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’
Mr Yousaf says: "In respect of last Thursday’s failure at Edinburgh Waverley I add my regret to that expressed by the first minister."
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says: "Everyone expects a railway network that operates effectively.
"So when things go wrong I fully understand the dissatisfaction of passengers and the inconvenience that is caused."
Mr Yousaf says: "Let me say firstly, to any passenger who has a bad experience on our railways, that I am sorry, and that this government is committed to improving the service you receive."
Train users have faced severe disruption after problems with overhead wiring affected services in Glasgow.
Scotrail declared a major incident after finding a broken insulator between Partick and Glasgow Central.
Image source, Image copyright@BBCAILEENCLARKECommuters were delayed at Milngavie Station after problems with wire damage on Wednesday
The rail operator said the issue was causing disruption and cancellations between Glasgow Central and Dalmuir, Milngavie and Maryhill.
Scotland's Transport Secretary Humza Yousaf is due to make an emergency statement on rail services.
The Scotrail Alliance said it had hoped to have the broken insulator fixed by lunchtime on Wednesday, however services remain subject to disruption.
Image source, bbcHumza Yousef (right) recently spoke to rail passengers in Glasgow about their experiences of ScotRail
Scotland's transport minister will now explain to MSPs how he plans to improve the country's train services.
It follows calls from opposition parties for Humza Yousaf to make an emergency statement at Holyrood amid widespread criticism of ScotRail.
Mr Yousaf said his statement would also allow other parties to discuss how rail services could be improved.
At the weekend, he said wanted to put together a "viable" public sector bid for the ScotRail franchise.
Aberdeen, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders have been chosen by the Scottish government to run pilot projects on different childcare models.
All three and four-year-olds, as well as vulnerable two-year-olds, are currently entitled to 600 hours of free childcare each year.
Image source, ThinkstockThe government plans to almost double this to 1,140 hours a year by 2020.
But some parents have said they struggle to access the existing free hours due to a lack of flexibility.
The three trial areas will test out different models in a bid to address concerns that have been raised.
Scottish Conservative MSP Peter Chapman asks what action the government is taking to ensure that every eligible child has access to their entitlement to 1,140 hours of free childcare provision.
Image source, bbcHigher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville
Higher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville says the continued ambiguity from the UK government on Brexit is hampering plans for EU students.
Ms Somerville says it beggars belief that the Conservatives are asking the government questions around this when the UK government are not sharing any information on Brexit.
Jamie McIvor
BBC Scotland education correspondent
Scotland's universities are international melting pots. Some campuses are amongst the most cosmopolitan parts of Scotland.
But not all students from overseas are simply here on exchange visits.
Many have chosen to come to Scotland to study for the whole of their degree and will graduate here
There are nearly 13,500 undergraduate students from other EU countries at Scotland's universities. In both legal and practical terms, they are treated in exactly the same way as Scottish students and receive free tuition.
A further 6,500 from the EU are studying in Scotland at postgraduate level.
Image source, ThinkstockUniversities like Aberdeen have been a magnet for European students
Undergraduates at Scottish universities can be split into three broad categories:
EU students receive free tuition in Scotland because of European law and do not need visas or work permits so how might Brexit affect them?
Scottish Conservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst asks what effect the government anticipates leaving the EU will have on university student numbers studying in Scotland.
SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson asks whether the government will provide an update on its plans to review the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme.
Image source, bbcEducation Secretary John Swinney
Education Secretary John Swinney says a framework will be launched next month and it will cover how the money raised through council tax reforms can be spent.
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell asks whether the government will issue guidance to schools regarding how the money raised through its council tax reforms can be spent to raise attainment levels.
Image source, bbcSNP MSP Sandra White
SNP MSP Sandra White asks what training opportunities are available for people over the age of 25.
Education Secretary John Swinney recognises that able and gifted students have the potential to benefit the economy.
Mr Swinney says a number of resources are available for highly able learners.
Scottish Conservative MSP Alison Harris asks how the government ensures that gifted and talented pupils in all schools are properly supported.
Image source, bbcEducation Secretary John Swinney
Education Secretary John Swinney says he is concerned about recent incidents of hate speech.
Mr Swinney says he will continue to seek advice on how to tackle bullying.
Teachers fear discriminatory language is becoming more acceptable among some pupils and parents after the Brexit vote, MSPs have been told.
Parents are more likely to find excuses for their child's discriminatory behaviour, MSPs heard
Edinburgh University's Moray House School of Education called for race to be "explicitly back on the agenda" after the referendum in June.
Academics from the school said teachers were now "reluctant and anxious" about addressing racism.
But they said there had been no spike in recorded hate crime in Scotland.
MSPs were listening to evidence being submitted to Holyrood's Equalities and Human Rights Committee, external.
SNP MSP Gail Ross asks whether the EU referendum has led to an increase in hate speech in schools and, if so, what action its education directorate is taking to tackle this.
Education and Skills Secretary John Swinney says there have been no recent discussions with SLC regarding building secondary schools and the government are aware the schools are in generally good condition.
SNP MSP Clare Haughey asks what discussions the government has had with South Lanarkshire Council regarding the building of secondary schools.