More detail call on budget plans

Finance Secretary John Swinney's budget is being examined

MSPs have asked for more detail from senior ministers on the SNP's budget plans and assurances that spending would achieve government aims.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Finance Secretary John Swinney all appeared before a Holyrood committee.

They were questioned on the impact of next year's budget on tackling drug and alcohol addiction.

Ms Sturgeon said more had to be done for children who were exposed to drugs.

She told the health committee that youngsters living with drug-addicted parents must get better support from authorities.

Methadone concerns

Labour MSP and committee member Duncan McNeill said that between 40,000 and 60,000 children in Scotland were affected by parental drug issues, while 10,000 to 20,000 of those children were living with parents with an addiction.

Mr MacAskill, when challenged by Tory MSP Mary Scanlon, also said that Scotland's current rate of methadone prescription was "not acceptable".

The cabinet secretaries gave an assurance that the SNP government's historic concordat with councils and a new emphasis on "outcome agreements" would ensure that the Scottish Government's budget would be properly spent.

After scrutiny, the Scottish Parliament will be asked to support the three-year budget plans in the new year.