- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 28 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the planned natural regeneration of the 4,600 hectares surrounding Loch Katrine by Forestry and Land Scotland, and whether it has met the target of 4,600 hectares.
Answer
The delivery of woodland creation will be focused within a Gross area of 4380ha by 2050. Delivery of this will be achieved through the protection of both advanced and developing natural regeneration, as well as through active planting, which will take the form of the creation of Seed islands, located in specific areas of the broad seed island zone. Enrichment planting within advanced regenerating areas and throughout the network of burns found within the catchment, as Riparian corridor planting along the banks. It is expected that the potential woodland cover, within the woodland creation zone will average 15%, at a density averaging around 600 stems/ha. This will vary throughout the catchment, specific to the location i.e. patchy and or higher/lower pending site conditions.
There is evidence of 415ha of existing advanced natural regeneration already within the catchment, achieving the standard for established woodland using criteria set by Scottish Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland, this will be claimed in 2024.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 28 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of new trees have been planted in Scotland’s national forest estate, since September 2023.
Answer
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) met it’s 900ha woodland creation target in 2023-24 by planting 454ha of new trees and delivering 447ha of trees through naturally seeded regeneration, principally around Loch Katrine.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 13 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Mairi McAllan on 28 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will be sending representatives to attend COP29, and, if so, which ministers will be in attendance.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to working with our international partners to secure a global transition to a net zero and resilient future in a way that is fair and just for all.
COPs are an important opportunity for international partners to come together, share lessons and agree action. Scotland will continue to play our part at COPs, making the case for greater inclusion of devolved governments and ensuring climate justice is at the heart of international climate action.
No decision on SG attendance has yet been made in relation to COP29. A decision regarding ministerial attendance will be taken in due course.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 13 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Kate Forbes on 28 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason wellbeing economy has been removed from the title of the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.
Answer
The appointment of a new ministerial team has presented an opportunity to simplify portfolio titles across all parts of government. This in no way changes our commitment to the principles of a Wellbeing Economy, as set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
A growing economy that is fair and green supports delivery of our other priorities to work towards eradicating child poverty, delivering sustainable public services and tackling the climate emergency. These are and will continue to be the key focus for the Scottish Government.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Thursday, 09 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Jenni Minto on 23 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government what barriers there have been to the implementation of placental growth factor (PlGF)-based tests, and what action it is taking to resolve any such barriers.
Answer
While there are differences across Scotland, the results following the latest update on progress towards implementation of PlGF-based testing indicate that capacity and infrastructure pose challenges for NHS Boards striving to effectively implement their plans.
The Scottish Government is initiating a new scoping exercise to better understand NHS Board’s current position in relation to using the PIGF test. Subsequently, officials will analyse the collected data to determine if further support is necessary to advance implementation plans.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Thursday, 09 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Jenni Minto on 23 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-21549 by Jenni Minto on 3 October 2023, what progress NHS boards have made on implementing the Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) recommendations, published on 23 March 2023, requiring access to placental growth factor (PlGF) based tests as part of maternity care.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to continuous improvement in maternity safety across Scotland, in partnership with NHS Boards and clinicians and service users, to deliver the best and safest care for mothers and babies.
The Scottish Government expects all NHS Boards to ensure the SHTG recommendations on PlGF-based testing published on 23 March 2023 are implemented effectively and consistently. We will be writing to NHS Boards to get an update on their current position regarding PIGF testing and to determine if further support is necessary to progress implementation plans.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Monday, 13 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Neil Gray on 23 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of (a) any increasing risk from drug resistant and untreatable infections and (b) preparedness plans to deal with this.
Answer
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is listed amongst the World Health Organisation’s top ten global public health threats. The Scottish Government works closely with stakeholders in Scotland and beyond to assess the risks associated with AMR and implement key actions to combat it. The Scottish Government has been a key partner in the development of the UK-wide Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (2024-2029), which was published on 8 May. The plan forms part of a long-term vision on AMR, which works towards a world where AMR is contained and controlled by 2040.
We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to address the risks of AMR across human health, animal health, and the environment. We are also developing an implementation plan which provides greater detail on specific actions that will be carried out in Scotland. This includes key actions aimed at optimising use of antibiotics, preventing and controlling infections, investing in innovation and technology, as well as working collaboratively with global partners.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Gillian Martin on 23 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has frozen the Nature Restoration Fund.
Answer
The Nature Restoration Fund has not been frozen.
The competitive strand of our Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) is currently supporting more than 65 projects, and has offered support to over 200 projects, collectively worth more than £15 million, delivering exciting on the ground activity to protect and restore Scotland’s biodiversity. You can view the Nature Restoration Fund story map to see the range of projects supported across Scotland.
There has been a tremendous response across Scotland in terms of applications to the NRF such that the capital budget for delivery projects in 2024-25 is currently fully committed. NatureScot are, however, accepting applications to the NRF for development projects and for delivery projects starting in April 2025 (up to one year).
In addition, the Edinburgh Process strand of the NRF has so far directed over £17 million to support nature restoration projects directed by local authorities and our National Parks. A further £5 million of funding will be provided in 2024-25.
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 May 2024
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Current Status:
Taken in the Chamber on 29 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the total annual cost of alcohol harm in Scotland, including to the NHS and healthcare, in light of the Institute of Alcohol Studies reporting that the annual cost of alcohol harm in England is £27.4 billion, which includes a £4.9 billion cost to the NHS in England.
Answer
Taken in the Chamber on 29 May 2024
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
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Current Status:
Answered by Siobhian Brown on 22 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with the Scottish Premier Football League to discuss sectarianism.
Answer
I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-27516 on 22 May 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 .
