Seòmar agus comataidhean

We recognise the need for ongoing action to address skills needs and we continue to provide additional targeted support across a range of sectors for example, we will invest an additional £3.5 million in our colleges to create an Offshore Wind Skills Programme and College Care Skill Programme, supporting a pipeline of skilled workers.

The Scottish Government also significantly invests in apprenticeships, which play a crucial role in giving young people pathways into rewarding careers. They provide employers with a vital route in which to invest in their future workforce, helping develop the skills we need for our economy and essential public services.

We also recognise the need to take action to ensure our post school learning and education system is fit for the future through our extensive programme of reform. This programme is about driving agility and efficiency through the system, making it simpler for learners to engage with, and making the best use of the substantial investment that we make for the benefit of Scotland’s people and economy.

The relevant legislation in this context is the Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Regulations 2016, which outlines the areas where the retention of salmon is prohibited, meaning catch and release is mandatory when fishing for salmon in these areas.

There were no prosecutions, where it was the main offence, under the Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Regulations 2016 between 2013-14 and 2022-23.

Please note: The latest available information on proceedings and convictions is for the financial year 2022-23.

The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested.

Following the introduction of a new HR system, data on the number of civil servants dismissed due to poor performance is only available from 2008. Data available prior to this does not specify the reasons for dismissal.

The number of civil servants dismissed due to poor performance since 2008 is provided in the following table:

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

SPS do not record this information. SPS’ Disciplinary Hearings guidance does not provide a specific ‘breach of discipline’ relating to having illicit articles obtained via a drone. Any prosecution remains a matter for Police Scotland and the Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service.

The aim of the seasonal flu programme continues to be protecting those most at risk of severe illness from flu. Eligibility for the seasonal flu vaccination is based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI currently advises flu vaccination for those aged 65 and over, as well as clinical at-risk groups. All those aged 64 and under who are at greater risk remain eligible.

Further detail regarding eligibility for winter 2024-25 can be found in the seasonal flu programme 2024-25 CMO letter and in the CMO letter for 2025-26.

The Scottish Government does not currently hold the information set out in the question.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is currently undertaking a range of analyses, in regards to the recent flu season, that includes analyses of flu-related deaths and hospitalisations for the 2024-25 season. PHS will share these results with the Scottish Government to support our efforts to maximise vaccination uptake in eligible people.

It is essential as we move towards the establishment of Qualifications Scotland that the education system and wider public have confidence and trust in the qualifications body in Scotland.

Operational responsibility for the qualifications, such as the marking of assignments and associated quality assurance processes, is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The Scottish Government has received reassurance that no young people will be disadvantaged by the sharing of annotated assignment materials. It is also important to reassure learners that materials did not relate to exams in any way and were shared after learners’ assignments had been submitted. SQA has advised that it is taking actions forward to enhance and strengthen their quality assurance measures for markers for National 5 History and ensure that the integrity and standards of their qualifications are being maintained.

The governance model for the new qualifications body will ensure the knowledge and experience of learners, teachers and practitioners are central to decisions taken in relation to qualifications and assessment matters, driving greater transparency and accountability.

Ministers met with stakeholders from the agricultural, food and drink, research and eNGO sectors on 27 March to discuss their views on the use of gene edited crops and products in Scotland. Stakeholders were invited to give their views on the potential impact of gene editing on crop yields, food security and future sustainability of production in response to changing climate and pest and pathogen pressure. Stakeholders also shared their views on how regulatory regimes for gene editing in other jurisdictions might affect, or are already affecting, their sectors, including potential operational and reputational impacts arising from differences in approach. Ministers are taking into account this evidence from stakeholders, alongside developments in the EU, as they consider the Scottish Government’s position.

Bursaries for independent schools are a matter for the proprietors of each institution, as each independent school is a private company. It is for the school itself to administer and provide bursaries for pupils to attend their establishment.

We continue to engage with the UK Government on this matter. My officials have been assured by the UK Government that their mailbox for school enquiries remains open. We have provided this to all Scottish independent schools, should they wish to contact them.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-36866 on 6 May 2025. 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.