David Melding: There's now a motion to suspend Standing Orders, and I call on the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd to move the motion—Rebecca Evans.
David Melding: I don't have any speakers. So, the proposal is to suspend Standing Orders. Does any Member object? No Member objects.
David Melding: So, the Standing Orders will be suspended to enable the debate, which will take place after a short break to allow a changeover in the Chamber.
David Melding: Thank you very much, Minister, and thank you for your kind words about me, which were nice to hear from the chair, though I can't participate in this debate today, otherwise I certainly would have and reciprocated my good wishes. Can I just say that I have only two speakers for the debate, so if anyone does try to catch my eye, you might be lucky? Laura Anne Jones.
David Melding: Before I call Siân Gwenllian, I do apologise, I should have informed Members that the amendment had not been selected in accordance with Standing Order 12.23. Siân Gwenllian.
David Melding: And the Minister to reply to the debate. Can we unmute the Minister, please? There we are. Minister.
David Melding: Thank you, Minister. The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? [Objection.] I do see a Member objecting, so I defer voting on this item until voting time.
David Melding: In accordance with Standing Order 34.14D, there will be a break of at least five minutes before voting time commences. IT support will be on hand to help with any issues during this time.
David Melding: 3. What steps are being taken to ensure that schools are adhering to social distancing guidelines? OQ55742
David Melding: 6. What measures are in place to support Commission staff working from home during the pandemic? OQ55741
David Melding: Minister, we know that social distancing is our best defence in stopping transmission. Hygiene practice is also very important, but social distancing is really crucial. I think that we should be grateful to the professionalism of our teaching staff and the whole staff in complimenting schools, because we have not had the sort of transmission events that we've seen in higher education. Now, I...
David Melding: Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. Commissioner, can I put on record my own thanks—and I'm sure I speak for all Members of this Senedd—for the outstanding support we get from the Commission staff, and, of course, we realise that much of that support is coming via our own Zooming and contacts. But the level of professionalism that's been maintained is really quite extraordinary. But we obviously see...
David Melding: Thank you, Commissioner. These are questions, not conversations, I remind Members. Question 3 will be answered by the Llywydd. Alun Davies.
David Melding: Question 4 will be answered by Joyce Watson. Neil McEvoy.
David Melding: Order. Order. Order. Neil, this relates to an issue of procedure in the Senedd, which is conducted by the Presiding Officers, and it's not something that the Commissioner is qualified to speak about. So, I have to ask you to sit down as this question or this supplementary cannot be in order.
David Melding: Was the script cleared with him? What was the script cleared with us?
David Melding: Order. You've just told me that the script you were reading was given to the Presiding Office.
David Melding: Not your supplementary. Now, no, no—
David Melding: Order. Neil. I will accept that what you've just told me related to the first question, and I misunderstood it. I was just checking to see if your supplementary had been cleared with the Presiding Office, and it has not. And I've just said, in my view, it cannot be considered in order. You must now sit down.
David Melding: I don't think so.
