Chamber and committees

We need to focus our resources on key areas of Gaelic development in order to increase the numbers of Gaelic speakers and thus secure the future of the language. The b²rd has identified action areas which are key areas of Gaelic development and has identified initiatives that can help make the progress we need to make in these areas.

The Scottish Government is in full agreement with the b²rd''s analysis of current needs and we are confident that the focusing of resources is achievable and that the areas selected of early years, school education and adult education have the potential to increase the numbers of speakers.

The key to meeting the aims of the action plan is ensuring that there are effective means of delivery in the key action areas identified. We will continue to work closely with the b²rd to put in place and support the necessary initiatives and to achieve the required outcomes.

In order to achieve the aims set out in the action plan, the b²rd will direct its funding to the action areas identified in the action plan and has already entered into agreements with Gaelic organisations to begin delivering some of the initiatives identified in the action plan over the course of 2010-11. The b²rd will also ensure that key areas from the action plan are prioritised in the preparation of Gaelic language plans and in the distribution of support to community groups.

Local authorities have a critical role in this and the b²rd will seek to support authorities as they implement the commitments in their Gaelic language plans and extend Gaelic education at all levels. Along with expanding Gaelic education, we also recognise the importance of the quality of Gaelic educational provision.

The aims of B²rd na G idhlig''s action plan are complementary to the Curriculum for Excellence. The Curriculum for Excellence guidance on Gaelic for both Gaelic learners and Gaelic speakers recognises Gaelic as being a mainstream subject and a valuable resource for young people to learn about culture, identity and language in Scotland. The Curriculum for Excellence guidance will provide an effective and supportive framework to B²rd na G idhlig''s plans for an increase in Gaelic speakers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33410 on 10 May 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33410 on 10 May 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Scottish Government is working with the Pakistani Consul General to bring together key stakeholders in the Pakistani community in Scotland to identify the existing links and engagement between Scotland and Pakistan as well as opportunities for mutual benefit. This will contribute to the development of the Pakistan Plan which we are planning to publish by the summer recess as part of our wider Programme of Engagement with South Asia.

The Pakistan Plan being prepared forms part of the wider Programme of Engagement with South Asia. It is being developed within existing resources.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33273 on 29 April 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

This will be a matter for Creative Scotland itself to decide once it comes into existence. We have ensured that the legislation allows Creative Scotland the maximum flexibility in developing its framework for financial and other support.

The Scottish Arts Council is continuing with business as usual until Creative Scotland is established, and the legislation makes it clear that Creative Scotland will honour all funding arrangements entered into by the Scottish Arts Council.

Meetings took place on 10 February 2009, 5 May 2009, 26 October 2009, 21 December 2009, 25 January 2010, 2 February 2010 and 22 February 2010. The primary purpose of these meetings was to enable ministers and officials to be updated on relevant aspects of possible college merger and redevelopment of college estate.

Any proposal by the Scottish Funding Council to offer financial support in excess of its delegated authority requires to be approved by ministers. In such cases ministers would give close consideration to the business case, including the educational, financial and other benefits.

Any proposal by the Scottish Funding Council to offer financial support in excess of its delegated authority requires to be approved by ministers. In such cases ministers would give close consideration to the business case, including the educational, financial and other benefits.

On the related plans of the three colleges involved in New Campus Glasgow estates project also to explore merger, ministers have as yet received no request to approve such a step.