Seòmar agus comataidhean

That might be a challenge. In essence, there are only the reasons that are set out in rule 12.2A. Because agreement is usually reached in discussion between the convener and the individual involved, I am not sure that information on the reasons will be held centrally. However, the reason for using a substitute has to be one of the reasons that are set out in the standing orders, and I would be confident that that is the case.

That is helpful.

The letter to the committee states:

“No issues appear to have arisen as a consequence of the temporary relaxation of the rules”.

However, we do not actually know what the situation is.

There seems to be an inclination towards an agreement that we should request the Parliamentary Bureau to give its view, and perhaps we could request the clerks to look into how frequently substitutes have been used during the period. That would put us in a better position to make suggestions.

Before I close the public part of the meeting, I would like to extend my thanks to Samantha Currie, who has served this committee as one of its clerks since 2012. In that time, she has organised 287 committee meetings, published 124 committee reports, ensured compliance for more than 300 cross-party groups and published 24 revisions to the standing orders. The clerks are an essential cog in the machine of the committees, and Sam has gone above and beyond over her time. Her knowledge of CPGs is possibly among the most detailed in the Parliament. Therefore, Sam, on behalf of myself and the whole committee and, indeed, all previous members of the committee you have worked with, I say an enormous thank you, and wish you all the very best in the future.

I now close the public part of the meeting.

Good morning. I welcome everyone to the eighth meeting of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee in 2022. I remind members who are joining us virtually to place an R in the chat function of BlueJeans if they would like to come in on any issues.

Agenda item 1 is a decision on whether the committee will take agenda item 4 in private. Item 4 is the consideration of some correspondence. Do members agree to take item 4 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you, Paul. I note that one of the organisations that signed up to the CPG is STAF—the Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum. It was lovely to see its display in the Parliament’s garden lobby and to see its members meeting MSPs to discuss it.

Do committee members have any specific questions on the proposed group?

Did it surprise you, Paul, that this was the first time that a care leavers group was being proposed?

You make an interesting comment, Bob, because this committee has heard, in relation to a number of different matters, about the challenge of committees being able to hear evidence, particularly from witnesses with lived experience. Whether or not this proposed CPG goes forward, maybe there will be an opportunity to look at the resource that exists in some of our CPGs when we are looking to take evidence across committees.

Agenda item 3 is, indeed, a decision on whether we wish to afford recognition to the proposed cross-party group on care leavers. Do committee member have any comments, questions or views on that?

That was not in any way set up—much. [Laughter.]

Thank you for attending, Paul. The committee will consider whether to approve the application for recognition under agenda item 3, and the clerks will inform you in due course of the committee’s decision.

I like your comment on busting myths. The record notes your potential interest in the CPG.

Are members agreed to accord recognition to the proposed cross-party group on care leavers?

Members indicated agreement.

Our second agenda item is the committee’s consideration of an application for recognition from a proposed cross-party group on care leavers. I welcome Paul O’Kane MSP to the meeting. He is the proposed convener of the group and joins us remotely.

Good morning, Paul. Would you like to set out the purposes and intentions of the CPG?