The First Minister will be aware of the recently published “Valuing Carers” report, which highlights that, according to data collated from the 2022 census, the value of unpaid carers to Scotland is £15.9 billion, which is not far short of the total national health service budget for 2022. Will the First Minister join me in recognising the contribution of unpaid carers? What more can the Scottish Government do to ensure that they are properly supported?

I am happy to associate myself with Mr Whittle’s comments. Last Friday morning, as part of the lead-up to carers week, I met a group of carers’ representatives in my constituency. I listened with care to the issues that they raised with me.

The Government has put in place, for example, measures to support short-term breaks for carers and measures to enhance carers allowance. We will reflect on such issues as we consider the contents of the Government’s budget.

I agree whole-heartedly with Mr Whittle that the contribution that is made by carers is absolutely fundamental to the delivery of care support in households and communities around the country. We simply could not provide the level of care that is provided by unpaid carers to support their loved ones and our society in these days.