Chamber and committees

We will give full consideration to new research in this area, and we are supportive of efforts to examine evidence on the wider impacts of microplastics which will be material to helping shape any future regulation.

sport scotland are following the study being conducted in the UK to measure the migration of micro plastics from pitches with the mitigation measures in place as per the CEN code of practice. This will conclude in 2025.

Table 1 shows the number of attendances and those waiting eight hours or more aged 65-74, 75-84, 85-94, and 95+ at A&E in Scotland in March 2024.

Table 1: Attendances and over 8 hours waits, March 2024

Table 1 shows the number of attendances and those waiting 12 hours or more aged 65-74, 75-84, 85-94, and 95+ at A&E in Scotland in March 2024.

Table 1: Attendances and over 12 hours waits, March 2024

We are not yet in a position to advise on any future funding rounds for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund or the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme. We will be in touch with COSLA and local authorities when we have further information and will also update the website: Capital investment for regeneration - Regeneration - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The UK Government is the State Party to the CERD with a legal obligation to report on implementation. It submitted its state report to the Committee in March 2023.

Prior to this report’s submission, the Scottish Government shared updates on devolved policy areas including health, housing and employment with the UK Government. These updates were included in the UK Government’s report to the Committee.

Scotland is determined to play our part in eradicating racism, inequality and injustice – and in building a better, fairer world. Specifically, the Race Equality Framework demonstrates our commitment to eliminating racism – our Vision for a fairer Scotland is that by 2030 Scotland is a place where people are healthier, happier and treated with respect, and where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally.

The remit of the Good Governance Steering Group is regularly reviewed in collaboration with sector partners represented on the group. At its inception, the group agreed it would be an advisory body. The group is authorised by the Scottish Government to investigate any activity and to seek any relevant information it required in support of its duties.

Facility time for trade union officials is key to ensuring trade unions can effectively represent members and reflect the staff voice in college decision making. However, remission in order to undertake trade union duties is an operational matter for individual colleges.

At its inception, the Good Governance Steering Group agreed to be an advisory body with no executive powers.

The Scottish Government is represented on the group and the group regularly reviews its remit.

To date, no approach has been made to the Scottish Government to change the decision making function of the group.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-27115 on 8 May 2024. 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/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Public bodies have their own procurement policies and this should reflect their priorities in the design and construction of sports facilities.

There are already alternatives on the market such as cork, corn husks and olive pits amongst others. sport scotland are part of the UK Artificial Grass Pitch forum monitoring work on the long-term viability of these products. St Andrews University has already installed a full-size 3G pitch with cork infill, and there is research and development continuing across the industry with more products in the market.