I welcome everyone to the eighth meeting in 2015 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I ask everyone to set any electronic devices to flight mode or to switch them off, please.
I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters and staff from broadcasting services, and around the room by staff from the security office. I welcome the observers in the public gallery.
I am the committee’s convener. Members will now introduce themselves, starting on my right.
Good morning, everyone. I am the MSP for Glasgow Kelvin and the deputy convener of the committee.
Madainn mhath. Good morning. I am an MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
I am the MSP for Glasgow Shettleston.
Good morning. I am an MSP for North East Scotland.
Good morning. I am an MSP for West Scotland.
We have apologies from Jayne Baxter, who is unable to attend the meeting.
The first agenda item is a decision on taking business in private. Members are asked to agree to take in private item 3, which is consideration of petition PE1372, by Friends of the Earth Scotland, on access to justice in environmental matters. The reason for that is that we will be discussing legal advice.
I know that the committee wants to be open and transparent, and I understand the protocol that has had you asking for the matter to be considered in private. Given the long-standing protocol, I am content with that position, but the matter has been on the committee’s agenda almost from day 1 of the session and it is a manifesto commitment of the party of Government, so I hope that we will see some action today rather than just more words.
Okay. Do members agree to take item 3 in private?
Members indicated agreement.
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