Chamber and committees

That brings us to the end of the evidence session. I thank the Deputy First Minister and his officials for joining us and for the evidence that we have heard.

Jamie Halcro Johnston has a supplementary.

It is also the role of ministers to do that with the First Minister.

Colin Beattie has some questions.

Thank you. At this point, I will bring in other members, who will initially focus on the areas that we wrote to the cabinet secretary about. We will start with Gordon MacDonald.

Good morning and welcome to the Economy and Fair Work Committee’s second meeting of 2023. Our first item of business is to make a decision on whether to take items 4 to 6 in private. Are members content to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

When you talked about NSET, you stressed the importance of helping the vulnerable into employment as part of the 10-year strategy. Although I accept that, once we have subtracted the £53 million, there is a net gain to the employability budget of £11 million, is there an intention to increase investment in that area in future years? You have recognised that there has been a loss of opportunity here, in that activity that was planned, or that was seen as important, will now not take place because of the reduction in the original increase.

Thank you.

Jamie Halcro Johnston has a question. Is it on a point of clarification?

The Fraser of Allander Institute carried out an inquiry into the small business bonus scheme at the request of the Scottish Government and Tom Arthur, as the minister responsible, who has answered a few questions in Parliament on the issue. Is there an update on the Government’s consideration of that work? What steps are being taken next in that regard?

We are coming to the end of our time on this subject. If questions and answers can be as concise as possible, I will be able to get a few more people in.