Chamber and committees

Two hundred and twenty-to written responses were received. This compares with similar technical consultations on elections related legislation; for example Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 where the consultation on the draft Bill received 187 responses, and the Scottish Local Government Elections Act 2009 where the consultation on the Bill proposals received 34 responses.

We look forward to publishing the responses to the consultation on the Scottish Government website in due course, where respondents have given us permission to do so.

If the proposals contained in version 1 of the first ballot paper in Scotland''s Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper were enacted, the Scottish Parliament would be responsible for all laws, taxes and duties in Scotland. The exceptions, which would continue to be the responsibility of the United Kingdom Parliament, are defence and foreign affairs, financial regulation, monetary policy and the currency. SA''>

We are committed to evaluating and monitoring the impact the Act is having. In the immediate term, we are using the Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill to strengthen some provisions and put right some problems identified during implementation. In the longer term the findings from the comprehensive monitoring and evaluation process being led by NHS Health Scotland will allow us to look at the wider effect the Act is having.

While it is far too early to draw any firm conclusions about the impact on promoting the licensing objectives, it is encouraging that, in the first few months of operation, we are seeing the police and licensing boards taking tough action against problem premises, particularly in relation to underage sales where a number of licences have already been suspended.

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.

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.

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.