Gareth Davies: 6. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support and encourage young entrepreneurs in Denbighshire? OQ58275
Gareth Davies: I appreciate that answer, First Minister. I recently visited the Blue Lion pub situated in Cwm, near Dyserth in Denbighshire, which has been taken on by new owners earlier this month. The pub, reportedly being the second oldest free house in Wales, has been reopened by young entrepreneurs, Jonathan White, aged 27, and Megan Banks, aged 25, who have worked locally in the food and hospitality...
Gareth Davies: Thank you for your statement on the Summer of Fun 2022 this afternoon, Deputy Minister. I welcome measures that support the well-being of our children and young people here in Wales, in particular encouraging increased participation in recreational and sporting activities, getting children out of the house during summer months to enhance their physical and mental well-being. But we need to...
Gareth Davies: What action is the Welsh Government taking to support farmers in the Vale of Clwyd?
Gareth Davies: Thank you, Deputy Llywydd, for the chance to contribute to this debate today. As a member of the Health and Social Care Committee, I've been moved by the contributions and testimonies of those affected by waiting times crises here in Wales. The frustration that my colleagues in the NHS express isn't just the frustration at them being unable to do their jobs and, indeed, the jobs that they...
Gareth Davies: It's a pleasure to take part in this debate this afternoon. My knowledge isn't as good on Eurovision as yours, Natasha, but what I will say is that I wasn't originally down to speak on this, but I'm glad that I finally made my mind up to contribute today. Eurovision, for those who follow it, evokes a sense of celebration, culture, competition, creativity, camaraderie, all combined into a...
Gareth Davies: 2. What is the Welsh Government doing to improve access to mental health services in the Vale of Clwyd? OQ58331
Gareth Davies: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. Of course, as we mark the seventy-fourth birthday of the national health service today, I'd like to give my thanks to the hard-working front-line staff, past and present, who have served to support the nation's medical needs and help save lives. But, First Minister, at no fault of these hard-working front-line staff, mental health services in my...
Gareth Davies: I wish to ask for an urgent statement this afternoon from the Deputy Minister for Social Services, regarding her review into children's services in Wales. I was horrified to see the details of the Logan Mwangi case—a young life ended so soon by those who were supposed to love and care for him. Whilst I'm pleased to see justice being served against the evilness that snatched a young boy's...
Gareth Davies: It's disappointing to see that the Welsh Government is continuing to abolish private children's provision here in Wales, given that it makes up, indeed, 80 per cent of the sector. What the Government should be focusing on is getting the number of children in care out of the system into stable homes. Can the Minister outline what process is in place to meet with the private children's...
Gareth Davies: The Welsh Conservatives called for a general review of children's services across Wales, and my colleague only yesterday—Andrew R.T. Davies—mentioned it in First Minister's questions. I raised it in the business statement. Jane Dodds has mentioned it in a topical question today, Deputy Minister. And as Jane Dodds alluded to, there is a review happening in England, Scotland and in Northern...
Gareth Davies: I'd like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today on what is such an important and significant time in our country's history, and indeed for recalling the Senedd today to give Members the chance to pay their tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. And on behalf of the people of the Vale of Clwyd, I'd like to pay tribute to Her Majesty and thank her wholeheartedly for her...
Gareth Davies: 1. What is the Welsh Government’s plan to achieve educational excellence in Denbighshire? OQ58379
Gareth Davies: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. As you may be aware, over the summer, Christ the Word Catholic School in Rhyl received a damning Estyn report following an inspection, which has resulted in special measures being imposed on the school. Now, the school is still very much in its infancy having only been opened in 2020 following a merger between the former Ysgol Mair and Blessed...
Gareth Davies: I've sat here and listened to this debate for the past hour with interest, and just once from Carolyn Thomas I've heard a reference to Vladimir Putin's war against Russia, and especially with the chilling words from the Russian President this morning, stoking war again with Ukraine and creating tensions with the west. So, are you not prepared to make any reference whatsoever to the war...
Gareth Davies: 9. Will the First Minister provide an update on social care staff pay? OQ58428
Gareth Davies: Thank you for that answer, Trefnydd. The reason I ask this question today is for the reason that we now have winter on the horizon, together with a cost-of-living crisis, and our social care workers are amongst some of the lowest-paid workers in the labour market, despite the dedication they give and the difference they make to people day in, day out. So, Trefnydd, with that in mind, are you...
Gareth Davies: I thank you for your statement this afternoon, Deputy Minister, despite you announcing your plan to the media 48 hours before discussing the proposals on the floor of this Senedd, to where you're elected. But it was good to see you in north Wales on Friday, so that's a positive. And turning to your announcement today, I'd like to start on a technical point, if I may. I’m very interested in...
Gareth Davies: 6. How will the establishment of corporate joint committees improve public transport in Denbighshire? OQ58429
Gareth Davies: Thank you for that answer, Minister. Where there is direction for bus services in Denbighshire, there is a lack of guidance for taxi services, which, as you know, are licensed by local authorities and provide regulatory frameworks for companies to adhere to. I was contacted by a local taxi operator from Rhyl, who was concerned about the lack of strategy from the Welsh Government for private...
