Sioned Williams: Net zero is achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency of buildings is, as the Minister knows, only one route to that target, and other factors are also important, some of which he has mentioned, such as that active and safe travel to school is possible, that the new net-zero twenty-first century schools programme doesn't increase car use or congestion or is detrimental...
Sioned Williams: Thank you, Minister, for the statement.
Sioned Williams: There's much about this Bill that we welcome, but a number of concerns have been raised by stakeholders about the Bill, which vary from uncertainty about the new commission and its relationship with Government and learning providers, planning and funding, the well-being and voice of learners, securing quality and academic freedom. Now, given the number and diversity of these concerns conveyed...
Sioned Williams: 2. Will the First Minister make a statement on the gender pay gap in South Wales West? OQ57167
Sioned Williams: Thank you, First Minister. We see clearly in our workplaces just how economic inequalities do merge with other inequalities, such as gender inequality, and figures published recently reveal that the gender pay gap is 12.3 per cent in Wales—a figure that Chwarae Teg has described as disappointing, as it is 0.7 per cent higher in Wales than it was last year. This goes up to 20.7 per cent in...
Sioned Williams: Minister, at the beginning of your statement, you outlined the extremely high case rates that we still unfortunately have here in Wales, and these rates are still continuing to impact education. Over a month ago, I asked the education Minister if the Welsh Government would be making provision for free loop-mediated isothermal amplification non-intrusive saliva tests for those additional...
Sioned Williams: 8. Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's plans to develop the transport system in South Wales West? OQ57145
Sioned Williams: Will the Minister make a statement on the Government's efforts to support the Welsh language in South Wales West?
Sioned Williams: Thank you, Deputy Minister. A fortnight ago, in declaring that a climate emergency meant that we need to change the way we travel, you published an update for the Swansea bay and west Wales metro, noting that 17 per cent of carbon emissions in Wales come from transport, and that we therefore need people to shift to more sustainable modes of transport. As part of the report published, there...
Sioned Williams: Minister, the Swansea valley is an area of linguistic importance. Earlier this year, in response to concerns from campaigners and language specialists, you recognised that Neath Port Talbot Council hadn't given proper consideration to the impact of their plans to open a huge new English-medium school in the middle of the valley in Pontardawe on the Welsh language by commissioning a report and...
Sioned Williams: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm glad also to speak in this important debate, because this is an issue that quite literally keeps me awake at night because I've got a 19-year-old daughter. She tells me that every time she goes out to a bar or a club, or to another student's house party, she's aware, sadly aware, that she has to try and protect herself and her friends from being spiked by drinks or...
Sioned Williams: —we want our daughters to grow up in without fear. Mitigating risks isn't all that's needed here; policy to eradicate those risks altogether must be the aim. Diolch.
Sioned Williams: 7. Will the Minister make a statement on the Government's strategy to tackle animal cruelty in South Wales West? OQ57190
Sioned Williams: Thank you, Minister. Between August and October 2021, the RSPCA responded to 5,263 cases across Wales, which is an increase of 10.2 per cent on the same period last year. Of these cases, 463 were in the county of Swansea, in my region—the second highest of local authorities in Wales. And Neath Port Talbot, also in my region, had the fifth highest level in Wales, with 298 cases, which is an...
Sioned Williams: I'm seeking some clarity, Minister. You mentioned in the statement that—one of the things you listed was new ways of raising awareness of Welsh language place names and promoting them. Now, raising awareness, not safeguarding. But, I note in the English translation that we received on e-mail—clearly, I wasn't listening to the interpretation, but in the English translation of the statement...
Sioned Williams: Diolch, Llywydd. As we've heard, tomorrow will mark this year's White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the launch of 16 days of activism that aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, by calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on...
Sioned Williams: Thank you, Minister. The relationships and sexuality education duty in the new curriculum should provide high-quality education through a whole-education approach to eradicating violence against women. So, could the Minister outline how the new curriculum will assist in the aim of bringing violence against women and girls to an end? Thank you.
Sioned Williams: Diolch. I'm sure the Minister remembers the powerful testimony we had, and the important points made here in the Chamber recently, in the debate held on the prevention of spiking. What progress has been made, and what are the next steps for the Government, following the positive vote in favour of the motion, specifically with reference to supporting initiatives that actively challenge...
Sioned Williams: 2. Will the First Minister make a statement on the Government's strategy to eradicate child poverty? OQ57286
Sioned Williams: Thank you, First Minister. I'd like to congratulate Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government for drawing up an innovative and comprehensive co-operation agreement, which will make a positive difference to the lives of the people of Wales, in terms of tackling child poverty particularly. Since being elected, I and others in Plaid Cymru have questioned the First Minister on expanding free school...
