Justice Department - budget plans

The justice department, which is headed by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, is responsible for a range of responsibilities including criminal law and sentencing policy, to fire and rescue services and religious and faith organisations.

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Look at the main SNP manifesto justice pledges

BUDGET STATEMENT 2007/08

The justice department oversees spending of more than £1bn a year, supporting the police, prison and fire and rescue services as well as the courts.

The government has been embroiled in a row with opposition parties, who claimed that its plans to deliver 1,000 new police officers through recruitment, retention and redeployment were a climb-down from its manifesto pledge of "1,000 more police".

Following cross-party pressure, MSPs agreed an amendment by ministers to take on the extra 1,000 officers by 2011.

Here are the main announcements:

Original plan to recruit an additional 500 police officers by 2011 with £13.5m, £18.0m and £22.5m funding over the three year spending period amended to recruit 1,000 officers, with an extra £10m, £13m and £17m of funding.

Modernising prison service, including replacing Peterhead and Aberdeen with a new prison and a new prison at Bishopbriggs - £12.8m, £21m and £29.2m.

New "Firelink" digital radio system for fire and rescue services - £33.8m, £9.7m and £7.5m.

Drug treatment and support services - £29.5m, £32.0m and £32.8m.

Legal aid - £167.2m, £170.7m and £173.0m.

Additional police funding, direct from central government - £138.5m, £162.6m and £165.2m.

Funding for the charity regulator - £3.6m and £3.7m over the next two years.

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MAIN SNP MANIFESTO PLEDGES

Plans set out for "1,000 more police".

Increase spending on drug rehabilitation services by 20%.

Commitment to the long-term future of Peterhead Prison, including the rebuilding of the prison.