Seòmar agus comataidhean

Given the different approaches to assessment the pandemic has necessitated since 2020, it is difficult to directly compare this year’s exam results with any other year. However, in 2023, 20% of Higher entries by candidates from the most deprived areas (SIMD quintile 1) resulted in a grade A. This is higher than in 2017 (18.1%).

We use a basket of measures (including the 13 NIF measures, ACEL data and school leaver attainment) to measure the attainment gap as different conclusions may be drawn depending upon the data under consideration. For example, the attainment gap at National 5 has narrowed between 2017 and 2023. It is therefore unrealistic to assess the performance of the education system via a single measure (such as Higher A grades).

This year’s exam results showed significant progress with overall pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers being above those in 2019.

The proportion of A grades for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher were also above those in 2019.

It is testament to the resilience and hard work of our young people that overall, this is a strong set of results in an exam year.

The meeting on the 21 September was an introductory meeting with the Gambling Commission. It discussed the role of the Gambling Commission and the consultations that they were leading on as part of the White Paper.

The meeting also discussed the role of evidence and the developments by the Gambling Commission to improve the evidence base across the UK. There was a commitment to build links between officials to support the development of gambling policy in Scotland.

Yes. We will update Parliament, when appropriate, in relation to the Green Industrial Strategy.

The whole systems approach in Glasgow to mitigate the impact of gambling harm is led by a Multi-Agency Group chaired by Glasgow City Council. It reports into the Glasgow City Council Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement City Policy Committee (WECCE).

A report on progress was taken to the WECCE in August 2023. It is available from Committee Information - View Committee Document (glasgow.gov.uk) .

A Scottish Avian Influenza in wild bird Task Force was established in 2022, which brought together colleagues from Scottish Government, NatureScot, the RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, Public Health Scotland, and Local Authorities to coordinate a joint response to the outbreak in wild birds. On 11 August Ministers launched the Scottish Wild Bird Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Response Plan that sets out how the Scottish Government and its partners will respond to any further outbreaks of HPAI in wild birds in Scotland. The NatureScot Avian Influenza sub-committee recently highlighted the limited options that are available to authorities in dealing with HPAI in wild birds.

The Scottish Government has published guidance on gov.scot for pet dogs and working dogs. Scottish Government has also worked with the game industry to develop standing guidance on avian influenza and game birds, whilst Scotland’s HPAI Task Force has provided guidance to land managers.

In the previous avian influenza outbreak season (October 2022 to September 2023) 31,570 gamebirds have either succumbed to avian influenza or have been humanely culled for animal welfare and disease control reasons, due to being present at an infected premises. 19,570 of these birds were pheasants, and 12,000 were partridges. There have been no instances of gamebirds infected with HPAI in the current AI outbreak season which began on 01 October 2023.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22110 on 30 October 2023. 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 Diet and Healthy Weight Monitoring report was not published in 2022 and, as set out at the time, we have engaged with users to decide on the future of this publication. An announcement will be made shortly informed by the outcome of user engagement. Most of the data previously included in the Diet and Healthy Weight Monitoring report is now presented in the Scottish Health Survey with the remaining few indicators available in other publications. Results from the 2022 Scottish Health Survey will be published on 5 December 2023. Data for the indicators on sales of soft drinks with added sugar, confectionery, biscuits, cakes and pastries are available on the Food Standards Scotland website and type 2 diabetes prevalence is available in the Scottish Diabetes Survey report.

The Scottish Government is currently considering all the recommendations made, including the recommendation to establish a national implementation group.

Given the broad scope of the recommendations, and the seriousness of the issues raised, it is important that sufficient time is taken to fully plan how any actions will be taken forward.

We will update Parliament at the earliest opportunity.

I refer the member to the answer to S6W-22110 on 30 October 2023. 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 .