The first day of committee business in 2009 begins today when the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee meets to take evidence on the National Planning Framework 2. The Justice Committee will also meet on Tuesday when it will consider the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill and the Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Bill introduced to Parliament by Patrick Harvie MSP. On Wednesday, the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee will meet to consider both the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill and the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill.

The Parliament will meet on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Wednesday’s business includes a Scottish Government debate on national qualifications and discussion of a motion from Sandra White MSP on 'Devastating Cuts At The Herald and Evening Times'. Thursday’s business includes Scottish Government debates on ‘Protecting Scotland’s Communities – the Scottish Government’s Offender Management Plan’ and ‘Homecoming and its potential to support sustainable economic growth’. There will also be debate on a motion from Lewis MacDonald MSP on the Aberdeen Forensic Science Laboratory.

For the past four years, the Festival of Politics has proved itself a groundbreaking event which brings politics to the people. In 2009, to mark the fifth anniversary of the Festival and the tenth anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, we will host the longest-ever festival, opening on Tuesday 18 August and running over five days to Saturday 22 August. This year, the Parliament is also offering the opportunity to suggest a speaker, event or theme for the 2009 Festival. Suggestions are welcome from individuals or organisations, such as charities and other stakeholder groups.  If you would like to make a suggestion for the 2009 Festival programme, please complete the suggestions form.