Hefin David: Last week, I met with Dr Stephen Beyer of Cardiff University, who is working on the Engage to Change project, which was set up using money from dormant bank accounts and based on a partnership between the Big Lottery and Welsh Government. The aim is to get 16 to 25-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training and who have learning disabilities and/or autism into long-term...
Hefin David: Will you give way?
Hefin David: Can I just ask him to reflect? The UKIP amendment seems to be more supportive of the Conservative Government than the Conservative amendment. [Laughter.] Could I ask what sort of argy-bargy went on within the Conservative group to agree it?
Hefin David: Thank you, Chair. I’m sure the whole Chamber would want to recognise what has happened in Cardiff with the collapse of the building in Splott and the closure of the Cardiff to Newport line, and to wish the emergency services and the injured person all the very best. The Cabinet Secretary will recognise that the economy committee, in their inquiry, asked—. The Welsh Government asked the UK...
Hefin David: Llywydd, Neil McEvoy gives half his salary to Plaid Cymru—I knew there was a reason why they kept him in the group. Well done. With regard to the White Paper, section 2.56, which you’ve already touched upon, Cabinet Secretary, in response to Sian Gwenllian, identifies three arrangements for scrutiny: one is to stick as you are, two is to establish a standing regional committee, or three,...
Hefin David: I’d like to thank Adam Price for the lovely, kind words. I’m sure they’ll do me the absolute world of good; much appreciated. But I think, actually, it’s something to be celebrated, the freedom of expression on these Labour benches. We have been actively encouraged by the Government to have an input into what they are trying to do, and I’ve never been so encouraged to have a voice...
Hefin David: This report is particularly timely for my constituents in Caerphilly: Bargoed Hall surgery closes its doors next week due to the ending of the practice by the GP there. I’ve had many communications with constituents over the summer, but particularly useful has been communication with the health board, and I have to praise the Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board for what has been improved...
Hefin David: To present a slightly contrary view, Llywydd, in evidence to the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee last week, the Wales Tourism Alliance said that whilst the focus will need to remain on major international events, they only tend to benefit a small number of locations, particularly Cardiff. The chief executive of the European Tourism Operators Alliance agreed and said there were...
Hefin David: The Children, Young People and Education Committee took evidence from Mick Waters last week, and I welcome what you said about separating competence and the new standards. But I do have a little bit of concern about the language used in some of the standards. It’s quite complex and takes some time to interpret. Mick Waters said that they held long conversations when the working group were...
Hefin David: Well, Dai Lloyd’s put himself through some intellectual contortions there in order to pin the blame on the Welsh Government, and I think that’s deeply unfair, particularly given the depth and breadth of evidence that was gathered in this report. I really don’t think that Dai Lloyd did it justice with that speech. I think it was deeply, deeply unfair. It is absolutely the case that the...
Hefin David: Yes, of course.
Hefin David: Safety is an issue that the Secretary should be considering and he’s nodding, so he’s heard what you’ve just said; absolutely fair. The other issue, of course, is the funding dispute that’s currently going on with the Welsh Government. The Cabinet Secretary gave evidence this morning to the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, and he showed remarkable restraint, and I think...
Hefin David: 6. Will the First Minister make a statement on the implementation of 'Qualified for Life: A Curriculum for Wales—A Curriculum for Life'? (OAQ51136)
Hefin David: I broadly welcome the Welsh Government’s approach to implementing the recommendations of Professor Graham Donaldson, but Members will be aware of Professor Donaldson’s comments that were reported by the BBC this morning, in which he remarked that ‘progress remained good’, but also cautioned against ‘any loss of momentum in the whole dynamic of this reform’. What discussions has...
Hefin David: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government policy to grow medium-sized enterprises in Wales? (OAQ51153)
Hefin David: Just last week, the Federation of Small Businesses published the report ‘Wales’ Missing Middle’, in which they stated that, ‘In the missing middle medium-sized firms, those employing between 50-250 people make up a slim 12 per cent of employment.’ They went on to say that, of those that do exist, they often face choices to sell to larger multinational entities rather than to pursue...
Hefin David: 4. What discussions has the Counsel General held regarding increasing diversity in representations to the Supreme Court? (OAQ51152)
Hefin David: Llywydd, the Counsel General has anticipated my question—absolutely fantastic. What steps, though, can the Welsh Government take to further enhance gender and ethnic diversity, both in the Supreme Court and in the in the sphere of legal jurisdiction as a whole?
Hefin David: I’d support the general thrust of comments that have been made so far. If we are going to connect east and west, trains are not going to be the answer, as has already been recognised. In his response, accepting consideration 1 of the report, the Cabinet Secretary specifically mentions pinch-point removal funding to address congestion on the bus network, and this funding is very welcome....
Hefin David: Yes, of course.
