Chamber and committees

But the work programme does not have it as a separate item.

Thank you.

I am looking at exhibit 3 in your report, which sets out programmes that tackle digital exclusion, and Scotland’s digital participation charter. The approach that is adopted in the charter is described as ethical and inclusive. Those are fine words, but what does that actually mean, and has there been any evaluation of the charter’s impact?

Perhaps the key to this is knowing who is responsible for what, which the statement implies is not the case.

Colin, did you want to comment?

One thing that struck me, looking at the responses to the evidence gathering, was a comment about a lack of information on the organisational structure of the marine directorate, including which officials have responsibility for what. That immediately rings a bell about accountability in relation to budgets and the formation, execution and scrutiny of budgets.

I realise that we are talking about the marine directorate, but I am interested in hearing from those around the table how they feel about the validity of all this and what the impact is, and whether there is any stakeholder input at all into the budgets. If the statement is true, it will be quite difficult for the budget to be formed with the stakeholders.

Phil, can you comment first?

Did you want to come in, Charles?

Given the current state of the regulatory system, is what we have in place being adequately enforced?

Alan Wells, you have twice mentioned the regulatory system and used the phrase “not fit for purpose”. Let me ask you a direct question on that. The salmon interactions working group’s report recommended that the reformed regulatory system be

“fully resourced and meet the tests of being robust, transparent, enforceable and enforced”.

Have the tests been met?

In connection with sea lice generally.

Good morning. The salmon interactions working group’s report recommended that the reformed regulatory system should be fully resourced and meet the tests of being robust, transparent, enforceable and enforced. Have those tests been met?