Chamber and committees

On 2 May the First Minister launched Energy Efficient Scotland, the stated goal of which is to achieve near zero carbon wherever feasible by 2050, and in a way that is socially and economically sustainable. The associated Route Map sets out our vision for all buildings in Scotland – that by 2040 all our buildings are warmer, greener and more efficient – and how we will deliver on the National Infrastructure Priority for Energy Efficiency.

Our Route Map to an Energy Efficient Scotland does not set requirements for industrial buildings to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

However we are supporting businesses and helping them to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. We have introduced a cash back incentive to our SME loan scheme, which offers cash back of up to 30% of costs of energy efficiency works ( up to £10,000). We are proposing that energy efficiency standards for non-domestic buildings are continually extended so that by 2040 all buildings are improved to the extent that is cost-effective and technically feasible. This will include industrial buildings.

The Route Map sets out a clear timetable for a review of existing non-domestic energy efficiency regulations with new regulations coming into force in 2021. As part of this we will improve the information and advice that is provided where an energy assessment is undertaken, to help building owners considering cost effective improvement.

We are seeking views on our proposals through the Energy Efficient Scotland consultation, including views on what legislation may be needed to support delivery of our energy efficiency programme.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that managers and lead practitioners of day care of children centres delivering funded early learning and childcare provision, and out of school care centres either hold a Childhood Practice award at SCQF level 9 or above, or achieve this within the Scottish Social Services Councils (SSSC) granted registration period. Different qualifications lead to the award including the Professional Development Award (PDA) or BA Childhood Practice, all of which are work-based and available through a variety of flexible learning opportunities allowing learners to choose the course provider most suited to their needs. Where individuals hold alternative qualifications Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credits may be given to map towards the award.

Childhood practice awards are based on the benchmark Standard for Childhood Practice (revised 2015) and are one of the first work-based awards in Scotland where entry is based on practice qualifications and the experience people have gained in their role. Awards are designed to be completed in post with support from employers, enabling continued earning, and are offered as part time, full time, online distance learning, evening/weekend or a blend of options, allowing learners to choose the course provider most suited to their needs. Individual training providers also operate processes for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and provide credits to map towards the Standard. Additionally, funding support is available through the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for eligible individuals.

Within the last two months there have been two reports of illegal pearl fishing incidents in the Assynt area. Both incidents were reported to Police Scotland and investigations are continuing. This is an important area for the conservation of freshwater pearl mussels, with a number of rivers designated for their internationally important populations and a significant number of other important populations. We are extremely disappointed by this persecution of this critically endangered species, which is extremely vulnerable to criminal damage and is a UK wildlife crime priority.

The rivers where both incidents took place are the subject of ‘Riverwatch’ schemes, launched by the ‘Pearls in Peril’ project and aimed at increasing awareness of the threat from illegal pearl fishing. The UK Priority Delivery Group for freshwater pearl mussels (which coordinates activity to combat wildlife crime affecting pearl mussels) has discussed these cases and planning is underway to highlight the continued threat from illegal activity across the Highlands in the media. This is planned for later this summer, alongside awareness-raising with ranger services. There are also river patrols in Highland region, led by Police Scotland with partner organisations, to deter and detect potential criminal activity.

Within all Local Authority secondary schools in Scotland, Skills Development Scotland has devised an improved and expanded approach to Career Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG), ensuring that skills intelligence is shaped to inform young people of the opportunities available to them. All learning and skills pathways, including the Apprenticeship family, are explored to ensure each individual makes informed decisions.

From August 2018 we will be significantly increasing the number of Foundation Apprenticeships available in the senior phase of school to around 2600, up from 1200 in the previous year.

This year we will also provide 28,000 Modern Apprenticeship opportunities and of those 28,000 starts around 900 will be Graduate Apprenticeships.

In a situation where there is no SIGN guideline on a specific topic, healthcare professionals would be expected to look for other high-quality evidence based guidance on which to base their practice. SIGN have indicated that the above NICE guidelines fit this criteria.

The Scottish Government is in the process of seeking the views of experts on the applicability of the NICE guidelines on Lyme disease for use in Scotland.

Regulation for the supply of medicines is currently reserved to the UK Government. In general terms, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry have issued joint good practice guidelines " Ensuring Best Practice in the Notification of Product Discontinuations ".

The guidelines emphasise the need for an early exchange of information and companies are advised to give as much notice of a discontinuation as possible. However, companies are free to review their portfolios as they think necessary and the DHSC has no powers to insist that a company continues to keep a product on the market.

Scottish Government officials meet with DHSC colleagues to discuss medicine supply issues on a regular basis and will continue to do so. Any patients who are concerned about the discontinuation of any products should contact their doctor or pharmacist to discuss alternative treatment options.

As stated in the answer to question S5W-15984, postgraduate Medical training curricula are written by Medical Royal Colleges, approved by the General Medical Council. The training is delivered by territorial NHS Boards in clinical placement settings, also approved by the GMC.

All qualified healthcare practitioners have a professional obligation to undertake continuous professional development to meet identified learning and professional development needs. A range of interventions have been developed and are in place for staff working with adults with a range of health conditions including ME/CFS.

The Scottish Government have been working closely with Action for M.E. and have provided funding to the organisation to support project work aimed at making improvements in care for people with M.E. through increasing knowledge of the condition among health professionals and working to raise awareness, and promote self-management solutions.

Raising awareness of Lyme disease is an ongoing priority for the Lyme Borreliosis Group which is part of the Scottish Health Protection Network. In addition to producing educational materials for the public and medical practitioners, the group has run a number of sessions for Community Pharmacy Groups and in partnership with the local Health Protection Team, held a symposium on Lyme disease on Benbecula. The group continues to meet and discuss routes for raising awareness.

There are no plans to print leaflets as these are freely available to download from the Health Protection Scotland (HPS) website.