First Minister brands claims of a plot against her predecessor as 'absurd'.
MPs were told that some fishing firms are looking at relocating parts of their operation to the European Union.
Some campaigning will be allowed to restart in line with public health guidelines.
James Wolffe was questioned by MSPs on the Alex Salmond inquiry.
The First Minister also revealed that the next phase of school returns will go ahead as scheduled on March 15.
According to NHS boards across Scotland, 784 people are currently in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19.
Health service workers said they were considering unprecedented industrial action.
The deputy first minister argued there were ‘good public policy grounds’ for apparently overriding the concerns about the probe.
Opposition parties have signalled they would support a no-confidence motion in the Deputy First Minister.
Ian Blackford said he fears 'more of the same' from the Chancellor after a decade of austerity under Conservative governments.
James Wolffe QC has been recalled to give more evidence to the committee.
The chancellor is expected to commit £27m for the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone.
Amy Callaghan underwent two life-saving surgeries after she was taken to hospital on June 10 last year.