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Following on from the comments from both the minister and Mr O’Kelly, do we have some understanding of mesh itself? Different types of mesh may well undergo different processes. How have we been investigating and taking steps to analyse some of the mesh products themselves, to look at what defects they might have?

Has the Government, or have clinicians themselves, had a look at any of the history to find out whether there are defects that occur with specific types of mesh products, which might be more susceptible or more problematic for individuals? If we are aware that certain products might be more susceptible than others, that might reassure people in the future that the mesh that is being put in will be better, because it is not of a type that has a track record of causing issues in the past.

Minister, perhaps you can answer first.

We have heard that, in some situations, individuals had one mesh for a hernia put in but it had to be removed; they then had a second one put in and, since the second attempt, things have been better. They have not experienced the same complications since the first mesh was removed and the second one was implanted. Is there evidence, in your experience or that of others, of that happening when one mesh is removed and then replaced with a new one? Is it common or just an ad hoc situation that occurs with certain individuals?

Bruce Adamson, you talked about the support mechanisms required to ensure a dignified, friendly and respectful approach to managing and progressing the process for a 16 or 17-year-old. Do you believe that we have that at present? Does the bill ensure that someone who is 16 or 17 will be well treated in the process?

Malcolm, in your opening remarks, you said that it might not always be possible to balance the various aspects, that creative ways of ensuring that no one is left out needed to be found and that consultation on the issue should be meaningful and respectful.

Last year, sportscotland—jointly with the other UK sporting councils—issued guidance. There were found to be two polarising issues. On one side, there was a view that trans people should be included in sport and that there should not be any restriction, whereas others saw that trans inclusion should be subject to regulation to ensure fair sporting competition. The UK sporting councils advised that there should be some kind of balance, but they also indicated that bodies should define their own rules, using a framework to interpret the guidance, which would help to support outcomes for each sport. How are sporting bodies in Scotland being supported to ensure that trans inclusion in sport is balanced with the requirements for fairness and safety?

Hugh, do you have any comments on that balance? Malcolm has given examples of types of sport that might have a different attitude or might have to go a different way, because of the nature of the sport or the competition that is involved.

Good morning, panel. The bill also covers the issue of residency and provides that those born or “ordinarily resident in” Scotland will have the opportunity to apply for a gender recognition certificate. Concerns have been expressed that that might mean that trans people from other parts of the United Kingdom might choose to come to Scotland to apply for a certificate, either because of family circumstances or because they do not have a supportive network at home.

My question, which is for Bruce Adamson first and then Ellie Gomersall, is: do you believe that that is a potential concern? Please also give us your view on the requirement for residency as it relates to 16 and 17-year-olds.

Ellie Gomersall, do you also believe that there needs to be a better and more respectful approach and that the process will contain that and manage to challenge what there is at present?

I very much concur with that. As the convener indicated, it is a difficult situation, but it exists and we need more clarity on it. What has been suggested would give some of that clarity at this stage, so that the committee can then consider what gaps there may be in the process and ensure that there is an opportunity to look at what has happened in England and Wales with reference to some of the issues, because that is very relevant to the petitioner and the issues that she was trying to raise.

It is important that we take evidence from Natalie Don. Obviously, she is carrying out a consultation, and it would be useful to get an update on how she is progressing with the member’s bill. It would also be advantageous for the committee to write to the Scottish Government to request that it considers a memorial to individuals who were convicted as witches under the 1563 act.

Mr Lyon, communities were very fearful and anxious about the whole process, and they still are. There is no question but that they feel that there might be loss, reduction or diminution of services that they expect.

Can you give assurances to the communities that are served by HIAL airports that there will not be a reduction or diminution of services or aviation safety resulting from roll-out of the new air traffic control system and procedures? As I said, people are still very fearful about what is planned and what will happen.