Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government recognises the gradual reduction of alcohol-related hospital admissions over the past decade and is working closely with Public Health Scotland, local services and other stakeholders to ensure the reasons behind the gradual reduction are factored in to service provision.

Scotland’s first Arctic policy framework, Arctic Connections, was published in 2019. In line with commitments in Scotland’s International Strategy, work has begun on an evaluation process. This will consider the impact of the framework, how Scotland’s relationship with the Arctic has developed during the implementation period and make recommendations on future engagement. It is due to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

As our national skills body Skills Development Scotland (SDS) publish high level statistical information relating to completion of apprenticeships. You can find this information within the following links

• Skills Development Scotland - Modern Apprenticeships statistics
• Skills Development Scotland - Modern Apprenticeships statistics - published 23 May 2023
• Skills Development Scotland - Modern Apprenticeship statistics - published 21 May 2024

Land and nature apprenticeships fall into a range of occupational groupings. I have asked the Chief Executive of SDS, to write to you on this matter.

It is not currently a legal requirement under the Aquatic Animal Health Regulations (Scotland) 2009 as amended for farmed fish transporters to report farmed fish escapes, however we are considering the issue of reporting and transparency further.

We assume the question refers to the recent analytical report, Storm Overflows in Scotland, published by Environmental Standards Scotland.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) considers 87% of our water environment to be high or good quality - up from 82% in 2014.

Measures and regulations to protect and improve water quality are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate. This includes, for example, considering changes to European legislation and the introduction of new environmental standards. The Scottish Government is committed to alignment where it is in the interests of Scotland to do so and is considering the new rules (Directive 2024/3019) on the treatment of Urban Wastewater which came into force on 1 January 2025. This Directive seeks to further protect the environment by driving improvements to the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater. We also recently issued directions to SEPA that update the Environmental Quality Standards, which underpin our efforts to protect and where necessary improve the water environment.

In addition, Scotland’s River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) is our route map for protecting and improving the water environment. SEPA is responsible for developing the RBMP, which is reviewed and updated every six years. SEPA has published a statement which sets out the steps it will take to engage stakeholders in reviewing and updating the RBMP for Scotland over the next three years. SEPA’s statement is available here: SEPA | River Basin Management Planning in Scotland, Statement of Consultation Steps

As I set out in answer to question S6W-31933 on 16 December 2024, the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group is comprised of the Chief Executives of most of the independent Scottish hospices and their key partners and is not a Scottish Government group. As such, we do not hold minutes of the group or have summaries of the discussions held.

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

The Partnership Delivery Group (PDG) continues to work across organisational boundaries to identify and deliver support to individuals that can be delivered in a person centred and trauma informed way.

The PDG has worked together to support the Scottish Government to develop a Framework for Collaboration (FfC). Subject to publishing timescales, this Framework along with the PDG’s cross-sector Collaborative Commitment Action Plan will be published imminently.

The Scottish Government provided £57,000 in 2024-25 to Birthlink via the Children, Young People and Families Early Intervention and Adult Learning and Empowering Communities Fund (CYPFEI & ALEC) third sector fund to support the operation of the Adoption Contact Register.

Despite facing the most challenging financial situation since devolution, the Scottish Government remains committed to supporting the third sector. Subject to approval of the Scottish Budget by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government will be extending provision of the CYPFEI & ALEC third sector funds at current levels, from 1 April 2025 until March 2026.

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting those separated by adoption to express a wish to be in touch with one another

Scottish Government policy officials met with Birthlink on 17 December 2024 to discuss the operation of the Adoption Contact Register. The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise plans to meet the Chief Executive of Birthlink in early 2025.

The Scottish Government expects that all public sector employers, including SEPA, adopt fair work practices, including through Fair Work First, which applies to discretionary public sector grants.

SEPA is responsible for its day to day operations and publishes an Equality Mainstreaming and Outcomes Report which details its fair work related commitments. SEPA also operates a People and Resources Committee which includes terms of reference on employee engagement and the role of recognised trade unions. While SEPA’s specific amendments to its call centre services are operational decisions, it is expected that these changes are made in consultation with staff and trade unions to align with fair work, to ensure workers are treated fairly and with respect.