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Scotland is to become one of the first countries in the world to criminalise psychological abuse, Holyrood has heard.

 MSPs debated the new Domestic Abuse Bill in the Scottish Parliament last September

He used the debate to condemn the "pernicious, coercive and controlling behaviour" of perpetrators.

Police Scotland recorded almost 60,000 cases of domestic abuse in 2014-15.

The majority (79%) of cases involved a male perpetrator and a female victim.

The new bill will create a specific offence of "abusive behaviour in relation to a partner or ex-partner".

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Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says he most recently met with them on 15 September.

Ms Beamish asks what steps the government is taking to ensure children affected by domestic abuse have the same access to justice.

Mr Matheson says the new Domestic Abuse Bill  will deal with children who have been affected by domestic abuse. 

Image source, Scottish Women's Aid

Scottish Women's Aid, external believe that a world without domestic abuse is not just a dream, it is a possibility. Never doubt it – changing attitudes changes lives.

The Women’s Aid network supports women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse across Scotland - from Shetland to the Borders and across a range of services.

Scottish Labour MSP Claudia Beamish asks when the justice secretary last met Scottish Women's Aid and what issues were discussed.

Labour MSP Claire Baker asks if it would be possible for the government to legislate for more domestic abuse courts if they feel it necessary. 

Mr Matheson says technically the government could legislate for this but it may not be the best way forward.

The justice secretary says it is important that the approach is flexible. 

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Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says sheriff principles are responsible for domestic abuse courts.

Mr Matheson says Scottish Courts are working with sheriff principles to review domestic abuse courts.

The justice secretary says there are several domestic abuse courts in Scotland.

He says the government are working on delivery plans to review justice for domestic abuse victims.

SNP MSP Kate Forbes asks whether the government will provide an update on its consideration of the proposal to introduce travelling domestic abuse courts in the Highlands.  

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Community Safety Minister Annabelle Ewing says the policing of these sites is a matter for Police Scotland.

Mr Chapman says he will continue to raise this issue until SNP ministers take responsibility.

Ms Ewing says the lead responsibility sits with local authorities. 

The community safety minister says the police will investigate any anti-social behaviour at these sites.

She says Gypsy/Travellers have the right to be respected. 

This is echoed by SNP MSP John Mason and Labour MSP Mary Fee, who highlight the discrimination Gypsy/Travellers face.

In April Gypsy travellers at an unauthorised site in Aberdeenshire avoided eviction following a decision by the local authority.

A retrospective planning application for the site at St Cyrus had been recommended for refusal over flooding concerns.

But councillors voted to approve the application with conditions.

At the time the site was home to about 37 adults and 24 children.

Scottish Conservative MSP Peter Chapman asks what discussions Police Scotland has had with local authorities regarding the management of unauthorised camping by Gypsy/Travellers. 

First up this afternoon we will bring you live coverage of portfolio questions which will begin featuring justice ministers and will then focus on the culture, tourism and external affairs brief.

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The Scottish government will then lead a debate on Scotland’s International Development Strategy.

Following decision time, Tory MSP Liz Smith, leads this afternoon's members' debate on the STEP physical literacy programme.

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Convener Bruce Crawford moves the Finance Committee into private session.

We'll be back at 2pm. 

SNP MSP Maree Todd asks about the new borrowing powers and whether the government intends to use them.

Mr Mackay says: "We will use them to the max."

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says Scotland is the highest taxed part of the UK for certain businesses.

Mr Lockhart says this is damaging for business.

Mr Mackay says "in an ideal world, he would prefer not to have those higher tax rates"

The finance secretary asks what this increase should be replaced with. 

He says the will protect smaller businesses.

Each of the parliament's other subject committees have taken evidence from relevant ministers. They are now considering draft reports to the finance committee, which will submit its own final report by the end of January.

The first full-chamber debate on the draft budget proposals will be held in the week beginning 30 January, with the budget bill then progressing through the three stages of parliamentary approval through February.

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A separate vote on the tax plans will take place prior to the final budget vote, which is expected to be in the week beginning 20 February.

With the SNP a minority government, Mr Mackay will need support from at least one other party in order to see his proposals passed.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser gets back into the game saying in real terms the outturn in 2010-11 was £37.229bn and in the draft budget there is £37.401, so in real terms the total budget is till up.

Mr Mackay says Mr Fraser knows this is quite different from the discretionary spend level.

SNP MSP Ivan McKee refers back to the exchange between the minister and Tory MSP Murdo Fraser.

Here's a wee reminder: 

Mr McKee not surprisingly backs Mr Mackay and the finance secretary agrees with his colleague.