Chamber and committees

I am sorry, but I am really short on time, so I will not take any interventions. These wee debates with four-minute speeches dinnae really give us enough time to do so.

Two weeks ago, at a Parliament drop-in, I heard that 40 per cent of homes in Dumfries and Galloway are off grid, so assisting in a just transition to renewable energy for heating houses is extremely important.

As we have heard, a just transition does not entirely eradicate the need for fossil fuels and petrochemicals. Eighty-seven per cent of our oil and gas is currently used for transport, electricity and heating, and only 40 per cent is used for plastic production. However, plastics are essential, and they include essential items such as heart valves and joint replacement components that are used in total hip and knee replacements. We need to be careful about how we manufacture our language when we talk about the just transition for other products.

That made me think about personal protective equipment—masks, aprons and gloves—that was used during the pandemic. That comes from our petrochemical industry’s manufacturing, as well. I ask the minister to reaffirm in closing that the Scottish Government recognises the diversity of oil and gas products, and that that recognition will continue to be part of the Scottish Government’s approach.

Scotland is an energy-rich nation with significant renewable energy resources, a highly skilled workforce and innovative businesses across a globally renowned supply chain. Analysis shows that the number of low-carbon production jobs is estimated to rise from 19,000 in 2019 to 77,000 by 2050 as a result of the just energy transition. That means that there will be more jobs in energy production in 2050 than there are now. By continuing to make the most of our vast renewable energy resources, we can deliver a net zero energy system that also delivers a net gain in jobs in Scotland’s energy production sector.

There is huge potential for Dumfries and Galloway to benefit from renewable energy investment, including through the potential of fixed or floating offshore wind technology at a site known as SW1 in the Solway Firth. The community development trust in Eyemouth in the east part of my region has visibly benefited from offshore wind development. The community saw £50 million of investment before a turbine was even placed on the seabed, and many highly skilled jobs were created.

I am interested in how the benefits that have been witnessed in Eyemouth could be replicated in Stranraer. Fifty million quid could potentially come to the community, and people could choose which projects could be developed before any fixed or floating turbines are even in the water. However, part of the issue is engaging with the communities to see how that can be achieved. The option of a potential framework for community engagement could be considered. I have had conversations with South of Scotland Enterprise and it is interested, as I am, in whether such a framework is worth pursuing.

According to research that was published earlier this year, Scotland’s domestic abuse legislation better reflects victims’ experiences. Will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government is building on that work to ensure that victims are at the heart of Scotland’s justice system?

Folk might be asking themselves why a South Scotland MSP is speaking in a debate about oil and gas, but it is relevant to highlight and make it clear that—[Interruption.] This is really serious. When we talk about a just transition, we should be clear that the north-east is not the only place that will be affected. I have constituents and friends in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders who work in the oil and gas sector, so a just transition must include the south of Scotland, too.

More than that, a just transition means expanding renewable energy generation in other parts of Scotland, including in Dumfries and Galloway, which is already playing its part in that regard through onshore wind, solar, hydroelectric power from the Drax hydro scheme in Galloway, for example, and micro hydro schemes, including the one at Penpont.

Scotland is ensuring a just transition.

I will close there, as time is short in the debate.

I have a quick supplementary question. When I did my nursing training, there were two intakes every year, which meant that entry-level and more experienced nurses worked together during their training. Should we be thinking about doing that again? Having students at different levels in classrooms or on site would make it possible to offer peer support and mentoring. Should we be considering that?

Convener, can I ask another wee supplementary question?

Okay. Professor Hiscox, you mentioned paediatric anaesthetist consultants, who might have to work in different NHS boards to achieve certain competencies or skills. Is it easy for anaesthetists to work across boards, when it comes to competency and inclusion? Do they have to do the training on infection prevention and control, fire safety and moving and handling, no matter where they are?

Thank you.

I want to pick up on the sports bra issue. Yesterday, I visited Wallace Hall academy and I spoke to five young women—Mika, Fern, Zena, Michaela and Daisy. They are all sixth-year students or thereabouts and they all participate in rugby and running. They love all sports. They are absolutely confident, informed and empowered, but they recognise that not all young women of their age are confident or empowered to speak up about their periods or about the need for a sports bra.

An interesting thing that they spoke about was that the school has purchased for year 1 students a specific sports uniform for physical education. That has helped with equalities and acted as a leveller, because the kids come from different primary schools and it is a way to engage them all on—literally—a level playing field. I would be interested to know whether you think that we need to look at the availability of sports bras, for instance, and sports uniforms as part of the Government’s uniform policy.

Good morning to you all. I will pick up on NRAC and some of the other information. The NHS Fife briefing says that the projected increase in the number of people over 65 is 30 per cent by 2043. That means an older and frailer population with more issues. For me, as an operating room nurse, that means hip replacements, knee replacements, cataract surgery and then some. When you are doing your financial planning, including in relation to NRAC, how do you deal with that projected need?