Chamber and committees

Good morning, panel. Some of your points so far paint quite a worrying picture. You have spoken about things not fully functioning and of regulations being inflexible. You also mentioned that the picture is confusing, that things are cumbersome and that there is lots of bureaucracy. Will each of you give us two or three points on how we could streamline the process and make things better? What could the future look like? What do we need to drill down into to make things better for the future?

Good morning, cabinet secretary. I completely understand the challenging fiscal context for the budget, and the backdrop of austerity. I note the reduction in VisitScotland’s budget. What will be the impact of that? Will VisitScotland be doing things differently?

Thanks, cabinet secretary. In the interests of time, convener, I will leave it there.

Good morning, panel. It is good to see you here today.

Obviously, the committee is aware of the labour market and skills challenges that the sector faces. Can you provide the committee with an update on where you see things at present and what needs to be done in the medium term and the long term?

In my constituency, Forth Valley College has a great hospitality and tourism courses offering. I had a good look at all the courses last night. I did not know that there was quite as good an offering as that. How important is it to your industry that there are ready-made courses, maybe not just for young people—one of you touched on that—but for anyone who wants to go back into the sector?

Good morning, minister. What steps will the UK Government take to extend the lifetime of Grangemouth?

Good morning, minister. You mentioned that participatory budgeting in the just transition fund has been a success, and you said that the Government wants to build on that success. How do you see that success going forward, and will it lead to a widening of engagement?

Thank you.

Thank you, convener.

Thanks for your introductory remarks, Oliver. I note your constituency interest in the issue. Obviously, the Scottish Government does not see a future for nuclear energy. Will your proposed CPG focus mainly on decommissioning? Will that be a huge part of its work?

Thank you. That was a good, balanced answer on the way forward.