The Scottish Government’s Education Analytical Services division conducts analysis on issues related to school attendance, including absence and attendance statistics. These statistics are collected and published annually. Additionally, our team regularly reviews both internal and external literature on school attendance, examining various types of attendance issues, the factors influencing attendance patterns, and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges.

While we continuously track attendance trends, we draw upon the latest academic studies and research to ensure our understanding of the consequences of long-term school absence remains current. This includes considering the immediate impact on academic performance as well as the broader social, emotional, and economic effects of school absence. Our work informs policies and strategies designed to mitigate these impacts and promote equitable outcomes for all learners.

The Scottish Government recognises the long-term impacts of persistent absence and is committed to improving school attendance. Following a comprehensive review by Education Scotland, five key recommendations were identified, including the need for tailored support in areas where attendance remains a challenge, and ensuring that children and young people's voices are central to solutions. An online support package has been developed for use by local authorities and schools. Education Scotland is also working with local authorities through the ‘Improving Attendance Quality Improvement Programme,’ launching in October. Additionally, the Chief Inspector for Education is focusing on persistent absence during inspections to identify and share successful strategies across Scotland.

The Scottish Government meets regularly with UK Government and UK Health Security Agency in response to Mpox.

The Scottish Government have not met with NHS Lanarkshire to discuss the prevention of Mpox. However, Public Health Scotland, who are leading on planning and preparedness in Scotland, are working closely with public health colleagues across the UK, as well as NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the situation and prepare for any cases that we might see.

Information of the number of teachers registered as supply teachers is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. The member may wish to contact local authorities who directly employ our teachers.

The paper shared by the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre at the last Grangemouth Future Industry Board was not specific to the Grangemouth Refinery.

ScotRail is to undertake the procurement exercise for the new intercity fleet. The timescales for replacement and the exact type of train to replace the HST Fleet as well as any implications of this replacement, including necessary infrastructure investments and journey times are dependent on the outcomes of the procurement.

The information requested on how many vacancies there currently are for midwives, broken down by NHS board can be found on the TURAS NHS Education for Scotland workforce statistics site at: NHS Scotland workforce | Turas Data Intelligence (Vacancy tab).

The Scottish Government is committed to decarbonising its passenger rail network and is continuing with the rolling programme of electrification as funding permits.

This is set out in Transport Scotland’s Decarbonisation Action Plan, which is planned as a dynamic document, with a refresh of the Plan underway. The refresh will examine the electrification programme, informed by progress with rolling stock procurement.

The Scottish Law Commission intend to publish its report and a draft Bill before the end of the year. I know the difficulties that can be caused by the law of limitation for sufferers of mesothelioma, who through no fault of their own may not be in a position to raise civil proceedings and are therefore denied an effective remedy. This is a matter of particular interest to a number of members across parties and I look forward to receiving the report. When I have had the time to consider any findings and recommendations I will respond and ensure that the Parliament , and the Member, is aware of that.

Forth Green Freeport’s recently submitted full business case details ambitions to create 34,500 direct jobs, comprising 16,000 direct jobs and 18,500 jobs supported indirectly in supply chains and through wages, and up to £7.9 billion in investment.

The full business case is currently being appraised by Scottish and UK governments. Upon approval, it will unlock up to £25m seed capital funding to support enabling works. The commitments made by the Green Freeports in their business cases will be subject to robust monitoring and reporting requirements, enshrining their commitments across a number of key dimensions.