Chamber and committees

The commitment to reduce car kms by 20% by 2030 (against a 2019 baseline) as set out in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan update (CCPu) published in December 2020 remains unchanged, either in terms of measurement or time scale.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/securing-green-recovery-path-net-zero-update-climate-change-plan-20182032/documents/

The 20% Reduction in Car Km Route Map published on 13 January 2022 outlines the approach to meeting this commitment.

https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/a-route-map-to-achieve-a-20-per-cent-reduction-in-car-kilometres-by-2030/ .

We are carrying out a consultation to inform the development of an aviation strategy, so at this stage no decisions have been made about the final content. While the discussion document focuses on four key areas; the transition to low and zero emission aviation, Scotland’s international connectivity, Scotland’s domestic connectivity and airfreight, we are also asking people what else they think should be included.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05400 on 24 January 2022. 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 Scottish Government approved an application from Stena Line for a critical workers exemption to allow essential workers to volunteer to leave self-isolation and return to work. Workers in businesses and organisations providing vital public services can volunteer to leave self-isolation and return to work, in certain limited circumstances, to allow vital services to continue. Exemptions are possible where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential functions and services at risk.

On 29 December, a priority system was reintroduced for workers in critical sectors, including maritime transport, to access PCR tests. This allows people who meet the criteria, including key Stena Line staff, to access priority slots within the online booking system.

The Scottish Government recognises the critical importance of the Stena Line ferry service from Loch Ryan Port to Belfast. On 22 December the Scottish Government approved an application from Stena Line for an exemption to allow their essential workers to volunteer to leave self-isolation and return to work. Under the critical workers exemption process, before a staff member who is a close contact of a positive case can return to work there are a number of requirements they must adhere to, including having had their second COVID-19 vaccination more than 14 days previously and have evidence of a negative PCR test.

As I outlined yesterday at General Questions, in response to question S6O-00653, we intend to bring forward a ban on glue traps in Scotland.

My full answer can be found here .

The Scottish Government intends to allocate up to £5.1m per annum to cover the costs of the advocacy provision over a four year period. All of the funding is provided for the establishment and operation of the new service. However, this is a demand-led service and until it has been operational over a period of time it will not be possible to develop a detailed breakdown of when funding will be drawn down.

To ensure continuous improvement of the service, and to inform the next procurement exercise, we will monitor demand and review expenditure over the contract period. Subsequently, the contract value will be updated in the Public Contracts Register ahead of any extension or retendering for this contract.

We are carrying out a consultation to inform the development of our aviation strategy, so at this stage no decisions have been made about what will be addressed. The consultation includes questions on how the Scottish Government can help to reduce the environmental impact of aviation. The responses to the consultation, alongside other relevant evidence and wider Scottish Government policy, will inform decisions on the final content of the strategy.

The Islands Connectivity Plan, to replace the current Ferries Plan, will be produced during 2022 and engagement and consultation on this will enable substantial public and community input.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05411 on 24 January 2022. 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