Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you for that confirmation. The public part of our meeting is now at an end and we will consider our remaining agenda item in private.

Good morning, and welcome to the 20th meeting in 2024 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee. We have apologies from Stephanie Callaghan.

I welcome George Adam, John Mason and Evelyn Tweed, who are joining us as new members of the committee to replace Ruth Maguire, Ben Macpherson and Michelle Thomson. We thank Ruth, Ben and Michelle for their work and engagement as members of the committee.

Our first item of business is to invite Mr Adam, Mr Mason and Ms Tweed to declare any relevant interests. In alphabetical order, I turn first to Mr Adam.

Agenda item 2 is to choose a new deputy convener. The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish National Party are eligible for nomination as deputy convener of the committee, and I understand that Evelyn Tweed is the Scottish National Party’s nominee.

Evelyn Tweed was chosen as deputy convener.

Given that we are all seeking some understanding and confirmation, I think that it would be wise for us to write to the Scottish Government, asking it to address the points that our members have made this morning, if that is okay. As far as timelines are concerned, we can discuss the deadlines and our response before we proceed with the regulations. Are we all content with that approach?

Members indicated agreement.

Okay. Thank you, Pam. Does anyone else wish to comment?

Do you want to come back in, Mr Rennie?

Gareth, do you have anything to add in this sphere? What is your perspective on things?

Mr Kidd, a number of people want to ask supplementary questions. I will let you ask a follow-up question and then we will see where the discussion goes—I know that this is quite a topic.

Thank you very much—that brings our first evidence session of the morning to a close. I thank the witnesses for their time.

We will have a suspension until 10.50 to allow for a change of witnesses. I ask that the gallery be cleared as well.

Thank you. Does anyone else want to ask a question?