Caroline Jones: I'd just like to say to Dawn that the asbestos register is reviewed annually as part of statutory compliance and procedures, so I think that does answer your question there. The detailed inspections and surveys that are carried out, the latest in 2014, there are no asbestos-containing materials that have been identified in either Tŷ Hywel or in the Senedd, or with any construction materials...
Caroline Jones: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm pleased to move this motion today, tabled in the name of my colleague Neil Hamilton. I have to declare an interest at the outset, Dirprwy Lywydd: I am a woman unfairly affected by state pension age changes, and one of the women against state pension inequality. In 1995, the then Conservative Government introduced a new Pensions Act, which would have raised the age...
Caroline Jones: Will you take an intervention? Will you take an intervention?
Caroline Jones: While holding a surgery in Maesteg, I was asked by parents about school closures in their area. They stated the new super-sized school being built in Port Talbot did not have sufficient children living locally in the area to fill the places and, therefore, children were coming from much further away and expected to fill these places. Their concern was that some children living a distance...
Caroline Jones: Diolch, Llywydd. Cabinet Secretary, according to the national survey for Wales 2016-17, obesity in Wales is worse than in any other nation in the UK. Fifty-nine per cent of adults are considered overweight, and 26 per cent of children starting primary school are classed as obese or overweight. What steps are the Welsh Government taking to tackle child obesity in Wales, and in particular in...
Caroline Jones: Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. Troubling research undertaken by the University of Southampton has shown that only 15 per cent of schools provide two hours of physical exercise each week for seven to 11-year-olds, and it is felt that the Welsh Government should engage with schools, nutritionists and parents to reverse the increase in child obesity and that this engagement is...
Caroline Jones: Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. It's positive to hear that family engagement is a priority for you, and I'd like you to also look at exploring avenues of increasing the range of extra-curricular activities. I appreciate the Welsh Government has been working in this area. Forty-eight per cent of school pupils in years 3 to 11 in Wales are taking part in organised physical...
Caroline Jones: Cabinet Secretary, the success of the city deal is dependent upon first-class infrastructure, whether that's excellent transport links or, more importantly, ultrafast and futureproofed telecommunication networks. What discussions have you had with the UK Government regarding the roll-out of gigabit broadband and 5G mobile communications throughout the Swansea bay region?
Caroline Jones: I'd like to thank Jane and Jenny for bringing forward this important debate today. I support the Members' efforts to highlight the issue, and fully support the motion before us today. Due to a quirk of our biology, half the population face a monthly challenge. Due to poverty, for many young girls, that challenge becomes a struggle. Far too many young girls are missing school because they...
Caroline Jones: First Minister, the best support we can give to care leavers is ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for an independent adult life, the skills most of us are taught by our parents. What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure that corporate parents equip those in care with the skills needed in later life and will you learn from the Roots Foundation in my...
Caroline Jones: Thank you for your statement, Cabinet Secretary, as well as your earlier written statement. Although I was not a Member of this Assembly when the Ockenden report was published, I remember the shock and outrage I felt when I learnt of what these poor people endured on the Tawel Fan ward. Listening, even last week, on the radio to families reliving their experiences and how they feel when they...
Caroline Jones: Thank you for this and your earlier statement, Cabinet Secretary. Complications relating to vaginal mesh implants have left thousands of women, worldwide, living in constant, debilitating, chronic pain, and it is therefore welcome that the Welsh Government undertook a review of the use of such implants. I would like to thank Professor Emery and his team for their report. Whilst survivor...
Caroline Jones: 2. Will the Minister provide an update on the actions the Welsh Government is taking to improve air quality in South Wales West? OAQ52125
Caroline Jones: What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure fair pay and conditions for the local government workforce?
Caroline Jones: Thank you, Minister. As you are no doubt aware, Port Talbot, in my region, is the most polluted town or city in the whole of the UK, with levels much higher than the next most polluted cities—nearly twice that of London. Unfortunately, one of the major sources of pollution is also the area's biggest employer. Minister, what can your Government do to ensure that the heavy industry we rely on...
Caroline Jones: Cabinet Secretary, I make no apology for repeating a lot of the things that have already been said, but as these 800 people are within my region, it's important to emphasise that my thoughts are with these people who've lost their jobs and wanting to know exactly what we are trying to do and what we are going to do to find alternative employment for these people. Swansea has become something...
Caroline Jones: First Minister, Port Talbot is not only one of the poorest parts of my region but also one of the poorest parts of the UK. The Social Mobility Commission also ranks Port Talbot as the worst area in Wales for social mobility. This is despite significant Welsh Government investment. The Port Talbot waterway has created fewer than 100 jobs, and we also live with an element of uncertainty...
Caroline Jones: Thank you for your statement, leader of the house. Just over a week ago, I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with members of the LGBT community at Swansea Spring Pride. The group accompanying me had a wonderful day also. I'm proud to support people being who they want to be without fear of reprisals. Thursday is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and will be...
Caroline Jones: What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that the Welsh budget provides value for money?
Caroline Jones: Cabinet Secretary, as you know, I've raised this issue with you several times in the past and I'm delighted that you've introduced this scheme in Wales. It helps address one of the big concerns of many of our hard-working GPs. Cabinet Secretary, you said in your written statement that the Welsh scheme will be aligned as far as possible to the English scheme so as not to affect cross-border...
