Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Dr Frank Atherton has quite rightly outlined well the multiple issues that require all of our attention and, indeed, some Government action. He reminds us all of the importance of research, awareness and effective collaboration in order to tackle the major health threats facing us in Wales, and also to be prepared for expected health and social changes. Infections,...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's response to the forecasted decrease in farm income? OAQ53843
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. The recently published forecasts of farm incomes in Wales provides very worrying information about the sector. It reports that the average farm business income for the combined all-farm types is expected to decrease by 15 per cent to £29,500 per farm from the previous year. The situation is even more serious for dairy farmers, who are forecasted—sorry, I need my specs—a 23 per...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch. Deputy Presiding Officer, it is a privilege, on behalf of the Welsh Conservative group, to open today's debate, standing up to protect our children and further rights to support our younger carers. The motion being debated today is an extension of our former work here, with the introduction of the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014, the Additional Learning Needs and...
Janet Finch-Saunders: As indicated by research from the Department for Education, the most vulnerable carers are those who are unsupported and whose responsibilities are disproportionate to their own age and maturity. As recommended by Estyn, the first task for educational sites should be to identify those students that do have caring responsibilities and to go further by compiling a record of the total number of...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 2. Will the Counsel General make a statement on the potential impact of the creation of a Welsh legal jurisdiction on Welsh lawyers? OAQ53897
Janet Finch-Saunders: 3. What assessment has the Counsel General made of the enforcement of legislation across Wales? OAQ53896
Janet Finch-Saunders: We welcome the fact that the Welsh Government has, in fact, pursued the Assembly Conservative group manifesto pledge of providing 30 hours a week of Government-funded childcare for working parents of three and four-year-olds. Indeed, this should be helping parents across Wales to afford support and for them to be confident that they can remain in work. As Huw Irranca-Davies AM will know...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. None of us can deny the development of Welsh law and the ever increasing role played by the Welsh Government in the delivery of justice in Wales. Therefore, I welcome the fact that the Commission on Justice in Wales is reviewing the system and looking at creating a long-term vision. The Law Society, however, has recently made its submission to the commission. In this, they have...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Okay, thank you. Well, one way through which compliance with marine and fisheries related legislation is pursued by the Welsh Government is through the use of fisheries patrol vessels. Now, I've been undertaking an investigation on behalf of some constituents who raised this with me into the activities of those berthed in Aberconwy between January 2017 and February 2019. What I have found is...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Oh, shut up, Alun.
Janet Finch-Saunders: 1. Will the Commission make a statement on the Assembly's involvement in the Urdd Eisteddfod 2019? OAQ53898
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch yn fawr. I think that's the first time I've asked a question in this Assembly where I really felt the need not to ask a supplementary because you've actually addressed many of the points. But I would also like to endorse the thanks and congratulations to everybody taking part. Obviously, this is the heart of the Urdd Eisteddfod next week, with this institution of Welsh democracy...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm delighted to open my first debate as Chairman of the Petitions Committee. I'd like to thank the clerking team, the legal team, and my fantastic committee members for all the support and assistance that I've received in my position as Chairman. I'd also like to thank those who continually send in fantastic petitions to this committee. Today’s...
Janet Finch-Saunders: We welcome the Welsh Government’s positive responses to our report, and I would like to thank the Minister for his recognition in doing that, and especially the recognition that antidepressants are associated with withdrawal symptoms in some cases. The petitioner has described this and other acknowledgements in the Minister’s response as an enormous step forward. The petitioner also...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Llywydd, and I would like to thank the Minister for what was actually a very detailed and quite a positive response, which is heartwarming for me as Chairman on our committee, but also for Stevie, who actually brought this petition forward because of their own experiences. I would also like to thank Members for their contributions and, in particular, Helen Mary Jones, who gave an...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 8. What action is the Minister taking to improve educational opportunities for young people in each local authority area across Wales? OAQ53962
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. The Learning and Work Institute's youth opportunity index provides an invaluable insight into the opportunities available to our young people across Wales. Having considered the findings, however, I cannot disagree with the institute's conclusion that there are some stark inequalities across Wales. It has shown that young people are more likely to have fewer qualifications and have...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Llywydd. Care Forum Wales, and I do hope the Minister is fully aware of this, has undertaken a major survey into care homes across Wales. The results are startling. What has been revealed is that 16 per cent of care homes across Wales expect to close in the next five years. This is alarming, as is the fact that Care Forum Wales has estimated that more than 1,500 beds could be lost in...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Deputy Minister. A central issue that needs addressing, however, is care home funding. This is supported by Mario Kreft, who works very hard in this sector, chair of Care Forum Wales, who has commented publicly—this is what he says: 'We know that we’ve got over 80 per cent of the social care providers saying how difficult it is to attract and retain staff and the only way that...
