Speaking following the debate on Prison Visiting Committees in the Scottish Parliament today, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said: "Today's debate highlighted the serious flaws in the Government's proposals to abolish Prison Visiting Committees.

"More than simply being an independent voice for prisoners, the Committees play a far greater role in ensuring that standards in our prison estate are maintained.　Yet the Cabinet Secretary refuses to acknowledge this.

North East Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes today challenged Community Safety Minister Roseanna Cunningham over the future of Scotland's retained fire stations in the wake of the Scottish Government's controversial Police and Fire Reform Bill.

Speaking after pressing the Minister on the matter during Question Time in Parliament today, Mrs McInnes said: "I asked the Minister for a simple assurance that, if the proposed reforms go ahead, our vital retained fire stations will be maintained. Sadly, the only response I received was a vague comment that logistics change over time.

Commenting after the Education Secretary gave a statement on Higher and Further Education Governance, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for the North East, Alison McInnes said:

"Obviously Michael Russell thinks he knows better than College Principals on how to run their colleges.

"Colleges are being put under central diktat as the Scottish Government tries to grab all the power to the centre. First it was our local police forces, now we are seeing it with our colleges.

Commenting on the announcement that initial work on dualling the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty is to get underway in June, Aberdeenshire Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes said:

"I'm delighted with the news that work is finally set to get underway on dualling this busy stretch of the A90. Along with other campaigners, I've been working for years to push the Government to get started.

Commenting on revised research on the benefits of setting a minimum alcohol price, Scottish Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:

"Far too many communities in Scotland continue to be blighted by alcohol abuse. We need decisive action to tackle this and minimum pricing is a step in the right direction.

North East MSP Alison McInnes today highlighted the importance of Citizen Advice's campaign aimed at helping people cut their fuel bills.

This week consumer organisations, energy suppliers, switching sites and Government agencies are working together to let consumers who are struggling with rising energy bills know about all the help that is available.

Last year when the Scottish Government announced its initial consultation on reforming Scotland's police services, ministers did so with the claim that they were going into the debate with an open mind.

A clear majority of respondents to that consultation were not in favour of the proposed single national police force. Even so, in September Alex Salmond announced that "after detailed consideration . . . persuaded that a single national police service is the right option."

Commenting on the rise in the number of C Difficile infections in the last quarter, Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said: "Hospital borne infections can cause devastating and life threatening consequences, especially in the elderly and vulnerable."

The North East MSP added: "Controlling these infections still clearly presents a challenge to health care professionals. However given the impact these infections can have, we need swift and effective action to deal with them. There is no room for complacency - constant vigilance is required.

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP is urging the Scottish Government to redouble its efforts to ensure there are adequate resources in place to help drug offenders turn their lives around.　

In answers to Parliamentary Questions submitted by Mrs McInnes, it was revealed that 70% of prisoners serving time for drug related offences have previously been in prison for a similar offence during the past 10 years.　

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP today expressed concern about the amount of people over the age of 65 who are being readmitted to hospital as an emergency within 28 days of being discharged from a medical specialty.　　

In answers to Parliamentary Questions submitted by Mrs McInnes, it was revealed that more than one in 10 elderly patients, who have been discharged after a stay in hospital, are readmitted within the month.