thank you. the first minister will now take thank you. the first minister will now take questions on the issues raised now take questions on the issues raised in now take questions on the issues raised in his statement. i intend to allow raised in his statement. i intend to allow around 40 minutes for questions, after which time we will move questions, after which time we will move onto questions, after which time we will move onto the next item of business, and it move onto the next item of business, and it would move onto the next item of business, and it would be helpful if those numbers and it would be helpful if those numbers who wish to ask a question would numbers who wish to ask a question would press numbers who wish to ask a question would press the request to speak button, would press the request to speak button, and i: meghan gallacher. presiding button, and i: meghan gallacher. presiding officer, the first minister presiding officer, the first mini