Problems at the SQA have been blamed

More than 9,000 pupils across Scotland were left with incomplete or incorrect results following administrative problems at the SQA.

Some schools still do not have complete results and many students have faced delays in finalising their places at university.

Three inquiries are to be conducted into the affair - one by the Scottish Parliament's education committee, an internal SQA inquiry and an independent inquiry to be announced by Mr Galbraith.

Mr Galbraith also looks set to appoint a commissioner to oversee the exams system.

Prior to Mr Galbraith's address, the education committee was urged to avoid making a "farce" of its inquiry by turning it into a witch hunt against the minister.

Labour member, Karen Gillon MSP, said her colleagues should accept all the evidence before judging Mr Galbraith.

The committee agreed to the scope and duration of its inquiry.

It will take evidence from Mr Galbraith, his civil servants, officials of the SQA, education authorities, teachers, pupils and parents.

The former Scottish Office education ministers Brian Wilson and Helen Liddell will be asked to give written evidence and could be asked to appear before the committee.

The Scottish National Party MSP, Mike Russell, said the inquiry must establish why the crisis occurred, who is responsible, how it can be mitigated and how it can be ensured that it never happens again.

Mike Russell: Call for a thorough inquiry

The SQA operates independently of the Scottish Executive, meaning that ministers are not directly responsible for its actions.

It is understood Mr Galbraith is looking seriously at appointing an exams commissioner who would monitor the SQA and report directly to the executive.

At the same time, the SQA's 29-strong board would be reduced in numbers.

Ministers believe this could strengthen accountability and the flow of information.

But the executive will not take direct control of exams because that would create a situation where politicians were setting exams and pass rates.

A commissioner system already operates in England, but some educationalists believe it would simply create another layer of bureaucracy in Scotland without tackling the core problem.

The Scottish National Party has repeatedly called for Mr Galbraith to step down.

Pupils 'let down'

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesman Jamie Stone said he hoped the education committee inquiry would restore confidence in the Scottish education system.

He said: "This inquiry will be the biggest challenge the education committee has faced.

"Parents, teachers and most of all pupils have been badly let down over the last few months. The education committee must prove to them that it will not let them down as well."