Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles says there has been a lack of information but as it turns out the Seat Belts on School Transport (Scotland) Bill is necessary as are the first two amendments

Mr Rumbles says "it is a poor show" this information was not available at Stage 2.

Green MSP John Finnie says his party will back the amendments and the Bill.

Tory MSP Peter Chaman says there is £8.9m set aside which would be an ample amount to change contracts and says his party will be voting against these amendments.

Image source, bbc

Edward Mountain agrees with his party colleague and says only five of the 32 councils do not have seat belts fitted.

Ms Martin says it is five councils who would have to break their contract but only 24 councils have contracts in place that stipulates seat belts.

Mr Mountain says as a parent he cannot agree to any delay.

He says "God forbid we have an accident involving secondary pupils."

Mr Mountain says he cannnot support Ms Martin's amendment.

Gillian Martin, the SNP MSP behind this Bill, explains the amendments to the Bill will ensure that "for a number of local authorities there will be a phased commencement of Bill, but there will be an ultimate deadline of 2021."

The reason for a phased approached was to give councils time to adapt.

In some cases councils have signed contracts "in good faith".

However, Ms Martin says: "Vehicles used for schools trips will be subject to the 2018 commencement date."

MSPs are debating amendments to the School Transport (Scotland) Bill, external during its Stage 3 proceedings.

• Here is the marshalled list of amendments, external
• Here are the groupings of amendments, external

The parilament will now debate the proposal from SNP MSP Gillian Martin for a Bill to ensure that seat belts become a legal requirement on all dedicated home-to-school transport in Scotland.

The parliament debates the Bill for an Act of the Scottish Parliament to amend the Writers to the Signet Dependants’ Annuity Fund Order Confirmation Act 1982 to amend the definition of “actuary” and to amend the description of persons who may be elected collector of the Fund.

Mr Macintosh says the lack of gender balance on the SPCB and the Parliamentary Bureau is an issue he has raised previously.

In response, the Parliament's SPPA Committee changed the rules to require political parties to have regard to gender balance when appointing individuals to the Bureau or nominating individuals to Parliament for membership of the SPCB, a change which was welcomed and unanimously approved by all Members.

Image source, Getty Images

Mr Macintosh highlighted that resolving the issue on the Bureau should be straightforward as membership is entirely within the gift of the political parties themselves.

Changing the membership of the SPCB requires the agreement of the whole Parliament, and any change to the SPCB's number or composition would require rule changes.

He "firmly believes" that it is possible for political parties to work constructively together to achieve greater gender balance on the SPCB now.

The Presiding Officer concludes: "To assist the political parties in driving this forward, I intend to convene an early meeting with party representatives where I would hope we could agree a way forward."

Image source, bbc

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh has written to party leader saying he is pleased at the unity all the political parties have shown so far in endorsing the message that sexual harassment will not be tolerated in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Macintosh thanks them for the support they have shown for :

• the dedicated confidential phone-line
• a survey of all building users
• advice of external experts and organisations, including Engender, on the work the parliament is taking forward
• reviewing Holyrood's existing policies.
• the SPPA Committee inquiry into the Code of Conduct for MSPs

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie asks whether the new sexual harassment hotiine will accept calls from bystanders who witness inappropriate language and behaviour.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur says: "Unequivocally yes."

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Sandra White points out that "harassment can come in many guises, not just sexual.

"Wll measures cover all forms of harassment?"

Labour MSP David Stewart says: "Harassment of any kind is cited as gross misconduct.

"Anyone who feels harassed should contact the parliament. The key point is we have zero tolerance."

SNP MSP Sandra White asks, in light of recent reports regarding harassment, what provisions are in place to protect staff and interns employed by MSPs.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP David Stewart points the dignity at work code of conduct and says these code of conducts will be reviewed.

MS Denham asks if the SPCB would produce a stand alone handbook on sexual harassment.

Mr Stewart says: "I think that is an excellent idea."

SNP MSP Ash Denham asks the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider producing a code of conduct for MSPs and staff regarding their behaviour in relation to sexual harassment.

Lid Dems MSP Liam McArthur speaks about all staff members, not just MSPs, being able to make a complaint.

He says: "What has been helpful out of this discussion is the amount of discussion between parties.

"There is guidance and support available to whoever wishes to make a complaint."

Image source, Scottish government

A Scottish government minister this week resigned over previous actions which he said were considered "inappropriate".

Mark McDonald, the SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside, said he was stepping down from his role as childcare and early years minister.

He apologised and said his attempts to be "humourous" or "friendly" may have led others to become uncomfortable.

He is one of two SNP members currently being investigated by the party over possible misconduct.

It is understood the allegations against him are not criminal in nature. The other complaint being investigated by the SNP does not relate to a parliamentarian.

Read more here

Image source, bbc

The Sunday Post, external reported that the SNP MSP Willie Coffey was reported to Holyrood authorities six months ago after a public servant complained about "inappropriate language" and "unsolicited attention".

The Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley MSP denied the allegation and said he did not recognise the claims about his behaviour.

Labour MSP Claire Baker asks the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what action it is taking to address sexual harassment in the Parliament.

SNP MSP Sandra White says she has heard on many occasions where offenders use alcohol as an excuse and it is actually the male perpetrator who must take responsibility for his behaviour.

Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw agrees.