Ecoschools - a Primary Question
Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie has taken up a suggestion from pupils
at Wallacestone Primary School and asked the Scottish Executive to consider
a system of rewards to promote eco-schools and work by teachers and pupils.
Cathy began by asking what action the Scottish Executive is taking to
promote and encourage the building of eco-schools.
The Minister replied that the Executive "continue to work with local
authorities to create sustainable schools, and we provide funding for
renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures."
Cathy explained that this issue had been raised on a visit to Wallacestone
primary school, in her constituency, saying that "the children wanted
to know why the Scottish Government is not considering some kind of rewards
system to encourage the building of eco-schools and, more important, the
work that is being done by teachers and pupils in promoting eco-schools
and eco-systems. Will the minister consider that excellent suggestion
from the children of Wallacestone primary school?"
The Minister said that she would "take on board what the member has
said in relation to the building of schools. Local authorities and the
schools themselves should be in line for rewards."
"I know that many schools have achieved green flag status,"
said Cathy later, "but there is a lot more that can be done to promote
sustainable schools. I was pleased that the Wallacestone pupils were concerned
about this issue, and I was very happy to take it forward through a question
in the chamber. The First Minister has previously promised to maintain
the existing level of school-building, including eco-schools, but it is
not clear how this will be done when setting priorities is in the hands
of local authorities. That makes it important to maintain pressure on
the Executive to find the means to back up their commitment."
Ends
Note: Although the Scottish Executive has been restyled as the "Scottish
Government", this has no legislative basis, and questions in the
Scottish Parliament must be addressed to the Scottish Executive.
(December 2007)
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