Speeches by Sullivan.

“We have already spoken quite a bit about the challenges of connectivity. It would appear that a lot of the mitigations around bank closures are really about shifting people towards online banking. Would you agree that a lot of the mitigations are actually reliant on good connectivity, when we have already identified th…”

“I would be delighted to see that information. It was of great concern to my constituents, when I was a councillor in Whitburn, when the last bank there closed. I know colleagues will share those experiences where the last bank has closed and people have been left without access to in-person banking services. Despite hu…”

“How do you respond to the suggestion that banks do not understand the scale of the challenges involved in accessing more distant branches in rural Scotland in terms of time, cost and transport reliability? I will just come back also to online connectivity. This Committee has heard time and again from communities across…”

“So more in-person stuff for new starters?”

“Do you think that was taken for granted?”

“Just for transparency purposes, one of my members of staff is here today: Angus Walker Stewart.”

“What knowledge do you have of the induction programmes and training provided by the House administration? If you attended any of them, which ones did you find most useful to your role?”

“We have another ongoing inquiry on connectivity, and one of the issues that comes up time and again when we are looking at the highlands and islands is depopulation. How much of the decline in the vernacular could be reversed if we tackle the issue of declining population and encourage more people to stay in those area…”

“I want to go back—very briefly, because I am mindful of time—to a point that a couple of colleagues made, and get an understanding of what the objective of the Gaelic language plans is where the language has not been traditionally spoken. Sometimes, when plans have come before councils, particularly given the cost pres…”

“I apologise in advance for my pronunciation—I am still working on it—but how important is the international recognition of “An t-Eilean” for raising awareness of Gaelic broadcasting and the Gaelic language?”

“What can be done to build on the success to ensure that there are long-term benefits for Gaelic-language communities?”

“Continuing on the theme of work with BBC ALBA, MG ALBA has reduced its programming hours by 28% over the past decade due to funding constraints. What do you think the impact has been on the overall use of the Gaelic language and engagement with Gaelic culture?”

“I think that is a really important point: it is not just about new speakers and growing from in terms of where the media is at just now and the different opportunities; it is also about being able to look back at the cultural archive, and preserving that. That is vital to any culture, I would have thought. Staying with…”

“What are the risks to BBC ALBA and the wider landscape of Gaelic use if the funding remains static?”

“Staying on the subject of education, can I ask Dr Birnie how broadcasting is used to support the language, both in Gaelic-medium education and beyond the formal learning framework?”

“Do you see that as being equally important to Gaelic-speaking communities and new speakers?”

“That is actually my next question. Before I move on to that, Professor Ó Giollagáin, to what extent does broadcasting strengthen active language use over more passive engagement and cultural awareness?”

“To go back to the key point of the question; what more do you think the MOD could to ensure the primes play their part in supporting SMEs?”

“Do you seek a regular forum rather than ad hoc communications?”

“Minister, you have made a very strong case for the importance of SMEs in the sector this morning, and we know that in turn prime contractors have a key role in nurturing SMEs. However, we have also heard that risk is often pushed down the supply chain. Indeed, John Howie from Babcock gave evidence to this Committee tha…”