Dawn Bowden: Do you not accept, however, that that is more to do with exploitative employers than it is to do with people coming in here? Because unskilled workers in this country are being exploited by employers that could pay higher wages and they choose not to.
Dawn Bowden: I nominate Mike Hedges.
Dawn Bowden: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Welsh Government's strategy for nurse recruitment in Wales?
Dawn Bowden: And a further positive development, First Minister, of devolution is the right to determine the conduct of our own elections here in Wales. And during the general elections a couple of weeks ago, we witnessed a significant increase in the number of young people both registering to vote and an apparently unprecedented high turn-out amongst that group. And if pundits are to be believed, this...
Dawn Bowden: Can I also thank Julie Morgan, in particular, for bringing forward this debate, as I know how much work, Julie, you’ve done on this issue and I fully endorse the sentiments and proposals set out in the motion? I think we can all be proud of the record here in Wales of the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C, and, of course, welcome a continued commitment to achieve the eradication of the...
Dawn Bowden: Can I start by thanking the Welsh Conservatives for bringing forward this motion, as, undoubtedly, affordable housing generally, and tackling homelessness in particular, are amongst the biggest issues I think that are facing our country today? Whilst the motion is primarily around house building, I’d like to widen my contribution to focus on the causes of homelessness and possible ways of...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for your response. As it is now 2017 and not 1917, I, along with many others, I’m sure, was dismayed to see the Vale of Glamorgan Council announce a new cabinet that consisted of seven white men following the local council elections. I welcome the Welsh Government’s initiatives to encourage diversity and applaud councils like Caerphilly, which, whilst not...
Dawn Bowden: 4. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on promoting diversity in Wales’s democratic institutions? OAQ(5)0142(FLG)
Dawn Bowden: First Minister, a couple of months ago the Naylor report was published, and the report highlights the dire state of the NHS estates capability in England. Theresa May has indicated that she will action the report’s recommendations, which includes selling off many parts of the NHS estate in England as part of a process including a two-for-one, buy-one-get-one-free deal, if you like, to tempt...
Dawn Bowden: This weekend the Merthyr Rising festival will commemorate the events of May 1831 when iron workers, miners and their families rose up against the deplorable living and working conditions they had to endure. During the protest the rebels bathed their flag in calf’s blood—believed to be the first time the red flag was used as a symbol of revolution. There are still buildings and sights in...
Dawn Bowden: I’ve referred, on a number of occasions, to the likely impact that you just alluded to now, Cabinet Secretary, of the Government’s cuts to local housing allowances for the under-35s, and the benefit cuts for those under 22 years old, which will have, obviously, exacerbating homelessness effects amongst young people. Merthyr Valleys Homes, Cabinet Secretary, are trying out an innovative...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for that response. No doubt you’ll be aware that the Conservative election manifesto contains a commitment to hold another vote on the ban on hunting with dogs, or the fox hunting ban, as we probably best know it. Would you join me, Cabinet Secretary, in condemning any proposals that might open up the possibility of this barbaric and cruel practice returning to...
Dawn Bowden: 9. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on improving animal welfare in Wales? OAQ(5)0148(ERA)
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, Llywydd, and can I thank all of those who contributed to the debate? I think the responses were fairly consistent in the debate in terms of looking at some of the issues that are responsible for the spread of this type of exploitation. David Melding, quite rightly, acknowledged the vulnerability of people that allows this kind of exploitation to take place, and actually, the...
Dawn Bowden: That is certainly the information that we have found, and even some of the advertisements that we’ve seen in Cardiff are actually offering rent for as little as a £1 for each month for accommodation, but to go along with sexual favours. So, why are we suddenly witnessing a spread of what can only be described as a vile and exploitative practice here? I think there can be little doubt that...
Dawn Bowden: Diolch, Llywydd. Right. ‘Free room to spare for a woman willing to carry out household chores naked.’ ‘Free accommodation, willing to offer more intimate favours.’ Extracts from a sleazy magazine or novel? No. These are part of actual adverts placed by landlords on Craigslist or Gumtree, offering accommodation rent-free in return for sexual favours. And are these isolated incidents?...
Dawn Bowden: Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the next stage of dualling of the A465 from Dowlais Top to Hirwaun?
Dawn Bowden: Diolch, Llywydd. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to bring forward this debate today, as in recent months I’ve been able to meet with representatives of Electrical Safety First and talk to them about the statistics that they have provided, particularly in relation to fires caused due to the lack of care with electrical appliances and devices. And I’m also pleased to give Mike...
Dawn Bowden: I’m sure that your households, like mine and many others these days, contain a plethora of mobile communication devices. In your homes, you will all have Assembly phones and Assembly iPads, and no doubt many of you will also have personal mobile phones and tablets of some sort. And, as most families no longer rely on one fixed landline phone in the house, it’s quite likely that each...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, Counsel General, and I’m sure you’re aware that recent figures indicate that there has been an 81 per cent decrease in the number of employment tribunal claims lodged since the UK Government introduced fees in 2013. Unison is currently challenging these fees in the Supreme Court. Do you agree with me, Counsel General, that such fees, ranging from £160 to £950, with...
