Alun Davies: The responsibility for apprenticeships and those areas are in the portfolio of the Minister for Skills and Science, and she is in her place in the Chamber and will have heard that question and, I’m sure, will respond in due course. But can I say this: it’s important that we ensure that the quality of education delivered by further education is monitored, understood and celebrated in the...
Alun Davies: I very much agree with the point made by the Member in his question. I think the relationship between employers and colleges and institutions of further education is absolutely crucial in delivering an apprenticeship programme, which meets the needs of the local population and the local economy. One of the expectations that I have is that all further education institutions are responsive to...
Alun Davies: We want to transform the expectations, experiences and outcomes for all learners, including those in special schools. The forthcoming introduction of the additional learning needs and education tribunal (Wales) Bill will be a key milestone in the transformation journey that is already under way.
Alun Davies: Thank you. I am, of course, very aware of the work that is done by you as a governor and by others at Trinity Fields. I’m also aware that the school has been recognised by Estyn in the annual report as having sector-leading practice, and I think that that is something to celebrate again. It’s fantastic to see the work that is being done by schools up and down Wales. The Cabinet Secretary...
Alun Davies: I’m certainly happy to do that. I published last week the Government’s response to a consultation on the draft Bill. Now, if the Member doesn’t believe that we fully covered those areas, then I’d be grateful if she could write to me and I will certainly do so. But, in terms of the overall point raised, of course, by the question, I do agree absolutely that we do need to take a...
Alun Davies: The Welsh Government is committed to meeting the needs of all learners, including those with autism. Through our focus on workforce development, through our strategic action plan and through our programme to transform additional learning needs support, we will ensure that autistic learners receive the provision that they need.
Alun Davies: If the Member could write to me with this example that she has discussed in the Chamber, I’d be very happy to respond to the specific points that she raised with me. But, could I just say, generally, as a Government—? The Member’s had an opportunity to read the current plan or scheme, which has been changed in the last year, and the plan that Mark Drakeford launched before the election...
Alun Davies: Yes, certainly; we certainly will listen to that, but I’d like to go further than that as well, because if there are difficulties, which you’ve described, and which the Member for South Wales West describes, and that leads to the view that there’s a more systemic problem than individual difficulties, then, clearly, we’ll have to take far greater action about that. Members are aware of...
Alun Davies: Clearly, the sort of learning programme that is provided for each individual pupil is a matter for them and the professionals who are dealing with them. I’m not sure that it would be appropriate for me, as a Minister, to second judge those sorts of decisions or to pass comment on that without understanding the individual needs of the pupil. But can I tell you this? I think it’s important...
Alun Davies: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I am pleased to have the opportunity today to make a statement about my plans and my priorities for the Welsh language policy area over the coming year. As someone who has always campaigned for several years for a prosperous future for the Welsh language, I am very pleased to be leading on the Welsh language portfolio on behalf of the Welsh Government. I am...
Alun Davies: I wouldn’t accept a few of the points that you have made, but I do welcome you to your post as spokesperson on language matters. In doing that, may I say this? This Government will take action on all parts of the manifesto, without exception, and we will be doing that. Now, how we do that is a task that the First Minister has started this afternoon, with an explanation of the priorities for...
Alun Davies: Thank you and thank you for your comments. I am clearly willing to consider the matters that the Member has raised. The Minister will also understand that there is an appeals process against decisions made by the commissioner, and there is a Welsh language tribunal that has been establish to listen to any appeals against the standards. If the process that we have in place isn’t clear, then...
Alun Davies: I’m grateful to the Member for her comments. Can I just say—? In terms of taking forward the strategy, it’s my clear intention to ensure that we have a long-term strategy for the future of the Welsh language, not one that merely looks towards the next year, two years, three years or even five years. I want to look at a strategy that is going to take us over the next 20 years. The...
Alun Davies: Thank you to you. I appreciate what lies behind that question. It’s very important that people reach a level where they can speak and use the Welsh language. I see how important that is in terms of communication, and feeling confident to be fluent, and to be able to communicate through the medium of Welsh. One of the things that we’ve done in establishing the National Centre for Learning...
Alun Davies: Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd. I think we’ve enjoyed a very rich debate this afternoon, discussing not only the BBC itself, but also the contribution it makes to public life and its contribution to the culture of Wales and the United Kingdom. I should start my remarks by welcoming Bethan to her role as Chair of the committee. You certainly succeeded where I failed. I very much support—....
Alun Davies: Formally.
Alun Davies: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. I also add my thanks to Llyr and to Plaid Cymru for finding the time to hold a discussion on this issue this afternoon. The Government will be supporting all of the amendments this afternoon, not because we think these slow down the progress that we are making, but because we want to emphasise where there is agreement around the Chamber this...
Alun Davies: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. I said when we last addressed these matters before the summer recess that I would provide Members with an opportunity in Government time to debate the draft BBC charter upon its publication. Members will be aware that the charter was published by the United Kingdom Government on 15 September, and this is an opportunity for Members to express...
Alun Davies: Yes.
Alun Davies: Clearly, how the Assembly conducts its business is a matter for the Assembly and not a matter for Government—[Assembly Members: ‘Oh.’] I would hesitate—I would hesitate—to stand here as a member of the Executive and to suggest to committees how they hold the Executive and others to account. I think there is great talent, knowledge and skill in this Chamber and I would invite all of...
