Tory MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone seeks an update on action to tackle waiting times issues in NHS Grampian and their impact on other NHS boards with which it holds service-level agreements.

Health Secretary Shona Robison says conviction related checks are regularly undertaken by NHS boards.

All applicants to role working with children and vulnerable patients must become members to the protecting vulnerable groups scheme, she adds.

Mr Sarwar raises the case of a constituent, where a boy with Down's syndrome was subject to physical abuse.

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The staff member responsible is now working elsewhere in the NHS, he notes.

The cabinet secretary repeats that there are robust policies in place to ensure patient safety.

On the specifics of the case, she says it would be inappropriate to comment but notes NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has made assurance that risk-management and safeguarding processes are in place.

Labour MSP Anas Sarwar asks about ensuring that people with a violent or threatening past do not work directly with vulnerable patients in health and social care settings.

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Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse says the Scottish government have continued to engage with the company.

Mr Wheelhouse says: "We will do all we can to save the site."

He says the government is looking at food processing marketing capital grants.

The owners of a chicken production plant near Glasgow have said it could close with up to 450 jobs at risk.

The 2 Sisters Group said the 55-year-old factory at Cambuslang "has significant challenges to meet the latest standards we require".

The company insisted it would look to redeploy staff to other sites if the summer closure plan goes head.

Another 450 jobs are believed to be under threat at 2 Sisters plants in Smethwick and Wolverhampton.

Read more here.

SNP MSP Clare Haughey requests an update on the Scottish government's engagement with the 2 Sisters Food Group regarding the company's consultation on closing its factory in Cambuslang.

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart notes deprived communities are more likely to suffer from alcohol misuse issues.

Ms Ewing points to a package of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland.

A refresh of the alcohol strategy will be introduced shortly, it is noted.

Labour MSP Mary Fee says there is a relationship between outlet density and misuse issues.

The minister reiterates the Scottish government has been looking to update liquour licensing guidance.

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Community Safety Minister Annabelle Ewing says responsibility for procedures and individual decisions lies with local licensing boards, all of whom have discretion to make decisions based on local needs.

She says licensing policy statements are key to boards making strategic decisions in their areas.

The Scottish government is working with stakeholders to update guidance, Ms Ewing confirms.

Back in 2014, a report published by Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) claimed concerns of local people were ignored by licensing boards.

It suggested more boards highlighted the economic importance of the licensed trade than the damaging consequences of alcohol.

And it found more than half had extended licensing hours over the past six years.

Boards must publish statements of licensing policy every three years, with the latest round to run until 2016.

Read more here.

SNP MSP David Torrance asks about the role of local authority licensing boards in tackling alcohol issues.

Image source, Scottish Parliament/PA

After general questions we'll bring you extensive coverage of first minister's questions from noon.

Tory MSP Graham Simpson's member's debate is entitled 'Save the Greenbelt'.

Image source, Reuters

Then after SPCB questions, the government will lead a debate marking International Women's Day.

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Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant says, talking about an MSP and harasssment of their own staff, the structures of the parliament do not allow things to be put in place as they are the employer.

Ms Grant says this is a really difficult problem.

If an MSP could be dismissed for gross misconduct you would be getting rid of the victim's employer.

Nicola Sturgeon has called on a former Scottish government minister to stand down as an MSP after he admitted inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Mark McDonald has resigned from the SNP, but intends to remain as an independent MSP at Holyrood.

Ms Sturgeon told BBC Scotland that it would be "appropriate to give his constituents the opportunity to elect a new MSP".

Opposition parties have also urged Mr McDonald to stand down from Holyrood.

Ms Sturgeon said: "My view is clear. He was elected as an SNP MSP. If his behaviour is such that he himself considers he cannot continue as an SNP MSP, then it would be appropriate to give his constituents the opportunity to elect a new MSP".

• Mark McDonald's whirlwind political career
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• SNP MP says people in MacDonald seat want fresh vote

SNP MSP Tom Arthur wonders about introducing a power of recall.

Mr Rennie says he is a long-term advocate of recall, but accepts thresholds need to be put in place to ensure it is not used for party political purposes.

He suggests the Westminster system of recall has balanced it well.

Patrick Harvie says he can see the arguments for recall for political matters but using it to address sexual harassment could turn it into a public campaign.

This may prevent people from wanting to report problems, he suggests.

Maurice Golden says there is a confidential phone line and email address available within the Scottish Conservatives.

There are also staff reps and trained mental health members of staff, he adds.

"I have confidence in that code of conduct and the system."

He expresses concern about any non-party system being put in place, suggesting there would need to be some protection from vexatious claims as leaks to the media could be damaging.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Nine calls have been made to the Scottish Parliament's sexual harassment helpline since it was established in November last year.

The parliament set up the phone line as part of a range of actions after claims of a "catalogue of abuse"in politics.

Ministers have resigned from both the UK and Scottish governments amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Holyrood's standards committee has opened an inquiry into how parliament deals with claims of harassment.

Concerns were first voiced in October 2017 after lawyer Aamer Anwar claimed that "a number of women" had complained of harassment ranging from online stalking to physical assault.

Read more here.

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Labour MSP Rhoda Grant says her party has a formal process which is probably not the first port of call for a victim.

Ms Grant says there is also a contract with Rape Crisis for a confidential helpline for people to contact.

She says the party tries to provide enough variety of people a victim can contact.

Ms Grant says there is also the police as sexual assault is a crime.

She says supporting the person is the most important thing.

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Last October Scotland's health secretary has said she is very concerned by claims of sexual harassment at the Scottish Parliament.

Shona Robison was responding to reports that women at all levels in Holyrood have experienced harassment.

Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar told theSunday Herald, externalnewspaper that a "number of women" had approached him about the issue.

Ms Robison called on those affected to contact parliamentary authorities.

Read more here.

Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie says the Scottish Greens have been trying to "review and reform" over recent years, partly owing to its rapid increase in membership since 2014.

People raised issues with the process taking too long and access to support, the Green MSP says.

Now each branch must have a welfare and conduct officer, while a complaint committee is developing new procedures, he explains.

Our parliamentary group will "more than likely" apply the new procedures one they are in place, Mr Harvie adds.

However, he expresses concern that political parties would not be in as strong a position as the parliament would be when it comes to disciplining MSPs.