Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you very much. I welcome you to the committee and I look forward to working with you.

Before we move on to the next item on the agenda, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the committee, to thank Jeremy Balfour MSP for his hard-working contribution to the committee. Jeremy recognised the importance of the committee’s work and he worked diligently as a committee member. It is fair to say that he made a hugely valuable contribution to the committee in his time here. I think that we would all like to wish Jeremy well in the future.

Under agenda item 3, we are considering two instruments, on which no points have been raised.

I believe that Oliver Mundell would like to make a contribution.

Good morning, cabinet secretary. Following on from Bill Kidd’s question, I think that everyone would agree that attending school is the best option. If the hybrid model were to be considered and that was still not successful with some students, what would be the next option to help young people? I am aware of some young people in my constituency who are not engaging and who just do not want to engage.

Under agenda item 2, we will take evidence from George Adam, the Minister for Parliamentary Business, in one of our regular sessions with him on the Scottish Government’s work that is relevant to the committee. The minister is accompanied by three Scottish Government officials: Nicola Wisdahl, the LCM and subordinate legislation programme team leader; Stephen MacGregor, the head of the Parliament and legislation unit; and Rachel Rayner, the deputy legislation co-ordinator in the legal directorate. I welcome you all to the meeting.

I remind all attendees not to worry about turning on their microphones during the session, as that will be dealt with by broadcasting colleagues.

I invite the minister to make some opening remarks.

It was four.

Before I bring Oliver Mundell back in, I will give a wee bit of balance. This is the first time for quite some time that the committee has raised the issue of explanatory notes. In fairness, they have been fine for the instruments, but it was quite obvious that there was a lack of detail in this one. It is not a recurring issue—it is certainly not a trend—but it was quite stark, just to make you aware.

Oliver Mundell has a supplementary on that.

Under agenda item 3, we are considering an instrument on which no points have been raised.

Is the committee content with the instrument?

Members indicated agreement.