ALEX Salmond has pledged to address weaknesses in the child protection system following claims thousands of possible sexual exploitation cases are being overlooked.

Education Secretary Michael Russell will announce government plans next week, the First Minister revealed, after cabinet discussed the issue on Tuesday.

Mr Salmond spoke out after he came under pressure during First Minister's Questions.

Lib Dem MSP Alison McInnes called for urgent action to tackle "major weaknesses" in the way public agencies deal with reports of child abuse.

The call follows a warning from Annette Bruton, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, that it would be a "serious mistake" to assume Scotland is immune to the type of child exploitation seen in other parts of the UK, such as in Rotherham in South Yorkshire.

Mr Salmond said Mr Russell would give a "comprehensive response" in Holyrood next Tuesday.

He highlighted the new Police Scotland National Child Abuse Investigation Unit which aims to improve co-ordination and intelligence gathering around child sexual exploitation.

The First Minister added: "There is no complacency whatsoever in terms of the Scottish Government's approach to these things.

"We recognise that everyone in this Parliament understands both the importance and the necessity for making absolutely sure that our agencies and our legislation is entirely fit for purpose and see that some of the abuses, which historically have been documented, can be addressed for the future and any weaknesses in our system will be addressed."