Chamber and committees

To be fair, the evidence that I have heard so far has been pretty good. Obviously, there are clear issues relating to the final stages, but I was wondering about the fact that we are talking about the apprenticeships being part of the end of the process. I know that the OECD did not write the report on the upper secondary assessment, but how does it see the work of integrating the foundation apprentices being best built on? How might existing mindsets be shifted to ensure that that work is easier?

Yes. I found the previous intervention highly embarrassing for the committee. The OECD is an internationally respected organisation. Oliver Mundell seems to have a conspiracy theory that the Scottish Government has power over all sorts of international bodies and that, if they do not do exactly what he wants, some conspiracy is going on. It is unacceptable for the OECD to come here in good faith, take questions and get such abuse from a member who is trying to—

I take silence as acquiescence and I congratulate Stephen Kerr on his appointment. I hand over to him to convene the rest of the meeting. Thank you, Stephen, and good luck.

The committee’s next task is to choose a convener. The procedure is explained in paper 2. The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party are eligible for nomination as convener. I ask for a nominee from that party.

Thank you, Oliver. I was just about to move on—you took your time in responding.

Stephen Kerr was chosen as convener.

Welcome to first meeting in session 6 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee. I am the member for Glasgow Cathcart, and, as the oldest member of the committee, I have the pleasure of convening the meeting for the first two items of business. I welcome all members and I look forward to working with them over the session.

I remind everyone to switch mobile phones to silent. No apologies have been received.

Under agenda item 1, each of us should declare any interests that are relevant to the committee’s work. Background information is provided in paper 1, which is in members’ packs. I have no relevant interests to declare. I ask each member in turn to declare any interests.