Seòmar agus comataidhean

The latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data shows there were 3,450 qualifiers from computer science courses at Scottish Universities in 2015-16. Of this, 2,700 were male and 755 were female which is a split of 78% male, 22% female.

Related figures for 2013-14, and 2014-15 are in the following table:

Computer Science qualifiers from Scottish HEIs split by gender 2013-14 to 2015-16

Source: HESA Data (SG Analysis)

Numbers in this table have been rounded to the nearest 5. Percentages based on unrounded numbers

"Other" gender has been omitted from this table due to small numbers but are included in the total.

The STEM Strategy published on 26 October 2017 will help to close equity gaps in participation and attainment in STEM so that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute to Scotland's economic prosperity. This will include the launch of a new social media campaign in 2018 to increase gender balance in participation in STEM study and to address STEM occupational segregation. This campaign will be led and championed by Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council and the college and university sectors.

This Government is committed to promoting economic growth across all our communities, including those in East Ayrshire. Our substantial investment in infrastructure, regeneration and business support helps to deliver inclusive growth and economic resilience, creating and retaining jobs in communities across the area.

On 30 August I announced investment of £5.3 million for the HALO project in Kilmarnock that will transform the site of the former Johnnie Walker bottling plant into a low carbon development to support the local economy. East Ayrshire Council has also been successful with recommendations for two projects from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The projects will receive £2.2 million to support a new business hub in Kilmarnock Town Centre and create a unique, dynamic community facility on the site of the former Crossroads Primary School in Hurlford.

The ambition that we set out in the Programme for Government is underpinned by our recently published Switched on Scotland Action Plan and builds on the range of incentives we already provide to local authorities and individuals. We will set out detailed plans over coming months.

It is estimated from the National Statistics Source, the Annual Population Survey for January to December 2016, that there are 128,000 EU nationals in employment in Scotland.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all children and young people get the support that they need to reach their full learning potential. Education authorities have duties under the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004, to identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils.

The Act recognises that children and young people may require additional support for a variety of reasons. The associated Code of Practice is clear that additional support may be required where a child is particularly able, has autism, or both.

The Scottish Government has supported the development and publication of the "Autism Toolbox" which helps teachers and educational support staff identify and meet the needs of pupils with autism. In addition, we fund the Scottish Network for Able Pupils. SNAP offers a network of support to schools and teachers through the sharing of ideas and practice. SNAP also runs workshop for young people and provides advice to parents.

I have written to Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, on a number of occasions since 25 October 2016 on a range of digital connectivity issues. I have not yet received a substantive reply to the issues I raised in these letters.

Between April 2012 and March 2016, the Scottish Government invested over £19m in the provision of affordable housing in East Ayrshire Council.

At official level, the Scottish Government has regular engagement with the UK Government on a range of policy and operational issues relating to broadband and mobile, including broadband rollout in Scotland as part of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme.

I have written to Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, on a number of occasions since 25 October 2016 on a range of digital connectivity issues, and have sought a meeting with him to discuss these. I have not yet received a substantive reply to the issues I raised in these letters, nor has a meeting taken place.

To date, the Scottish Government has received no assurances from the UK Government regarding continued access to the Digital Single Market.

In spite of continued lack of meaningful engagement on the part of the UK Government, the Scottish Government will continue to engage in good faith with the UK Government to seek to ensure that Scotland’s interests are represented within the UK’s negotiations with the European Union, including continuing to call on the UK Government to include a priority objective for Scotland to enjoy the benefits of the European Single Market and from continued access to the Digital Single Market.

The Scottish Government has had no discussions with the UK Government on mobile roaming charges after the UK exits the EU. This, as with all aspects of telecoms policy and regulation, is a reserved issue.

I have written to Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, on a number of occasions since 25 October 2016 on a range of digital connectivity issues. I have not yet received a substantive reply to the issues I raised in these letters.