Paul Davies: I’m grateful to the First Minister for that response. Road safety is a problem for walkers in lower town Fishguard, and despite positive assurances from previous Ministers, and although a feasibility study was undertaken in 2012-13, the current Minister has asked for another study to build a footbridge. I’m sure that you’re familiar with that part of the town and that it’s important...
Paul Davies: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on road safety in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0188(FM)
Paul Davies: Of course, the responsibility lies on both sides. But the point I’m making is that she has only met the Minister of State once, and they have a responsibility, as a Welsh Government, to actually engage with the UK Government on this issue. Mae trydydd pwynt y cynnig yma yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd gweithwyr mudol i’r economi wledig. Mae’n amlwg bod yn rhaid i farchnadoedd llafur a...
Paul Davies: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I move amendment 2 in my name. I am pleased to participate in this important debate and to highlight the importance of funding from the rural development programme for our rural communities. Of course, we on this side of the Chamber agree with the first point of the motion, which calls on Welsh Government to give us clarity on funding for rural...
Paul Davies: I’m grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for that response. Skin Care Cymru has revealed that there is no consultant dermatologist in the entire Hywel Dda Local Health Board area. Whilst there is an issue with recruiting and retaining dermatologists across the UK, the fact that there is not one actually in the entire health board area is extremely worrying. What specific support is the Welsh...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, you’ll be aware that the Federation of Small Businesses Wales is calling for the creation of a Wales small business administration, which they believe will provide a better solution to fostering growth in indigenous SMEs in Wales. Can you tell us what consideration the Welsh Government has given to that specific proposal?
Paul Davies: 2. Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s delivery of health services across Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0038(HWS)
Paul Davies: Well, I don’t know where the First Minister is getting his figures from, and he didn’t answer the second question about why he ditched the health checks for over-50s. Now, your recent programme for government said it will again improve access to GP surgeries, making it easier to get an appointment. Well, the people of Wales have heard all this before, from you and from previous Labour...
Paul Davies: Well, clearly it’s time that the First Minister takes responsibility for the Welsh NHS. Clearly he wants to talk about England in order to deflect his own failings. So, let me give him the answer to my original question: only 29 per cent of GP surgeries across Wales currently offer appointments after 6 p.m., which is an appalling statistic considering the priority your Government gave to...
Paul Davies: First Minister, getting access to a GP is becoming more and more of an issue for communities across Wales, and this is especially so for working people. Can you tell us what percentage of GP surgeries across Wales currently offer appointments after 6 p.m.?
Paul Davies: Diolch, Lywydd. I am pleased to close this important debate. I should state from the outset that my parents-in-law’s farm has been affected by bovine TB over the last 15 years and I know, from personal experience, how devastating it is, emotionally and financially. Today’s debate has been about getting the message across to the Welsh Government that cattle measures and cattle restrictions...
Paul Davies: As you’ve said in the past, First Minister, it’s important that we do ensure that the Welsh language is a living language in our communities. Therefore, it’s extremely important that we encourage people to use the language in all parts of their lives, including using the Welsh language online, for example. The Welsh Language Commissioner made it clear in the summary to her five yearly...
Paul Davies: Will the First Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to improve the economy of Pembrokeshire?
Paul Davies: Formally move.
Paul Davies: Formally move.
Paul Davies: Formally move.
Paul Davies: I’m very grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for that response. The programme for government for this Government, which was published yesterday, mentions a small-grants scheme that will be part of the rural development programme. As the Cabinet Secretary for finance, can you confirm whether this funding will be available in this financial year for this particular programme? If so, how much...
Paul Davies: 9. Will the Minister make a statement on the overall budget allocation to the Environment and Rural Affairs portfolio? OAQ(5)0018(FLG)
Paul Davies: First Minister, as you’re aware, I’ve long campaigned to turn the A40 in my constituency into a dual carriageway, and I note that there was a reference in your programme for government to improve the A40 in west Wales, which, without doubt, will improve the economy of Pembrokeshire. Given that the former Minister in your previous Government had noted the benefits of dualling the A40 and...
Paul Davies: First Minister, the management of the Goodwick surgery in my constituency has posed great challenges. It has posed challenges in terms of recruitment, and, at times, access for patients has been a very real problem there. Given that your Government’s programme for government commits to continuing to improve access to surgeries, what support can your Government offer a community such as...