Heledd Fychan: Could I thank the Conservatives for bringing this debate forward today? I thank Tom for sharing his journey with the language. It was delightful to hear you and the fact that your confidence has increased during the period you've been here. I'm looking forward to being on Hawl i Holi, something that you wouldn't have done a couple of months ago, but you are doing it tomorrow night. I think...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you very much, Minister. And as you've named me, I thought I'd just want to say that I don't disregard the rest of the data, but, obviously, the 2011 census was the basis of the 'Cymraeg 2050' strategy. I'm just concerned that the other samples are smaller—for example, the national survey; I think it was 1,000 people, but you can correct me if I'm wrong—compared with the whole...
Heledd Fychan: 8. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to reduce child poverty in South Wales Central? OQ59231
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, First Minister, unfortunately, however, as we all know, levels of child poverty in Wales are getting worse, and it's clear from visits throughout my region, together with my casework, that the situation is critical for many families. Teachers tell me consistently that they're increasingly having to spend time supporting pupils and their families in terms of responding to the...
Heledd Fychan: I have to say, I don't want to stand up and absolve Welsh Government of responsibility here, but I do find it quite galling to hear the Conservatives talk about, 'What about the children of Wales?' when, actually, it's Tory austerity enforcing policies on people here in Wales, not giving Wales the fair share it deserves, lying about the Brexit dividend that would come to Wales that never...
Heledd Fychan: Yes. I've stopped speaking.
Heledd Fychan: The most damaging impact has been Conservatives in the UK Government not standing up for Wales, and I believe in Wales and I believe in the future of Wales, and I do not accept that. We have seen evidence from different researchers showing that that is not the case, and also we have seen that we were told that all this money would come in to Wales that never materialised post Brexit. So, I...
Heledd Fychan: Trefnydd, I'd like to request two statements, please. Firstly, I'd like to request a statement from the Minister for health, responding to the recently published report by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and their review of patients being discharged from mental health wards in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. Significant risks were highlighted, and they are ongoing, and I'd like to...
Heledd Fychan: 4. How is the Welsh Government ensuring a reduction in littering and fly-tipping in South Wales Central? OQ59255
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister. As you'll be aware, there is a major issue with regard to litter and fly-tipping, and we're all aware of the damaging effect that this can have, not just on the beauty of our communities, but in terms of nature and wildlife. We all, of course, have a part to play, and I'd like to thank the thousands of people across the nation who regularly litter pick in their...
Heledd Fychan: 1. How is the Welsh Government supporting learners in South Wales Central with the cost of the school day? OQ59256
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister. So, you've outlined clearly that there are a number of things that have been put in place to assist families. You talked about reducing the concern, but the concern is obviously continuing, because the truth is that a number of families still find difficulty funding the essentials related to the school day. You referred to uniform, but although you've changed the guidance...
Heledd Fychan: May I just emphasise therefore, we're talking—? In terms of our constituents who contact us, many do qualify for free treatment, but they can't find a dentist to do the work. That's the category we're talking about. And I haven't seen any clarity on that at all. If I look at South Wales Central, here are some of the facts that have been provided by the British Dental Association: 18 per...
Heledd Fychan: What steps is the Welsh Government taking to reduce river pollution in South Wales Central?
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister, for the statement this afternoon. Certainly, you’ll get our full support in terms of the aspiration in securing high standards and aspirations for all. And certainly, one of the things that we have seen, and you’ve already mentioned this, is that we do have to acknowledge the problems that do arise from COVID, and the impact that that is having since the launch in...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you to the Counsel General for bringing this debate forward this afternoon. I was a substitute on the committee when the report was discussed, and I'd like to echo our thanks to Sir Wyn Williams for his contribution in this important role.
Heledd Fychan: Certainly, it is testament to him and his team that they fulfilled their responsibilities with the utmost professionalism and diligence throughout the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. We of course wish all the best to his successor, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, who will take over the role in April. I won't repeat some of the questions asked, but I think, in terms of the timescales, it is...
Heledd Fychan: Huw Irranca referred to the use of the Welsh language, and certainly that came through very strongly. It's only in relation to issues that relate to the Welsh language that the language is used at the moment, and I think normalising the use of the Welsh language and ensuring that everyone is aware that the Welsh language option is available is very important. Another issue that became...
Heledd Fychan: Very clearly, Sir Wyn was clear in his support of the Law Commission's recommendations, which would enable the Welsh Tribunals to be more responsive to the devolved legislative landscape, so I do think that we do need to see progress in this regard. Finally, I'd like to reflect on the overarching conclusion of the Law Commission, echoed by Sir Wyn in his report, which states that the current...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this debate today. Clearly, it aligns with our previous discussion in terms of the Welsh Government's vision for education. I'd like to add my thanks to Owen Evans; I think that the report, certainly, is very comprehensive. I welcome the new format, as mentioned by the Minister, and I think that thematic reports, specifically, give us a clear...
