Heledd Fychan: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. On 11 July each year, we remember Srebrenica and the genocide of 8,372 Bosnian Muslim men and boys. The efforts of remembering here in Wales are driven by Abi Carter and the board of Remembering Srebrenica Wales, who work hard to ensure we do not forget the stories of Srebrenica and that we learn the lessons of this brutal genocide. This year's theme for the...
Heledd Fychan: Wales remembers Srebrenica.
Heledd Fychan: May I say how much I welcome this motion today, not for my sake or that of any of us here as Senedd Members now, but for those who would never consider that it was a possibility for them to become a Member of the Senedd—people with caring responsibilities, for example, not only with children, but perhaps with an elderly parent or a partner who needs their support; disabled people who think...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you for the opportunity to participate. One of the things that I thought was very interesting—and this has already been referred to—was the view of young people and the Welsh Youth Parliament. I think this is endorsed by the things that have been shared with me as a Member for South Wales Central in terms of the cost of public transport. Ruben Kelman has written to many of us, being...
Heledd Fychan: I'm pleased to echo many of the points raised by Samuel Kurtz. Certainly, the summer events are an important part of our calendar as a nation, from the small agricultural shows to the Royal Welsh and all the musical and cultural festivals such as the International Eisteddfod that's just been held in Llangollen and the National Eisteddfod. I think we've all missed them hugely over the past few...
Heledd Fychan: I thank Sioned Williams for bringing this important debate to the Chamber, because even though there have been developments in terms of the new curriculum, we do need to do so much more. I think that what she emphasised in terms of the postcode lottery is very important. We don't just want to empower young people to vote, but also to consider they could be here, regardless of their...
Heledd Fychan: 2. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Wales-specific investigation into COVID-related deaths in care homes? OQ58416
Heledd Fychan: Diolch, Prif Weinidog. The information that there would be a greater and specific investigation into care homes was widely shared on social media by the COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru campaign group, following their meeting with you a few weeks ago, and it would be helpful to receive clarity on the approach timeline and whether it will cover discharging the elderly from hospital...
Heledd Fychan: Is it possible to have a statement, please, from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change on communication with the public regarding changes to Transport for Wales services, particularly those made at the last minute? A number of people have contacted me, having had difficulty in getting to work, college, school and emergency appointments because the trains weren't running between Pontypridd...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister, for today's statement, it's a very important update. Without a shadow of a doubt, it demonstrates the value of co-operation between our parties when we can achieve a policy of this kind in just a few months, and make an immediate difference to the pupils in receipt of free school meals and their families. Achieving this was a priority for us as a group and a party in our...
Heledd Fychan: 10. How is the Welsh Government supporting residents affected by the A465 dualling work in the Hirwaun area? OQ58407
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Deputy Minister. On 8 August, I attended a public meeting in Hirwaun arranged by local councillors Karen Morgan and Adam Rogers. It was clear that the work was having a major impact on individuals and businesses, and although there was an acknowledgement of the impact from Future Valleys Construction and Rhondda Cynon Taf council, it was clear that there were no short-term...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister. On a visit to schools in my region the head told me about her concern about heating and lighting in the classrooms; she was trying to switch off all of the switches in sight. And the Welsh Local Government Association has warned that budgets for schools across Wales face huge challenges as a result of inflation and the increase in energy prices. According to a National...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Llywydd, and thank you, Minister. I'd like to focus on relationships and sexuality education, but from a completely different angle. I'd like to welcome the written statement that you published over the summer regarding misleading allegations with regard to relationships and sexuality education, and it's a cause of regret that the opposition spokesperson has walked out without us...
Heledd Fychan: I agree with you entirely, Minister, and thank you for that response. It's clear that the group is targeting parents with its campaign of misinformation, and even Members of the Senedd it would appear. I note that the Government has formulated guidance to the curriculum for parents and carers, an excellent document in my view, and one that explains the changes effectively. However, from...
Heledd Fychan: 5. What support is the Welsh Government providing to schools in light of the cost-of-living crisis? OQ58411
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister. Certainly, as the First Minister emphasised, there is a role for this Government and there are other things that we could be doing. The First Minister mentioned yesterday the campaign in terms of ensuring that people do take up every benefit currently available, including those that are under the control of the Welsh Government. In Scotland, they have advisers in specific...
Heledd Fychan: 2. What discussions has the Deputy Minister held with local stakeholders and union representatives on the protection of workers’ rights following the recent announcement regarding the outsourcing of services at Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre? TQ660
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Deputy Minister. Having been brought up on Anglesey, I'm very aware of the importance of Plas Menai as a resource and a local employer, and it was good to visit Plas Menai just a few months ago as a member of the culture and sport committee. During the visit, we expressed concerns about the possibility of outsourcing services, and I must say that none of those concerns have been...
Heledd Fychan: I would like to begin just by echoing Sioned Williams's calls. If we're serious about tackling this emergency, then we must support what the proposals are here. And I would like to dispute Peter Fox's assertion that our motion is party political. It isn't. It offers practical steps that we can take here now. If anything is party political, it's your amendment, which lists what the UK...
