Chamber and committees

I was just going to suggest that.

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the fifth meeting in 2021 of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee. Apologies have been received from Natalie Don, and I am pleased to say that Evelyn Tweed is attending as Natalie’s substitute.

Agenda item 1 is a decision on taking business in private. Do members agree to take item 3 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

That would be most helpful, cabinet secretary. Thank you.

We will stick with the theme of poverty and child poverty targets, and I will bring in Emma Roddick and then Marie McNair.

Thank you very much, cabinet secretary. Before I move on to the next set of questions, which will be led by Evelyn Tweed, I want to bring in Pam Duncan-Glancy.

That is lovely. Thank you, cabinet secretary.

Thank you.

Recently, attention has rightly been given to the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. Will you expand on the work that the Scottish Government can do to provide access to support for those with no recourse to public funds? What work is going on in the Scottish Government? How is it working with the UK Government to address the situation, which is very challenging for those involved?

Thank you, Alison—that is helpful. For the record, we have invited the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to appear before the committee so that we can discuss some of those issues about data sharing and relationship building, which will clearly be important.

Poverty proofing policy and having a cross-Government approach are key themes that return to the evidence that we hear. That is very useful. Does Chris Birt have anything to add to that?

I have let the conversation go off at a slight tangent from the matter that is before us. I am sure we will have more opportunities to explore issues that have been raised beyond the LCM.

I thank the minister and Mr Duff for their time; it is very much appreciated.

You made a comment in the chat function around employment and support allowance and food bank use. Would you articulate that so that it is on the record, please?