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Again, I think that what the petition calls for has been achieved. Therefore, I would like us to close the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders, on the basis that the terms of reference for the Covid-19 inquiry have now been published and will include consideration of the provision of education and certification during the pandemic.

In closing the petition, we might wish to draw the attention of the Education, Children and Young People Committee to the issues that have been raised.

What do you think are the recurrent issues that impact on recruitment of health and social care staff in rural areas?

I think that this issue has been well investigated by the committee over two parliamentary sessions. We have taken evidence from everyone we needed to hear from. In our most recent evidence session, we got assurances that the proposal would not go ahead for five years. I do not think that we can take the issue any further—how many of us will be here in five years’ time?

I believe that what the petition originally called for has been addressed. I am therefore happy for us to close the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders, on the basis that the issues that were raised by the petitioner now appear to have been resolved.

Considering the position of COSLA and the fact that the Scottish Government has no plans to review the processes, I think that we have no option but to close the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders.

Good morning. In his evidence, Dr Spencer Netto highlighted how successful Shouldice hospital had been with natural tissue repairs, which have resulted in a low recurrence of hernias. How do pre-operative preparation and post-operative care for hernia repair surgery in Scotland differ from the steps undertaken in that hospital?

The example of Shouldice hospital demonstrates the success of a specialised hernia repair unit. Would it be possible to have such a centre in Scotland, taking into account the criteria that would need to be met in order to have such a success rate?

I probably know the answer to this question, but I want to get it on the record. If we are to focus on the inequalities in the health and wellbeing of children and young people that have been caused by the pandemic, taking into account the capacity of the system, where should we focus first in order to get the best results?

Yes.

Good morning, panel. The pandemic has been extremely disruptive to children and young people at a time in their lives when they might have expected stability. What are the long-term impacts of the pandemic likely to be in relation to children and young people, and in particular those affected by health inequality? I ask Ed Pybus to respond to that first.

Good morning, Mr Lyon. The lack of engagement with local communities on the future of air traffic control in the areas concerned caused real problems. Why was there a lack of engagement? Can you assure us that, if anything is going to change in the future strategy for the area, you will engage with the communities?