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The cause of the breakdown remains subject to ongoing investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further until that investigation is complete.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-00322 on 16 June 2021 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

It was Transport Scotland’s intention to publish the Emergency Measures Agreements 1 (March – September 2020) performance and management fee values for (a) Abellio ScotRail and (b) Serco Caledonian Sleepers Ltd in April 2021.

However, due to the pre-election period this was not possible and Transport Scotland now intend to publish this information in due course upon completion of an appropriate diligence process to establish the correct contractual amounts.

In relation to short term issues, we are actively exploring opportunities for chartering additional tonnage, including consideration of the suitability of the MV Pentalina and looking at other credible, affordable and viable options to improve resilience.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-00322 on 16 June 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

It is too early to say where future vessels to replace the current CalMac fleet will be built. These replacement programmes will follow national procurement rules; ensuring quality, value for money and the timely delivery of vessels to serve our island communities.

On 8 June 2021 I announced that the process to build a new ferry for Islay was formally under way. The Scottish Government look forward to continuing to work with key stakeholders to develop programmes for major vessels and small vessels – investing at least £580m in our ferry networks over the next five years.

Collective bargaining agreements are a matter for the relevant employer and employees. The employer in each case would depend on the type of charter entered into. If a vessel is chartered on a ‘bare boat’ basis and crewed by CalMac staff then existing contract arrangement regarding collective bargaining arrangements would apply. If a time charter on a temporary basis is progressed, for example the MV Pentalina, then the employer of the crew would not be CalMac and different arrangements would apply.

The breakdown on the MV Loch Seaforth caused unacceptable disruption for our island communities. It is imperative the causes of that breakdown are understood and lessons properly learned so that we avoid this situation arising again in future. The cause of the breakdown remains subject to ongoing investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further until that investigation is complete .

We have a record number of people registered with a NHS dentist, more than 95% of the population of Scotland.

We intend to build on this success story which is why as part of this Government’s Manifesto Commitment, all NHS dental charges will be removed in the lifetime of this Parliament.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-00322 on 16 June 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers