Jack McConnell made a statement to MSPs

He made a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday after the plans were rubber stamped by the cabinet.

He told MSPs that the proposals for 14 bills would "change Scotland for the better".

"We will introduce four new bills before the summer recess on education, health and justice - the people's priorities," he said.

"We will publish proposals for dealing with anti-social behaviour and the reform of the High Court because it is time to act.

"And in our first year, we will concentrate our legislation on health, education, crime and the environment - exactly as we said we would."

Gaelic language

Among the measures parliament will consider are bills to reform the NHS, to give ministers the power to intervene in failing schools and to protect vulnerable witnesses in court.

Mr McConnell has also pledged to reform the bankruptcy laws, ensure secure status for the Gaelic language and bring forward voting reform for local authority elections.

He told MSPs: "We will build the kind of Scotland that all can be proud to call home."

No child in Scotland should suffer as a result of inaction or ineffectiveness by any local authority or this government Jack McConnell

One of the first measures to be introduced will be a new law to protect vulnerable witnesses such as children, rape victims and their families.

Special rooms and monitors are proposed to allow them to view court proceedings without feeling intimidated.

The first minister said proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour would be published by the end of June.

They will include the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders and tagging for the under-16s, along with parenting orders which would "require parents to fulfil their responsibilities in respect of their children".

There will be legislation to provide additional educational support for children who need it at school.

John Swinney sought action on poverty

Legislation will also be introduced to give ministers new powers to intervene to ensure that schools implement recommendations made by HMI inspectors.

"No child in Scotland should suffer as a result of inaction or ineffectiveness by any local authority or this government," he told MSPs.

Mr McConnell said that a bill would be brought forward before the summer recess to abolish NHS trusts and establish community health partnerships.

He said new powers would also be introduced to allow ministers to intervene to secure quality care.

Mr McConnell said he would be bringing forward three separate pieces of legislation aimed at making a significant improvement to Scotland's environmental record.

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney welcomed a number of proposals - such as a Gaelic bill, the abolition of NHS trusts and the establishment of a strategic transport authority - which he said appeared in his party's election manifesto.

Tackle poverty

"We are glad that the partnership has taken some good ideas from this side of the chamber," he said.

However, he said he was "very concerned" at the absence of a reference to measures to tackle poverty.

Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie said: "We could do with a far lighter legislative load in this parliament than we had in the last one.

"It looks as though once again quality will be sacrificed for quantity.

"When will the first minister realise that it isn't the quantity or length of the bills passed in this parliament which will restore public confidence in it but sensible measures which actually improve the quality of life for people in Scotland?"

Tommy Sheridan wants an end to council tax

Scottish Green Party MSP Robin Harper welcomed commitments on proportional representation for local government, strategic environmental assessment and a nature conservancy bill.

However, he said there has to be more emphasis on arts, drama, technology and design in the executive's education proposals.

Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan accused the first minister of failing to tackle low pay and inequality.

He asked Mr McConnell: "If you are really concerned about creating a Scotland to be proud of don't you think it should be a Scotland that is more equal and more fair?"

Mr Sheridan called for the abolition of the council tax, which he said only benefited the wealthy.