Chamber and committees

That is an operational matter for the police, so I do not want to comment on what would—

We are keen to get data as we progress, especially on injuries. I do not think that there were any injuries that we can report from Sunday, but we are keen to find out and get reports as we move forward, and we are watching the situation closely.

I will bring in officials on the communication that we have had with football stadiums regarding people coming in.

Yes, because the compensation scheme relates to the restricted days. As the compensation regulation-making power is connected only to the restricted day of supply measure, which will be implemented in a future financial year—as you mentioned—it is not possible to advise when the compensation scheme for specialist fireworks will be launched.

I am unable to answer that question. I do not have that detail. I can find out. However, my understanding is that the articles would be removed and that the people would not be able to go into the football game and would be charged with being in possession.

I am open to having discussions on that, but we would have to discuss it with Police Scotland and the football clubs.

At this stage, we are estimating that it will be in the financial year after 2024. However, as I said previously, we never anticipated, 18 months to two years ago, that we would be in the financial position that we are in now.

I appreciate where you are coming from. The use of pyrotechnic fireworks at football games in the past several years has been escalating and they are dangerous. People have been injured, and a child died at a football game in Europe. They are dangerous and because their use has escalated, it is only a matter of time.

My understanding is that historically there has been engagement with football, but I am happy to bring in one of my officials who probably has more knowledge on the history.

We have a little bit of time left. If I may, I will go back to a point that Jackie Baillie touched on earlier, about the impact on health and social care services. Have we any figures on the number of NHS or social care staff who are currently off work as a result of long Covid? What action is being taken to address that?

Thank you. As members have no further questions, that concludes our consideration of this agenda item and our time with the cabinet secretary. I thank the cabinet secretary and his supporting officials for their attendance.

The committee’s next meeting will be on 30 March, when we will consider our work programme and an approach paper on our inquiry into recovery of NHS dentistry services.

That concludes the public part of our meeting.

That was helpful.

What actions has the strategic network taken to improve the consistency of care for people across Scotland with long Covid, and what oversight of the network does the Scottish Government have?