Chamber and committees

In previous meetings I was really interested to hear about Professor O’Connor’s work on the biological predisposition to suicide. You have also talked about the integrated motivational-volitional model, today. Are there any specific challenges in that research, and will you give us an update on where you are with it?

Professor O’Connor, you said that right now is a particularly risky time. As MSPs, we can see that in our inboxes; the cost of living crisis is really cutting in. What can we do now to interrupt suicidal thoughts?

Good morning, panel, and thanks for all your answers so far. In your experience, what factors contribute to Scotland’s suicide rates?

Dr Smith mentioned self-harm and suicide. Will you tell us more about that?

Good morning to the panel, and thank you for all your answers so far. I would like to ask John Gibson about postvention from the Canmore Trust’s point of view. Will you explain to the committee what postvention is and why it is so important?

That was great—thank you.

I want to ask Rob Gowans about gambling and debt. I am also thinking of the cost of living crisis, and I know that other MSPs will have a similar inbox to mine, with messages from people who are struggling. Are we doing enough to look at those issues?

Does anybody else want to come in on that?

I was interested in your comments about your research on a biological or genetic link to suicide. Where are you with that research? Do you have anything, including timescales, that you can share?

Oh, sorry.

Good morning, minister, and good morning, panel. Thanks for all your answers so far.

How has the procurement common framework influenced engagement with the UK Government as the Procurement Act 2023 for England and Wales has been developed? Do you have any concerns about how such reforms might influence procurement in Scotland?