MSPs take evidence on a petition calling for the introduction of individual risk-based blood donation in Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon is quizzed by opposition ministers during first minister's questions
Labour MSP Neil Findlay leads this afternoon's member's debate entitled 'Flawed Airport Consultation'
Social Security Minister Jeanne Freeman will no giver a ministerial statement on Scotland's Social Security Agency
MSPs debate the Limitation (Childhood Abuse) Bill at stage 1
Ms Freeman says she welcomes the 11 benefits being devolved, but too much remains reserved and will continue to be delivered in a UK system that has all of the deficiencies and faults our consultation responses so eloquently detail .
She calls for welfare to be devolved.
The minister outlines her key objectives:
Ms Freeman says 10 of the 11 devolved benefits will be delivered directly by the new social security agency itself through an efficient centralised function.
She sayscritically, our social security agency will also provide locally accessible face-to-face pre-claims advice and support co-located, where possible, in places people already visit.
The minister says Discretionary Housing Payments and the Scottish Welfare Fund will continue to be delivered by local authorities.
Social Security Minister Jeanne Freeman says today as she announces the model for the social security system the government marks another milestone of social security delivery.
Ms Freeman says following the decision to set up an agency the government has been involved in a consultation.
The social security minister says the government has underlined its commitment to co-production and transparency by involving partners from the third sector, local government and academia
Image source, bbcJeane Freeman said there should not be grandstanding or a shouting match over the transfer of welfare powers
Holyrood's Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman believes there are "big challenges" ahead of bringing new welfare powers to Scotland.
However, she said despite political differences between the administrations in Edinburgh and Holyrood it was important to avoid a "shouting match".
Powers, including DLA/PIP, Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance, are to be transferred from Westminster.
Ms Freeman was giving an update to Holyrood's social security committee last September.
Image source, LUKASSEKThe Scottish government is to take over delivery of benefits including disability living allowances
The UK government may continue to administer some benefits for several years after legislative control over them is passed to Holyrood.
Power 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.
The Scottish and UK governments are examining a "split competency" approach for the new devolved benefits, which are worth about £2.7bn. This would see Holyrood given legislative powers over a series benefits from June 2017, but not over delivery of some of them until April 2020.
The 11 benefits being devolved include carer's allowances, disability living allowances, personal independence payments, maternity grants and winter fuel payments, while the UK government will retain control over other areas such as Universal Credit.
A Scottish social security agency will be set up to deliver the devolved benefits, with a Social Security Bill introduced at Holyrood by June 2017
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:
Social Security Minister Jeanne Freeman will now give a ministerial statement on Scotland's Social Security Agency.
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Image source, LUKASSEKThe Scottish government is to take over delivery of benefits including disability living allowances
The Scottish government will then give a ministerial statement on Scotland’s Social Security Agency.
MSPs will then participate in the Stage 1 debate on the Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Bill.
Labour MSP Alex Rowley asks if the public has lost all confidence in the consultation process then the duty of the government is to stand up for the people around Forth.
Campaigners watch on from the gallery.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says there are some very reasonable and deep concerns around the consultation that must be listened to by Edinburgh Airport.
Mr Yousaf says he knows Edinburgh Airport will be listening and if the application is made to CAA he urges everyone to make representations to the CAA.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says Edinburgh Airport do recognise that there has been flaws in the process.
Labour MSP Neil Findlay says Edinburgh AIrport can listen all it likes but that some people have moved their families to property that they did not believe would be affected and asks what the minister would say to them.
Mr Yousaf says it is a fair point.
The transport minister says robust views have been put to Edinburgh Airport.
He says that it is not the government's place to step in and it is an Edinburgh Airport consultation.
Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton says he had some reservations about Mr Findlay's motion but he signed it so that this debate could be aired.
Mr Cole-Hamilton says Edinbrugh Airport has a duty to be a responsible neighbour.
The Lib Dem MSP says South Queenferry is a beautiful community which is often taken for granted.
He says he is keen to work with airports on this.
Image source, bbcGreen MSP Andy Wightman
Green MSP Andy Wightman says he has been deluged by e-mails from constituents with concerns.
Mr Wightman says the consultation was "seriously flawed" and says "airport operators have misled the public" and shown arrogance.
He says the governance framework cannot work in the public interest.
The Green MSP asks where is the line between the public interest and the private gain.
He calls for the governance to be brought under public control.
Image source, bbcConservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst
Conservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst says he has been struck by how important this issue is.
Mr Lindhurst says Edniburgh Aiport has the motto "Where Scotland meets the world" and he says it is a positive the world wants to meet Scotland.
The Tory MSP acknowledges the concerns about the consultation.
He says the airport should redouble its efforts with those affected.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell says this is an "unfair consultation" and that it is "not fit for purpose".
Mr Ruskell says the councils feel "misled" on the plans which are filled with jargon and omit important technical information and evidence.
The Green MSP says this flawed information has not even been readily available to the public.
He says this consultation is being run by a private business "attempting to fatten itself up."
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