The Finance Committee takes evidence from Auditor General Caroline Gardner on the fiscal framework
This week’s portfolio questions focuses on education and skills
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says "ScotRail has learned lessons" following a series of problems on Scotland's railways
The government leads a debate on the future of social security in Scotland
SNP MSP Bob Doris leads the mother of all member’s debates entitled ‘Year of the Dad’
Image source, bbcLabour MSP calls for Scottish government to guarantee careers allowance
Mr Griffin says thousands of carers are not receiving the allowance.
The Labour MSP says all parties at Holyrood agreed to increase carers allowance to the same rate as jobseekers allowance.
Labour MSP Mark Griffin says his party recognises the complexity involved here.
Mr Griffin says the devolution of welfare powers give the parliament the chance to restore dignity to the heart of the welfare system.
The Labour MSP says the Scottish government is delaying taking control of the powers and yet it had said it could deliver all social security powers in 18 months.
Mr Griffin says the Scottish government is leaving executive competence over social security to Westminster.
He says people cannot wait until 2020 to see changes to the social security system.
Here is the Scottish Labour amendment.
Image source, Scottish ParliamentMr Tomkins says the cabinet secretary seems to be suggesting those from Scotland on benefits will not be sanctioned and suggests she may be confused.
Social Security Secretary Angela Constance says sanctions have never applied to youth support programmes and the Scottish government's view on "disproportionate sanctions" is well documented.
Mr Tomkins says there is no clarity on youth employment programmes and the Scottish government are more interested in grievances over sanctions than providing that clarity.
Image source, bbcAdam Tomkins says he wants to understand the meaning of split competencies
Mr Tomkins says if the government wishes to avoid giving the impression that it is delaying taking control of social security powers, then it should provide information quickly and not force MSPs to chase ministers.
The Conservative MSP says he wants to understand the meaning of split competencies.
He says Scottish ministers have caused more confusion over the use of conditionality.
The Tory MSP says Scottish ministers could be accused of being naive in this.
Scottish Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins
Scottish Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins says Scottish ministers have the power to introduce additional benefits and to top-up reserved benefits.
Mr Tomkins says he is surprised Ms Freeman's motion makes no mention of this.
He says gaining information from the government on split competence has been like "pulling teeth".
Here is the Scottish Conservative amendment.
Image source, Scottish Parliament
Image source, bbcThe social security minister says there is a golden opportunity to build a social security system in response to the lived in experience of benefits.
She says the people of Scotland must be put first and political point scoring last.
Ms Freeman says in January there will be a recruitment drive for 2000 volunteers who receive one more of the 11 benefits that are being devolved.
Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins
Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins asks if the minister will mention the power to top up reserved benefits.
Ms Freeman says she will not, but concedes the powers are to be devolved.
The social security minister says thank you to all the individuals and organisations across Scotland who responded and engaged with the recent consultation on the future of social security.
Ms Freeman says the Scottish government are not and never will be entirely in control of the switch on or switch off social security powers.
The minister says the point of the complexity is that unpicking 15% of powers is far more difficult that taking control off 100%.
She says this is the largest transfer of powers to the Parliament
The minister says the priority is the safe and secure transfer of benefits.
The UK government may continue to administer some benefits for several years after legislative control over them is passed to Holyrood.
Image source, LUKASSEKPower over 11 benefits is being devolved, but the UK government could continue to oversee delivery of some until 2020 to "minimise risk".
Social Security Secretary Angela Constance said the transfer of powers would be complete in the current term.
However opposition parties claimed the SNP were "terrified" of responsibility.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says 11 benefits will be devolved to the Scottish government, affecting 1.4 million people across Scotland.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman
Ms Freeman says the transfer of powers will be the biggest challenge to a Scottish government since devolution.
The minister says the government must design and build the Scottish social security system and then plug it back into the UK welfare system.
Hundreds of people across the country took part in a welfare system consultation, external, which ran from July to October.
The Scottish government is setting up its own agency to deliver social security payments, with the ability to top-up existing benefits and create new ones.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said it was "incredibly important" that people have a say on the new welfare system
Holyrood is taking on social security powers under the Scotland Bill accounting for about £2.7bn of benefits. Areas of competence being transferred to Scottish control include:
Here is the Scottish government motion.
Image source, Scottish ParliamentThe government will now lead a debate on the future of social security in Scotland.
Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles raises a point of order saying the minister said the improvement plan was published, but says he is unable to locate the publication of the 250 point action plan.
Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh
Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh says Mr Rumbles already asked that question and the minister replied.
Labour MSP Elaine Smith also tries to raise a point of order saying questions she has laid have not been answered by the government.
Mr Macintosh says there are timescales that offer guidance to members and he expects those timescales to be respected.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says one of the biggest frustration for passengers has been the lack of communication.
Mr Yousaf says lessons have been learned since last Thursday's rail delays at Waverley.
He details improvements by ScotRail in dealing with this morning's difficulties on the Glasgow railway.
The minister says things can get better and should get better and he says he will hold Abellio to account.
Image source, bbcLib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles
Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles asks when the minister will stop causing confusion.
Mr Rumbles says passengers want to see a plan of action and a timetable for it.
He says the minister has not published the plan but he says he has and calls for the full list of 250 actions to be published.
Mr Yousaf says a version of the improvement plan has been published.
The minister says he will speak to ScotRail about publishing all 250 actions.