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Labour market statistics published this month show that between December 2016 and February 2017 the unemployment rate in Scotland fell to 4.5%.

Scotland outperforms the UK on youth employment, unemployment and inactivity rates

Scotland’s youth unemployment level has halved over the last year to 32,000. The youth unemployment rate (8.9%) is the 3rd lowest rate in the EU.

Scotland has the second lowest female unemployment rate (15-74) across the EU at 4.7%, behind Germany at 3.7%.

As outlined in our Labour Market Strategy, published in August last year, the Scottish Government is committed to a more inclusive approach to the economy. It is an approach supported by a growing body of evidence which shows that countries with more equal societies typically enjoy stronger, more sustainable growth over the long run. Our focus will be on creating more jobs, better quality jobs and jobs that work for every individual in terms of skills, pay, security, and prospects.

Through Work First Scotland and Work Able Scotland we will deliver up to 4,800 places for those with health conditions or disability which came into force on 1 April 2017.

We are on track to deliver Fair Start Scotland, from April 2018. Which will support 38,000 people starting the programme over the three years of referral.

We are implementing the recommendations of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce (DYW) in our Youth Employment Strategy to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-08517 on 19 April 2017. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

On 28 June 2016, the Scottish Parliament agreed by an overwhelming majority that the Scottish Government should engage with European Governments and institutions in order to raise awareness of how Scotland voted in the EU referendum and the steps being taken to protect Scotland's relationship with the EU.

In response to that mandate, Scottish Ministers have engaged with European Governments through a mix of incoming visits, overseas visits and engagement with London-based Embassies.

Details of Ministerial engagements with EU Member States and European institutions undertaken between June and November 2016 were provided in a letter dated 5 December 2016 and addressed to the convener of the Scottish Parliament's European and External Relations Committee. Please see

http://www.parliament.scot/S5_European/General%20Documents/CTEER_Fiona_Hyslop_to_Convener_2016.12.05.pdf

A full list of all Ministerial engagements as well as information on the relative costs is periodically and proactively published on the Scottish Government website at: https://beta.gov.scot/publications/?publicationTypes=transparency_data.

Scotland’s islands are a key draw to tourists, with their varied and evocative landscapes and rich cultures and traditions. Recognising this, VisitScotland continues to promote the islands, through marketing campaigns, social media, trade and press familiarisation trips and through its iCentres and VisitScotland Information Partner programme arrangements with local businesses and community groups.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all of Scotland have the opportunity and ability to access the benefits that the digital world brings. In the last ten years the percentage of Scottish Households who have internet access has increased from 58% to 80%, with significant progress being highlighted amongst poorer communities.

We have developed a cross sector movement of change which includes commercial organisations, Social Landlords and Voluntary organisations working in partnership to help reach those individuals who are not experiencing the benefits that the internet brings. These organisations, along with our vital network of Digital Champions who offer help, encouragement and support to empower people in our marginalised communities to engage with the digital movement.

Most Libraries and Public Buildings in Scotland can now offer free Wi-Fi to members of the public. In addition there are community hubs where citizens are offered training and support to grow their online skills in a safe friendly environment, for example the Wheatley Group “Click and Connect” project which has 68 hubs throughout Scotland. Wider hubs include local food-banks, community centres and local coding clubs, who are often supported through volunteers linked to the SCVO One Digital project, and inter-generational work through schools and youth clubs.

http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

Final costs for the visit are not yet available. They will be proactively published on the Scottish Government's website.

The recent claim is based on an opinion rather than an official credit rating. There has been no official update to the May 2014 report issued by the rating agency Moody’s which concluded that an independent Scotland would hold an investment grade rating.

Addressing social isolation and loneliness is key to improving wellbeing and supporting people to participate in their community. That is why we created a £500,000 Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund (2016-17) to support 36 community-based projects tackling social isolation and its impact. We have also supported projects that tackle these issues through our Equality Budget (£20.3m) and Empowering Communities Fund (£20m).

On 19 April 2017 we hosted wide range of stakeholders as part of our collaborative work to develop and shape a National Strategy to reduce social isolation and loneliness and encourage increased social engagement. We plan to bring forward a consultation on the development of a National Strategy in the summer.

I have been informed by the Electoral Commission that there was no cost in creating the Snapchat geofilter, other than staff time.

CodeClan has received over £2 million in public sector support to date, to help offset its start-up and initial operating costs.