 Colleagues y鯼 ddan nhw, byt selfish ar ddirth y clerio iaeth dr toast nodiach, yield mwrtaeth mewn front cyntior, a'r bwrdd wrth eu ysbytyn yn fawr y lle i ddvoedd eto pan eisiau unGarddo mry undoubtedlyhnydd o gyllid ysbytyn yn teimlo i fyfyd Meddwlard Gófer Cymru. Rwy'n deser. R machteidwch am gyda ddefn Augusten Fai MiddleAust yn gydawn cy Paste 알udol FWC yng Nghymru gyr procedural, ac esudio i dda'r cymrydais u Euw. den Does the Member that we need robust data to understand our objectivetechn to conduct a football, having to take actions necessary to address it? The data is collated by football authorities, not the Scottish Government, that was provided only to offer them the basis that was, in a quote, confidential and is not published, however, our clearing consistent preferences have been for this data to be published. Therefore I have spoken to am, mum of SPFL chief executive neo Doncaster today to reiterate this once again and I was introduced on this all the way in writing. He confirmed that the SPFF has also submitted to discussing it and that it positions it positively on the next board meeting. The implementation of this is only possible through open and honest discussion, which is based on also robust evidence that our partners can work with to tackle any unacceptable conduct that is associated with theiscndant revenues by some and the minority of spectators—they, unfortunately, are still resigning from shame of a game. democrats are standings Graham credential I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer, a Musician征 Laming in in alone role does not sound as I won my job. Minister of Football Authorities in the Police should work together on monitoring of sectarian incidents. Finding should be—quote—published annually to allow for a genuine debate about the extent of sectarian behaviour and attitudes in football. The Joint Liberal Democrat Nul By Mouth investigation shows that the Government thought that that does reach agreement with the SPFL. Fans of football authorities have been collating data for the past two seasons in secret. Nobody, but ministers and the police have ever seen it. They never will unless something changes. Will the cabinet secretary rip up the secrecy agreement and publish today, in full, the contents of the sectarianism database? I recognise his interest and, of course, general public interest in that issue. I agree with him that I think that that data should be published. That is not just my view, cabinet secretary, for last year. My predecessor, with whom the agreement was reached, wrote in 2017—I will put a copy of his letter into Spice and I will quote directly from his letter to Neil Donkast at the time—that it is difficult to see how the building of public confidence can be achieved without being open and transparent with the data gathered. I am therefore disappointed that the data gathered will not be publicly available and I hope that you will reconsider that decision. The serious point that I know Liam Carter understands is that this is not the Scottish Government's data. It is data that is collated by match officials. The agreement was reached if we wanted to have that data, that it would be in the proviso that it was confidential and that it was not for publishing. It is not in my gift to just rip up, as he suggests, an agreement with a stakeholder that could be potentially actionable if I do that. Rather, what I have done this morning is spoken to Neil Donkast or through dialogue and conversation. I asked him once again to reconsider the SPFL's objection to that and, in fairness to Neil Donkast, he took a very constructive approach to that telephone conversation. He has agreed that he will put that forward to the board at the next board meeting and I hope that through that dialogue we get to a place where that data can be very readily published. I hope that the member understands that it is not within my gift to just rip up that agreement and discussion and to just publish the data today. I thank the cabinet secretary for his response, but it seems inconceivable that the Government would sign up to an arrangement that has effectively gagged it by the SPFL. The Scottish Government's own independent commission asked for this data to be recorded and published annually to inform a proper public debate. Serious conversations about options like strict liability are impossible if the figures are kept secret. That calls into questions just how seriously those who have the data are working to lift the curse affecting Scottish football. I, too, would like to hear from Neil Donkast, because the SPFL's response has been, to date, quite frankly, pathetic. Is it not the case that if the response to sectarianism is dependent on secrecy and gagging orders, it does not deserve to be running the game? Can I just say to Liam McArthur once again that we are in agreement that the data should be published? There is not a difference or disagreement between Liam McArthur and I on that, but, of course, for us to be able to get this data, which in turn has helped us to focus where our intervention should be, to focus our discussion on what he calls, rightly, I think, the curse surrounding our national game, then to get that data we had to agree that it wouldn't be published because it's not our data. It's not my data to be able to publish, it's collected by match officials and therefore belongs to the clubs and the SPFL and the cup games belongs to the SFV. I am in agreement. I had a very positive conversation with Neil Doncaster this morning. As I say, he's taking that forward to his board. I hope that his board will see sense in this issue and that they will agree to publish that data. In terms of lifting the curse from my game, I can tell you about, of course, the number of projects that were fun, including the one that he mentions in his question. I should say that also this Government has taken action. Our offensive behaviour football act, of course, was part of that action, and this Parliament chose to repeal that, of course. We will continue to intervene where we think appropriately. Of course, I agree with him once again, and I state this with a record, that there should be transparency. Therefore, my wish and my desire is that the SPFL and the SFV choose to publish the data. People feel like this is secret Scotland again. Not only are the SPFLs keeping the dossier secret, but they will feel like the SNP Government is sticking by them in not forcing their hand while admittedly making the right noises. People will feel like it is sweeping sectarianism under the carpet. Is there an actual signed agreement not to publish, which could be to use Liam McArthur's words, ripped up? Can he promise that there are no other instances of the SNP Government covering up or withholding information in this way? Again, the hyperbole with which the member raises the question does the actual issue of real-to-service. What we have here is data that belongs to the SPFL, belongs to the clubs. The only way that we could get that data was, of course, by signing up to those agreements of not publishing. That has helped us in terms of our interventions. I again make the mention that my colleague here, my right and my predecessor, wrote to the SPFL at the time in 2017 very clearly saying that our position was that the data should be released, and that we hope that the SPFL would reconsider the decision not to release. As I said, if we were to release the data, it could potentially be actionable. What we are doing is understanding that there is a real public interest, and I absolutely understand that public interest. Therefore, my onus is on the SPFL to reflect on that. They have said that they will present it at the next board meeting, and I hope for a very positive conclusion to that. James Dornan, to be full by James Kelly. Thank you, Presiding Officer. As Cabinet Secretary is aware, I have been leading the campaign for Scottish football clubs and authorities to introduce strict liability to crack down and fan trouble. Although I am looking at bringing in my own legislation, it has always been my preference that Scottish football implements itself. In the world, I welcome the Cabinet Secretary's commentary and the discussion with Neil Donkaster. Does the minister not agree with me that it is incumbent in both those organisations to publish their own data themselves? If they do not, people will continue to believe that Scottish football believes that there is a law into themselves and has no real inclination to make the necessary changes to clean up the game, or that they have something to hide. Will the cabinet secretary continue to push the SPFL and the SPFL to release those figures before that something to hide looks like something serious to hide? I think that the SPFL and the SPFL would do well to reflect on just how they are viewed by not just parliamentarians but the public on this issue if they do not be as open and transparent as I would like them and clearly Parliament would like them to be with the data. I think that that is an important point. What I would say in the flipside to James Dornan is that I have had some very positive and constructive conversations with both the SPFL and the SPFL. In fact, wider stakeholders in football from the PFA, the referees associations, supporters, organisations as well as individual clubs. I detect from my conversations a real desire to do something in relation to unacceptable conduct. Of course, that varies in terms of what that should be, but I will take those conversations forward. I reiterate that we want the SPFL to publish the data. I hope that they will and I hope that they will come to that conclusion at their next board meeting. To ensure a positive and constructive discussion about tackling unacceptable conduct and promoting a positive support or experience, all verified and accurate data should be in the public domain. It is fair to say that the engagement from some clubs and football authorities has been inadequate in recent times. Can I ask the cabinet secretary what action the Government is taking to ensure that clubs and football authorities engage more positively in this debate in order to ensure a more positive atmosphere at football? I thank James Kelly for that question and for the constructive manner in which he asks. I have taken a range of actions forward. If there are many lessons to learn over the years on how we approach the subject, I am trying to take as many people with us on that journey. I think that James Kelly will understand that there is a range of views on how to tackle unacceptable conduct that goes from strict liability right the way through to a variety of range of options. I have had some good ideas. I am happy to talk to James Kelly off-line, if he wishes, about where I think the lay of the land is and among the clubs and the various stakeholders. However, we are starting to build a coalition of those who are building consensus about what we need to do. Those conversations will continue. I hope to have those conversations well into the summer and ahead of the start of the new season. However, I detect that there is some movement and that there is a willingness. However, I agree with his central premise, which is that whatever we do should be done in a way that is open and transparent. Therefore, I hope that the SPFL will reflect on this session in the chamber and that it will come to a positive conclusion at its next board meeting and release the data and publish it to the public to read. 2. Stewart Stevenson To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Serco about the recent disruption to the Caledonian sleeper service. Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson The Scottish Government is in daily dialogue with Caledonian sleeper on this issue and receives daily status updates on train operations and new train status. The current disruption has been caused by damage to the train's wheels following an incident last Tuesday night, forcing withdrawal of a number of carriages. Caledonian sleeper is contacting affected passengers with service updates and with the offer of alternative travel or refunds. We anticipate that services will return to normal schedule by the end of this week. 2. Stewart Stevenson Is the technical fault on the carriage tyres to be believed to be as a result of a one-off incident or a design flaw or some other reason? Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson Although Serco has yet to reach a 100 per cent conclusion on the matter, its initial cause of the incident leading to the subsequent wheel damage has been the result of the incorrect setting up of the train control management system, as opposed to it being a technical failure, and it is continuing to investigate the matter. 3. Stewart Stevenson Is customer feedback about the new sleeper rolling stock, indicating that this is a service that will continue to be an important contributor to our tourism industry once we are able to put the current difficult phase behind us? Presiding Officer, there has been initial teething problems with the new rolling stock. There is positive feedback from passengers in the four-week period from the launch of the new trains on 28 April. Caledon and Sleeper reports sales levels of 13 per cent higher than in previous years. There is no doubt in my mind that the new rolling stock in the Caledon and Sleeper is indicating an increased confidence in those seeking to make use of the service, and I have absolutely no doubt that it will continue to be a significant contributor to tourism and our wider economy in the years ahead. Jamie Greene I think that, invariably, the cabinet secretary will agree with me that any new service will have teething issues in Serco or not the only company that has suffered with manufacturing issues in delivery of new carriages and services. However, I think that there is a shared desire, hopefully, among all of us in the chamber to see that new service succeed and deliver for passengers on both sides of the border. However, can I ask if the cabinet secretary has any further update or discussion with the operator on delays to the Fort William and Inverness routes, which were due to come into play and I believe that timetable has been delayed? Is there an update to the onboarding of that new service and what further measures will the Government take to ensure that all of Scotland benefits from those new carriages? Michael Matheson It is, of course, not uncommon for technical problems to occur in new rolling stock, not just in the railways but in any walk of life, when new rolling stock, whether it is new aeroplanes or boats—whether it may be that there can be technical issues initially when they are being rolled out. As it stands at the present moment, Serco advises that they continue to expect the final introduction of the Caledonia Sleeper on the Highlands Service to be introduced on 7 July this year, which was a timeframe that they had initially set. Clearly, the delay in all of this has been CAF, which is responsible for manufacturing of the new rolling stock, which has a significant delay. It was due to have been introduced in April of last year, but the failure of CAF has resulted in such a marked delay. However, I know that the member has made use of the new facilities on the Caledonia Sleeper, which are far superior to what was there previously and will provide a very good service for the years ahead. However, as it stands at the present moment, they still expect the Highlands Service to be introduced on 7 July. The sleeper service has been plagued by the late delivery of rolling stock. It has seen almost a third of new services later cancer and has workers on the verge of strike action because of rising stress levels. Does the cabinet secretary accept that it is another example of a rail franchise where a private firm has overpromised and under-delivered, despite significant levels of taxpayers' money being invested highly in the failure of the franchise system? I will not come as a surprise to the member that I am not a fan of the franchising system in rail services, and I wish that the Parliament had the powers in order to change that. I hope that the member will support us in making that case to the Williams review so that the Parliament can choose what is the best route for providing rail services in Scotland in the future that does not necessarily include that of franchising. The member will recognise that the primary reason for the delay around this particular service has been CAF, who are the manufacturers of the new carriages, which has had a marked impact on the ability to roll out the new service. Clearly, the issues around some of the technical issues that have been identified on the new rolling stock are matters that CERCO are pursuing with CAF. However, as part of the franchise agreement, we have penalties in the franchise agreement to deal with issues that relate to such delays as anything to do with CAF as a matter for CERCO to take forward, but we have arrangements in place as part of the franchise to apply penalties to CERCO for a failure to deliver on the services that they have undertaken to do as part of the franchise.