Seòmar agus comataidhean

I think that Duncan Sharp might want to come back in.

Charlotte Lee wanted to come in.

Thank you very much for that opening statement and for very clearly setting the context within which the regulations will sit. I will open with a couple of questions and then bring in other members.

My first question is about skills and the supply chain. We had a very fruitful conversation in the previous round-table discussion, and those issues were brought up. Currently, only 10 per cent of new builds are built with zero-direct-emissions heating. Do you have a sense that the infrastructure, skills and supply chain are in place to ensure that builders can meet the regulations in time without any adverse effect on the supply of new buildings?

Thanks very much for that—it is heartening to hear about the agility aspect.

On a different topic, bioenergy technologies will apparently not be permitted under the new-build heat standard. I am interested in hearing the minister’s response to consultees who argued that that would disproportionately impact rural communities and that there should be some kind of exemption for them.

Before we turn to the next item, I give apologies for my colleague Mark Griffin. He had a problem getting in and although we thought that he might arrive at committee, it seems that he is further delayed. I therefore extend those apologies.

Agenda item 3 is to take evidence on the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Amendment of Expiry Date) Regulations 2023.

We are joined again by Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights. Mr Harvie is joined for this item by Scottish Government officials Adam Krawczyk, head of housing, homelessness and regeneration analysis; Poppy Prior, solicitor; and Yvette Sheppard, head of the housing services and rented sector reform unit.

I invite the minister to make a short opening statement.

Thank you.

Do members wish to make any points?

Do you wish to add anything further, minister?

The result of the division is: For 4, Against 2, Abstentions 0.

Motion agreed to.

Are you aware of any work that is being done on or of discussions about the supply issue?