Janet Finch-Saunders: Minister, you'll be aware that tourism usually generates more than £3.2 billion in revenue every year, with 40,000 Welsh hospitality jobs across Wales. The economic benefits to Conwy is £900 million. The sector is in a perilous state. We have already lost a number of hotels in Aberconwy, and many others have warned that not opening in August would be nothing short of disastrous. What are...
Janet Finch-Saunders: [Inaudible.]
Janet Finch-Saunders: I'm just very disappointed—thank you—that, when I raised my question with you, and I mentioned the Welsh Mountain Zoo, you came back—
Janet Finch-Saunders: Okay. Thank you. When I raised my question to the Minister about the Welsh Mountain Zoo, he came back in his response and maintained that there hadn't been a Barnett consequential to Wales for the zoos. I have it on good authority, in writing, that a Barnett consequential has come across. So, I would like the Minister to correct that statement, please.
Janet Finch-Saunders: I do hope that the Minister has actually been able to check the facts—
Janet Finch-Saunders: Nearly one in five jobs in Wales are in shut-down sectors, according to the Learning and Work Institute. If just one of these four workers lost their jobs, unemployment could exceed the levels seen at the last recession. The risk of increased unemployment is clear, as Wales has gone from a record low unemployment rate of 2.9 in November to seeing the number of people claiming...
Janet Finch-Saunders: I am extremely saddened and, indeed, shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Oscar. The pain and grief Firdaus and Natasha now face on the loss of such a wonderful man is unimaginable. However, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Now, I sat next to Oscar in the Chamber, and there was never a dull moment. I will always remember his participation in the many...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on support for the hospitality sector in Wales in light of COVID-19? OQ55342
Janet Finch-Saunders: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on the welfare of animals in Welsh zoos? OQ55307
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. North Wales tourism businesses and organisations have said that, if tourism was allowed to open today, 10,500 tourism sector jobs could be lost in north Wales, and they cite your Government and you to be destroying this vital industry. To refute those claims, what support will you make available to businesses that cannot open on 13 July? Self-contained accommodation businesses and...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Minister. The saying goes, 'You can't furlough fish'. Zoos across Wales have a duty to maintain animal welfare. This costs thousands of pounds, such as £118,000 a month for the Welsh Mountain Zoo, the national zoo of Wales. During lockdown, zoos have been pushed towards the jaws of death. There has been talk of euthanasia at places like Borth Wild Animal Kingdom and Anglesey Sea...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. COVID-19 is a health emergency. It is also an economic emergency. The number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in Wales has almost doubled to 103,869 in April. That is 6.8 per cent of the Welsh workforce, worse than the UK average of 5.8 per cent. Aberconwy has not avoided this crisis. In fact, we have been seriously hit from all directions....
Janet Finch-Saunders: 2. What legal advice has the Counsel General given to the Welsh Government in relation to improving children’s access to mental health support in Wales? OQ55373
Janet Finch-Saunders: 5. What legal advice has the Counsel General given to the Welsh Government on whether its response to Covid-19 is in accordance with human rights legislation? OQ55372
Janet Finch-Saunders: 6. What additional allocations will be made available by the Welsh Government during the current budget round to support the social care sector? OQ55370
Janet Finch-Saunders: 4. Will the Commission provide guidance to Members on the safe reopening of constituency offices? OQ55371
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. Accessing support for childhood mental health issues should be a simple and smooth process. However, it has been found that only 43 per cent of children and young people in Wales would be confident seeking help from a mental health team, and 39 per cent from school counselling. Regional partnership boards, of course, are required by law to prioritise the integration of services for...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. Now, despite the right to respect for private and family life, many individuals, friends and families are being kept apart here in Wales by the 5-mile rule. Despite the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, places of worship were closed, even for private prayer. The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has raised concerns that older people's rights may not have...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. I don't think it's wise to keep mentioning the £500, because that's actually scandalous—how that figure has actually materialised. Now, the Welsh Government has confirmed extension of the adult social care element of the local authority hardship fund to cover the whole of June. Will you provide an extension for July and August to give certainty to our local authorities? Longer...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Llywydd. I will not be the only AM who feels that our constituents now wish to see our offices opened, so that advice surgeries can take place in person. Now, according to the 'Keep Wales safe at work' guidance issued by the Welsh Government, it states: 'All risks should be assessed, with meaningful discussion with staff'. To date, however, I have only been asked to undertake a very...
