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Young people are regularly involvedin policy development in a variety of ways. This includes consultation papersspecifically targeted at young people, as for example in the recent youth workstrategy consultation. Alternatively, it may involve focus groups with youngpeople either organised directly by the Scottish Executive or through otherorganisations. It may also involve young people’s direct involvement in workinggroups. In addition, the Scottish Executive provides funding to Young Scot toensure that young people are aware of opportunities to have their views heard andare encouraged to take part. We also fund the Scottish Youth Parliament toconsult with young people and to convey those views directly to ministers andofficials on issues of concern to them.

I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-32112 on 12 March 2007. All answersto written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-32115 on 12 March 2007. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’swebsite, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-32112 on 12 March 2007. All answersto written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-32115 on 12 March 2007. All answersto written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.In addition, we haveintroduced legislation that requires the involvement of young people, includinga requirement contained in the Statutory Guidance on Community Planning. Wehave also issued National Standards on Community Engagement and an AdviceNote on consulting with young people through the Community Planningprocess, including good practice and a list of contacts and resources. Thisnote can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/11/09140609/0.

The national strategy andaction plan will set out priority actions for the Executive and others, and the Executive will be committed to ensuring its effective delivery andimplementation, including identifying the resources required.

This will form part of thework plan for the Scottish Youth Parliament for 2007-08, which has still to beagreed.

The Scottish YouthParliament will receive £250,000 in 2007-08. The future level of funding isstill to be determined.

That is a matter for the Scottish Youth Parliament, which is an independent organisation.

The Education Department.