordered this season than last, but points out there will be local mismatches between supply and demand.

    Ms Sturgeon says Mr Carlaw should draw any issues to the attention of the health secretary.

  6. Postpublished at 12:05 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

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  7. Background: New flu vaccine only available to over-75s in Scotlandpublished at 12:03 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    InjectionImage source, SPL

    A new flu vaccination that is recommended for everyone aged over 65 in other parts of the UK will only be available to over-75s in Scotland.

    The Fluad jab is said to be more effective in protecting older people from three different strains of flu.

    But the Scottish government said it had been unable to buy enough of it in time for this year's vaccination programme.

    It will therefore only be offered to those aged over 75 this year rather than everyone over 65.

    Read more here.

  8. First question focuses on flu vaccinationpublished at 12:03 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw says the first minister made assurances that everyone in Scotland would get the flu vaccination and asks why are so many people are still waiting.

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the vaccination programme is under way and is going well.

    Ms Sturgeon reiterates the fact that the vaccination programme is very important.

  9. We turn to first minister's questions...........published at 11:59 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Party leadersImage source, PA/BBC
  10. 'Any reduction in take up of music tuition is a cause for concern'published at 11:58 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Education Secreatary John SwinneyImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Education Secreatary John Swinney

    Education Secreatary John Swinney says any reduction in take up of music tuition is a cause for concern.

    Mr Swinney insists there are a number of local authorities who apply no charge whatsoever.

    He says all of us want to see young people take part in the expressive arts.

    Labour MSP Alex Rowley says cuts are hitting music and education.

    The education secretary again cites the choice of some councils to provide free tuition.

  11. Background: Drop in pupils getting music tuition in Scottish schoolspublished at 11:55 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Alice Ferguson and Catherine Mackie gave evidence to Holyrood's education committee gave evidence two weeks agoImage source, Andrew Cowan
    Image caption,

    Alice Ferguson and Catherine Mackie gave evidence to Holyrood's education committee gave evidence two weeks ago

    The number of children receiving musical instrument tuition in Scotland's schools has dropped by more than 1,200 over the past year.

    The Education and Skills Committee heard evidence from young people two weeks ago, with Alice Ferguson from the Scottish Youth Parliament speaking to MSPs.

    The West Lothian pupil said: "The council are wanting to reduce inequality, but by charging for music, they are increasing inequality."

    The Education and Skills Committee is holding an inquiry into music tuition in schoolsImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The Education and Skills Committee is holding an inquiry into music tuition in schools

  12. A question on music tuition is next........published at 11:53 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    SNP MSP Colin Beattie will raise a very topical question, although it is of course a general question, about music tuition.

    He will point out that the number of pupils learning an musical instrument fell by over 1,000 between 2016-17 and 2017-18.

  13. Universal Credit system 'failing' most vulnerable peoplepublished at 11:46 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville
    Image caption,

    Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville

    Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville says Universal Credit's digital by default approach makes it inaccessible for many people, including those with profound learning disabilites.

    Only 54% of claimants can make an application unassisted, she says.

    It is vital that this is addressed before millions of people are migrated over to Universal Credit, Ms Somerville argues.

    Mr Torrance highlights the case of his constituent Adam who may have to attend an assessment, despite his significant disabilities.

    The cabinet secretary agrees the system is "inhumane" and "failing some of the most vulnerable people".

  14. We begin with two questions on concerns about Universal Credit...........published at 11:44 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    SNP MSP Shona Robison asks about the impact of Universal Credit on food banks in Scotland, in light of the Trussell Trust reporting an increase in its distribution of emergency supplies.

    Then we have her colleague David Torrance asking about how accessible Universal Credit is for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has agreed to listen very carefully to concerns over Universal Credit, conceding the system "can be better".

    Media caption,

    Amber Rudd: "I know there are problems with universal credit despite its good intentions...I know it can be better."

  15. Coming up in the chamber..............published at 11:06 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Party leadersImage source, PA/BBC

    Join us for extensive coverage of first minister's questions from noon, following general questions.

    After that, Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton leads a debate on arthritis and access to work.

    SPCB questions kick us back off at the earlier time of 2pm.

    Then there will be a ministerial statement on energy efficiency.

    The economy committee leads a debate on economic performance and data to take us to 5pm.

  16. Postpublished at 11:04 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

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  17. Committee to write to Scottish government on medical care in rural areaspublished at 11:01 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Committee

    On PE1698, external on Medical care in rural areas, Tory MSP Brian Whittle suggests it is worth looking into in more detail and SNP MSP Angus Macdonald agrees, pointing to concerns raised by rural communities.

    The convener suggests writing to the Scottish government to flag up issues raised around workload, transparency and whether the GP contract reflects the way rural areas rely on GPs.

    And thus ends this morning's committee.

  18. Postpublished at 10:58 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

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  19. Music tuition petition to be referred to Education and Skills Committeepublished at 10:52 Greenwich Mean Time 22 November 2018

    Alice Ferguson and Catherine Mackie gave evidence to Holyrood's education committee gave evidence two weeks agoImage source, Andrew Cowan
    Image caption,

    Alice Ferguson and Catherine Mackie gave evidence to Holyrood's education committee gave evidence two weeks ago

    The number of children receiving musical instrument tuition in Scotland's schools has dropped by more than 1,200 over the past year.

    The Education and Skills Committee heard evidence from young people two weeks ago, with Alice Ferguson from the Scottish Youth Parliament speaking to MSPs.

    The West Lothian pupil said: "The council are wanting to reduce inequality, but by charging for music, they are increasing inequality."

    The Education and Skills Committee is holding an inquiry into music tuition in schoolsImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The Education and Skills Committee is holding an inquiry into music tuition in schools

    The education secretary will give evidence to the Education and Skills Committee as part of its inquiry, explains Ms Lamont.

    Tory MSP Brian Whittle says this petition has generated a lot of interest and for sure there is a lack of access to opportunity.

    He says the petition on free instrumental music services, external should be sent to the Education and Skills Committee.