Further to the answer to question S2O-1257 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 February 2004, what further action has been taken to encourage greater us…

The Executive supports a rangeof measures designed to achieve early resolution of disputes and the resolutionof disputes outwith the formal court system. We provide funding for a range of mediation services including funding ofaround £70,000 per annum for two new In-Court Mediation pilots introduced in Aberdeen andGlasgow this year. The Scottish Mediation Network (SMN) have been awarded £110,820this year, allowing them to undertake projects that raise public awareness and understandingof mediation and to develop a quality assurance scheme within the mediation sector.The Executive are also providing core funding of £141,365 and a training grant of£37,671 for Family Mediation Scotland allowing families to reach agreement throughmediation. Further, ten Local Family Mediation Services have been awarded £643,152in funding this year. The new civil justice “Advice Finder” website launched inMay reinforces the Executive’s support and further promotes the use of mediation.