With members' permission, it might be helpful if the minister says a few words to begin our consideration of the less favoured areas support—LFAS—scheme on the short-term issue of the 90 per cent safety net and the long-term issue of substantive structural reform to the scheme.As we had a statement from the Executive dated 19 October, it seems fair and courteous to offer the minister the opportunity to make some opening remarks and to bring us up to date on any developments.