Committee News Release
CPP 003/2004
22 November 2004
PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE HEADS FOR INVERNESS
The Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee is heading to Inverness on Monday 29 November to hold a participation event to promote awareness of how easy it is to get your voice heard in the Scottish Parliament. More than 50 organisations from across Highland region are expected to attend.
The event, which will include workshop sessions, is intended to provide an overview of the petitions system. It will also draw upon the individual experiences of previous petitioners and provide practical advice and guidance on petitioning and e-petitioning the Scottish Parliament.
Convener of the Committee, Michael McMahon MSP said:
“This is the second event in the Committee's rolling programme of events aimed at promoting the public petitions system across Scotland especially to those groups and individuals traditionally excluded from the political process.
“We hope to build on the success of our visit to Dundee in June and we are delighted that over 50 organisations from across Highland region have applied to come along to our Inverness event on Monday.”
Public petitioner, Sandra Casey, said:
“The Belford Action Group recently petitioned the Scottish Parliament regarding the NHS's retention of round the clock consultant led acute services in rural communities. We found the public petitions system to be an accessible and effective means of highlighting our concerns which we are pleased to commend.”
MSPs will meet with local community, voluntary sector and equality groups in Inverness Council Chambers from 12pm – 4.45pm .
• List of organisations attending.
Media are invited to attend this event. The Convener, Michael McMahon MSP will be available for interviews from 12 noon until 1.30pm and thereafter on request where possible once the session is underway.
The Parliament’s media contact is :
Richard Holligan: 0131 348 6269
email: richard.holligan@scottish.parliament.uk
For specific committee information, contact:
Jim Johnston, Clerk to the Committee: 0131 348 5186
email: james.johnston:Scottish.parliament.uk
For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 34 85000
For general enquiries, contact: 0845 278 1999 (local
call rate)
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk