Hansard

The next agenda item is consideration of a draft Scottish statutory instrument that requires approval by resolution of the Parliament before it can become law. The purpose of the instrument is to amend the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Skin Piercing and Tattooing) Order 2006 to remove the requirements for acupuncture therapists to wear disposable non-latex gloves should they know that the client whom they are treating is infected with a blood-borne virus. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on 3 February 2026 and made no recommendations in relation to it.We will have an evidence session with the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health and supporting officials on the instrument. Once any questions are answered, we will proceed to a formal debate on the motion.I welcome Jenni Minto, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, and, from the Scottish Government, Lucy Orren, who is a lawyer, and Alun Parry, who is the health protection team leader. I invite the minister to make a brief opening statement.