Seòmar agus comataidhean

John Mason has a supplementary question.

I call George Adam.

George Adam, you said that this would be a brief supplementary.

Good morning and welcome to the 26th meeting in 2024 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee. We have apologies from Stephanie Callaghan and Evelyn Tweed. Jackie Dunbar joins us today as a substitute member, and I welcome her back.

The first item on our agenda is to decide whether to take item 4 in private. DO members agree?

Members indicated agreement.

The next item on our agenda is the final evidence session in our stage 1 scrutiny of the Education (Scotland) Bill.

We will pause for a moment.

The next item on our agenda is the final evidence session in our stage 1 scrutiny of the Education (Scotland) Bill. We will hear from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth. Alongside the cabinet secretary are three Scottish Government officials. Clare Hicks is director of education reform, Jaxon Parish is team leader for new qualifications body policy, and Nico McKenzie-Juetten is a lawyer in the Scottish Government legal directorate. I welcome you all.

I invite the cabinet secretary to make an opening statement. You have up to three minutes, Ms Gilruth.

Bill Kidd. I am sorry.

When, and how frequently, does the Government use its powers of direction to the inspectorate right now? We have had some evidence on that. The cabinet secretary referred to impartiality. Some people have suggested that the inspectorate should report to Parliament rather than to ministers. Does the cabinet secretary envisage similar levels of direction under the new arrangements?

Pam Duncan-Glancy, over to you.

It would be helpful, yes.