 That concludes general questions the next item of businesses First Minister's questions at question number 1 I call Douglas Ross. Thank you. Today, a low emission zone came in force in Glasgow. It will prevent many vehicles from entering the city centre, and if a driver breaks the rules, they could face hefty fines into hundreds of pounds. Can the First Minister tell us how many vehicles applied for an exemption to the scheme, but were refused? First of all, this is, of course, a scheme run by Glasgow City Council. It's a scheme that I am very supportive of. Of course, I think that all of the Parliament should be supportive of the low-emission zones. Why? Because we know, of course, that air pollution is a serious problem, particularly in our city cornerbations, particularly in Glasgow. That's why, of course, the introduction of the ALEZ has been welcomed by the likes of Asma and Lung UK, as well as many other third sector organisations with an interest in public health. I don't have the exact figure to hand that Douglas Ross has asked for, but I do know, of course, that there has been an ALEZ exemptions process that has been put in place. Of course, a number of time-limited exemptions have been granted. However, I would say to Douglas Ross that I do hope that, in his questioning, he will be unequivocal in his support for ALEZs, because, of course, every single week, rightly so, members of this Parliament question this Government on what more we can do to tackle the climate emergency. In the Conservatives case, every time we bring forward a measure or local authorities, they seem to oppose it time and time again. It is absolutely critical for all of us that believe in tackling the climate emergency as a priority that we don't just talk the talk but are prepared to walk the walk. I really hope that the First Minister will start answering questions rather than telling Opposition leaders what they should be asking, because, as usual with the SNP, the problem with this policy is the delivery. There have been numerous warnings about the implementation from people and organisations across Scotland. SNP members are saying that this is an exaggeration. Let's just look at one of the many charities raising concerns. Joe Fitzpatrick, a Government Minister, wants to shout me down while I am speaking about a charity in Glasgow raising concerns, so maybe Joe Fitzpatrick, the First Minister and the SNP could listen to Homeless Project Scotland. They were refused an exemption and still they heckle Homeless Project Scotland refused an exemption to use a refrigerated van within the restricted area. Their chairman Colin McInnes said that it helps to feed 300 people every day. It collects food from 15 to 20 businesses in the city centre right at the heart of the low emissions zone. His message was simple. Exemptions for exceptional circumstances must be reviewed. Mr McInnes continued, if 300 people queuing for many hours for food on the streets of Glasgow is not exceptional, then they need to publish what is exceptional. Does Humza Yousaf agree that this outstanding charity deserves an exemption from this scheme? I commend the work that is done by the Homeless Project in Glasgow. We do have to ask ourselves of course why they are having to feed so many people in any given week. That is undoubtedly the case because of over a decade of Tory austerity, because of a cost of living crisis, because of high inflation, because of high energy costs. That is why they are having to do the work that they are having to do. I urge Glasgow, as it has already done in my understanding, to engage with the third sector, including the Homeless Project. Glasgow has been very transparent. The application process for time-limited exemptions in Glasgow is published on the Glasgow City Council website. There has been, of course, a lead-in time in relation to the early Z being introduced. We know that there is an exemption process, but it is imperative on all of us, whether it is the public who are in Glasgow, whether it is charities, whether it is the third sector in all of us, to have to make sure that we are doing everything possible in our gift to tackle the serious problems around air pollution. I go back to what I said in my first answer. Time and time and time again, Douglas Ross will stand up and demand we do more to tackle the climate emergency. Whether it is on DRS, whether it is on the workplace parking levy, whether it is on LAZ, he will oppose. Why will he oppose? Not because of anything to do with any principled stance in relation to the climate emergency, he opposes it simply because the SNP proposes it, and that is not good enough. Douglas Ross, I oppose it when the SNP makes a shambolic mess of every one of the schemes that they bring in. The First Minister wants to commend homeless project Scotland, but refuses to stand up and say that they are one van that helps to feed 300 people every day should get an exemption. That is not commending a charity, that is condemning them, and they are inability now to do the work that they want to do. The delivery of this scheme has been toned death to the needs of the city and charities like Homeless Project Scotland. SNP members wanted to heckle me when I spoke about charities. Will they do the same when I now read out quotes from businesses? They have also been raising concerns. Now its cabinet secretaries do not want to hear what businesses in Glasgow think. I know that Jenny Gilruth used to be the transport minister, but she should be listening to those points just now. Businesses are saying this to politicians across the political spectrum, and SNP members think that it is funny. So let us listen. Stephen Grant is funny when the health secretary is laughing at this. Stephen Grant of Unite Glasgow taxi drivers has said that this damaging and punitive plan is going to be devastating for our trade without a shadow of a doubt. Local business owner William Payton, who runs a garage within the restricted zone, says that it just feels like it has been poorly thought out and we have been left in a horrible position because of it. Stuart Patrick, chief executive officer of Glasgow, Chambers of Commerce, said that while we are supportive of the aims of the LEZ, the chamber does not support using it as a political measure to drive all private cars away from the city centre. This morning, Donald MacLeod of the Night Time Industries Association said, actually what we have got here is going to be a low economy zone getting created. He is right, isn't he? What does Hamza Yousaf have to say to all these businesses and all their workers who are concerned that this scheme is going to put jobs at risk? First and foremost, I go back to the point that there has, of course, been a considerable lead-in time for the Glasgow LEZ coming into place, and there has been extensive engagement—oh, it is fine for Douglas Ross to dish it out now—but he cannot take it when he is standing up for his question. Let me give Douglas Ross some of the facts around the LEZ in Glasgow. Not only has it had a lengthy and extensive lead-in time, there has, of course, been considerable engagement with businesses, with the community, with the third sector, with charities as well. In terms of support as well to support low-income households and small businesses, get prepared, the LEZ support fund offered financial support towards the disposal of non-LEZ compliant vehicles in 2020-21. The LEZ support fund awarded £1.7 million in grants, £3.85 million in 2021-22, and £5 million is awarded through the LEZ support fund in 2022-23. That fund, while it is now closed, however, those eligible were encouraged to register their interest. As a result of that fund, the LEZ support fund resulted in more than 2,500 non-LEZ compliant vehicles being disposed or retrofitted with cleaner technology. That fund has been funding there not just for low-income households but, in particular, for small businesses as well. When it comes to tackling the climate emergency, something that all of us in the chamber claim to have an interest in and claim to say that it is a priority, the warm words are easy, the rhetoric is easy and taking action is the hard bit. The Government will never shy away, nor should our local authorities, from taking the tough action that is required in order to tackle the biggest threat that our planet faces. The only thing that answer proved is that it took till question 3 for Humza Yousaf to find his pre-prepared script in his folder on this issue, but this LEZ is the latest anti-driver policy from the SNP that looks like being a nab salute shambles in the making. So they have cut investment in roads, they are not tackling Scotland's pothole problems, they are not supporting car drivers, they have proposed a car park tax and they are increasing the cost of driving across Scotland. Now approximately three quarters of a million vehicles in Scotland will be fined if they drive through this zone in Glasgow. The LEZ is hurting charities' ability to function, it is risking jobs and business leaders think it is going to create a low economy zone. Wouldn't it have been better, First Minister, to delay the scheme for a year and properly listen to the concerns of businesses, charities, individuals and organisations who have been raising these concerns, have been hoping for a change but have been left with no answers, no response and a tone deaf Government who refuse to listen to them? First Minister. In the meantime, of course, if we had delayed, more people would have suffered in terms of their asthma, more people would have suffered because of their lung conditions, more people would have suffered because of CPD, more of the citizens of Glasgow would have suffered dire health consequences because we know air pollution in Glasgow is nowhere near the standards that we want it to be and the LEZ, of course, will help with that. It is an undeniable fact, Presiding Officer, that every time this SNP Government brings forward action to tackle the biggest threat our planet faces that Douglas Ross and the Conservatives oppose time and time and time again. Douglas Ross, of course, stood on the manifesto for a deposit return scheme, but now opposes it. When we look to invest and unleash the potential of the green economy in the northeast, what do we get from the UK Government, from the Tory UK Government? Complete and utter in action, not a single penny of funding towards the Scottish cluster or the Acorn project, not a single penny to support the economy, the green economy. Members, First Minister, we are not going to continue in this vein. We are representatives of the people of Scotland. We are sitting in the national parliament. I would be very grateful if all who are tuning in could hear answers and questions. Thank you. I do not want to hear about the fact that they have been utterly missing from taking any action to tackle the climate emergency here in Scotland. Let me end by saying this to the Conservatives when it comes to tackling the climate emergency, whether it is LEZ, whether it is DRX, the real potential for Scotland, of course, both from tackling the climate emergency and from an economic point of view, is unleashing the green potential of the northeast and of Scotland. For a party that has plundered and taken £300 billion of revenue from the northeast, the very least that they could do is match our £500 million Just Transition Fund and help us to tackle the climate emergency that is affecting our globe, is the biggest priority, the biggest threat this country and indeed the world faces. Question 2, Anna Sarwar. Can the First Minister tell us how many Scots died last year while languishing on an NHS waiting list? I do not have that figure to hand, but I do not want a single person having to wait longer than they have to. I apologise to anybody who is waiting unnecessarily on a waiting list for treatment. I hope that most people will recognise and acknowledge the significant impact that the pandemic has had, the biggest challenge that our NHS has ever faced in its almost 75-year existence. We are making some progress in relation to the targets that have been set to reduce waiting times both in terms of outpatients and inpatients, but I think that the Government and I would be the first to recognise that, of course, we have to do more. That is why the recovery of our NHS is a significant priority, is the priority for this Government, and that is why we are investing a record £19 billion this year in order to help to recover the NHS and reduce those waiting lists. The number of the First Minister was looking for is 18,390. That is over 18,000 families with a loved one who died waiting for treatment that could have prolonged or in some cases saved their lives. In 2017, 7,868 Scots died while on an NHS waiting list, and immediately before Covid, it was 13,211. If this current trend continues, it will be over 20,000 this year. Those are not just numbers. Those are people waiting in pain. Many dying far too early, leaving behind heartbroken families. As health secretary, Humza Yousaf failed to get a grip of NHS waiting lists, and on his watch they grew by over 175,000. Nearly two years ago, he published a recovery plan for the NHS, and since then things have got worse. Can the First Minister tell us clearly when will his Government meet the legal treatment time guarantee so that fewer Scots are losing their lives? Of course, he is absolutely right to raise the issue of waiting lists and the fact that they have increased throughout the course of the pandemic. I cannot escape from that matter of fact, but the pandemic is not just a fleeting matter. It is not a matter that can just be mentioned and then not fully explored in terms of the clear impact that it has had. There is no doubt that the pandemic has been the biggest shock that NHS health services in Europe and globally have faced. That is not unique to Scotland. Of course, I am responsible, and we are responsible for the health service here in Scotland, but it is clearly impacted on health services right across the UK. We are making progress in relation to that recovery plan that Anna Sauer mentioned. For example, if I look at the outpatient two-year waits, we have seen that numbers are down 19 per cent from the last quarter, crucially down almost 70 per cent from quarter two in 2022. Those are waiting a year or 12 months in relation to outpatients. We know that, since the target was introduced in quarter three 2022, the numbers of new outpatients have reduced by more than 15 per cent. If I look at inpatients, again we have seen similar decreases. If I look at inpatient day cases, those that have waited over two years, we have seen those numbers significantly reduced by 27 per cent since those targets were announced. We can see a similar pattern in terms of improvement in relation to diagnostics as well. We are making progress in relation to those targets. We are also investing record numbers in our NHS recovery and, indeed, in our social care recovery. However, I have always been up front whether it is when I was health secretary or my current role as First Minister, that the recovery of the NHS will not take weeks or months. It will take years, and that is why we have a five-year recovery plan that I am absolutely committed in continuing to see progress in and committed to ensuring that it has record investment alongside it. As health secretary, Humza Yousaf said, he would have eradicated two-year waits by now, and he has patently failed. Things were getting worse before Covid, and things have got a lot worse in the two years since he published his NHS catch-up plan, and grieving families will see through those excuses. However, that is not even the full picture. According to FOI responses, thousands of people are forced to leave the NHS and pay for their treatment in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. In one health board alone, the number has quadrupled between 2019 and 2023, and people without insurance paying for private treatment has increased by 73 per cent since before the pandemic—73 per cent. Our NHS was built on the principle of healthcare-free at the point of need, and that is clearly no longer the case for thousands of people in Scotland. Does the First Minister accept that his incompetence has created a two-tier NHS, where people are forced to either go into debt in order to stop the pain and get the treatment that they need or to languish on an NHS waiting list? No, I do not agree with Anna Salwar's characterisation. I will come to why in just a second. It was not a list of excuses, I read it. I read it a list of facts. I read it at some of the data and some of the statistics around some of the progress that has been made. That is not to take away from individuals right across this country who are waiting far too long. We know that waiting on a waiting list can have significant and severe consequences. That is why, for example, we are investing in our national treatment centres. We have four that are opening this year. A couple of them have already opened. I will be pleased in a couple of weeks' time to officially open NTC Highland. We have NTC 4th Valley in the second phase of NHS Golden Jubilee opening later this year. That will give us additional capacity. We know that NTC 5th plans include 500 orthopedic procedures this year, rising more than 700 by 2025-26. In the first year of opening, the first of the national treatment centres and the National Eye Centre in NHS Golden Jubilee delivered almost 9,000 catarac procedures. We are investing in that additional capacity. In terms of the use of private healthcare, I do not want anybody to have to feel that the only choice they have to go to is private healthcare. However, to go to Anasawar's point, this is not because the SNP is in government, it is unique to Scotland. It is, of course, a situation that is affecting health services right across the entire UK. If I take private healthcare as an example, the rate of people's self-funding for private and patient day-case care is 19.9 per cent higher in England than it is here in Wales. It is over 120 per cent higher than it is here in Scotland. We know that those issues are affecting people right across the UK. The reason why, of course, is the pandemic. We will continue to not just invest in the NHS, we will continue to make sure that our staff are the best paid in the UK. We will make sure that we do not lose days on strike. Of course, Scotland is the only part of the UK to ensure that not a single day in the NHS is lost to strike over the course of the winter. We will continue to make sure that we do everything that we can to fill those vacancies, but there can be no NHS recovery without a social care recovery. What has not helped social care, of course, is Brexit, where, of course, we have seen many staff leave social care because of that hard Brexit that has been imposed on Scotland. I will continue to make sure that we have record amounts invested in the recovery of both our NHS and social care too. To ask the First Minister what priority the Scottish Government gives to protecting Scotland's environment? Scotland's natural environment is central to our identity as a nation. It is fundamental to our health, to our quality of life and to our economy. This year, we are investing nearly £1 billion in our natural environment. Of course, we remain committed to working with our partners in the green group on the priorities for net zero and for nature that is set out clearly in the bute house agreement. I and my Government are fully committed to protecting and enhancing Scotland's environment, but progress depends on us being able to use the powers that are fully devolved to this Parliament. Just this week, of course, we have seen the UK Government determined to ride rough shot over a measure to improve recycling, dramatically reduce litter by seeking to sabotage regulations that this Parliament passed on bottle and can recycle. That, of course, is simply unacceptable. Handing on a clean and nature-rich environment to future generations is one of the biggest responsibilities of Government. It is astonishing to hear that the UK Government at a whim is undermining our Parliament's effort to reduce litter and improve recycling by aiming to sabotage Scotland's deposit return scheme. Given that the Tory UK Government was elected on a manifesto commitment to have a scheme that included glass and given that Labour in Wales has joined Scotland in our shared commitment to a scheme with glass, does the First Minister believe that all members here should listen to the evidence, listen to their own promises and colleagues and let Scotland get on with the job for which this Parliament voted? Arrianne Burgess is absolutely right to highlight what it can only be described as shameful hypocrisy of the Conservatives on this matter, whether it is Rushi Sunak, whether it is Alistair Jack or whether it is Douglas Ross who stood on a manifesto promising a deposit return scheme that included glass. It was Maurice Golden, of course, who told us that if you are going to do it, do it properly and include glass. The Tory Government has U-turned on its very own promises and indeed is going contrary to the evidence of what will help us to tackle this climate emergency, what will help us to increase recycling rates and what will help us to remove that litter, that glass that could be hazardous to children, to pets, from our streets, from our parks and from our beaches. However, it does not stop, of course, at the Tories. Labour in Wales shares Scotland's anger about the treatment of devolved parliaments. It shares our ambition to have glass included. There was a time when Labour in Scotland stood up for the Scottish Parliament's right to make our own choices. I shudder to think what greats like John Smith or Donald Dewy, those architects of devolution, what they would be thinking about at Scottish Labour's complete and utter silence at the fact that the Conservatives, time and time again, want to undermine devolution. What the latest action from the Conservatives has shown us is that the Tories are bad for business in Scotland, they are bad for the environment, they are bad for devolution, no wonder they have never won an election here in the last 50 years and I suspect that they keep going, they will not win another one for another 50 years. This Government has cut the total forestry and land budget by £3.4 million, it has cut the environmental quality budget by £3.9 million and it has cut Scottish water's budget by £1.8 million. Is not this his own shameful hypocrisy trotting out worn words on protecting Scotland's environment with these cold cuts? We have, of course, an excellent record when it comes to the forestry, when it comes to, for example, peatland restoration, when it comes to taking action to tackle the climate emergency. Of course, as I have said already to his leader, the branch officer, manager Douglas Ross, every time we bring forward a proposal, we bring forward a measure to tackle the climate emergency, it is supposed by the Conservatives time and time and time again. If we waited for the Conservatives, if we went at their glacial pace, there won't be a planet for future generations to enjoy. What we will continue to do is make sure that we do not just talk the talk but we walk the walk, that we put our money where our mouth is. It would be great if Liam Kerr could use any influence he has. I know that he does not have much, but if he has any influence with his colleagues in London to make sure that they do the right thing by Scotland, by the climate emergency and, for goodness sake, finally give us at least a penny of investment into the ACON project and into the Scottish cluster that can help us to tackle the climate emergency. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's responses to reports that the community pharmacy Scotland board has described the financial settlement that has been offered as derisery. Community pharmacies are a key point of access to NHS healthcare. They provide the right care and place at the right time. Discussions are on going with Community Pharmacy Scotland on the financial settlement for 2023-24. We will build on the increased funding that we have provided year on year for the last five years for community pharmacy services. That has delivered over £25 million in additional remuneration funding. We have also recently added an additional £20 million to the value of the drug tariff this financial year to address the increase in cost of medicine. We look forward to a continued engagement with Community Pharmacy Scotland. I thank the First Minister for his answer. I hope that discussions conclude shortly by recognising the key role that they play in sustaining the health and wellbeing of our constituents. On the line of delivering the right care at the right time and the right place, does the First Minister agree with me that pharmacies such as the high street pharmacy in Lauderdale and the larger chain pharmacy boots and gallous heels, for example, both in my constituency, with their expanding professional services also ease pressure on GPs and even accident and emergency services, emphasising yet again their key role in our health service? First Minister, Christine Grahame is absolutely right. They do provide an exceptional service, whether that is in terms of minor ailments, whether that is in relation to the pharmacy first services that they provide and all the other range of services that are pharmacies, whether they are small independent pharmacies or whether they are, of course, part of larger chains. What I would say to Christine Grahame to give her some level of reassurance is that we are committed to continuing to fund those vital services. Since its introduction, for example, pharmacy first has become established as a key part of the remobilisation of the NHS, I am grateful to all pharmacy contractors, all pharmacy staff for continuing to support this vital element of primary care in Scotland. It is funded separately, but current annual funding of £30.8 million is allocated for pharmacy first, including £10 million of new funding, which was invested between 2020-21 and 2023. I agree with Christine Grahame about the excellent services that are provided by pharmacies right across the country. As I mentioned in response to her first question, the discussions and negotiations with community pharmacies in Scotland are on-going, and I hope that we will get to an agreeable position. In his written response to my question, as the health secretary, Humza Yousaf, said that the previous financial package ensured continuous expansion in the quality and number of services that can be offered by community pharmacy contractors to local communities. Just this week, following a new offer made by the Government that he now leads, we are being warned that opening hours may reduce and services could be cut back. How has it gone so badly wrong yet again on his watch? Will he personally be meeting with community of pharmacy representatives to resolve this important issue? Of course, the pharmacy sector is not immune to the high energy costs, high inflation costs that are affecting everybody in every single business right up and down the country. We have called on the UK Government to do more. They have not done enough to address many of the issues that they are making. However, what is in our gift is to ensure that we are giving appropriate resource and funding to pharmacy services in Scotland. We have increased funding year on year for the last five years for community pharmacy services. Indeed, in Scotland, the Government spends £52 per person per year on pharmaceutical services, where Carol Mocken's party is in charge. It is not as high as that. In terms of England, if I look at where the Conservatives are in charge, that figure is £46 per person in England. We will continue to invest and make sure that we adequately fund pharmacies right up and down this country. I am really grateful for the services that are provided by our pharmacists and pharmacy staff as they see the length and breadth of the country. I am confident that I am hopeful that we will get to an agreed position hopefully sooner rather than later. This development, as described by the First Minister, was just yesterday. The community pharmacist said that the offer was derisory when they rejected it before the money was put in. However, I welcome this money following pressure from community pharmacy and myself, because it does ease some of the... Well, I am glad the SNP are laughing because they clearly do not care about community pharmacists. It eases some of the cost pressures on the community pharmacy networks whilst the negotiations continue. Will the Scottish Government underwrite the risk that the network is carrying on behalf of the NHS so that it can continue to supply essential medicines and support the people of Scotland with the full service offering? Can I remind the chamber that Dr Sanders-Glohanay has nothing to do with the negotiations that we are taking forward with community pharmacy Scotland? The investment is coming from the Scottish Government and, of course, the Health Secretary and the Minister for Public Health are involved in those discussions with community pharmacy Scotland. What I will do is make sure that we continue to fund pharmacies and pharmacists right up and down the country to the level that they require. Of course, they are facing these challenges because of the pressures of inflation, because of high energy costs, because of energy bills, and of course there are some global factors that are affecting medicine prices as well. That is why the Scottish Government ensured that we gave additional funding, additional £20 million, to the value of the drug tariff in the current financial year. We will continue in our engagement with community pharmacy Scotland. I am very grateful for the excellent services that they provide across the length and breadth of Scotland. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is regarding recent reports that suggest that there is a mental health crisis emerging in the early years sector. The unprecedented pressures of the past few years, including Brexit, the Covid pandemic and the cost crisis, are taking a toll on a number of people's mental health, including early years staff. I am particularly grateful to everyone in the workforce for continuing to operate as key workers throughout this difficult time. That is why, since October 2020, the Scottish Government has invested more than £2 million in the wellbeing of the education workforce. We have also worked with early years Scotland to develop team ELC wellbeing hub, specifically to support professionals. That builds on what local authorities, as direct employers, are doing to support the wellbeing of those that they employ. I have been raising concerns over an emerging childcare crisis since being elected to this Parliament. The Scottish National Party Government has done nothing to fix the problems in our childcare sector. More than 8,000 nursery and childcare staff have taken sick leave because of stress or mental health concerns. Those absences are indicative of a childcare crisis, with more than 9 in 10 councils unable to fully fund free childcare. Nurseries are closing their doors and parents are without childcare for their children. Audit Scotland has even said that the sector is fragile. First Minister, earlier petitioners are children's first educators. They are being let down by this Government. Will he therefore meet with me and nursery providers to discuss the 1140-hour policy, since he has expressed an interest to expand the provision as part of his leadership bid? Of course, we offer the most generous offer of childcare anywhere in the UK. I am really proud of what we have achieved in those 1140-hours. I recognise the challenges that are faced by the sector. That is why Natalie Don, the Minister for Children and Young People and the Minister responsible for keeping the promise, met with the PBI sector this week. I will ensure that the Government continues to engage, be it with Megan Gallacher or with the sector, directly. I take this issue of mental health very seriously. That is why, as I said, we have invested more than £2 million in the wellbeing of education workforce and working with local authorities in relation to what more can be done, particularly for ELC staff. We are also making sure that we are doing to help with those challenges, be it the mental health challenges, be it the workload pressures, be it the cost crisis that our party has created, is making sure that we pay staff. We are making sure that staff are well paid, those who work in early learning and childcare. Before the expansion of early learning childcare began, approximately 80 per cent of staff delivered at funded ELC were paid less than the living wage. In contrast, our 2021 health check indicated that 88 per cent of private providers intended to pay the real living wage to the staff from August 2021. We will continue our focus on making sure that we expand childcare. We know the benefits that it can have for parents, for families, particularly the positive disproportionate impact that it can have on women entering into the workforce. We will continue our focus on that and will continue to engage, be it with Megan Gallacher or more importantly with the PBI sector. Recent research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that a quarter of adults in Scotland have access to the NHS due to the impact of the cost of living crisis on their mental and physical health. Can the First Minister outline what progress can be made through existing powers to protect workers, including those in our childcare sector, from being further impacted by this crisis? Claire Hawke is absolutely right to raise those issues. We will do everything that we can in our gift to use the powers of devolution to their absolute maximum to help particularly those who are the most vulnerable, particularly those who are helping those in the lowest income households. That is why I was pleased this week to visit Castlebray community campus and meet not just young people but parents and families who have been impacted and helped by the Scottish Child Payment, the 303,000 children-known receipt of the Scottish Child Payment, a game-changing intervention from this Government. On top of that, many other benefits that are only available in Scotland are now being awarded through Social Security Scotland. We will do everything that we can in our gift to try to help with the cost of living crisis, which clearly has a mental health impact on many people across the country. The unfortunate problem is that, for all the good that we can do, the UK Government, with its over a decade of austerity, with its cost of living crisis, with the mini-budget that wrecked the economy, we are having to spend not millions but billions of pounds trying to mitigate the worst effects of conservative austerity. Scotland has to continue to do that. That means that less and less money is spent on education, on health, on transport and justice. That, to me, is simply not acceptable. To ask the First Minister if any objections or concerns that are raised by the Scottish ministers about the guidelines for sentencing under 25s in Scotland, which came into effect in January 2022. In line with the requirements agreed by this Parliament, the content of sentencing guidelines is entirely a matter for the independent judge-led Scottish Sentencing Council. As part of the consultation that the council undertakes on guidelines, Scottish ministers were cited on a near final draft of the guideline. I replied at the time, as Cabinet Secretary for Justice, noting that the council had taken an evidence-led collaborative approach in developing the draft guideline, promoting rehabilitation, early intervention and alternatives to custody and ultimately working to reduce re-offending. I am pleased that re-offending levels have fallen over the last decade and that is helping to keep our communities safe. It should be noted that the position in the guideline is that custody is, of course, still an option for sentencing young people and is, of course, completely right that this option remains available to the court in any given case. The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, met very recently with Lady Dorian to discuss how the council plans to keep those guidelines under review. We know that there have been at least two reported cases where there is public concern about the leniency of sentencing. Firstly, in the case where there was no jail sentence for the rape of a 13-year-old girl, but secondly, on the horrific rape and murder of Joe Barkley where there was a reduction in sentence of four years. The First Minister has confirmed today that he sees no role for the Parliament but only for the sentencing council. It seems that it has nothing to do with this Parliament, as far as the First Minister is concerned. It is a very significant change in sentencing policy. Is the First Minister aware that this Parliament did have a say when it came to the discounting of sentencing in relation to early pleas? I do not understand why at least Parliament would not have a say in this. When it comes to horrific crimes, a serious rape and murder, does the First Minister believe that there should be a reduced sentence for under 25 years? At least, could he at least give Parliament some comfort that he believes that this Parliament should some oversight on significant changes to sentencing policy in Scotland? What I would say to Pauline McNeill, who I know has a long-standing interest in these matters, is that, of course, there was a public consultation when it came to the guideline. I do not know whether Pauline McNeill or the Scottish Labour Party responded to that public consultation, but every single guideline goes through that public consultation process. It is quite a lengthy process before that guideline is eventually approved by the High Court. Of course, as I said, from a Scottish Government perspective, we did respond to the guideline at the time. I will also say to Pauline McNeill, and I am happy to say in her more detail that she may have seen that already. When it comes to that particular guideline, there is a mountain of evidence, about 122 pages of Edinburgh University research, which helped to inform that sentencing guideline when it came to the issues of cognitive maturity within the justice system, particularly among young people. For me, it is absolutely right that the decisions on sentencing are for the independent judiciary. Where the Parliament has an interest, of course, it is fine for Pauline McNeill to bring forward a member's bill, if she thinks that the Government should be bringing forward legislation on a matter. I am more than happy to consider that, but it must always be the case. Even in those cases, where there are particularly heinous crimes, sentencing is always a matter for the independent judiciary and should be free from any political interference whatsoever. Last night, CalMac announced that it would yet again be abandoning ferry services from South East for virtually all of June to make up for issues elsewhere. In a statement that could only have been written a long way from South East, customers were advised that they could get to Oben and Mali via either Barra or Skye instead. What more can the Scottish Government do to challenge CalMac's decision, given that this community has already seen a third of its services cancelled during the last year? First Minister, I thank Alasdalen for raising what is an incredibly important issue for his constituents. I know that many members will have an interest in that issue as well. First and foremost, I will ensure that the transport minister reflects the point about comms, because we know that that is an issue that has been raised time and time again by Ireland communities, who of course are feeling anger and frustration in relation to the latest developments and want to hear better communication when there is, unfortunately, disruption to the ferry services. I recognise the significant impact that that particular disruption will have on the communities in use. I know that the Minister for Transport has made very clear to CalMac that it must continue to explore every single avenue possible to keep that disruption to an absolute minimum. The minister not only visited North and South East last week, he met with South East Business Impact Group earlier this morning. I have not had a read-out from that meeting, but I will make sure that I do shortly after First Minister's questions. I will, as Alasdalen has asked me to do, ensure that CalMac is exploring every single avenue possible to minimise that disruption as much as he possibly can. I raise the plight of a vulnerable and deteriorating individual with severe learning difficulties, who is in the care of Dumfries and Galloway Council, but for complex reasons has ended up trapped in a residential home in the south of England. For over a year, her sister has been desperately trying to get her back home closer to family. At every turn, social work has deliberately obstructed this and seemed to be willing the lady to die or become too weak to travel in order to save themselves cost and hassle. Despite notice being served by the existing home and a best-interest meeting agreeing with the family that she should return to Scotland, progress has been extremely limited. If I provide her details privately, will the First Minister step in and ensure that her human dignity is respected? Of course, I am happy to look at the details of the case and, of course, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care will also look at the details of the case if there is some way that we can assist them, we will do that. However, I would say to Oliver Mundell—I am sure that he understands that—that it is really important that we do not overstep in terms of professional decision making or clinical decision making that may well be a factor in this particular case. However, I hear what Oliver Mundell has to say. He makes a very powerful contribution on behalf of his constituents. I cannot imagine what their family is going through. Therefore, of course, I will look at the detail if Oliver Mundell sends that to me shortly after the First Minister's question. The new forecasts from the Scottish Fiscal Commission show a concerning gap between eligibility and uptake of the Scottish child payment, projecting that over 60,000 families could miss out. That disparity is most pronounced among children between 6 and 15, with only 80 per cent of that age cohort estimated to take the payment up, compared with 92 per cent for under-sixes. The child payment was unanimously supported across this Parliament, but the payment only has the ability to change lives if people are aware that they are entitled and crucially supported to apply for it. Therefore, I would ask the First Minister if he is serious, as he says, about tackling poverty, will he investigate and address his concerning disparity between eligibility and uptake of the child payment to ensure that it has the fullest impact that we all support? Given an assurance that this is a key area of focus for the Government and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and I, I have had a conversation already, and there is already good work being undertaken in relation to marketing awareness to make sure that we do everything that we possibly can so that every single person that is eligible for that game-changing intervention does take it up. As I mentioned already, I was in Castlebury high school only this week, talking to schoolchildren and parents who have benefited from that positive intervention. We have made excellent progress in the extension of the Scottish child payment to under 16 statistics, as I have already said, showing that 303,000 children were in receipt by the end of March. However, I can give Paul, Cain and absolute assurance that we are working hard to do what we can to continue to raise awareness so that everybody who is eligible can take up that game-changing Scottish child payment. Following FMQs today, I will be holding a member's debate on encouraging women and girls into STEM. Given the importance of STEM, in particular to the north-east economy and its role in Scotland's transition to net zero, what action is the Scottish Government taking to motivate women and girls to pursue careers in STEM? I thank Audranicola for the excellent work that she is doing. I apologise that I can't make the event later on. We know, of course, that the more effort that we put in relation to STEM and ensuring that we get more women and girls into STEM subjects is beneficial not just for them, but for the economy going forward in Scotland. There is a range of interventions that we are taking forward. I am happy to write to Audranicola with the detail of all the interventions that we are taking forward in relation to that particular issue. However, it is an absolute win-win. The more we invest in encouraging girls into STEM subjects, the better it is for the economy as a whole and everybody benefits as a result of it. The First Minister knows that many experienced staff are departing the private and voluntary nursery sector, because those nurseries receive lower fees than those in the councils. During the leadership contest, he promised to close that gap. Is he going to commit to delivering that, as he said, in the next budget for 2023-24? Is he going to keep the promise? Willie Rennie is right. I promised to look at the issue and to understand very clearly the concerns that are raised, particularly by the PVI sector. I have heard from a previous response that the minister, Natalie Don, met the sector just recently. Willie Rennie may also be aware that, despite having the highest rates in the UK in 2022-23, both the Scottish Government and the local government recognise the need to strengthen the process of rate setting. We are working with COSLA to take forward an evidence-based sustainable rates review, and that will be reporting soon. I am absolutely determined and absolutely focused to ensure that we are supporting the PVI sector, which is social crucial in helping us to expand the exceptional offer of free childcare right across the country. I am very grateful. When I failed to answer Douglas Ross earlier, the First Minister said that the UK Government has given, quote, "...not a single penny of funding towards the Scottish cluster or the Acorn project." Anyone in command of his brief would know that the UK Government has, in fact, given over £40 million to the Scottish cluster. In light of John Swinney voluntarily correcting the record following his misleading the chamber last night, would the First Minister advise the First Minister on how he might correct his latest gaff? The members will be aware that the chair is not responsible for the content of members' contributions. Of course, we would always expect that the contents of responses address specific questions put, and that where members become aware of any inaccuracy, they take the measures that are available to them in order to make any corrections. There will be a brief suspension before we move on to members' business.