Seòmar agus comataidhean

It is good to see the witnesses today.

My question is on the effect that the use of premature technologies is having on fuel bills. Can you tell me how wide that issue is? What can we do to fix it? That question goes to Alastair Wilcox.

Good morning. It was really good to hear Scott Heald say that he is very optimistic about social care data and that Scotland could perhaps lead the way in examining social care data.

From the evidence, it seems that, right now, social care data is quite poor and is not really integrated with the healthcare system. Do we have enough leadership to take social care data forward, and to be world leaders in that area?

My question is for Chris Mackie. Some groups are still digitally excluded, including older people, those in poverty, ethnic minorities and others. How can we reach those groups?

There has been huge public interest in the Covid dashboard and the public have been engaged with data on Covid. How can the Scottish Government build on that engagement? How can we get the public interested in and understanding the use and value of health and social care data?

Minister, are you confident that all unpaid carers who require practical or respite support are able to access it?

What statutory services are available to support unpaid carers directly?

Good morning, minister. What effect do you think Covid has had on the wellbeing of Scotland’s population?

What action is the Scottish Government taking to deal with the long waiting lists that we have heard about?

That is very positive. It is good to hear that we are taking that holistic approach and looking at the big picture.

I am interested in the advocacy service that you touched on earlier. How will that help us to increase take-up of benefits?

Good morning, minister. It is good to see you again. I welcome the strategy. There are so many good things in it that will offer a lot of reassurance about how the Scottish Government is considering benefits, as we move forward.

I am interested in the holistic approach that is mentioned in the strategy document. The Government talks about working with the public sector and the third sector. What will you do to promote collaborative working and what it will provide in terms of benefits?