Seòmar agus comataidhean

You mentioned public awareness and initiatives to encourage sports grounds and event organisers to use their own controlled pyrotechnics. On Saturday, a football game was delayed because it was crowded and there was a lot of smoke and whatnot. Will you elaborate on public awareness in relation to fireworks? I know that the provisions are being phased in, but I am keen to see work to ensure that the public are aware of what we are doing on fireworks.

Good morning, minister, and a very warm welcome to you in your new role. You touched on the issue that I want to ask about, which relates to the policy objectives. Can you give an example of what a “reasonable excuse” for using a pyrotechnic might be?

Our next task is to choose a deputy convener. The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish National Party are eligible for nomination as deputy convener of the committee. I nominate Gordon MacDonald for the role.

Gordon MacDonald was chosen as deputy convener.

That brings us to the end of theme 2. Thank you for all your contributions.

I invite Paul O’Kane to introduce theme 3. I am aware that two of our witnesses were not able to contribute previously, so I am happy for them to come in on theme 3 if they want to do so.

Thanks very much, Ruth. It is interesting to hear about the added impact that the crisis has on women and the work that is being undertaken on that.

I will now bring in Suzanne Munday, who is online.

Thank you for that, Adam—it is much appreciated.

I bring in Steven McAvoy, who joins us online.

Yes—I will keep you right.

Comments on stigma around poverty are hugely important, so thank you very much for bringing up that point.

How is it pronounced?

Thank you—a very warm welcome to each and all, including the new members. I am the committee’s fourth convener in the current session of Parliament; I appreciate that there have been a lot of changes, and I thank the clerks for their forbearance.