Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you. Are you perfectly happy with that reply, Ross?

Before I turn to Willie Rennie, I think that Romane Viennet wants to make a contribution.

You are confirming what Romane Viennet said. That is much appreciated.

You mentioned data sharing with the UK Government. How is that going? Are there any issues that we should be made aware of? Such issues could be a direct impediment to the delivery of the benefit.

It is a critical issue, so a short response from Joanna would be good.

We look forward to getting updates on that, because it is a critical part of the process.

Minister, I have one final question. Is there a reason why the legislation has to be reviewed annually? Why are the changes not automatic when the national living wage goes up? Help me to understand that.

That concludes the public part of the committee’s first meeting. We now move into private to consider the work programme.

I have no relevant interests to declare other than that members of my family are teachers.

It is only fair that I invite other committee members to respond to that, if they wish to.

Thank you for leading us to this point in the meeting, James.

It is a tremendous privilege to be the committee’s convener. We have important work to do. It is perhaps the most important work of the Parliament, because it pertains to our country’s future.

I look forward to getting to know you all and to working with you as colleagues. I very much hope that we will be able to work across parties for most of our time in committee and that our work will be firmly evidence led. I will strive at all times to be inclusive. I want everyone to have a positive experience of serving on the committee.

I also want you all to know that I am open to feedback. I relish positive and constructive feedback. Please do not hesitate to let me know how you feel about how I am performing as convener.