The Local Government Committee takes evidence from Housing Minister Kevin Stewart on building and fire regulations and then on homelessness
MSPs quiz education ministers during portfolio questions
The Scottish government gives a ministerial statement on air quality
MSPs debate Paisley's 2021 UK City of Culture and Dundee's 2023 European Capital of Culture bids
SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth leads a debate on the Levenmouth Rail Link
Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale asks how many care-experienced and accommodated young people are eligible for continuing care, and how this compares with the number receiving it.
Image source, PAUp to 27,000 young people will benefit from apprenticeship employment opportunities this year, according to the Scottish government.
The figure is 1,000 higher than last year's target for apprenticeship starts.
The statistics have been released ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017, external.
During the week, employers will be encouraged to take on young people and consider a work-based learning route into employment.
They include new foundation apprenticeships where young people can start training at school, and graduate level apprenticeships where employees can use work-based learning opportunities at degree level.
Image source, bbcEmployability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn
Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn says the government will be in a position in the coming weeks to confirm the numbers for the coming year.
Ms Ross asks if there are any barriers to gaining a foundation apprenticeship.
Mr Hepburn says the government is working with partners.
SNP MSP Gail Ross asks how many foundation apprenticeships there are.
Image source, bbcMr Swinney
Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott asks about the system in reviewing teacher training applications.
Mr Swinney says there are a range of points looked at on applications.
He says the government are encouraging institutions to engage with widening access.
Image source, bbcTory MSP Tom Mason
Tory MSP Tom Mason says class sizes over 30 have gone up by 25% and asks what can be done about this.
Mr Swinney says teacher recruitment is a government priority and he is aware of the challenges.
Image source, bbcLabour MSP Lewis Macdonald
Education Secretary John Swinney says student teacher intake targets are agreed annually.
Mr Swinney says the intake at Aberdeen University for this academic year is 578 compared with 565 the previous year.
Mr Macdonald asks for assurances that places will not be reduced.
Mr Swinney says the workforce planning model will look to address challenges with recruitment across the country.
Image source, PAHolyrood's education committee has called for more action to tackle teacher shortages in Scottish schools.
MSPs have taken evidence from hundreds of teachers about the challenges facing the profession, amid warnings of "acute shortages" in some areas.
The committee made more than 30 recommendations, including calls for action over pay rates and a reduction in teacher workload.
The Scottish government said it would consider the report carefully.
Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald asks how the number of teacher training places at the University of Aberdeen in the current academic year compares with last year.
Image source, bbcMr Swinney
Mr Swinney says the government has no plans to review guidance.
Mr Balfour says research has shown that children's test scores improve if they do not have access to mobile phone in school and asks if Mr Swinney agrees with him that they should be banned.
Mr Swinney says he does not agree and mobile phone and contribute to learning.
The education secretary says it is for teachers and schools to decide on the approach to take.
Image source, ThinkstockMobile phones should be banned from primary schools, according to the Scottish Conservatives.
The Tories also called for head teachers to be supported in imposing restrictions in secondaries.
They claim such a move could improve test scores and possibly reduce educational inequality.
The Scottish government said teachers already have powers to ban mobile phones from classrooms and many schools incorporated them into learning.
Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour asks when the government will review its guidance on mobile phone use in primary schools.
Image source, bbcEducation Secretary John Swinney says the government considers a wide-range of input from various groups.
Mr Swinney says the government has invited the Scottish Showman's Guild input.
Mr Lyle asks what further action can be taken to deliver for show people as a separate ethnic group.
Mr Swinney says he will take Mr Lyle's points forward.
The education secretary says the government is committed to ensure pupils get the additional support if required.
SNP MSP Richard Lyle asks what action the government takes when drafting educational documentation, equality monitoring and learning tools to ensure that showpeople are considered.
Further Education and Science Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville says the government engages regularly with the college.
Ms Todd says the uncertainty around the final bricks deal meant that it is difficult to reassure EU national staff and says she is concerned about EU support.
Ms Somerville says she welcomes the UK government's commitment to continue with funding to sciences but is unsure how this will work.
The media course had been undertaken by 20 students at the Inverness College UHI
A Higher Media exam run by Inverness College UHI has been failed by all students for a second year in a row.
Thirteen students had taken the course, which the college redesigned after none of the 22 who had signed up for the media exam passed it last year.
Roddy Henry, acting principal at Inverness College UHI, described the latest results as a "real shock".
The college said it had put in place additional support for the students as part of the redesign.
It is investigating the latest situation.
SNP MSP Maree Todd asks what engagement it has with Inverness College UHI.
Image source, bbcHigher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville
Higher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville says there are no plans to review charitable status of university activity.
Mr Stewart says the government is consulting on this and asks what decisions it has made to date.
Ms Somerville says the government is undertaking a thorough consultation on the Barclay review.
Business rates could be rolled out to other sectors
Leisure centres, some golf clubs, private schools and universities should be brought fully under the business rates system, according to a review.
The Barclay Report into non-domestic rates, external has also recommended that childcare centres should be exempt.
The system had faced strong criticism, particularly from hospitality firms.
The review was commissioned by the Scottish government in March last year and headed up by Ken Barclay, former head of Scottish operations for RBS.
Tory MSP Alexander Stewart asks what action the government is taking regarding the charitable status of university commercial activities.