The Europe Committee takes evidence on the Erasmus+ programme
MSPs question ministers in general questions
Nicola Sturgeon faces questions from the opposition leaders and backbench MSPs during first minister's questions
MSPs debate the Carer Positive Employer Initiative
The government leads a debate on developing the young workforce
Image source, bbcLib Dems MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton
Lib Dems MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton also focuses on Brexit and urges the economic strategy to be updated to recognise this development.
Derek Mackay agrees and points to a range of interventions he hopes will grow the economy in the face of challenges from Brexit.
Having a working age population is a key issue, he adds.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay says the forecasts underline "fundamental strengths" in the economy, particularly in relation to wage growth.
He says it also highlights the risks of Brexit.
Image source, bbcTory MSP Dean Lockhart
Tory MSP Dean Lockhart points to weaker growth in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK, stating the Scottish economy has unperformed for a decade.
He calls for a change in economic policy.
The finance secretary says the SFC forecasts have been considered fairly cautious compared to others.
"Surely the UK government has to take some responsibility" for the economy, he adds.
He pivots to extra support for businesses, funding for the National Investment Bank, support for city deals which are designed to boost the economy.
Scotland's economy is facing "subdued" growth over the next five years, according to the Scottish Fiscal Commission.
The independent body has predicted the Scottish economy will grow at less than 1% per year until 2022.
Its five-year forecast suggests GDP growth will be 0.7% in both 2017 and 2018, rising to 1.1% in 2022.
It said the outlook was "driven by slow productivity growth and exacerbated by demographic challenges".
Image source, Scottish parliament
Image source, bbcFinance Secretary Derek Mackay
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay says the Scottish government and HMRC continue to work closely, including working to ensure income tax policy is implemented correctly.
Tory MSP Bill Bowman says the plans will increase changes on people's access to their pensions.
Mr Mackay argues the budget ensures Scotland is the lowest taxed part of the UK for the majority of taxpayers.
On pension arrangements, he says control over this remains at Westminster but adds that even those taking out a lump sum from their pension will face a more progressive system.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Scottish government announced income tax changes that will see higher earners pay more than elsewhere in the UK - and lower earners pay less.
The country's finance secretary, Derek Mackay, announced a new tax band of 21p for those earning more than £24,000.
The higher rate of tax will be increased from 40p to 41p and the top rate from 45p to 46p.
But a starter rate of 19p in the pound will also be introduced, Mr Mackay confirmed in his draft budget.
Mr Mackay had faced warnings from business leaders and the Scottish Conservatives ahead of his budget statement that Scotland could not afford to be associated with higher taxation than the rest of the UK.
Image source, Scottish parliament
Image source, BBC/PA/Getty Images
Image source, PA/Scottish ParliamentChamber proceedings kick off with general questions at 11:40.
We will then bring you extensive coverage of first minister's questions with Nicola Sturgeon facing her weekly grilling from noon.
SNP MSP Tom Arthur will then lead a debate on the Carer Positive Employment Initiative immediately after.
Following a short break, MSPs will return to the chamber to discuss the third annual report on developing the young workforce.
Image source, bbcThat concludes the evidence session on Erasmus+
Access to travel opportunities and experiencing other cultures is at the top of young people's concerns about Brexit, both Emily Beever of Youthlink Scotland and Jackie Killeen of the British Council Scotland confirm.
Marion Spöring calls for a greater diversity of languages to be taught.
"We can't rely on just teaching one or two languages in school."
She says language learning must be available from nursery, in schools, through to adult education and as part of lifelong learning.
This is the only way to tackle it, she says.
Image source, ThinkstockSNP MSP Richard Lochhead says parliament had a debate on Brexit this week and it highlighted the EU want a deal by November 2018..
Mr Lochhead asks if the witnesses think the UK government treating the issue of Erasmus + programme seriously.
Emily Beever from YouthLink Scotland: "We hope that the UK government is really listening to people about the impact."
Image source, ThinkstockJackie Killeen from the British Council Scotland says: "We welcomed the prime minister's statement."
The UK will continue to take part in the Erasmus student exchange programme until at least the end of 2020, the prime minister said last month.
Theresa May praised Erasmus+ and confirmed the UK would still be involved after Brexit in March 2019.
Ms Killeen says the BCS has continually made clear to the UK government the importance of Erasmus +.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton asks if some "tweaks" to the programme would improve employability.
She also queries the retention figures of students who come to Scotland.
Marion Spöring says some Erasmus students do stay for further study or employment afterwards, but agrees it would be beneficial to look into improving retention.
Jackie Killeen of the British Council Scotland
Jackie Killeen says the British Council Scotland does not keep a track of the figures of Erasmus students coming to Scotland, but anecdotal evidence suggests positive links.
Erasmus participants are more employable, more likely to stay in employment longer and more likely to progress to management, she says.
Concern is expressed about the opportunity gap that could arise between the most and least deprived areas should Erasmus be lost.
Image source, bbcPresident of NUS Scotland Luke Humberstone
NUS Scotland president Luke Humberstone turns to Emily Beever from YouthLinkScotand and says: "The title of your campaign is exactly what we feel: Keep Erasmus Plus."
Image source, ThinkstockMarion Spöring labels the idea that English is the only language you need as a "misconception".
Looking at the labour market, she says it is important for applicants to have a "global mindset", which she describes at not just language skills but any ability to understand other cultures.
English as a language is going down, she adds.
Ms Spöring highlights European students are expected to have at least two languages and UK students have to compete with them in the global market.
A skills gap is apparent, she says.
Image source, bbcPresident of NUS Scotland Luke Humberstone says the uncertainty is very worrying for people and it "would be a tragedy if it is lost".
Emily Beever from YouthLink Scotland says Erasmus + is a key issue for young people with their desire for mobility throughout Europe.
Jackie Killeen from the British Council Scotland says the need to participate internationally has never been more crucial and stresses concern about the future of Erasmus +.
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan mentions he took part in the Socrates-Erasmus programme as a youth, adding the memory brought warm feelings.
He asks about benefits of students coming to Scotland.
Jackie Killeen says students who come to the UK generally have a positive experience, which helps to build a strong reputation overall.
Mr McMillan questions how the uncertainty will impact the programme.
Marion Spöring focuses on the importance of intercultural exchanges, regardless of the employment the young person goes into.
There is a good appetite for Erasmus but potential applications are already asking how long the opportunity will last, she says.
Teachers and parents are concerned about the uncertainty, she adds.
Image source, bbcCommittee convener Joan McAlpine asks what happened with Switzerland and Erasmus when it moved away from freedom of movement.
Jackie Killeen from the British Council Scotland says Erasmus + is contingent on accepting the EU freedom of movement rules.
Ms Killeen says Switzerland had to try to negotiate an interim bilateral arrangement to let them continue in the scheme, adding cost and making it more cumbersome.
Emily Beever from YouthLink Scotland says this is clearly an interim programme in Switzerland.
Green MSP Ross Greer
Green MSP Ross Greer wonders how ending freedom of movement will affect Erasmus+.
NUS Scotland President Luke Humberstone highlights that non-EU members do participate in the programme but expresses concern that it would put some barriers in the way.
Marion Spöring says ending freedom of movement would be a "disaster" for academia - for students, staff and research.