Debates and questions

Answered by: Michael Russell 9 April 2020

The Scottish Government’s priority is responding to the current global and national crisis. We expect our response to the coronavirus outbreak will be sustained over an extended period. For that reason, careful consideration of a date for introduction of the Continuity Bill will take place as part of the wider work being carried out to prioritise essential non-coronavirus related legislation in the government's legislative programme. As part of this consideration, we will assess the impact on future domestic arrangements for environmental principles and governance.

A decision by the UK Government to take sensible steps to negotiate an extension to the implementation period would, of course, have an important bearing on those considerations.

Answered by: Maree Todd 9 April 2020

Charging policies are a matter for individual businesses, however we encourage all childcare providers to be reasonable and balanced in their dealings with parents, recognising the unprecedented situation in which we all find ourselves.

We fully recognise the critical role that Scotland’s childcare sector will play in our long-term economic recovery from the pandemic, and remain determined to realise our commitment to nearly double the statutory entitlement to 1,140 hours as soon as practicably possible. In addition to guaranteeing the continuation of funding for statutory places throughout the period of closure, the UK and Scottish Governments have made a range of support available to mitigate the economic impact of and disruption to businesses by coronavirus. More information on the range of business and financial support available to childcare providers is available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-childcare-closures-and-emergency-provision/pages/overview/ .

Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse 9 April 2020

Scottish Ministers recognise the important role that oil and gas workers are playing in maintaining a secure supply of energy to consumers at this time, and for maintaining critical national infrastructure, and I have thanked them on behalf of the Scottish Government. We will continue to liaise with Oil and Gas UK, trades unions and other stakeholders on measures to protect the safety of those working in the industry.

Current UK Guidance applies to oil & gas workers, in that Health Protection Scotland advises that any worker with relevant symptoms or any worker from households where there are suspect cases should self-isolate for the recommended periods and not travel offshore.

Answered by: Michael Matheson 9 April 2020

The Scottish Government is committed to achieving safer road travel in Scotland for all. We note that traffic flows have greatly reduced since non-essential travel was prohibited during the COVID-19 outbreak and therefore the Scottish Government has not considered reducing speed limits at the current time. However, it is vitally important that motorists continue to take care while making any journeys that are absolutely necessary for essential reasons.

Answered by: John Swinney 9 April 2020

All children and young people who rely on free school meals will continue to receive them during this period. Free school meals are a vital measure for families, children and young people across the country, and the Scottish Government is very grateful for the rapid work that local authorities have done already to ensure continuing provision.

The Scottish Government firmly believes that local authorities are best placed to design and develop solutions that meet local needs and circumstances as they will be aware of the specific challenges and solutions within their region.

On Thursday 26 March, the Scottish Government issued guidance to all local authority Chief Executives and Directors of Education regarding support to vulnerable children and young people.

The guidance included a specific section on free school meals which recognises that local authorities will continue to adopt different approaches depending on their individual circumstances and in response to local need. This will ensure that local authorities have maximum flexibility in approach in order to meet the needs of all free school meal eligible children and young people.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 9 April 2020

The Scottish Government and Food Standards Scotland have daily contact and frequent meetings with food retailers and their trade associations on a wide range of issues, including food distribution and equity of supply, public health and support and protection of customers and staff, and support for suppliers. At the present time, these meetings are conducted by conference calls.

Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse 9 April 2020

Oil & Gas workers who are identified as suspect cases offshore with mild and moderate symptoms and who return to shore will be advised to follow current guidance and self-isolate as soon as possible after arriving onshore, minimising any contact with the general public. Any worker who is sufficiently ill to require hospital admission will be evacuated from an oil installation and managed according to existing hospital admission guidance on arrival onshore to minimise the risks of exposing others.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 9 April 2020

Sawmills are a key part of the timber supply chain which supports ‘essential businesses’. Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors define those facilities, systems, sites and networks necessary for the functioning of the country and the delivery of the essential services upon which daily life in Scotland depends. Pallets and biomass are identified as essential forestry outputs linked to transport of key goods and energy, both part of Critical National Infrastructure. The 13 designated CNI sectors can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-construction-sector-guidance/

Provided that they can continue to operate in compliance with the latest Scottish Government guidance on social distancing, production is required to meet increased demand for pallets from supermarkets, pharmaceutical companies, chemical companies, packaging companies and logistics providers. The co-products they produce, chips and sawdust, also supply biomass to the energy sector.

Guidance for businesses in Scotland on social distancing, including the closure of all retailers that sell non-essential goods and other non-essential premises due to the COVID-19 outbreak is available at the following:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-business-and-social-distancing-guidance/ .

Answered by: Jamie Hepburn 9 April 2020

Our Enterprise Agencies are engaging with businesses to ensure they have information about, and understand how to access, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the wider package of support announced from both the Scottish and UK Governments to help employers preserve their business, maintain jobs and pay their workers throughout the coronavirus crisis. In addition, Coronavirus advice for businesses in Scotland is available through findbusinesssupport.gov.scot . We are urging all businesses to make use of this.

We are also urging employers, trade unions and staff to work together to reach the right decisions on all workplace issues that arise throughout the Coronavirus outbreak, in line with the Covid-19 Fair Work Principles, announced jointly by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture and the STUC General Secretary on 25 March.

Answered by: Kevin Stewart 9 April 2020

The Scottish Government’s top priority is the health and safety of the people of Scotland. Regulations are now in force requiring anyone carrying on a business providing holiday accommodation to cease carrying on that business. The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 came into force on 26 March 2020. Regulation 4 requires providers of holiday accommodation to cease carrying on with their business during the emergency period, subject to very limited exceptions. Police officers have powers to enforce these regulations.

Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse 9 April 2020

We are working hard to increase capacity to use testing to get critical workers in isolation back to work, but we will have to make difficult choices and currently we need to prioritise the health and social care sector. We continue to work with NHS Boards and others to increase testing capacity. We continue to engage with Oil and Gas UK, trades unions and other key industry stakeholders on measures to support the safety of those working in the industry.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 8 April 2020

The Scottish Government understands the importance of protecting our funeral sector from the risk of infectious transmission of COVID-19 via contact with the deceased. We have been working very closely with stakeholders from across the funeral industry to ensure they have access to the most up to date information relevant to them, including guidance from Health Protection Scotland, and information from The Royal College of Pathologists which outlines the PPE required for care of the deceased during the COVID-19 pandemic based upon the official advice.

In addition to this, we will shortly be publishing guidance for funeral directors and burial and cremation authorities, which includes the use of appropriate PPE, to further help these organisations manage their services during the current pandemic.

Answered by: Michael Russell 8 April 2020

The Coronavirus Act 2020 received Royal Assent on 25 March. It conferred various powers on the Scottish Ministers to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak - including powers that mirror those of the UK Government under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.

On 26 March the Scottish Ministers made emergency regulations, the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, under Schedule 19 of the Coronavirus Act to enforce the enhanced social distancing, or lockdown, measures announced by the First Minister on 23 March. The regulations came into force as soon as they were made.

Those regulations impose restrictions on gatherings of more than two people with a limited number of exceptions. The exceptions include members of the same household, to provide care, essential work, funerals and attendance of legal proceedings. Although people who do have to gather for one of these purposes should ensure appropriate social distancing.

The regulations also mean that certain businesses and places where people would normally gather must close, such as places of worship (with the exception of for funerals), pubs and cinemas. We understand that these are significant restrictions at an already difficult time but they are vital to protect our public services and ultimately save lives.

The Scottish Government provided guidance to accompany these Regulations on 27 March that is available on the Scottish Government website .

If further provisions are made under these powers we will update Parliament as quickly as possible.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 8 April 2020

The health and safety of our staff and patients is our main priority at this unprecedented time.

Uniforms with COVID-19 related contamination should be washed by NHS laundry facilities and not taken home to wash. Where possible, a number of Health Boards have expanded the use of NHS facilities to accommodate the laundering of uncontaminated uniforms for staff working within COVID-19 wards.

A review of the role of uniforms in the transfer of infections, and the effectiveness of laundry methods in removing contamination, has taken place based on the latest scientific and clinical advice. This review concluded that there should be no risk of infection from areas of uniform not covered by Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

A guidance document, has been developed and is available online and provides specific guidance on the use of PPE, as well as advice on preventing transmission. We are constantly updating this online resource to reflect the latest scientific and clinical advice.

https://www.staffgovernance.scot.nhs.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/guidance/

The guidance clarifies that it is safe for staff to launder uniforms at home, provided they are not contaminated and are washed separately from other items, at the hottest temperature appropriate for the fabric and stored and transported safely .

I hope this reassures you of our continued efforts to address the concerns of staff at this difficult time.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 8 April 2020

The UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) provides scientific and technical advice to support government decision makers during emergencies. In response to the Covid-19 outbreak all four of the UK nations are following the scientific advice from SAGE and their evidence is published online at: www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies-sage-coronavirus-covid-19-response .

In addition, Scottish Ministers; the Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Scotland, in consultation with the Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland have identified the need for additional scientific analysis of the impact of Covid-19 in Scotland, based on regularly updated advice and modelling from SAGE, and other emerging scientific evidence. In response, the Scottish Government COVID-19 Advisory Group has been set up and is chaired by Professor Andrew Morris, Professor of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Director of Health Data Research UK. He will be supported by vice chair, Professor David Crossman, Dean of Medicine at the University of St Andrews and Chief Scientist (Health) at the Scottish Government. The Group has met twice and the minutes of those meetings are published at: www.gov.scot/groups/scottish-government-covid-19-advisory-group/ .

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 8 April 2020

The Scottish Government has been modelling the impact for Scotland and updating this work as new epidemiological work and assumptions are provided by the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M). This is currently based on a reasonable worst case scenario that 80% of the UK will become infected as some point. Modelling has also been done on the reduction in the reasonable worst case for the social interventions under consideration and live across Scotland. Figures on actual cases are published daily by the Scottish Government.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 8 April 2020

Our priorities for testing are directing testing capacity to save lives and protect the vulnerable; ensuring that critical staff can return to work as soon as possible; and monitoring and reporting of the spread and prevalence of the virus in the population and the impact of public health measures.

Guidance has been published for the NHS to support use of the testing capacity in laboratories, in so far as it is not needed for essential care, in order to enable health and social care staff to be back at work when that is safe.

NHS territorial boards will put in place appropriate local arrangements for testing of NHS and social care staff who are symptomatic.

We are working hard to increase capacity to use testing to get critical workers in isolation back to work, but we will have to make difficult choices and currently we need to prioritise the health and social care sector.

Answered by: Ben Macpherson 7 April 2020

Our priority is to ensure that those directly impacted by current events are protected and we have asked councils to ensure that recovery proceedings are not initiated in these circumstances. The well-established Council Tax Reduction Scheme means nobody has to endure hardship or suffering because they have lost their ability to pay their council tax, including those impacted directly or indirectly by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have already set aside an extra £50 million to fund increased demand for Council Tax Reduction and Social Security benefits, as part of our £350 million package of support for communities.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 7 April 2020

The Scottish Government is aware that this is a worrying time for people but, it is absolutely vital that people stay at home during this time in order to protect those most at risk and the NHS.

The Scottish Government is proactively providing guidance to groups who require to increase social distancing, such as those adults with underlying respiratory conditions. This guidance can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tailored-advice-for-those-who-live-with-specific-medical-conditions/ .

Treatment plans are specific to individuals and should not be changed without advice from a medical professional. If an individual is receiving treatment for a respiratory condition, it is important that they take extra care of their overall wellbeing, and attending hospital appointments is part of this. Clinical teams will try to minimise the time people spend in hospital departments, for example arranging telephone or Near Me video consultations.

In terms of accessing pulmonary rehabilitation at this time, the My COPD app contains a pulmonary rehabilitation section and many charities provide support to people living with long-term lung conditions. The British Lung Foundation, for example, provides exercise videos designed for this group.

Answered by: Ben Macpherson 7 April 2020

The Scottish Government is delivering an information campaign aimed at ensuring people experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic know that financial support is available, including help with council tax. In addition annual council tax bills have recently been issued, with contact telephone numbers for local authorities and information on the Council Tax Reduction scheme. Anyone whose income or earnings are impacted by the pandemic and who may now struggle to meet their next council tax payment should discuss this as soon as possible with their council.

Answered by: Kevin Stewart 7 April 2020

Registers of Scotland, Law Society Scotland and UK Finance have agreed a process to enable transactions to be completed where an advance notice is in place. The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 also contains provisions which will allow property transactions already in progress to proceed to settlement and allow flexibility in the registration process to enable those transactions that have to take place during the COVID-19 outbreak to proceed. The temporary closure of the Registers of Scotland does not change the legal position of missives.

The Scottish Government published guidance on moving home in Scotland during the COVID-19 outbreak on 31 March: www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-moving-home .

Answered by: Michael Matheson 7 April 2020

Transport Scotland continues to engage with service providers during the COVID-19 situation to ensure that the appropriate measures are in place. ScotRail are providing additional carriages on their services to enable maximum space and they are reminding passengers of the importance of social distancing at stations. Bus operators are regularly reviewing their services and in some cases are considering introducing additional vehicles or double decker buses to assist with distancing. CalMac are also asking customers to follow the latest Government advice before boarding their vessels, including social distancing and hygiene, and COVID-19 safety advice has been added to their briefings before every sailing.

Guidance on these matters continues to be updated and therefore we would recommend accessing the NHS Inform website for the latest information, at https://www.nhsinform.scot/ .

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 7 April 2020

Hepatitis c and HIV treatment is delivered by territorial NHS Boards in Scotland, using funding from the core grant they each receive from the Scottish Government. This treatment provided by NHS Boards includes providing specialist care for patients infected via infected NHS blood or blood products. The Scottish Government is committed to the effective elimination of hepatitis c in Scotland by 2024.

Answered by: Michael Matheson 7 April 2020

The 10 minute journey time improvement on the Highland Mainline was calculated to be achieved through a combination of track enhancement and the delivery and introduction into service of all 26 refurbished High Speed Trains (HSTs).

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 7 April 2020

We published the draft Respiratory Care Action Plan for Scotland for consultation on 20 December 2020. The consultation was due to run until 3 April 2020, however, due to the on-going situation with COVID-19 we have extended the consultation to 3 July 2020.

This will be reviewed in June and will be extended further if required, in recognition of the fact that COVID-19 may have implications and consequences for many aspects of respiratory care going forward, including pulmonary rehabilitation.

In the meantime, public health advice is regularly updated and can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) on NHS Inform and at Public Health Scotland: https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/ .

The advice on the these websites is being constantly reviewed and updated based on the developing evidence base to ensure information relevant to specific vulnerable groups is included and up-to-date.

The single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.

• Only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons
• Stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people
• Wash your hands regularly and wash your hands as soon as you get home
• Do not meet others, even friends or family

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 7 April 2020

As set out in my response to S5W-28055 on 7 April 2020, an app MY COPD already exists which patients can access. The third sector provide a crucial role in supporting people with long-term respiratory conditions and the guidance sets out where people can access support - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tailored-advice-for-those-who-live-with-specific-medical-conditions/ .

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

Answered by: Kevin Stewart 6 April 2020

Annual statistics on the number of local authority housing eviction actions are published on the Housing Statistics section of the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/housing-statistics-management-of-local-authority-housing/ .

The statistics are sourced from annual housing statistics forms collected from local authorities, which includes information on the number of cases in which a notice of proceedings has been issued, for each year between 2009-10 and 2018-19.

Answered by: Kevin Stewart 6 April 2020

Annual statistics on the number of local authority housing eviction actions are published on the Housing Statistics section of the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/housing-statistics-management-of-local-authority-housing/ .

The statistics are sourced from annual housing statistics forms collected from local authorities, which includes information on the number of cases resulting in an eviction order, for each year between 2001-02 and 2018-19.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 6 April 2020

The First Minister announced on 30 th March 2020 that work will begin to transform the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow into a temporary hospital.

The NHS Louisa Jordan will increase capacity in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This will be an NHS hospital, staffed and operated by the National Health Service. It will have beds for 300 patients initially with capacity to take over 1000 patients.

Answered by: Aileen Campbell 6 April 2020

We have announced a suite of measures aimed at limiting the impact of COVID-19 on the business community and we are working with Scotland's 32 Councils, COSLA and business representative organisations to swiftly implement these to eligible businesses.

On 17 March, the UK Government agreed with the insurance industry that government advice for the public to avoid pubs, theatres, etc. (rather than ordering businesses to close) would be sufficient for businesses with appropriate cover to make a claim, as long as all other terms and conditions of the policy are met.

The business interruption insurance position is unchanged. Businesses which have taken out cover for notifiable diseases may be able to claim if they meet the terms and conditions of their policy.

The findbusinesssupport.gov.scot website is the best way for business to find the information they need in relation to Covid-19 (24/7). There is also a separate HMRC helpline on tax issues at 0800 015 9559.

This is a fast-moving situation and we are working hard to expand the information available on the website so that businesses can get the answers they need.

Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse 6 April 2020

In the 12 months to end March 2020 the total subsidy cost of operating the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service (operated by Clyde Marine Services Limited under contract to SPT) was £504,500. This figure includes a contribution from Transport Scotland for the 6 months to end March 2020.

Going forward, in the first full year under CalMac’s contract with Transport Scotland the subsidy cost of operating the Gourock - Kilcreggan service is anticipated to be some £857,000. Of this subsidy cost, SPT will contribute an increased amount of £387,500 per annum. This increase in operating costs includes the full cost of CalMac Ferries Limited chartering the vessel ‘Chieftain’ from Clyde Marine Services and all other relevant costs such as staffing provisions and maintenance.

After the first year of operation the costs of operating this service will be incorporated into the wider Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services subsidy provided by Scottish Ministers to CalMac.

Answered by: Shirley-Anne Somerville 3 April 2020

The Scottish Government is providing an additional £45 million to local authorities for the provision of awards from the Scottish Welfare Fund. £22 million of that will be distributed immediately using the current SIMD model as set out in the following table. The remaining £23 million will be distributed later and targeted where it is needed most:

Scottish Welfare Fund allocations to local authorities

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 3 April 2020

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-27801 on 24 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website; the search facility for which can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse 3 April 2020

The Scottish Energy Strategy, published in December 2017, set out our vision for the future energy system in Scotland. Scotland’s energy networks will play a vital part in delivering our Strategy, and the transition towards a low carbon future. It is crucial that they are developed and funded in a way that recognises the key role they play in the energy transition, and capable of delivering a sustainable, low carbon future.

The Scottish Government, through the Energy Strategy, also set out a bold ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, eight years ahead of the rest of the UK. In addition, on 3 March 2020, the Scottish Government introduced the Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament. The Bill aims to encourage greater deployment of district and communal heating in Scotland by introducing regulation to the sector.

Decarbonising transport and heat will be vital, as we highlighted in our Vision for Scotland’s Electricity and Gas Network to 2030; this creates particular challenges for planning and operating our electricity networks, which must be able to support the increased demand that growth in these areas will create. This includes enabling the rapid rollout of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs), the latter alongside an EV charging network which can accommodate and support them. Achieving this will require innovative approaches to make the most effective use of new and existing network capacity, balancing costs and benefits to today’s consumer against those of future consumers and society as a whole.

Increased demand and applications for connection to the electricity distribution network will also increase our reliance on the electricity system. We need to ensure that our electricity networks are upgraded to serve that demand, and that our capacity to generate zero carbon electricity continues to grow. We are working closely with Scotland’s network owners to understand what needs to be done and when, and engaging regularly with Ofgem and the UK Government to ensure that the regulatory system can facilitate the necessary investment.

The Scottish Government has recently established a new group focused on Scotland’s energy networks. The Energy Networks Strategic Leadership Group (SLG) provides a knowledgeable and influential forum for discussing the ways in which the development of Scotland’s energy networks can recognise and deliver Scottish energy and climate change policy objectives.

We continue to support renewable generation projects in Scotland, and welcome the recent consultation on allowing onshore wind and solar to compete in future Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions. These sources, as well as offshore wind, island wind and marine renewables, will help meet that higher electricity demand, and deliver our target for the equivalent of 50% of all energy to come from renewable sources by 2030.

Answered by: Christina McKelvie 2 April 2020

The Scottish Government will publish an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) when the Scottish Child Payment regulations are laid in the Scottish Parliament. The timescale for this will be confirmed in due course given the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security’s statement of 1 April on the implications of Covid-19 for the Social Security Programme.

As part of the process of developing the EQIA, the Scottish Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders representing the protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act to understand the potential impacts and barriers these groups may face to claiming the Payment. This activity has complemented the work of our user researchers who have, to date, engaged with over 300 citizens on the design of the Payment, including those across the protected characteristics.

Answered by: Christina McKelvie 2 April 2020

Yes. The Scottish Government remains fully committed to meeting its UNCRPD obligations. The Scottish Government’s commitment to the principles of the UNCRPD is set out in its disability action plan which was published in December 2016.

Disabled people are also entitled to the rights set out in other human rights treaties, together with the protections established as a matter of domestic law by the Human Rights Act 1998, the Scotland Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010.

Answered by: Aileen Campbell 1 April 2020

The Scottish Government is making available £350 million of funding to support local government, the third sector, communities and people during this unprecedented public health emergency. This coherent, substantial package of funding and support will address the financial, social and geographical vulnerability of individuals and communities.

The additional funding includes £50 million to support local authorities with their own resilience and hardship plans; £45 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund; £50 million to help meet additional demand on the Council Tax Reduction scheme; a £70 million Food Fund to support families and older people who would otherwise be unable to access food; £40 million to help communities respond to local needs and challenges ; £48 million enabling support for national and local action by the third sector to reach the most vulnerable groups; and £20 million for third sector organisations who need capital to tide them over.

It will ensure that people facing financial hardship as a result of the economic impact of social distancing and self-isolation measures have access to direct financial help; that local authorities have additional resource to respond to local need; that charities, third sector, community and social enterprise organisations remain resilient and able to meet new demand with effective and local level solutions; and that no-one faces food insecurity as a result of Covid-19.

Answered by: Roseanna Cunningham 1 April 2020

The Scottish Government published the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland in 2017. Implementation of the strategy is led by SNH who work in partnership with others to encourage and support a range of initiatives to help all pollinating insects. These range from creating new habitat and enhancing existing habitats through to public engagement and monitoring. SNH produces an annual Pollinator Progress Report and this highlights the many projects being carried out across Scotland by a range of groups to make Scotland a more pollinator-friendly environment.

SNH also increasingly identifies cross cutting opportunities within its own work to deliver its ambitions for pollinators. Hence programmes such as Green Infrastructure and the Biodiversity Challenge Fund support projects that help pollinators. The SNH website outlines the various initiatives in place to help Scotland's pollinators.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 1 April 2020

Due to the current unprecedented circumstances the work of National Advisory Committees is being paused to enable health and social care professionals to focus on providing care, support and treatment to people in connection to COVID-19.

Answered by: Roseanna Cunningham 1 April 2020

Preparations for COP26 are well underway, but significant adaptation to how we engage with partners and stakeholders has been made to reflect the public health emergency that we now find ourselves in the midst of. The situation is having serious implications both for the health of the nation and our economy. In this changed landscape, governments, globally are taking stringent measures to halt the spread of the virus. The current position remains that the summit is due to take place in Glasgow, November 2020.

We will continue to work with partners and will be guided by scientific advice in the run-up to the event but our immediate concern, as would be expected, is in dealing with immediate impact of the virus.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 31 March 2020

The Scottish Government has issued an approval to enable women having an early medical abortion to take both abortion pills at home. The intention is that this approval will remain in place during the Covid-19 outbreak. This will ensure patients can have their consultation by telephone or video call so they can follow public health advice to stay at home. Following the consultation, if the patient wishes to proceed, and where this is clinically appropriate for them, the medication will be delivered to their home. Patients will be given clear instructions on how and when to take the medication and will be given contact details they can call at any time if they have any concerns or queries.

Some patients will still need to be seen in person where there are clinical reasons for this, but this change should help minimise the number of patients attending clinics during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Chief Medical Officer has written to NHS Boards to encourage them to implement this as soon as possible for those patients for whom it is appropriate. She has also asked them to ensure as part of their contingency planning that all women who choose to have an abortion can continue to access abortion services within the legal time limits.

Whilst there is a legal requirement for two registered medical practitioners to sign off each abortion, the CMO’s letter also provides further information to help NHS Boards continue to ensure the legal requirements are met and allow terminations to proceed without delays. NHS Boards have been asked to consider whether doctors can review a patient’s notes remotely and sign forms electronically. The Scottish Government understands that NHS Boards are willing to help one another with providing opinions on abortion and signing off if any individual Board needs support.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 31 March 2020

The Scottish Government is doing everything it can to ensure we have sufficient numbers of staff on the ground who are well supported in these challenging times.

NHS Education for Scotland has created a new Health and Social Care Covid19 Accelerated Recruitment Portal. The Portal is accessible through the NHS Careers website at:

https://careers.nhs.scot/coronavirus-covid-19-recruitment/

The portal is the gateway to accelerated employment across health and social care. It will enable those with relevant skills and experience to come forward and support health and social care services at this time of national emergency. It will apply to those who are registered, whose registration has lapsed, or who are enrolled on a healthcare profession qualification with a university or a college.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 31 March 2020

All pregnant women will continue to receive high quality care from maternity professionals throughout the period when we are dealing with COVID-19. This is a fast moving situation and there are currently significant pressures on staffing across NHS Health Scotland and maternity care, both in acute and community settings remains a priority service. We are looking to deliver services in different ways, including using phone or telehealth consulting where appropriate. Service provision is being evaluated daily, with the aim of continuing to provide choice of place of birth as far as possible, whilst recognising the staffing pressures. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, supported by the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, have published guidance for healthcare professionals and pregnant woman available at https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 31 March 2020

Our priorities for testing are directing testing capacity to save lives and protect the vulnerable; ensuring that critical staff can return to work as soon as possible; and monitoring and reporting of the spread and prevalence of the virus in the population and the impact of public health measures.

Guidance has been published for the NHS to support use of the testing capacity in laboratories, in so far as it is not needed for essential care, in order to enable health and social care staff to be back at work when that is safe.

We are expanding this programme to cover critical frontline NHS and social care staff, and workers in other critical areas.

However, the tests we have available are effective at identifying people who have COVID-19, but only when they are symptomatic. They cannot reliably detect infection prior to the onset of symptoms. This is why we are not testing key workers who do not have symptoms.

NHS territorial boards will put in place appropriate local arrangements for testing of NHS and social care staff who are symptomatic.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 31 March 2020

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-28062 on 31 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 31 March 2020

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-28062 on 31 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse 30 March 2020

The decision about where to decommission topsides, other infrastructure and specialist vessels is a commercial one for asset owners. The Scottish Government does not hold data on the number of North Sea decommissioning projects carried out in Scotland’s port facilities since January 2017.

There are, however, many examples of oil and gas decommissioning successes in Scotland. A number of ports are actively winning contracts, and building the capability to do so. Scottish Ports have distinct advantages and infrastructure that can be utilised to increase capacity to undertake decommissioning projects of all sizes and nature, and for fixed and floating assets. Examples include:

- The Ninian North will be decommissioned in Shetland this year

- The Port of Cromarty Firth is now fully licenced, and with plans for a new £28 million quayside in the pipeline, is actively engaged in decommissioning subsea infrastructure from Fairfield Energy's Greater Dunlin Area

- Nearly 2,000 tonnes of material have crossed the quayside at Aberdeen Harbour from high-profile projects like the Shells’ Brent Alpha, and Maersk’s Leadon and Janice projects

- Peel Ports are continuing to develop Hunterston which will enable it to support a range of circular economy opportunities including decommissioning

The Scottish Government is committed to maximising the economic benefits available to Scotland from decommissioning, ensuring Scotland is a thriving centre for decommissioning activity and allowing the supply chain to continue to develop competitive capabilities.

This commitment is demonstrated through the Decommissioning Challenge Fund (DCF), launched in 2017 by the First Minister. The DCF supports ambitions outlined in our Energy Strategy, building on Scottish Enterprise’s Decommissioning Action Plan and industry feedback highlighting that Scottish companies have been successful in winning offshore decommissioning work, such as high value plugging and abandonment work, but that investment is required at Scotland’s ports and harbours to increase our capture of dismantling and disposal contracts. The DCF has so far supported 28 projects, with funding awarded totalling £10 million.

The fourth round of the DCF was launched in July 2019 with £4 million funding available. The results of this round will be announced shortly.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 30 March 2020

Due to the rapidly changing situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) the Scottish Government is to temporarily pause a number of screening programmes. These are:

• Breast Screening (mammograms)

• Cervical Screening (smear tests)

• Bowel Screening (home test kits)

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening (ultrasound of abdomen)

• Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye) Screening (images taken of the eye).

Pregnancy and Newborn Screening Programmes, including tests offered during pregnancy and just after birth, will continue where logistically practical.

This means no additional patients will be invited for screening until further notice. Results for those who have recently been screened or who have completed and returned home test kits will continue to be processed.

The suspension is temporary and will be formally reviewed after 12 weeks, or earlier if indicated by the evidence.

Pausing these screening programmes allows staff to be re-allocated to support other essential services, including COVID-19 laboratory testing and covering for colleagues who are unwell or self-isolating.

Vaccination Transformation Programme

The timescale for completion of the Vaccination Transformation Programme, which commenced in 2018 and was due to complete in April 2021, will be extended by one year to April 2022. This will enable the NHS staff whose involvement is vital to the success of the programme, to fully engage with the COVID-19 response over the coming months.

Implementation of the Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Act 2019

Implementation of the Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Act 2019 has been rescheduled to March 2021.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 30 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 30 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 30 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 30 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Shirley-Anne Somerville 30 March 2020

The Welfare Funds (Scotland) Regulations 2016 allow for more than 3 awards in a rolling 12 month period where the local authority considers there are exceptional circumstances. We have written to local authorities to remind them of this, to make it clear that we consider the current circumstances exceptional and to advise them to suspend the 3 award maximum.

Individuals may also apply for a Community Care Grant to meet needs that arise out of exceptional pressure on the applicant or a member of their family. Local authorities have discretion as to how they assess the degree of that pressure in terms of its effect on the individual family as well as the type of pressure, or how common it is.

Officials are in regular contact with local authority colleagues to monitor issues as they arise and to identify any areas where further help or flexibility is needed.

Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse 30 March 2020

The Scottish Government does not hold data on the number of North Sea decommissioning projects scheduled from 2020 to 2023.

Information on decommissioning programmes is available from the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED). All information on decommissioning programmes for the UK Continental Shelf, including proposed and approved decommissioning projects, can be found through the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-decommissioning-of-offshore-installations-and-pipelines

The decommissioning oil and gas infrastructure, at the end of its life, presents great potential for Scottish ports and companies to capitalise on a market that is forecast to reach £15.2 billion over the next decade. The Scottish Government is committed to maximising the economic benefits available to Scotland from decommissioning, ensuring Scotland is a thriving centre for decommissioning activity and allowing the supply chain to continue to develop competitive capabilities.

The Scottish Government has provided support to ports, harbours and companies through the Decommissioning Challenge Fund (DCF), which supports projects designed to enhance Scottish decommissioning capabilities. The DCF has so far supported 28 projects, with funding awarded totalling £10 million. DCF Projects include port infrastructure upgrades and innovative technological development, from improvements in well plugging and abandonment through to onshore decommissioning and waste handling.

Examples of supported projects include Isol8’s ground-breaking and innovative work on developing a thermite-based well barrier tool string for the well plugging and abandonment market, and infrastructure improvements at Kishorn Port which has supported the port in now being ready to win decommissioning contracts.

The fourth round of the DCF was launched in July 2019 with £4 million funding available. The results of this round will be announced shortly.

Scottish Government has also made commitments to establish an ultra-deep water port at Dales Voe, Shetland, which would allow the largest decommissioning contracts to come to Scotland. This would bring benefits not only for a single location, but as part of an integrated and networked Scotland wide decommissioning offering.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 30 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 27 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Aileen Campbell 27 March 2020

Last week I announced a £350 million support package in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to support people and communities most at risk. This will provide funding for community organisations who, in these challenging times, are already taking positive action.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 27 March 2020

This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise and I have therefore asked the Interim Chief Executive to respond to you directly.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 26 March 2020

The Scottish Government continues to work with regional partners in the development of the Falkirk Growth deal and partners envisage a strong tourism offer for Falkirk arising from this.

At present though, our time and resources are being spent helping the entire tourism sector across Scotland in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Assisting businesses in these crucial times is vital and we have recently announced a £2.2 billion package of measures to support businesses, including businesses in the tourism sector.

As things improve, I would be happy to ask my officials to provide the Member with more detail on VisitScotland’s work in the Falkirk area.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 26 March 2020

Our consultation on the Bill did not recommend inclusion of a right to food but proposed that Scottish Ministers should be obliged to have regard to international obligations, which are wider than just the right to food, when developing statements of policy on food.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 26 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 26 March 2020

South of Scotland Enterprise will take up its legal powers and begin its work with businesses and communities across the south on 1 April 2020 as planned.

There has been some speculation around a potential delay to the launch date as a result of legislation laid before the Scottish Parliament on 20 March 2020. The legislation laid before parliament effects a technical amendment only relating to the transfer of property and liabilities from Scottish Enterprise to South of Scotland Enterprise.

This is simply an administrative adjustment to the date that properties and liabilities will legally transfer between the two enterprise bodies, without impacting the operational activities of either body. Plans for the establishment of SOSE on 1 st April are well advanced, and the agency will open on schedule next week as planned.

The work of our enterprise agencies is even more critical in light of COVID19 impacts on our economy, and SOSE is already preparing to play its part in supporting economic recovery in the south when it assumes operational responsibilities and legal powers.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 26 March 2020

 Yesterday I announced an initial package of more than £5 million in financial support to assist fishing businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This funding will be offered to over 650 seafood fishing companies, many of whom have lost their livelihoods with the collapse of export and hospitality markets for Scottish delicacies like langoustine, prawns and crab.

An initial payment of 50% of two months’ average earnings will be made to owners of all full time Scottish registered fishing vessels of 12 metres length and under, many of whom operate in remote and island communities.

I recognise there might be more that we need to look at for the wider sector – the impacts of this crisis will continue and some will grow and deepen. We are monitoring matters and remaining in close discussion with all stakeholders in the fishing industry to understand what is happening and what might happen. Things obviously are moving quickly and we are alert to that.

Those vessels not eligible for this initial support package, but who feel they are in urgent need of support are invited to submit an enquiry to Marine Scotland. All fishing businesses are different, and we will consider any such enquiry for financial support on a case by case basis.

Support is also being developed for the onshore processing industry – one of the largest employers in Scotland’s coastal communities – and others in the shellfish growing sector which are being affected by the loss of trade and markets.

The need for action is immediate and we all have a part to play in supporting our fishing sector, be that creating alternative markets through the retail sector, buying Scottish seafood where people can and, of course, providing financial support where this is most needed.

Any questions or queries about the fund can be directed to the central mailbox: seafisheriesintervention@gov.scot

Answered by: Christina McKelvie 26 March 2020

The most recent information provided by Rape Crisis Scotland on waiting lists across rape crisis centres is from October 2019 and as follows:

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 26 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Mairi Gougeon 26 March 2020

The Scottish Government promotes the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which aims to help land managers in all sectors, including agriculture, reduce their reliance on the use of pesticides, including those containing glyphosate. IPM is a site specific approach that integrates a full range of measures to manage pests, weeds and diseases, while minimising risks to people and the environment.

The Scottish Government will continue to work with land managers to further reduce reliance on pesticides as outlined in our recent Programme for Government.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 26 March 2020

The Scottish Government is working closely with retailers and local government to ensure food and supplies remain available across all of Scotland. We have acted to enable local authorities to relax restrictions on delivery hours, delivery driver working hours, and shop opening times to help and to allow shoppers more opportunity to access supplies out of normal business hours.

Retailers have assured me that there is sufficient stock within the system and what we are seeing just now is a symptom of the unprecedented demand. That could be greatly eased if shoppers buy just what they need and I ask everyone to shop considerately and locally to support our food and drink retailers and producers where they can.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 26 March 2020

I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by: Michael Russell 26 March 2020

At this time of global crisis, Scotland is all the more committed to acting as a good global citizen, including reinforcing the resilience of vulnerable countries to tackle Covid-19. Scottish Universities are working with international scientists in efforts to defeat the virus and we continue to offer support to international citizens in Scotland. I would like to offer solidarity to Colombian and other South American citizens as we face similar challenges in containing the spread. I would encourage us all to work collaboratively, learn from one another and continue to come together to support those in need and ultimately overcome the virus.

While Colombia is not a named priority country for the Scottish Government, exports are valued at £50m per year and links are being developed in the field of human rights and culture. Colombia were one of 30 countries to attend the 2019 Momentum delegate programme, led by Festivals Edinburgh and supported by Creative Scotland. Colombian arts and culture delegates from Cali International Dance Biennale, and Teatro Santander; Nova et Vetera visited Edinburgh in August.

The Scottish Government has made clear its support for, and solidarity with, the work of human rights defenders in Colombia. In October 2019 the Minister for Older People and Equality met representatives of the Guardians of the River Atrato from Chocó province. On 11 March 2020 a delegation from the Colombian Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Co-Existence and Non-Repetition held a roundtable event in the Scottish Parliament and met the Minister for Older People and Equality. The Commission is a key component of the Colombian peace accord, and was established to secure the right to truth and to recognition for all victims of the armed conflict in Colombia.

Colombia’s record on human rights, and the essential role played by both civil society campaigners and the international community in promoting positive action to uphold human rights, formed part of the subject matter of the debate held in the Scottish Parliament on 10 December 2019 to mark Human Rights Day.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 25 March 2020

The Short Life Working Group’s Report has today been published on the Scottish Government’s website, and can be viewed here .

The report contains key recommendations in relation to care pathways, the multi-disciplinary team process, patient information and decision aids, patient follow-up procedures, and clinician training. The Report has been presented to NHS Chief Executives and all Health Boards are expected to act on its recommendations.

In addition, the Group last year recommended the establishment of a National Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service. That recommendation is being progressed.

As stated in its report, the Group will continue to exist until the Scottish National Pelvic Mesh Removal Service has been established. Thereafter, it is important that a new group is established with appropriate representation, from both clinicians and those with lived experience, and with authority to both provide oversight of the delivery of improvements in services and to review implications for Scotland of external reports.

More generally, we continue to progress work including the establishment of a Case Note Review; we have invited Dr Veronikis to Scotland and await his response; and we are creating a £1 million fund for women affected by mesh complications. I hope to announce details of that fund in late spring.

Despite the foregoing, we must be mindful of the ongoing situation with COVID-19. This means, for example, that we may have to delay the commencement of the Case Note Review until official advice allows face-to-face meetings of the kind this would require, and delay referrals to the new Complex Pelvic Mesh Removal Service until appropriate. However we are continuing with our work to ensure that, where there is any delay to our plans, we will be ready as soon as it is safe and practicable to proceed.

Answered by: Humza Yousaf 25 March 2020

The available information is provided in the following table, which has been produced from the Scottish Government’s criminal proceedings database .

Please note: Information for 2018-19 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2018-19 Statistical Bulletin. The dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ForthcomingPubs

Number of people convicted in the Scottish Courts for fly-tipping offences¹, 2013-14 to 2017-18

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 25 March 2020

We understand that sport scotland has sought to explore all options in detail before making this decision, and that it is committed to supporting the future growth of sailing in Scotland as well as a future for the centre which will benefit the local community.

Answered by: Michael Matheson 25 March 2020

Four applications totalling £5.3 million were submitted into the rapid Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS). Given the COVID-19 situation it is unlikely that bus operators would be able to take up any award from SULEBS, so the scheme is on hold while we consider how to progress. BEAR phase 3 applications are currently being evaluated and awards will be published once the European Commission reaches a decision on the notification to potentially increase the State aid thresholds.

Answered by: Humza Yousaf 25 March 2020

The available information is provided in the following table, which has been produced from the Scottish Government’s criminal proceedings database .

Please note: Information for 2018-19 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2018-19 Statistical Bulletin. The dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ForthcomingPubs

Total value of fines issued by the Scottish Courts for fly-tipping offences¹, 2013-14 to 2017-18.

Answered by: Humza Yousaf 25 March 2020

Dealing with fly-tipping is primarily a local authority responsibility. Scottish Government does not hold information on fixed penalty notices issued by local authorities for fly-tipping offences.

Answered by: Roseanna Cunningham 25 March 2020

SEPA has received 5 allegations of breaches of protocol at hospitals since the contract with Healthcare Environmental Services ended. Some of these referenced waste storage facilities at more than one hospital site.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 25 March 2020

Volunteers are part of the fabric of the NHS in Scotland and we recognise and appreciate the enormous contribution they make to the lives of individuals and communities. Volunteers enhance service provision, helping to free up professional resources and we are working as a matter of urgency to maximise volunteering opportunities. A number of NHS Boards are considering developing a specific volunteer role to support the service in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a role is likely to evolve from existing volunteer roles such as mealtime assistants and ward volunteering, but may be developed further to meet local need and demand.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 25 March 2020

I refer the Member to the answer to question S5W-27927 on 25 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Answered by: John Swinney 25 March 2020

In response to the current challenging set of circumstances, I have had extensive discussions with the Chief Examiner. This culminated in my announcement on 19 March that the exam diet will not go ahead this year. SQA are now working to deliver a credible certification model that can be put in place and can command confidence in the absence of the exam diet. This will ensure that young people in our schools and colleges who, through no fault of their own, are unable to sit exams, are not disadvantaged.

We will continue to work with the education sector and SQA to achieve this.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 25 March 2020

sport scotland has undertaken an extensive review, which has included consideration of impact on the following:

a) The local community and economy

sport scotland has consulted with the local community and conducted detailed discussions with staff and partners. sport scotland has determined that the Centre provides little direct economic benefit to the local economy. Its assessment includes an estimate of the economically active population of the island contributed by staff (0.4%), the percentage of ferry passenger journeys by staff and users on the Largs – Cumbrae route (1.5%), and the annual spend of the National Watersports Centre spent with local businesses and suppliers (£15,500 in 2018-19). sport scotland will publish a full Island Impact Assessment, which is expected on 27 March 2020.

b) People from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds

sport scotland has analysed bookings for the period from April 2018. This analysis found that only 5.3% of course bookings were made by customers in the 20% most deprived areas of Scotland (by SIMD datazones).

c) Scottish sailing

sport scotland is committed to supporting the development of sailing inScotland. sport scotland has worked closely with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Scotland, the Scottish Governing Body for sailing, and has agreed how best to support the continued development of the sport across Scotland. RYA Scotland supports the decision, which will ensure that the future development of sailing will be driven by the sailing community. While not the primary purpose of the National Watersports Centre, it has been used by a small number of schools to provide a sailing experience for their students. The future provision of educational courses for children currently offered by Cumbrae National Watersports Centre will now be run from Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 25 March 2020

It is the responsibility of NHS Boards and healthcare contractors to ensure that used needles are disposed in a safe manner as set out in the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 .

NHS Boards have the authority to decide how best to provide this service in the context of their local population. The Scottish Government expects NHS Boards to ensure that they have robust policies and guidance in place for the disposal of sharps and that due risk assessment has been undertaken accordingly.

Answered by: Jeane Freeman 25 March 2020

The supply of medicines is reserved to the UK Government.

The four UK Governments are working together and with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that the medicine supply chain continues to operate effectively throughout the UK.

I met with Community Pharmacy Scotland on 18 March 2020 and discussed medicine supply and workforce resilience with them directly. My Officials are working with CPS to ensure that community pharmacies continue to receive medicines supplies to dispense to those patients who need them.

There are currently no medicines shortages as a result of COVID-19; and people should not stockpile medicines.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 25 March 2020

Staff coming into the sector to provide frontline care will get immediate job-based training from employers, in line with the responsibility employers have to ensure staff have the skills and knowledge they need for the role they are being asked to do. The Scottish Social Services Council, the workforce regulator, is already working with COSLA and NHS Education Scotland to produce a specific Training Development Pack to support those moving to or across care services at this crucial time. This will clarify the minimum training requirements for social services staff and enable the redeployment of staff to other roles if required, so that we maximise the flexibility of the workforce. The intention is to publish the pack this week.

Answered by: Michael Matheson 24 March 2020

We have committed over £1.8 billion over the next 10 to 15 years to city region deals, regional growth deals and associated investments. Five city region deals are currently in delivery. We will invest £500 million in the Glasgow city region, £300 million in the Edinburgh and South of Scotland region, £135 million in the Inverness and Highland city region, £250 million in the Aberdeen city region, and £45.1 million in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire region through our deals programme. In addition, £150 million will be invested in the Tay Cities region. We aim to sign a full deal agreement for the Tay Cities as soon as possible. The following table sets out total expenditure to 31 January 2020 on those deals in delivery.

Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick 24 March 2020

The Scottish Screening Committee (SSC) is a Ministerial Advisory Group, and was established in 2016. The SSC was established to improve the strategic management of screening services in Scotland and fully considers the implementation of all recommendations made by the UK National Screening Committee in the context of the specific Scottish circumstances.

Following the appointment of a new Chair, minutes from the Scottish Screening Committee will be routinely published starting with the next meeting.

Answered by: Fergus Ewing 24 March 2020

Details are as follows: