Seòmar agus comataidhean

I call Emma Harper for a brief supplementary.

David Torrance has questions on Covid recovery.

Under our second agenda item, we will continue our inquiry into female participation in sport and physical activity. Today, we will take evidence from witnesses representing sports and public health organisations about broader issues that affect female participation in sport and physical activity. I welcome Kim Atkinson, who is the chief executive officer of the Scottish Sports Association; David Ferguson, who is the chief executive of the Observatory for Sport in Scotland; Flora Jackson, who is the health improvement manager at Public Health Scotland; Maureen McGonigle, who is the chief executive officer of Scottish Women in Sport, who joins us online; and Ailsa Wyllie, who is the lead manager at sportscotland.

We will move straight to questions. Lack of funding for women’s and girls’ sport, particularly compared with funding for men’s and boys’ elite sport, was identified as a challenge by many of the respondents to the committee’s call for evidence. That lack of funding relates to pay for athletes, sponsorship and prize money. What are the main challenges that affect funding and opportunities for women and girls in sport and physical activity, and how could they be overcome?

Yes, but very briefly because other people want to come in.

I am sorry, but we need to move on to our last theme because we only have about eight minutes left. I ask people to keep the questions and answers short, so that we can get as much information as possible.

Thank you very much. Unfortunately, we have run out of time and have come to the end of this session. I thank the witnesses for their contributions as well as those who put in submissions to the inquiry and gave additional information.

Our next agenda item is further scrutiny of NHS boards. Today, we will take evidence from the State Hospitals Board for Scotland. I welcome Robin McNaught, director of finance and e-health at the State Hospitals Board for Scotland, who joins us remotely.

We will move straight to questions. Sandesh Gulhane will ask the first questions.

I am sorry, but can I drag you back to the answer that I was looking for? You have explained what has happened with in-patients, but I am asking about participation of carers at MDT meetings.

I will pass to Sue Webber for questions.

It would be helpful for the committee to have that information, if you would not mind writing to us with it. We would probably look to pursue an update on that.