Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-08300 on 12 May 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

We remain committed to the inclusion of glass in our ambitious Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in view of the significant environmental benefits. Although the ambition of other nations’ schemes is a matter for their governments, we welcome the Welsh Government’s decision to follow our example and include glass in their scheme. We will work with all the other UK administrations to ensure interoperability of our schemes where this can be done without losing the ambition of our own.

Although the UK Government has provided some limited information about their intentions in respect of DRS through the government response to the consultation on extended producer responsibility for packaging, we are still awaiting the full details of their approach. We expect to see these in their response to their DRS consultation.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-08079 on 4 May 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

We have had no discussions with Circularity Scotland Ltd on this subject.

The Assurance of Action Plan report which followed the Gateway Review of 2021 recommended a further Gateway Review be conducted in approximately March 2022. This review is being carried out this month.

The Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General Health and Social Care put in place a temporary pause on filling vacancies not currently advertised within Health and Social Care Directorates from 4 April 2022. Over the last two years, the Health and Social Care directorates have expanded to respond to the pandemic. The pause has been put in place for a short period to recognise the changing nature of the response now needed from the Portfolio. It allows time to consider the future size, shape and services that need to be delivered and how staff can be supported appropriately. The recruitment pause is designed to ensure that any planned activity is aligned to the organisation’s longer term workforce plan.

The Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General Health and Social Care put in place a temporary pause on filling vacancies not currently advertised within Health and Social Care Directorates from 4 April 2022. The pause will remain in place for no longer than necessary, while consideration is given to the future pandemic response.

Single Building Assessment applicants are supported through the process to complete the application form and commission professional services ahead of receiving the final survey report. 15 pilot blocks are within the Application Phase. 10 pilot blocks are within the Delivery Phase. One additional block is existing within the new approach where we direct commission those professional services on behalf of a building.

Within our pilot model, applicants are required to obtain up to three quotes to participate in the Single Building Assessment programme.