Seòmar agus comataidhean

Well, this is what Megan Farr said last week:

“Political situations in countries can change, and it is a risk to have sitting on the books legislation that interferes with human rights to such an extent and that could be inappropriately used at a future date by a future Government.”—[Official Report, Education, Children and Young People Committee, 2 March 2022; c 30.]

You cannot tell me that that is not going to happen, in the same way as you are telling us that we cannot answer your question.

I will bring in Fergus Ewing.

I turn to Stephanie Callaghan for the final question.

Our next item of business is an evidence session on the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.

I welcome Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and her officials from the Scottish Government, of whom we have quite a gathering today. I welcome to the committee room Sam Anson, deputy director, Covid education strategy and recovery, and Craig Robertson, interim deputy director, advanced learning and science directorate, Covid response. Joining us online are Andy Drought, deputy director for workforce and infrastructure in the learning directorate; Clare Morley, school funding, infrastructure and organisation unit head; Jerry O’Connell, school organisation team leader; Greig Walker, Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) Bill team leader; and Nico McKenzie-Juetten, a lawyer in the Scottish Government legal directorate—I apologise if I have mispronounced your name, Nico. I welcome all our witnesses and thank them for their time.

I invite the cabinet secretary to make a short opening statement. We will then move to questions.

Thank you, minister. I invite questions or comments from members. I understand that the change is driven solely by the increase in the national living wage—is that right?

Thank you. I see that Willie Rennie wants to comment.

Good morning, and welcome to the eighth meeting in 2022 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee.

We have received apologies from Ross Greer.

I welcome Graeme Dey, who is attending the committee for the first time as a committee substitute. Mr Dey, I invite you to declare any interests that are relevant to the remit of this committee.

Item 2 is evidence from the Minister for Children and Young People on the draft Provision of Early Learning and Childcare (Specified Children) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2022. I welcome the minister and her Scottish Government officials Eleanor Passmore, deputy director for early learning and childcare, and Carolyn O’Malley, solicitor with the Scottish Government legal services directorate.

I invite Ms Haughey to speak to the draft order.

Are you satisfied with your working relationships with ministers and officials at the DWP?

Do members have any more questions?

I am not aware that I, as the convener, am not permitted to express my own views. If someone objects to that, they can talk to me later.