I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-01751 on 6 August 2021. 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 .

In October 2019 the Scottish Health Technology Group (SHTG) recommended that: “Where patients understand and are willing to accept the demands, risks and uncertainties of treatment, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) should be considered as a treatment option for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who have evidence of significant inflammatory disease activity that has not responded to adequate treatment with licensed high-efficacy disease modifying therapies (DMTs).”

Following comprehensive clinical assessment, relevant diagnostic testing and consideration by a specialist multi-disciplinary team, AHSCT can be offered to MS patients from Scotland where they meet this criteria and when it is clinically judged that the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. In these circumstances such patients can be referred by their NHS Consultant for this specific treatment at a specialist centre in England.

Stem cell transplantation is currently undertaken in Scotland for other clinical reasons, however specific expertise in its use for the treatment of MS is still developing. In order to ensure that patients receive the highest level of safe, patient-centred care, clinical consensus is that this is currently best delivered by one of the most experienced centres globally, located in Sheffield. Although delayed by the need to focus resources on COVID-19, key stakeholders within NHS Scotland are continuing discussions regarding a potential Scottish pathway for this treatment.

AHSCT is an intensive treatment which carries a very high risk of infection for many weeks, due to severe immunosuppression as part of the treatment pathway. In March 2020 the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) recommended postponing this treatment in patients with MS until the risk of coronavirus receded, due to the potential for severe illness in those with compromised immune systems. As of November 2020, the ABN advises its use only in exceptional cases of relapsing disease.

The Scottish Government takes seriously the responsibility to ensure those going through the criminal justice system with mental health issues are appropriately supported, treated and cared for, while ensuring their rights are being maintained

This is an important report that contains a number of recommendations which are being given careful consideration. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with the Scottish Prison Service and other partners to ensure that frontline staff are properly supported and that the recommendations from the Mental Welfare Commission’s report are being given a collaborative response. Current progress includes the development of a new custodial estate for women in Scotland, scheduled to open in 2022. We have also created over 41 whole time equivalent mental health roles which are located across the prison estate, including the female estate.

Our Mental Health Transition & Recovery Plan published last year made clear our commitment to continue to work with partners to seek better support for those with mental ill health within the criminal justice system. The Plan is further supported with £120m from a Recovery & Renewal Fund and focusses on the specific mental health needs of women and girls to support better outcomes across a range of settings .

The Women’s Health Pan will be published by the end of this month, August 2021, and within the first 100 days of the new session of the Parliament.

The Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan (WHP) will be published within the first 100 days of this new government and includes a number of actions to improve access to appropriate support, speedy diagnosis and best treatment for endometriosis.

We are working closely with organisations and support groups representing women with endometriosis to implement these actions and work is already underway, for example, through the Modernising Patient Pathways Programme to develop a pelvic pain pathway for Scotland. This integrated care pathway will assist women to access and be better informed and empowered to make choices about treatment and management for endometriosis.

Glasgow School of Art is an autonomous Higher Education Institution, and as such has responsibility for its own strategic and operational decision making, including those related to the restoration of the Mackintosh Building.

The Scottish Funding Council continue to engage regularly with the Glasgow School of Art at Senior Management and Board level on a range of issues including institutional governance and staff and student wellbeing.

A key milestone, however, is the outcome of the fire investigation. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service anticipate that they will be in a position to publish the fire investigation report by the end of November 2021.

The success of our vaccination programme means we that from 19 July 2021 we started to change restrictions that apply to fully vaccinated travellers from Amber list. Initially this was applied to UK residents who have been vaccinated by the NHS, departure test before travel to the UK, and the day 2 PCR test once here, for detection and genomic sequencing.

From 2 August, fully-vaccinated passengers arriving from amber list countries in EU member states*, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City, and the USA do not have to quarantine or take a day 8 test upon arrival in Scotland.

They have to carry with them a form of certification to provide details of their vaccine status. For US arrivals, this proof is a CDC card showing you are fully vaccinated, along with proof of residence in the US. All arrivals from Europe must show a record of vaccination through the European Digital COVID Certificate.

Amber arrivals who have been fully vaccinated must take a pre-departure test before arrival into Scotland, alongside a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival.

Police Scotland have advised that there are currently 256 body worn cameras in use within North East Division and 5 body worn cameras in use within Fife Division. These are in daily use and managed in accordance with Data Protection impact assessments.

In addition, Police Scotland have access to 50 body worn cameras available from legacy force areas, including the Football Policing Unit.

Police Scotland have confirmed that they are proceeding with the development and introduction of additional body worn cameras for armed policing officers in advance of the Climate Change conference COP26 in November 2021.

Challenging behaviour is often the result of extreme frustrations in communication and Scottish Government recognises the challenges this brings for everyone. Scottish Government, together with the Scottish Commission for People with a Learning Disability, established the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Community of Practice to embed the principles of PBS nationally and locally.

Alongside this, Scottish Government funded the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Postgraduate Certificate which is currently being delivered to a range of practitioners across Scotland to improve specialist skills locally, for the benefit of individuals and families.

Parallel to this is the work of the Scottish Network for Reduction of Restrictive Practices (SNRRP) in recognition of the fact that the use of restrictive practices with people who have been identified as vulnerable in Scotland, including children, adults, and older adults is a significant concern. The aim of the SNRRP is to eliminate the misuse of restrictive practices in Scotland and to ensure that where these are used, they are done so safely, with respect for people’s human rights, and in a culture of openness and transparency. The network also exists to promote the use of positive alternative approaches to the use of restrictive practices.

The Scottish Government is undertaking a range of action to support local authorities to promote positive relationships and behaviour in schools. This includes investment in various violence reduction preventative approaches with young people across Scotland, which take place locally through schools or the local community, curricular learning on positive relationships and support for a whole school approach to promoting positive relationships and behaviour.

Since 2011 the Scottish Government and COSLA have been jointly responsible for the national Scottish Strategy for Autism to ensure people live healthier lives, enjoy choice and control over the services they use, and are supported to be independent and active citizens.

In March 2021, Scottish Government and COSLA jointly published the “Towards Transformation” plan which reiterates our commitment to collaborate with delivery partners (including local authorities, the third sector and autistic led organisations) to reduce the inequalities experienced by autistic people.

The Scottish Government and COSLA are working with stakeholders, including HSCPs, Local Authorities, and people with lived experience on a new leadership structure to tackle the issues that people with learning disabilities and autistic people face. This new structure has lived experience at its heart.

Officials also regularly attend the Social Work Scotland Learning Disability and Autism sub group to engage with local learning disability and autism leads to share learning related to the Learning Disability and Autism strategies and to hear about local work.