The Scottish Government has met and continues to meet with a range of stakeholders to help to inform our policy approach on XL Bully dogs and consider any issues or possible barriers to implementation in relation to the new safeguards on XL Bully dogs. We engage regularly with the Scottish SPCA, the Dogs Trust, The Dog Control Coalition (whose members include the British Veterinary Association), individual clinical dog behaviourists, the National Dog Warden Association, local authorities and Police Scotland.

We are taking a two-stage approach for the new safeguards in relation to XL Bully dogs, subject to Parliamentary approval.

The first stage will mean that from 23 February 2024, XL Bully owners must ensure their dogs are muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting or exchanging XL Bully dogs will be prohibited. It will remain legal to own an XL Bully dog.

The second stage will mean that from 1 August 2024, it will be an offence to own a XL Bully dog without an exemption. Owners of an XL Bully dog will need to apply for an exemption on or before 31 July 2024 to be able to continue owning their dog.

The details of the exemption scheme such as the start date for applications, requirements to receive an exemption as well as arrangements for compensation for any XL Bully dog owners not wishing to retain their dogs, will be published in the coming weeks as legislation is brought forward.

In the meantime, helpful and practical support and guidance has been published on the Scottish Government website to ensure owners are made aware of how to comply with the new safeguards on XL Bully dogs, with further information to be published in the coming period: https://www.gov.scot/publications/xl-bully-dog-rules/ .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24444 on 22 January 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 .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24498 on 23 January 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 .

The Scottish Government has not published any reports in relation to the previous Public Health Supplement which was in place from 2012 to 2015.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24444 on 22 January 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 .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24444 on 22 January 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 .

As set out in the draft Scottish Government budget, the capital funding position is extremely challenging due to the UK Government’s decision to cut our capital budget by nearly 10%.

The capital budget settlement allows for Health Boards’ delegated capital budgets to be maintained at 23-24 levels, for all major projects in construction to be completed and for continued support for the national replacement programmes for ambulances and radiotherapy equipment. Given the current uncertainty regarding availability of funding, regrettably, we have advised boards to pause any new capital projects until capital funding becomes more certain.

Our Infrastructure Investment Plan identified priority health capital projects for funding within that period. As a result of UK Government cuts, we will bring forward a revised Infrastructure Investment Plan in the spring. All due consideration will be given to what projects can be included to ensure the revised Plan is affordable and deliverable.

I expect all NHS Boards, including NHS Forth Valley, to keep their services under review to ensure that they are of the highest quality; and that they meet the needs of local people, whilst remaining consistent with national policies and frameworks.

NHS Forth Valley have confirmed that they are considering a number of options to improve capacity and flow through Forth Valley Royal Hospital, which includes the development of a frailty unit. This work is still at an early stage and the Board have given assurances that no changes would be made without ensuring that all services can continue to be delivered safely and effectively.

This is an operational matter for ScotRail.

Transport Scotland were informed on 2 February of Peel Ports decision to close the Irish Berth permanently.