Equal Opportunities Committee

Meeting date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Official Report 294KB pdf

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Interests

Welcome to the fourth meeting in 2012 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I remind all those present, including members, that mobile phones and BlackBerrys should be turned off completely as otherwise they interfere with the sound system, even when they are on silent.

I start by introducing everyone. To my left are our clerking and research team, together with official reporters. Across the room we are supported by staff from broadcasting services and the security office. I welcome the observers who have joined us in the public gallery. I invite committee members to introduce themselves.

I am a West Scotland MSP and the deputy convener of the committee.

Good afternoon. I am the MSP for Aberdeenshire West.

I am a Highlands and Islands MSP.

I am a Highlands and Islands MSP.

I am a West Scotland MSP.

I am a Central Scotland MSP.

Item 1 is a declaration of interests. In accordance with section 3 of the code of conduct, I invite Jean Urquhart to declare any interests relevant to the committee’s remit. Any declaration should be brief, but sufficiently detailed to make clear the nature of the interest.

I am, for the next few weeks, still a councillor with Highland Council. I declare that as an interest.

Thank you, and welcome to the committee.