Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you. I have no further questions.

In light of the evidence that we have received, I wonder whether the committee would consider writing to the national fertility group to seek a further update on its consideration of the capacity implications of any future expansion of access to NHS IVF for single women, and to ask how it might consider expanding the criteria for in vitro insemination to single people.

It is good to see Jackie Baillie back at the committee.

I suggest that the committee writes to the Royal Town Planning Institute, Heads of Planning Scotland, Planning Democracy, Built Environment Forum Scotland, and the Scottish Forum of Community Councils to seek their views on the actions that are called for in the petition. Would the committee also consider writing to the Scottish Government to seek an update on the progress to finalise the guidance on effective community engagement in the local development planning process?

The committee could write to the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care to ask: how, in the absence of regulation, he can be assured that independent ambulances are operating safely; how long he expects it will take to explore—and, if necessary, update—the definition of an independent ambulance service; how the regulation of independent ambulance services will be prioritised to suit other proposals for the regulation of healthcare; and for details, including a timeline, of the commencement of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s functions in relation to the regulation of independent ambulance service provision. Lastly, the committee should ask the cabinet secretary why, after making provision for the regulation of independent ambulance services in the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, the Scottish Government decided not to commence the relevant provisions to ensure at least some regulation while additional exploratory work is undertaken.

Looking at other legal systems across the UK, do you think that the action that is being taken in England and Wales goes far enough to adequately protect journalists and campaigners?

I wonder whether the committee would consider writing to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands to ask when the Scottish Government will publish its analysis of its consultation “Tackling the nature emergency: Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity”. We should also seek an update on the Government’s plans to introduce a natural environment bill.

Will the committee also consider writing to the Confederation of Forest Industries to highlight the petitioners’ latest submission and to seek information on the action that the forestry industry is taking to remove invasive non-native species and ensure the protection of ancient woodlands?

As somebody who always likes to grant Jackie Baillie’s wishes, I also wonder whether the committee would add the petition to the shortlist of topics on which the committee might wish to seek parliamentary debate, and we can consider that further when the committee next meets to consider its work programme.

Does the Council of Europe initiative put pressure on the Scottish Government to do more on the issue?

Thank you for that. In drafting anti-SLAPP legislation, what are the key factors that will make it successful?

What evidence led the Scottish Government to conclude that going above a unit price of 65p would be too high for Scotland? Some people would argue that, if we increased the price above 65p per unit, that would decrease the harm from alcohol and reduce deaths.

I have no further questions, convener, because, in her opening statement, the minister answered the ones that I was going to ask.