Seòmar agus comataidhean

I know that it is important to discuss this but I am want to make sure that we are focusing on pre-budget scrutiny. I am quite happy for Ms Medhurst and Mr O’Donnell to follow up in writing specific queries that relate to staff. This discussion is about the budget.

We will move to questions around policing. We have three more areas that members are interested in—police, courts and prisons—but we have a wee bit of time.

Do any other members want to come in on courts? I think that Pauline McNeill does.

As there are no more questions on policing, we will move on to questions about courts. I will bring in Russell Findlay.

Feel free.

The final committee member to ask questions will be Russell Findlay.

Katy Clark, I am not sure whether you want to ask about the consultation letter. I want to keep our questions focused on the motion and I am very happy for us to write to the cabinet secretary with any questions on the consultation letter. I am quite keen to pull things back.

If you can ask questions about the motion, that would be helpful.

The result of the division is: For 4, Against 4, Abstentions 0.

I will use my casting vote and agree to the motion.

Motion agreed to.

I invite the cabinet secretary to speak to the second instrument.