Chamber and committees

I would like Mark Roberts to answer that question first, and then I will bring in Jim Martin to talk about how, in his position, he will push those things. I am sure that he will want to support Mark.

Jim Martin has indicated that he would like to answer that question. I will then bring in Mark Roberts, if necessary.

Mark, has Jim laid out the answer sufficiently well that you do not need to add to it, or do you want to add something?

Fiona, are you happy with that answer?

Perfect. The next questions are from the deputy convener, Fiona Hyslop.

The second item on the agenda is an evidence session with Scotland’s statutory environmental regulators. I refer members to the papers from the clerk and the Scottish Parliament information centre.???

Earlier this year, the committee agreed to hold a one-off evidence session with environmental regulators to take stock of environmental law and regulation post-Brexit as well as other recent developments.

I welcome our witnesses. Jo Green, acting chief executive, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and John Kerr, operations manager of protected areas, innovation and data, NatureScot, both join us remotely. Mark Roberts, chief executive, Environmental Standards Scotland, joins us in the committee room. I thank you all for accepting our invitation to attend.

Members will ask questions in turn. It would help broadcasting staff if members could direct their question to a specific person on the panel or set out a running order for answers.

I will ask the first question, which I direct to Jo Green. At the beginning of last year, and in the course of this year, SEPA struggled with data breaches that led to immense problems with its computer systems. Could you bring us up to speed on how you have resolved that situation and whether you are now working online and are back to your previous form?

Before I come to Jo Green, I make it clear that the reason why I ask the question is that I have an interest in and knowledge of the issue—I know that 40 per cent of the River Spey is abstracted and sent down to Fort William, which puts extreme pressure on water resources. I make no bones about the fact that I benefit from those water resources, as they provide drinking water for the lower parts of the Spey catchment. Given that water levels were so low this year, there was an almost impossible situation. I therefore wonder whether you are on top of abstractions and whether you think the old legislation relating to them is right in today’s modern age.

We will come back to the budget—I am sure that committee members will want to ask about that.

Mark, things have got better since you joined, or are getting better. Have you noticed any themes emerging since you took up your role?

Have you found it easy to get other agencies to see your organisation as part of the solution?

That all sounds very positive, which is good news.

Monica Lennon has some questions.