The ‘Scotland’s Choice’ debate on a second independence referendum is suspended, after the attack at Westminster
Tory MSP Edward Mountain asks what action the government is taking to get unemployed people back into work.
Ms Freeman says in terms of youth unemployment, Scotland is performing better than anywhere else than the UK.
The social security minister says the job grant will help in the future.
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Image source, bbcLabour MSP Mark Griffin says stopping the roll out will impact on flexibilities in Scotland and asks if the minister will come forward with ideas to deliver flexible payments.
Ms Freeman says she admires the optimism that the Scottish government could bill the UK government and get the money back.
The social security minister says the government have provided funding to help those who are the worst affected.
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Image source, bbcSocial Security Minister Jeane Freeman
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says the roll out of Universal Credit is causing unnecessary anxiety.
Ms Freeman says the Scottish government has asked for a halt to Universal Credit roll out.
The social security minister says the UK government is pursuing a policy that has a negative impact on people's lives.
She says the Scottish government are urging the UK government to resolve these issues.
SNP MSP Maree Todd asks what action the government is taking in response to reports that every tenant in homeless accommodation in the Highlands is in rent arrears following the roll-out of universal credit by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Coming up first in the chamber this afternoon we have portfolio questions, which this week focuses on communities, social security and equalities.
Image source, Andrew Cowan/BBCThe main business of the day is the second part of the 'Scotland's Choice' debate which will see MSPs debate whether or not to call a second independence referendum.
MSPs will then vote on this at 5.30pm.
We will bring you full and extensive coverage of the debate and vote including all the social media reaction.
No member of the committee raises any issues on the instrument.
Committee convener Edward Mountain asks if it can be assumed that the committee do not want to make any recommendations on the instrument.
The committee agrees and Mr Mountain moves the committee into private session.
The Committee will consider the following negative instrument:
Committee convener Edward Mountain thanks the witnesses as the session comes to an end.
Jonnie Hall from NFU Scotland says there is a quick opportunity by withdrawing from the CAP the hoodoo of empty hill sides being payed for could be addressed.
Mr Hall says the NFU does not want to see money going to those who simply occupy the land, rather the organisation would like to see the cash go to those who manage and use the land.
Pete Ritchie from Scottish Environment Link says having control over resource and structures opens up a public debate on how support can be used.
Steven Thomson from SRUC says the problem with trade deals is "you cannot just cherry pick" and there are opportunities but real challenges within that.
Mr Thomson says if the policy and market signals are right "we can drive change".
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Image source, bbcTom Hind from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board
Tom Hind from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board says there will be opportunities for new trade in a "much more fleet of foot fashion than is possible within the EU".
Mr Hind says: "The big opportunity for us is to be able to get out there and develop new markets."
Andrew Midgley from Scottish Land and Estates says "we are not talking about turning a switch from one thing to another".
Mr Midgley says there is an opportunity to change structures so that there is a base level of support and then greater proportions of the budget can be put to certain areas.
"The opportunities are great," he says.
Jonnie Hall from NFU Scotland
Jonnie Hall from NFU Scotland says there are issues around many hill farmers being tenanted and it may not be within the farmers gift to improve buildings because it would be down to the land owner.
Mr Hall says support should be tied to productivity on the land.
Image source, bbcStuart Goodall from Confor
Stuart Goodall from Confor says:"The Common Agricultural Policy sucks all the oxygen out of the room."
Mr Goodall says there are very few farmers or land managers looking at how they can plant trees on part of the land to give shelter to sheep, which is a frustrationo.
He says Confor really want civil servants to look beyond agriculture and to have cross-thinking with forestry.
Pete Ritchie from Scottish Environment Link
Pete Ritchie from Scottish Environment Link calls for a reasonable land use framework.
Mr Ritchie says we must engage communities in conversation around land use.
He calls for an integrated framework.
Jonnie Hall from NFU Scotland say standards must be maintained but there is an opportunity, coming out of the EU, to unpick some of the complexity around CAP.
Mr Hall says "we are not in the business of eroding standards" and adds we must aim for the highest standards.
Andrew Midgley from Scottish Land and Estates says high standards must be maintained but there is an opportunity to make things easier.