Sarah Murphy: 3. What consideration has the Minister given to providing additional funding to the economy portfolio to support tourism? OQ57195
Sarah Murphy: Diolch. For constituencies such as Bridgend, tourism has played an integral part in our local economy and history—visitors from constituencies beyond our boundaries come all year round to enjoy our beaches, hospitality and tourism attractions, and European Union investment has been crucial to much of that success, something that is now under threat, with the UK Government refusing to...
Sarah Murphy: As this is my first debate, since being elected, on the well-being of future generations Act, I'd like to start by thanking the many people who made this happen, especially many of those people behind the scenes, whose names we'll never probably know publicly, but who really did put their blood, sweat and tears into this trailblazing legislation. And I don't use that phrase lightly, because I...
Sarah Murphy: I want to thank the Welsh Government for their continued work on this strategy, and also the Minister for ensuring that the onus of violence against women does not fall on women to modify their behaviour. For too long in our history the narrative has focused on the actions of the victim and not enough on how we put an end to violence against women, because there are no victims without...
Sarah Murphy: Dirprwy Lywydd, in modern western society, there is a general consensus that there is a clear distinction between children and adults, which stems from children being defined as less physically and mentally mature. However, this has not always been the case, as, throughout different periods in history, in different countries and cultures, views on what children should do at certain ages, such...
Sarah Murphy: 7. How is the Welsh Government working with local authorities to enhance green spaces? OQ57320
Sarah Murphy: I want to thank the Ministers for their commitment to enhancing green spaces across Wales. In Bridgend and Porthcawl, constituents from all ages and backgrounds express the need for more green spaces within their communities and to protect and enhance existing spaces. I recently received ideas from students at West Park Primary School, Porthcawl Primary School and Nottage Primary School for...
Sarah Murphy: 3. Will the Minister provide an update on the net-zero carbon targets for new school and college buildings in Wales? OQ57312
Sarah Murphy: Diolch, and I want to say a huge thank you to the Minister for his commitment to ensuring that net zero is a priority for our twenty-first century schools. It's an absolutely fantastic development commitment. As our climate change Minister said earlier, it is a wonderful part of our roles to be able to speak to pupils of all ages across our constituencies, and I'm constantly inspired by how...
Sarah Murphy: 9. What progress is the Welsh Government making towards Wales becoming a real living wage nation? OQ57404
Sarah Murphy: Thank you very much, Minister. I welcome the recent announcement regarding the implementation of the manifesto and programme for government commitment to a real living wage for social care workers. I am very pleased that my own Bridgend County Borough Council is also adopting this. It is a tangible and meaningful indication of the appreciation of our social care workers, and also recognises...
Sarah Murphy: As a member of the Equality and Social Justice Committee, I am pleased that this was our first inquiry, and I would like to thank my fellow committee member Sioned Williams, along with the Bevan Foundation's research, for suggesting this, and my colleagues on the committee, the clerks and the whole team that has been working behind the scenes to help us. Tackling household debt is...
Sarah Murphy: This debate presents a timely opportunity to discuss the anxiety caused by the recent announcement of changes to cervical screening by Public Health Wales and explore it within its wider context. I appreciate that Public Health Wales has acknowledged that the announcement should have been dealt with better, and that Cancer Research UK has said that, whilst the announcement made the headlines,...
Sarah Murphy: How is the Welsh Government working to support local authorities with care packages to allow patients to leave hospital?
Sarah Murphy: 6. Will the Minister provide an update on plans to enable local authorities to raise a tourism levy? OQ57569
Sarah Murphy: Thank you, Minister. I could understand if you were getting a little fed up with being asked about a potential tourism levy, especially as the Welsh Government, as you said, is planning to do a consultation starting this autumn. However, the issue continues to be politicised and used to spread misinformation in my community of Bridgend and Porthcawl. I will support my constituents in whatever...
Sarah Murphy: 5. How is the Welsh Government tackling the cost-of-living crisis in Bridgend? OQ57675
Sarah Murphy: Thank you, First Minister, and I do welcome the much-needed package of support put in place by the Welsh Labour Government, because last week I visited Splice Child and Family in Pyle, which runs a baby bank, and Baobab community pantry in Brackla. While there the volunteers shared with me the heartbreaking story of a mother who had recently, but reluctantly, visited and asked for support....
Sarah Murphy: I have been contacted by my constituent, Evelyn, and her mum, Jacqui, who were shocked and incredibly disappointed to discover that, from September 2022, the Welsh Rugby Union will stop girls playing mixed under-12 and under-13 rugby. Evelyn is an excellent player, and captain for Bridgend sports under-12s, as well as playing for Brynteg Comprehensive School. I did meet with the Welsh Rugby...
Sarah Murphy: I welcome the Welsh Government's stance on taking a sensible, evidence-led approach to relaxing COVID restrictions, because, as the Minister has already said, COVID has not gone away and it can still be really unpredictable. I am particularly grateful to be in Wales, as myself and many others have been, throughout the pandemic, where the self-isolation rules will remain in place. Does the...
