Hefin David: Is he aware of the turnout? What was the turnout for that AV referendum?
Hefin David: Forty-two per cent.
Hefin David: It's been a bumpy ride getting to this point, and I think the length of time given to this debate and the number of people speaking in it perhaps raises what is really, as Siân Gwenllian said, a sensible approach above the level of salience with which people in the general public hold it. I think people generally don't feel that strongly about the arrangements of a Parliament. The House of...
Hefin David: The referendum for this place was very narrowly decided on. There was no guarantee there was going to be a referendum for this place. It came about because Tony Blair and Ron Davies had a conversation. I don't think we needed a referendum. The Labour Government had just been elected with a massive majority, the Liberal Democrats were supporting the Senedd, Plaid Cymru were supporting the...
Hefin David: I would have taken it, but I'm not allowed to. This is just a step towards a mature and sensible democracy that scrutinises Government well. It is not controversial and it should go forward.
Hefin David: Will the First Minister make a statement on the pressures currently facing the Welsh Ambulance Service?
Hefin David: 5. Will the Minister provide an update on the implementation of the Welsh Government's plan for employability and skills? OQ58185
Hefin David: Thank you for that answer. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Engage for Change project and also Project SEARCH internship at Cardiff University, where I met the hugely dedicated team that are at work there, and Engage to Change intends to leave a legacy for people with learning disabilities, specific learning difficulty and/or autism. And I saw that they placed in work people...
Hefin David: The Minister will be well aware of some of the issues pertaining to Bryn Group in Gelligaer in my constituency, which affects the communities of Gelligaer, Pen-y-bryn and Nelson. We had a very effective liaison committee that was established by Caerphilly County Borough Council that ended just before the pandemic began. I'm trying to get the liaison committee re-established, with the...
Hefin David: Just to note that, and to echo Sioned Williams's point, I'd like to ask the Minister just for clarity. The Welsh Government's indicated their expectation that the terms and conditions of funding will be set out in the statement and, as such, will be consulted on. As it isn't in the Bill, could the Minister confirm whether the intention is for terms and conditions of funding to be set out in...
Hefin David: Everybody's delighted that you've called me [Laughter.] I wanted to say that I don't think these amendments actually reflect the fact that the institutions are threatened by this. I don't think their independence is threatened by it, so I don't support the amendments in the group. But, I still would like some clarity from the Minister, because you do need some mechanism to dissolve higher...
Hefin David: 6. What support does the Welsh Government provide for children with additional learning needs? OQ58327
Hefin David: And I declare an interest in this question as a father of a child with additional learning needs.
Hefin David: And funding the Act—as a member of the committee that took it through the Senedd last term—is really important. Without that funding, then it can't deliver on what it intends to. But my question is about the Together for Children and Young People partnership, which is now coming to a close and hopes to leave a legacy. And one of the things I said in my short debate is that, in order to...
Hefin David: I appreciate my friend offering me that intervention; that's very kind of him. He knows I've got respect for him, so this question is genuinely meant. I don't understand Plaid Cymru's position on wanting to rejoin the European single market, but wanting to leave the UK single market. Can he rationalise that?
Hefin David: 3. What support is the Welsh Government providing to businesses to absorb increased energy costs? OQ58368
Hefin David: What support is the Welsh—[Laughter.] I'm sorry. Alun Davies was being very silly there; he made me laugh.
Hefin David: Yes. [Laughter.] And quite deliberately so, NoContextSenedd.
Hefin David: I appreciate that answer, First Minister. On 24 June, I visited the Aber Hotel in Abertridwr in my constituency, and they are a family-run local business that has given up three of its rooms to provide a foodbank for the community of Abertridwr. They are a vital business and part of a network and web of businesses across the northern parts of my constituency that provide vital lifestyle and...
Hefin David: Will you take an intervention?
