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It is more of a software problem with the case management system that we use. I know that there is on-going work to address that and to deal with it. I will bring in Jill McPherson to add more detail on that.

That becomes a wee bit more problematic, so I will probably have to get back to you on that question, too.

We had that conversation and, to his credit, the permanent secretary took that on board, led by example from a very senior level in Government, and encouraged everyone in every department to say that FOI is part of their role and that is how to move forward.

That is more an example of simply cutting through all the nonsense and getting things working. As you and I know, in order to get such cultural change in any organisation, people need to get away from the fluff around the edges and deal with the issue that is in front of them.

I am not blowing my own trumpet, but I think that the change happening was more a result of the direct approach that I took.

Possibly somewhere else, I would think.

This is the first time that we have done a reconsideration of a bill. I can honestly say that it has not been as satisfying for everyone as the process has progressed. We genuinely need to have the conversation that you have discussed afterwards, as there are things that we could probably consider.

It is a pleasure for me to be here, in front of the committee, to discuss everything to do with my remit and the committee’s remit. I hope that members of the committee are aware that, over the past couple of years, I have sought to have a good working relationship with the committee and with the convener in particular. It is important that that continues over the coming period.

I am sure that there is a whole sack of matters and that we will touch on many topics. That is why I have the equivalent of an MGM chorus line of officials with me. I look forward to discussing issues with the committee.

As I said, we discussed that with the Electoral Commission yesterday. We will be within that period of six months, which is what the Electoral Management Board wants, too.

I invite Iain Hockenhull to add to that and to give you some further detail.

You bring up a valid point. On the whole, there is a cynicism about the political process in general, worldwide. People have more access to data than they have ever had in their life, not all of it accurate, so we end up with various attitudes and people thinking that the whole political process is a disappointment and is not working. That is where we, as politicians, have to take on the responsibility and act with maturity, in a leadership role, to ensure that we push things forward.

I do not have anything right here, right now that enables me to say that we know for sure that people are intentionally keeping themselves off the register, other than the anecdotal information that we all have.

We are aware that, when the voters have something that they want to vote for, they will go through the registration process and come out to vote. There have been a number of experiences in my time in the Parliament where that has happened. That is why I always revert to the fact that, regardless of our political persuasion, it is down to us to make sure that the public engage and want to vote. We are part but not all of the solution.

He has said that on numerous occasions as well. [Laughter.]