Image source, STEVE PIPER

PE1674, external on Managing the Cat Population in Scotland calls for measures to be identified which could be introduced to control the soaring domestic cat population and protect the existence of the Scottish wildcat.

Ms Lamont says she found some of the evidence quite alarming, in terms of not doing anything.

She adds there needs to be something done to address the domestic cat population.

The committee will invite the environment secretary to give evidence.

Image source, Thinkstock

Labour MSP Johann Lamont says you can feel the frustration around PE1629, external by Jennifer Lewis on MRI scans for Ocular Melanoma sufferers in Scotland, as the concerns were being batted back.

Tory MSP Brian Whittle says this petition is so logical and he does not understand why it is not happening.

The petition urges the Scottish government to ensure NHS Scotland recognises patients with Ocular Melanoma and enable them to receive enhanced MRI scans with contrast of the liver in an attempt to detect early metastatic disease.

Ms Lamont explains the campaigners asked for a minute of a meeting that took place a year ago and they've yet to receive them.

She says there is a broader lack of engagement by the government.

The health secretary will be invited to give evidence on the issues raised in this petition.

MSPs are now taking evidence on current petitions;

• PE1629, external by Jennifer Lewis on MRI scans for Ocular Melanoma sufferers in Scotland
• PE1653, external by Michaela Jackson on behalf of Gorebridge Community Trust on Active travel infrastructure
• PE1674 , externalby Ellie Stirling on Managing the Cat Population in Scotland
• PE1684, external by James Swan on behalf of Whitburn and District Community Council on Composition of local authority executive committees
• PE1694 , externalby Ralph Riddiough on Free Instrumental Music Services
• PE1698 , externalby Karen Murphy, Jane Rentoul, David Wilkie, Louisa Rogers and Jennifer Jane Lee on Medical care in rural areas

The committee is now discussing a petition on installing CCTV cameras and providing full time social work support in all additional support needs schools, external.

The petitioner has expressed concerns about how ASN pupils are restrained in schools.

Tory MSP Brian Whittle says while improving child protection is a laudable aim, CCTV feels "a bit Big Brother-y".

Convener Johann Lamont suggests thinking about the issues raised before then addressing whether the solution proposed in this petition is appropriate.

The committee agrees to write to the Scottish government, COSLA, the Scottish Social Services Council and representatives groups for those with learning disabilities.

Image source, bbc

Ms Lamont commits to getting a response from the Scottish government and all the organisations mentioned by MSPs which will inform whether a round table evidence session should take place.

"There seems to have been a conversation with government that seems to have run into the sand if we are being honest."

Ms Orr says the cost of these machines are £1,000 and upwards so when a new school is put up they should put the money towards putting one in.

The petitioner explains everybody has to have a fire extinguisher because it saves lives, but a defibrillator saves lives.

Ms Lamont thanks Ms Orr and her family for all they have been doing on this important issue.

Image source, ORR FAMILY

In April we reported that the Orr family started a campaign, Show Some Heart, to have defibrillators installed in all schools in Inverclyde, which they hope will extend to sports centres and other schools across Scotland.

As well as setting up a Just Giving page, they created a charity, Jayden's Rainbow, and opened a charity shop in Greenock.

"We have raised tens of thousands of pounds," Kerri, Jayden's sister, said at the time. "The Inverclyde community have been absolutely amazing. We have been overwhelmed by the support they have given us since the day it happened."

Jayden's family had ordered their first 10 defibrillators, costing £1,500 each, which were to go into schools in Inverclyde.

They had also arranged for a trainer from Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide staff training.

Read more here.

Image source, Orr Family

Ms Orr says younger kids in primary school need to know how to use a defibrillator.

"I don't want any kids at all to be scared to use it. It's not scary."

Ms Lamont agrees saying once you use a defibrillator you realise you can't hurt anyone.

Image source, bbc

Committee convener Johann Lamont asks if the use of a defibrillator is a skill we should all have.

Ms Orr says her family go into schools to teach kids how to use the defibrillators.

She tells the committee the questions the kids ask her are amazing and everyone seems to want to try the training.

"When they have a shot they realise it is not going to kill anybody," she says.

You are doing wonderful things in your area, but how can government support the work across Scotland asks Ms Lamont.

Kathleen Orr explains there has been an increase in awareness in Inverclyde of the importance of defibrillators since she started her campaign.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan - who represents Inverclyde - agrees but adds that it is important to have the equipment registered.

Otherwise ambulances cannot direct people to use it to save a life, he says.

NHS England and NHS Scotland are joining the British Heart Foundation and Microsoft to create a database of defibrillators across the UK.

But would you know how to use one? Defibrillator trainer Helen Tennant has this guide.

Video Journalist: Laura Foster

Image source, bbc

Committee convener Johann Lamont thanks Kathleen Orr and accepts how difficult this must be for her.

The convener asks what the outcome was after the meeting with the public health team at the government.

I didn't really feel it was of any great benefit and there was no further contact, says Ms Orr.

She explains she asked for a pilot to happen in Inverclyde but there has been no further detail on that either.

Kathleen Orr tells the committee that the petition is in memory of her son Jayden, who collapsed on an ice rink while training.

Jayden was taken to a separate room where there were a lot of staff, but none of them knew what each other was doing she says.

No staff was fully training in CPR and were too scared to attempt it, Ms Orr states.

"I am now Jayden's voice" she says, and adds she will be the voice of families whose loved ones have also passed away.

She calls for more defibrillators to be available for public use.

Image source, Orr Family

Ten-year-old Jayden Orr was a promising ice skater, training for the British Championships, when he suddenly collapsed on the ice rink.

The leisure centre where he was skating had a life-saving defibrillator, but the person given training to use it was not there.

Jayden, who had given his dad the thumbs up seconds before he collapsed, could not be saved.

His family do not know if using the defibrillator could have saved him, but they are now raising money to have child-friendly defibrillators put into schools and are campaigning to make sure defibrillators are registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Read more.

Image source, bbc

Public Petitions Committee convner Johann Lamont welcomes:

• Kathleen Orr, the petitioner whose ten-year-old son died from cardiac arrest
• SNP MSP Stuart McMillan

They are giving evidence on Ms Orr's petition on public access defibrillators from:

Image source, Getty Images

The majority of this morning's Public Petitions Committee will be discussing a petition on public access defibrillators, external.

Kathleen Orr, whose ten-year-old son died from cardiac arrest, is the petitioner and will give evidence.

It is calls for a new requirement for all new build, newly renovated or re-purposed buildings with a floorspace of over 7500m2 to have a public access defibrillator.

The petition also argues all defibrillators should be officially registered.

SPICe has published a briefing with further information here. , external

Image source, PA/BBC

Welcome to Holyrood Live on Thursday 22 November.

First up we will be watching the Public Petitions Committee as it takes evidence on public access defibrillators.

Then 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.