Samuel Kurtz: Thank you, Deputy Llywydd. I'll start by thanking the Minister for an advance copy of today's statement. I welcome the work that Government is doing to safeguard and develop the Welsh language for the next generation. As one who was brought up in rural Pembrokeshire, educated in a bilingual school, and who considers themselves a first-language Welsh speaker who is a little rusty, I am...
Samuel Kurtz: I welcome the opportunity to raise the importance of the basic payment scheme in supporting Wales's hard-working farmers during today's debate and the need for it to be protected in the 2022-23 budget. The basic payment scheme, the BPS, is an integral part of Wales's farming industry, supporting farmers in their production of high-quality produce in a sustainable manner. I welcome the...
Samuel Kurtz: The Welsh research paper on second-home ownership published yesterday states, and I quote: 'There is only limited robust evidence however, that addresses the impact of second homes on community sustainability and cohesion, including for example on Welsh language and culture'. Given that the Welsh language community housing plan is scheduled for consultation this autumn, as you mentioned,...
Samuel Kurtz: First Minister, can I welcome today's announcement, but seek some clarification, following your statement and a post on your social media, regarding the no limits on the number of people and no social distancing when outdoors? Does this mean events, such as the popular Ironman Wales event held in Tenby, and agricultural shows, such as Martletwy show, can be given the green light to go ahead?...
Samuel Kurtz: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on the use of fixed-penalty notices by local authorities? OQ56836
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you, Minister. There are a number of FPNs issued by local authorities that do not see any obligation for the money raised from fines being invested in mitigating the recurrence of such offence. Fly-tipping is an offence that has seen a recent increase across Wales and has blighted many parts of my constituency of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. Another issue is FPNs issued to...
Samuel Kurtz: Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, it was good to welcome you to west Wales in August for the Pembrokeshire County Show. I know your attendance will have been appreciated by the show committee and the exhibitors, and I'm sure you will join with me in congratulating the team on their success with the return of the show, following the cancellation last year. I'm also sure that the Minister will wish to...
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you, Minister. Yes, you mentioned the vaccine that could be available in four years' time, but this new test, Enferplex, is being delivered on the ground already, so that really does show that there is impetus within the agricultural community to get this issue sorted once and for all. However, there also remains nervousness within the industry around the future of the Glastir Organic,...
Samuel Kurtz: That will be disappointing for farmers across Wales to hear. Finally, Minister, I expect many Members across this Chamber would have received a huge range of correspondence from constituents regarding concerns about gaps in Welsh equine ID legislation. Although my colleagues and I have warmly welcomed the mandatory microchipping of horses in Wales, concerns remain about the accuracy of paper...
Samuel Kurtz: 3. What action is the Welsh Government taking to regulate dog breeding in Wales? OQ56814
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you, Minister. I welcome the new rules, informally known as Lucy's law, which came into force last Friday, surrounding puppy and kitten breeding in Wales, and I pay tribute to the many organisations, individuals, including my colleague Janet Finch-Saunders, and many across this Chamber who've campaigned for these improvements and changes. While these rules arrive on our statute books...
Samuel Kurtz: Diolch, Llywydd. Today marks the National Farmers Union's annual Back British Farming Day, a fantastic opportunity in which we can recognise, support and thank our hard-working farmers from across the United Kingdom. Welsh farming is the cornerstone of Wales's £7.5 billion food and drink supply chain industry, employing over 229,500 workers and contributing millions of pounds to Wales's...
Samuel Kurtz: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you to all Members, and the Minister, that have contributed to this afternoon's debate. After the horrendous scenes witnessed on the international television during last June's Denmark versus Finland match during the Euros, I, like so many others, was moved to work with Members from across the Chamber to champion the need for universal defibrillator access,...
Samuel Kurtz: I would like to begin by thanking the Minister for advance sight of today’s statement, and it’s quite timely as well, Llywydd, as I asked the Minister for clarity over the future of Glastir funding last Wednesday, and while no commitment was offered then, I and the farming community warmly welcome today’s announcement. Some, however, will be left scratching their heads as to why, after...
Samuel Kurtz: 8. What action is the Welsh Government taking to help reduce rural crime? OQ56909
Samuel Kurtz: Diolch, First Minister. Crime in the countryside causes serious distress to our rural communities, with agricultural vehicle thefts, sheep worrying and the vandalism of wildlife nesting areas all being reported in recent months. As a member of Wales YFC, these are issues that I'm all too aware of, and, as you mention, we are fortunate that Rob Taylor, Wales's wildlife and rural crime...
Samuel Kurtz: 6. What action is the Welsh Government taking to encourage industrial growth in west Wales? OQ56910
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you, Minister. I am aware of the many exciting opportunities around the net-zero journey that exist within my area of Pembrokeshire, and in particular the huge opportunity that the Haven Waterway has to support not only the decarbonisation of industries in south Wales, but also the whole of the south of the UK. The south Wales industrial cluster is a key element of delivering these...
Samuel Kurtz: I refer Members to my entry in the register of interests. Firstly, I would like to thank the Minister for Climate Change for taking the time to answer my written questions on carbon offsetting and the net Welsh emissions account—the NWEA. And I'm sure the Trefnydd will share my alarm regarding the fact that international businesses are offsetting their own carbon emissions at the expense of...
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you, Llywydd. Minister, Merched y Wawr were in touch with me recently, outlining concerns that Welsh speakers are facing challenges in terms of face-to-face banking services and online services through the medium of Welsh. So, what steps are your Government taking to ensure that businesses across Wales operate bilingually? And what additional support is provided to those businesses that...
