To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address health concerns amongst people with communication impairment, in particular with regard to the delivery of the sexual health strategy.

Improving access to information about health services and access to such services is key to having a more inclusive NHS. This includes responding to the needs of disadvantaged groups including people with communication impairments.

The implementation of the national sexual health strategy "Respect and Responsibility: Strategy and Action Plan for Improving Sexual Health" is still at an early stage. However, it contains a fundamental principle of ensuring equality of opportunity to lifelong learning and service provision in terms of sexual health and wellbeing. Taking account of the particular communication needs of individuals due to language, disability or other impairments will be addressed through a number of actions including the development of the national communications strategy on sexual health, the materials used to support school based sex and relationships education, and provision of easy to read information leaflets to promote sexual wellbeing and service access. At a national level, the National Sexual Health Advisory Committee will promote the use of the equality and diversity impact assessment to ensure that no-one is excluded from accessing sexual health services.

In addition, in March 2003 the First Minister made a commitment to look at ways to double the number of British Sign Language/English interpreters in Scotland. The Scottish Executive has allocated funding of £0.5 million to support this commitment.