 Felly, rydw i allu amser y cens fulfil manipulateu'r sgwyllfa y ddynion, a maen nhw'n gwybod a'r ffordd i'r byddiau a bach i'r cyflwyntau. Fe wnaeth amser a'r cyflwyntau. Yn Yng nghymru, Willie Coffey. Ysgwteig y Sgwyllfa Arsgwyllfa Arsgwyllfa Fyngacaith i gynhyrchu trwy hynny oherwydd ac yn yw'r economa fyddai gynghordd y Llywodraeth Cymru, yn ystod yn 50 per cent y dywedd yn APD ac yn ddif chi yn ymdill iawn ddiweddol ar fy gwyligiau cyd-dweithiau. Mae'n bwrdd i'r gwyllgor o'r aelod o'r Aeport o'r Llywodraeth Cymru yn cynhyrchu'r systemau yn ysgirio o'r gwyllgor a'r aelod o'r aelod. Mae'n gwyllgor o'r aelod sefydliadau yn bobl sydd ei gael arno'r gwyllgor o'r aelod o'r aelod o'r 1 million additional passengers annually. It will enable Glasgow Presswick Airport to approach airlines more confidently in the pursuit of new route opportunities. Ryanair has indicated that if APD was abolished, it would double its passenger numbers in Scotland, which should provide significant benefits to passengers, businesses and our tourism sector, as well as to the airports involved. We have urged the UK Government to act on the Smith commission recommendation and devolve APD now. That view is shared by Scotland's main airports who have written to each of the Westminster party leaders urging quick progress. Willie Coffey, I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. Indeed, Michael O'Leary, as the cabinet secretary said, in response to a question on this at the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly that he could double the number of passengers coming to Presswick if APD was to go. The cabinet secretary will be able to give me an assurance that the power over APD is transferred under the Smith proposals that it will be enacted as soon as possible in order to maximise the benefits for the wider economy. It is incumbent on us to act as quickly as possible when we have that power, but the first thing that has to happen, of course, as Willie Coffey knows, is for that power to be devolved. We continue to press the UK Government to devolve APD as a matter of urgency. A number of studies in recent years have shown the negative economic impacts of APD as applied by the UK Government. Scotland's airports frequently tell us that APD represents a barrier to the route development efforts. We have seen from the sale of slots and withdrawal of routes the impact that APD is having on airlines. The chancellor's recent decisions to remove the two highest APD bans from April and to abolish APD for children under 12 from May have attracted good UK media coverage, but the economic impact for Scotland is anticipated to be limited. That seems to be a very slow devolution of power. First agreed, of course, in 2009, it seems to be about the same kind of process as the Chilcot report, both starting in 2009, neither of which has really produced yet not so much a breakneck pace as a brassneck lack of action on the part of the UK Government. Alex Johnstone I will be aware that I share his intent when it comes to the reduction or the abolition of air passenger duty, but in relation to the question that is asked, what evidence does he have to suggest that the reduction or abolition of APD would benefit Prestwick? Is it not a dangerous possibility that it might boost the airline industry and other airports without benefiting Prestwick at all? Alex Johnstone I have answered that previously, but I think that even if I take the example that I gave of Ryanair, who said that they expect a higher increase in Edinburgh Airport, I think that a million and a half from memory in terms of passenger numbers, but a million new passengers, if there was to be complete abolition of APD for Prestwick, is what they have said and doubling things currently. It has also been mentioned by Ryanair, but in addition to that, unlike the comment from his colleague Gavin Brown, who said that there was no question of the benefit of any reduction in flights going from Scottish airports in terms of APD, the fact is that if you make it easier for people to take their holiday destinations from Scottish airports to improve the economic performance of that airport plus all the supporting jobs that go towards the operation of that airport. We have that evidence, the York aviation study gives that evidence, Ryanair gives that evidence and we are confident that if we can get on and do this, if the UK Government ever gets round to developing APD, we could see huge benefits for Prestwick and all of Scotland's airports. Hans-Alam Ali Good afternoon, Presiding Officer. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to minimise the disruption to passengers and businesses during the renovation of Queen Street Station. A Network Rail and ScotRail are working together to deliver the redevelopment of Queen Street Station. In addition, Transport Scotland and its industry partners are working alongside Glasgow City Council, Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Passenger Focus and SPT to develop a robust management plan that will ensure the absolute minimum of disruption to the travelling public. Hans-Alam Ali Thank you very much for that response and I welcome the planned upgrade of the station, which is the third busiest in Scotland. As part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Plan Egypt, however, the project is planned to have a four-year construction period until 2019 and I have some concerns that the work will have a negative impact on how Queen Street connects with other modes of transport and access for disabled passengers. Can the minister assure me that the access to passengers will not be impaired in any way and that the reimbursement will go through perhaps even sooner rather than later? I think that this far out from the start date is very difficult to say that the project will go quicker than planned. However, what I will give a commitment to do is ensure that all those very relevant issues are considered and there is clear oversight of them in terms of access and the benefits of the work. Connecting with the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Project, the station redevelopment, the partnership with Glasgow City Council and other partners, we want to ensure that it is all tied in together and I will work very closely with our agencies to make it so. There are massive benefits in the station redevelopment and they should be realised. I am very sensitive to the issues around access and so on and I make sure that we are all excited on that as we work our way through. To further assist all Members in Parliament with all the issues around the rail improvement project and the station's upgrade, I intend to hold a presentation so that Members can hear of all the factors in relation to this multimillion-pound work and how it will bring immense benefits to the country. Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. I thank the minister for his reply. It is a very exciting time for Glasgow and Queen Street in my constituency. The minister mentioned benefits in his answer. Can he tell me exactly what improvements will be brought to the commuters in that area, Queen Street and also the businesses? Just like Sandra White, I am excited too with the project, as you would expect. Specifically, the benefits of this £120 million redevelopment while transforming Queen Street station into a world-class 21st-century integrated transport hub. Future-proofing capacity well into the next decade and passengers using the newly redeveloped station will benefit from improved accessibility, enhanced station facilities and direct access to the Buchanan Gallery's development. It will be inevitable working on a live railway and an operational station. There will be some disruption but we will try and minimise that to maximise the benefits that will emerge as part of the exciting project. I wonder if the minister can say anything about, can we encourage passengers going from Queen Street to Edinburgh to use the low-level service through Adrian Bathgate, which is excellent? Of course, I would agree with John Mason on that point. We will be using a range of diversions to ensure that we can maintain as much of the network as possible to make sure that connectiveness is there. Of course, that is why the line there will be of such benefit in addition to what was first envisaged. Of course, we will use everything that we can to try and minimise disruption to the travelling public to continue to give the rail network the support that it deserves and to continue to increase passenger numbers. Excellent question 3, Ken Macintosh. Thank you to ask the Scottish Government what assurance it can provide that Clyde and Hebridey and ferry services will not be privatised. The next Clyde and Hebridey ferry services contract will comply with European law and be tendered in the same way as it was for the current contracts tender process between 2005 and 2007. With the contract being awarded to the operator submitting the most economically advantageous tender, notwithstanding the need to tender the services, the operator will have to comply with a service specification defined by Scottish ministers and, as now, will be subject to stringent contract management arrangements. We clearly cannot prejudge who the successful bidder will be, but I can confirm to the chamber that the Clyde and Hebridey services will remain under the control of Scottish ministers throughout the contract. Can I thank the minister for his answer? Although I am not sure if Islanders and those who rely on those ferry services will be entirely reassured, is he aware of the anxiety that is felt that the services might be sold off to a company like Serco, just as the Government has sold off the overnight sleeper service to London? Can he assure Islanders at least that the services will be retained as one bundle and will not be sold off individually so that the most profitable elements are selected by the private company? As to the direct question that the member asks, yes, it will be packaged as one bundle. We will be very clear on the specifications that are required to address the needs of the travelling public. Of course, Islanders that I am very sensitive to in my capacity as Minister for Transport and Islands, but I do not accept, in its entirety, the characterisation from Ken Macintosh. That is the same process that the Labour Party deployed when you were making those decisions. We will ensure that the Islanders get the best possible service and will keep a very close oversight into the tendering process, and we cannot, must not—indeed, it would be illegal—to prejudge the outcome of that process. I welcome the Scottish Government's commitment to these vital services. I wonder if the minister can update the Parliament on the roll-out of RET Clyde and Hebrides ferry services later this year. RET will be rolled out for passengers, cars, small commercial vehicles and coaches to the remaining Clyde and Hebrides routes in October this year, as we committed to in the ferry's plan. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our island and remote communities in RET underpins the Scottish Government's commitment to providing one single overarching fares policy across Scotland's entire ferry network. I know that delivery of RET to the remaining Clyde and Hebrides routes will be warmly welcomed by those communities. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Further to Ken Macintosh's question, will the minister confirm the exact timing for the tender and whether he will involve in the future the island authorities in the tender process? Finally, will he agree with me that an integrated public sector operator is good news for jobs, services and fares? I am happy to write to the member with the exact details on the timescales if that is of assistance and give a guarantee. Yes, there will be future and ongoing engagement. There has been engagement and I have been very clear with island authorities that in conducting my business in the way that we propose to in the prospectus to Scotland's islands, then there will be even deeper and wider engagement on such matters. Yes, to more consultation and I will give the exact specifics on the timetabling of the announcement of the successful bidder to the member and any other member that is so interested. To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities last met North Lanarkshire Council and what was discussed. I had a chance to visit North Lanarkshire in my previous position as Minister for Transport and Veterans to witness the progress on the rail network in the area as part of the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements programme. I have not yet, however, had the opportunity in my new role to meet with North Lanarkshire Council. I thank the cabinet secretary for his response. Given that Ravens Craig is now a major national priority, will he look at what further the Scottish Government can do to support that can be given in attracting investment? For example, could the growth exhilarator model unlock more funding than TIF and will he agree to meet with myself and other interested parties in the near future? First, I will say that I am more than happy to meet with the member to discuss the issues that he has raised. Some of those issues are impacted by the Glasgow and Clyde city deal, which has been struck, which North Lanarkshire is a key part of. It has a number of projects that stay themselves. I think that the member will be aware of those who have prioritised as part of that city deal. I have not yet seen an approach on the growth exhilarator model, but I am more than happy, as I have said, to discuss that with the members and others that he wants to bring along to that meeting when that takes place. North Lanarkshire Council, like other councils, is experiencing service cuts and job losses because of the underfunding of the council tax freeze. Does the minister agree with John Stevenson of Unison, who said last week that if there were 40,000 job losses in any other sector, there would be calls for an inquiry from politicians? First of all, perhaps Neil Findlay's colleagues should not have voted for the Tory austerity programme at Westminster. That is the source of those cuts. Perhaps he could also take up that issue with his colleague. I think that it was Liam Burn, the last chief secretary to the Treasury, who left a note that the last word of the last Labour Government there is no money left. That is a legacy that Labour left us. Perhaps he should apologise to those 40,000 employees for the part that Labour has played in the cuts of local government. Question 5, Adam Ingram. To the Scottish Government, what its response is to the rail investment proposals in the industrial community alliances paper tracks to work? The Scottish Government welcomes this report and agrees with the need to rebalance the UK economy away from an over-reliance on London. We also recognise the critical role the rail industry has to support our businesses and communities by connecting town, cities and rural areas, improving access to employment and education. We have embarked on a £5 billion programme of railway investment across the network, including key projects such as the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvement programme, the Borders Railway, Aberdeen Tynverness rail improvements and the Highland Mainline rail improvements. I thank the minister for his response, but could I ask him specifically what investment is planned for the Glasgow south-western line that will improve the frequency of the service, and are there any plans to add a new rail halt at Morklin? Once rolling stock is available from December 2017, an enhanced timetable on the Glasgow Dumfries Carlyle route can be operated with more frequent services, better connections, catering on board and refreshed rolling stock, plus dedicated great Scottish Scenic trains journeys, demonstrating the Scottish Minister's commitment to improving rail services and connectivity across the Scottish network. The Scottish Government has no current plans to open a railway station at Morklin. Funding for new railway stations can be considered under the £30 million Scottish stations fund, which aims to lever in third-party funding to promote improved and new stations, but the responsibility to demonstrate the need for station improvements, however, lies with the relevant promoter—for example, local authorities and regional transport partnerships or developers. I would be more than happy to work with the member to take such an application forward. Many thanks. Mary Fee, briefly. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Much of the investment in rail infrastructure has been in the central belt or city areas. Borders rail is a notable exception to that. Traits to work makes the point that reopening existing lines is a cheaper alternative to investment in new services, and the investment generates growth through jobs. For example, 1,000 workers are employed on border rail, and many of the lines that were closed in Scotland are in new areas with poor connectivity and little access to jobs. Does the minister have any plans to reopen any lines previously closed, giving a welcome economic boost, or is that something he is willing to consider in future planning? Of course, the Scottish Government would be happy to consider any approach to extending reopened lines. Borders is a great example of how we are doing that. The station fund will also unlock opportunities to lever an external funding to open up stations as well. We would encourage partners to be as creative as possible and we will happily extend and expand the rail network. However, we are bound, of course, with the financial constraints that we are presented with, largely from the capital reductions in Westminster. Again, that should be challenged, but in terms of our proactive, encouraging approach, I would encourage all to take forward proposals to extend rail, because we know that it is increasingly popular and will serve Scotland well in terms of sustainability agenda in the future. To ask the Scottish Government what improvements are planned to upgrade the road and rail network in Aberdeenshire. The Scottish Government is addressing years of underinvestment in the north-east with schemes currently committed, including the Aberdeen-Western peripheral route, Balmerie-Tipperty, Aberdeen-Inverness rail improvements, Inveramsey bridge and Harroghan roundabout, totaling almost £1 billion. By 2030, the planned £3 billion investment on the A96 dualling between Inverness and Aberdeen will provide further vital improvements and will benefit the area. I thank the cabinet secretary for that extremely positive answer. Does the cabinet secretary agree with me that this is in actually keeping with the Government's proposal and strategy for economic growth and will provide jobs for the north-east, and is testament to the Government's plans in securing employment within the north-east sector? Of course, some members' questions are very topical one given some of the recent developments in the north-east, but the Scottish Government, for our part, fully appreciates the important link that investment in road and rail infrastructure plays in the creation and sustainment of jobs in the north-east, and that is demonstrated by the programme of investment that I have just outlined. As an example of that, the construction of the AWPR alone is expected to lead to more than 14,000 jobs being generated over the first 30 years after the scheme opens, and it is estimated that it will generate over £6 billion in additional income for the north-east by reducing costs to businesses and providing opportunities for increased sales. We can contrast that positive action by the Scottish Government with the dithering over oil taxation that we are currently seeing from the UK Government, which demonstrates that the Scottish Government is doing the job that is necessary to make sure that we increase economic activity and job opportunities in the north-east. We now move to portfolio questions on culture, Europe and external affairs. My apologies to those questions that I have been unable to call this afternoon. Question 1, Dave Thompson. To ask the Scottish Government when it will next meet the off-com to discuss broadcasting issues. I am due to meet Professor Philip Slashinger, the off-com content board member for Scotland on Wednesday 20 January, and a meeting is currently being arranged with the chair of off-com at her request. Dave Thompson. I thank the cabinet secretary for her answer. Given that the SNP is the third largest political party in the UK, I wonder whether she could let me know what she feels about off-coms position in terms of preventing the SNP to appear in the general election broadcasts that are being looked at at the moment. Along with parties such as Plaid Cymru and the Greens, and yet they appear to be proposing that UKIP, a small party, a tiny party in terms of comparison with the SNP, might be given a position in those debates. Off-com does not directly regulate debates, but the point that the member is making is in terms of consultation of the major parties. The SNP is now the third largest party in terms of membership in the United Kingdom. I think that the decision not to consult is one that is both illogical and undemocratic, but I must make clear that when I meet with off-com, I will be meeting as the relevant cabinet secretary in relation to SNP Government policy. Obviously, the issues that the member raises are quite rightly dealt with by the relevant party spokesperson. To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to promote major events in Scotland. This year, the Scottish Play host a fantastic programme of major events, including world championships in gymnastics, IPC swimming and eventing, European championships in judo and orienteering, as well as the Davis Cup, the Open, the Turner prize and the mobile awards. Having further enhanced our reputation as a world-leading events destination who has a highly successful delivery of last year's major events, the Scottish Government will continue to ensure that Scotland has a rich and sustainable programme of events that is effectively promoted at home and internationally. With the aim of maximising economic impact, major events are promoted through VisitScotland's international and domestic campaigns using a wide range of marketing channels, including social media, PR, television, advertising, direct mailing and, last year, the VisitScotland consumer website alone had approximately 14 million unique visitors. Any thanks, Mardy Fraser? I thank the cabinet secretary for her response. She mentioned the Open, which is coming to St Andrews in July. What specifically will the Scottish Government and its agencies do to ensure that we are maximising the economic opportunity to fife from this event, which will attract a worldwide audience of many million and try to make sure that as many of these people as possible come to visit fife in the years to come? In terms of the member's region, there are a range of activities that are taking place. I have particular focus on the Mid-Scotland and Fife area, in particular in a range of different areas, because it is not just that one event. It has come to that region for a range of areas and a range of activities. There is a numerous number of events that are taking place. In terms of the specific areas in terms of tourism, you will recognise that I am not the tourist minister. I am happy to ask for an issue in the relevant tourist minister to help to give him an idea of how the Government is helping to support VisitScotland to ensure that people stay longer, spend more money and boost the economy and the benefit of that Open Golf Championship. Any thanks to question 3, Neil Bibby. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Creative Scotland and what issues were discussed. The Scottish Government and Creative Scotland have regular meetings at all levels, covering a broad range of issues. Those include monthly formal update meetings through its sponsor team, as well as regular meetings about specific projects. I last met Janet Archer, the chief executive of Creative Scotland last Thursday, at the brilliant opening concert of Celtic Connections, celebrating Martin Bennett's work. Last week, I announced Richard Finlay as the new chair of Creative Scotland, and I am sure that members would want to wish him well in his new role. I will be aware of evidence to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee this morning from the film industry that raised concerns over Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise. Scottish Enterprise published a report back in our film studio in March last year. We have heard nothing since. In contrast to the growing film sectors in Wales and Northern Ireland, how did she respond to concerns that there is a lack of vision and leadership for the film sector in Scotland and that we are missing out on significant productions? The Government has provided significant support for the film and television industry. I would point out that, in terms of total figures for screen support from 2007 to 2013-14, what we inherited was £16.2 million of screen support in 2007. That level went to 2013-14 to £21.6 million. I absolutely share the focus and determination in relation to permanent film studio provision in Scotland. It is important not only to attract inward investment but also to help the indigenous industry here in Scotland. You will be aware that there are currently several privately funded studio proposals that are being consulted on. While that is in action, it is very difficult in relation to Scottish Government's public funding to be provided without breaking EU state aid rules. He will undoubtedly be familiar with the situation in Spain where there was a significant clawback from public funding for a publicly funded studio because it was seen to not comply with EU state aid rules. However, having said that, I am absolutely determined that we will see progress. I am looking forward to discussing creative industries issues more generally, but I also suspect on film with the relevant committee when I give evidence in the next few weeks. Many thanks. Reminding all members, brief questions and answers will be appreciated. Thank you. Can I ask the cabinet secretary in light of what she has just said? Why is it that, in 2013, the Scottish Government made a very specific commitment to the film industry for a £2 million grant and that has not been spent? I am sure that the member will examine the budget proposals. Particularly, it was not a £2 million grant, it was a £2 million loan fund. When you are dealing with a private sector, it can decide whether it wants to access that loan fund or not. Had there been market failure, that funding could be used in a different way with the public sector, but it is quite clearly provisioned that we have made. That is available as we go forward in relation to film support. Given the strength of feeling expressed by the film industry this morning, including claims that Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise are not fit for purpose, will the cabinet secretary hold an urgent meeting between Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise to address those concerns? I have yet to have a full read-out from this morning, but a number of the people who were giving evidence, I have met and regularly meet some of the issues in particular that I am familiar with. I think that there are issues in terms of how you can balance the economic enterprise focus that Creative Scottish Enterprise has and the lead role that Creative Scotland has in relation to arts and screen. That is not a new issue, that is a long-standing issue. However, it must be resolved and I share her points and the points that were made this morning that they should be resolved. That is what I will take responsibility to achieve. The point of order is an on-going evidence session with the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee. We are to meet Creative Scotland next week and Scottish Enterprise to date evidence. I think that it is inappropriate that the member raises that subject in the chamber this afternoon. Thank you for your point of order, Mr Robertson, but it is indeed not a point of order. Members are free, by and large, to raise whatever issues they choose in here in Parliament. That is what it is for. To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to recognise Holocaust Memorial Day and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The First Minister will attend the national Scottish Holocaust Memorial event 2015 in air on 27 January to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Brachinau, and the 20th anniversary of the Shrebenitza genocide. The Scottish Government has financially supported the development of the 2015 event through a grant of £8,000 to interfaith Scotland. I will personally attend the Glasgow School's Holocaust Memorial event and the Holocaust Memorial Day reception here in the Scottish Parliament. I thank the minister for that answer. Like all of us, he will have been appalled by the recent rise in antisemitism in both the UK and Europe, leading to acts of violence and indiscriminate murder. What will the Scottish Government do to help counter antisemitism and ensure that Jews feel safe and welcome here in Scotland? I thank the member for a really important question. Of course, I absolutely share his concern in terms of antisemitism. Also at the horrific actions that took place in Paris, those incidents that were specifically targeted towards the Jewish community, all of us, are united in our condemnation and indeed are hurt at those events. The Scottish Government values the important role that the Jewish community plays in enriching our lives here in Scotland. In terms of hate crimes wider, it is important to say that actually hate crimes have decreased over the 2013-14 period compared to 2012-13, but all that being said, since June 2014 until the 20th of January of this year, there have been 57 reported incidents of antisemitism. That is, by this Government standard, 57 incidents far too many. The Scottish Government works closely with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and many other organisations to stamp out antisemitism. For example, a recently Scottish Government-funded Speak Up Against Hate Crime programme will continue to reassure the Jewish community of Scotland that we absolutely appreciate their contribution to Scotland and will continue to work closely with them so that they feel safe in Scotland. Many thanks. To ask the Scottish Government what the budget priorities are in 2015-16 for the Culture, Europe and External Affairs portfolio. The Culture, Europe and External Affairs portfolio budget has been prioritised to maintain delivery of front-line services, including free access to our national museums and galleries, to deliver key capital projects in the culture on heritage sectors and to maximise our international profile. The full explanation of budget priorities for 2015-16 for the portfolio is set out in chapter 11 of the Scottish Government's draft budget for 2015-16, published in October 2014. According to SPICE, the portfolio has gone from having 1 per cent of the total Scottish budget in 2010-11 to not point 8 per cent and now to not point 7 per cent in 2015-16. Why is that? I am happy to provide further detail writing after this question. Some of it are internal transfers between Government for different areas. For example, in relation to homecoming or other areas, precisely the areas that I discussed with the committee when I have given evidence not just this year and previous years, we have maintained our international development fund and our grants that Scotland gives in relation to provision for renovation, heritage, etc. We have protected our national companies and national collections, and we have protected Creative Scotland as well. We have achieved a tremendous amount. The member, if he reflects on the cuts that DCMS and the Arts Council have seen significant cuts in the arts budget going forward. We have seen the Labour Party saying that it would maintain those cuts. I think that if you talked to the cultural sector in Scotland, it would far rather have an SNP Government protecting their cultural services here in Scotland, because the prospects of what is happening down south are really very distressing indeed for the artistic and cultural community. From that ever-decreasing budget, can the cabinet secretary tell us of what organisations that do receive some of that budget, of how many of them are living wage employers? In terms of our budget, the one thing I would say in relation to not just this question, but the next question, as we go forward to the 15-16 budget, you will actually see some increases in our budgets going forward. European external affairs up to 17.9 culture, 150.6 to 174.7, and to start Scotland going up from 37.8 to 40.1. In relation to the organisations, I would be pleased to let you know that in terms of those that are part of the Government's public pay policy, they do receive their living wage. I was particularly pleased, for example, that the National Museums of Scotland Enterprise was one of the first, not part of the Scottish Government's pay policy to implement the living wage for its staff as well. Everybody knows that, in terms of pursuing the living wage, all organisations within the Scottish Government's pay policy are in the benefit of not only the living wage, but for those that are earning less than £21,000 an increase as well. That matters a lot in the culture heritage sector, where, in comparison to other areas, there are more people that are on low pay in that sector. To ask the Scottish Government how many of its staff work in the culture and heritage and external affairs directorates. There are 50 people who work in the directorate for culture and heritage full-time equivalent of 47.4. There are 92 people who work in the directorate for external affairs full-time equivalent of 89.6. In our wider portfolio, there are low-paid staff working in the National Museums, where, for those who have been employed since 1 January 2011, they are now working a two-tier workforce, receiving up to £3,000 less than their colleagues who have been there prior to 1 January 2011. Will the cabinet secretary ditch the scripted rhetoric on low pay and do something to help some of the lowest-paid workers under her portfolio? If the member was listening to my answer to what I am trying to do, he realised that, in his portfolio, there have been more challenges than there were elsewhere. We have heard about the tightness of budgets, but, despite having one in his portfolio, many people are very dedicated who work in our collections in particular, but also in other areas of culture and heritage. Historic Scotland has seen the number of people who are stewards across the number of properties, and we have made sure that they have had a living wage not provided under the Labour Party when they were in government. Those earning are under £21,000, so we have made sure that they get their uplift, as well as a significant number operating in the sector. I have spoken to a number of the trade unions, and to the chair and the co-of-NMS. I want to see resolution, but the member is misleading when he gives the implication that people are not receiving or have had pay cuts. Nobody has received a pay cut, and nobody will receive a pay cut. To ask the Scottish Government what international development support it is providing for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Iraq. The Scottish Government's international development fund currently focuses on providing support in seven priority countries. In addition to those, over the past few years, we have responded to humanitarian emergencies in the Philippines, Gaza, Syria and West Africa. We have previously assisted in Iraq from money that was confiscated from the real group, but we do not have plans to extend that in the current international development funding round. We are closely monitoring the situation in Iraq, and we are very concerned at the plight of the people who have been affected by the ongoing violence carried out by ISIL against innocent civilians, which we condemn in the strongest possible manner. The minister will know through meetings with myself and correspondence that I have made that suggestions have been made around how the pharmaceutical sector could help support with the humanitarian crisis and how Scottish water and air expertise, for example, could help within refugee camps in the humanitarian crisis. I wonder what formal contact the Scottish Government considered giving to the Kurdish regional government to find out what specific bespoke and added value to the international aid effort in Iraq and in the wider region could be made. If you would meet me to help to coordinate those efforts to see what Scotland can do to play its part in the international crisis. I recognise the work that Bob Doris has done with the people of the Kurdish region and, since his last meetings with the then Cabinet Secretary for Health, Alex Neil, officials then contacted the ABPI, the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries, and they told us that they generally the industry works through the international health partners IHP to donate medicines to those places in need. ABPI have contacted IHP and are still awaiting response from them, but on the back of Mr Doris's questions I will certainly chase them up myself. In regards to Scottish water, this has been an issue that has been raised previously and the Scottish Government did in fact contact Scottish water to see what work it could do with the region of Kurdistan. Those appropriate details were passed on to the KRG Government. It would be of course for the KRG Government to directly liaise with Scottish water in order to determine whether or not there is some assistance that can be given. I am of course more than happy to meet the member and more than happy to meet representatives of the KRG, which we do on a regular basis. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Creative Scotland regarding long-term funding for the Gallic Arts Agency project in New Zealand. The Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages met with the chief executive of Creative Scotland on 11 December and discussed Creative Scotland's support for Gallic projects and initiatives. In this discussion, the role and funding of Project New Zealand was discussed. Ministers are aware of the strong record of PNE and are keen to see this continue and be built on in the years ahead. I thank the cabinet secretary for her reply, and I recognise her and the Scottish Government's strong support for Gallic to date. Clearly, however, the decision by Creative Scotland not to award annual client funding is disappointing, especially given that Gordon Gallic submitted a letter in support of PNE's application and that PNE has now placed its staff under protective notice of redundancy. Given that the cabinet secretary has widely recognised support for the Gallic language, I know that she will appreciate the impact of the decision, so I can ask her to ensure that Creative Scotland revisits the decision. It is the role and responsibility for Creative Scotland for its decisions. Difficult decisions had to be made. Remember that applications were £212 million for an available budget of £100 million. I reiterate our view that we want PNE to succeed in the future. They previously did not have annual funding. They had previously not had foundation funding. They had annual project funding. They are still eligible for project funding. I strongly recommend that they apply for that project funding, and I think that my message is about as clear as I can possibly make by confidence and the ability of that particular organisation to succeed. The next item of business is a debate on motion number 12101.