The executive wants to stop prisoners returning to crime

The Management of Offenders (Scotland) Bill follows research revealing that 60% of those released from prison commit further crimes within two years.

The most controversial provision is to grant early release to some criminals if they agree to be tagged at home.

Last month it emerged that Scotland's prison population reached record levels between 2003 and 2004.

At the heart of the new proposals is a recognition that the current system is not working well.

The 60% figure for re-offending is higher than for the rest of the UK.

The new measures, which will be backed by more funds, include:

• Placing a statutory duty on councils, the Scottish Prison Service and other key groups to produce plans to manage offenders and reduce re-offending

• Introducing home detention electronic monitoring of low risk prisoners nearing the end of their sentences

• Requiring the police, councils and the Scottish Prison Service to establish joint arrangements for assessing and managing the risk posed by sex offenders

• Giving the courts greater powers to take action against those who fail to comply with the terms of the sex offenders registration scheme

• Enabling the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to recover funds paid to victims of crime from the perpetrators.

Speaking after the announcement, Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said re-offending was not just a problem for each offender and their family, but for every community in Scotland.

She said: "While there is no easy solution to this, sending offenders to prison for short periods during which little can be done to tackle the root cause of their offending behaviour is not the answer.

"We must do more to improve the integration of services for offenders so that they cannot fall between any gaps in services and the organisations that provide them.

Prison does work, and she (Ms Jamieson) should not shy away from that Margaret Mitchell Conservative spokeswoman

"We must ensure all agencies involved in the management of offenders work together effectively to tackle re-offending - and we will be placing a statutory duty upon them to ensure that happens.

"The broad range of measures in the bill demonstrates this executive's determination to get to grips with Scotland's re-offending problem.

"Where offenders are determined to change their ways they will have the support to do so.

"Those who refuse to accept that support will no longer be able to blame the system and expect the public to suffer the consequences."

Revolving door

However, Conservative deputy justice spokeswoman Margaret Mitchell said the proposals would undermine confidence in the criminal justice system and put public safety at risk.

"Prison does work, and she (Ms Jamieson) should not shy away from that," she said.

"Public safety is absolutely paramount, and as long as these people are in prison they are not out offending."

Kenny MacAskill said the plan represented "more spin"

The MSP said there was a "very convincing argument" that short-term sentences should be better resourced.

"That is where we should be spending money to try to correct these prisoners who are now just on a revolving door," she said.

The Scottish National Party's Kenny MacAskill MSP slammed the proposal, criticising it as "more spin over substance".

He said: "While some of the measures contained in the publication are welcome, many are already operating in some shape or form.

"What we require is better resources for existing agencies and less sound bites from the executive.

"The courts and social work departments already have the powers required to deal with the major issues we face today, but in many instances lack the necessary resources.