Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. Following concerns that were raised with me, I've also recently written to the courts and tribunal service seeking assurance that their operational practices remain in line with Welsh COVID rules. I do, of course, understand that the courts service is under considerable pressure at the moment, but I was disturbed to hear that people appearing before...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for the update, Minister. Firstly, can I thank the oversight panel for their continuing work over recent months and note that the review says that the health board have kept to their commitment to review maternity services in Cwm Taf, and that is to be welcomed? Like you, I'd like to thank all of those involved in delivering those improvements. Secondly, to place on record again my...
Dawn Bowden: Apologies for that, Llywydd; I am now unmuted. Can I thank Alun Davies for giving me a minute of his time in this debate? I hear the case that he's set out on behalf of his constituency and the wider Valleys communities. Alun, of course, draws on considerable experience, both as the constituency member for Blaenau Gwent, and as a former Minister who grappled directly with the deep-seated...
Dawn Bowden: 6. Will the First Minister update the Senedd on Welsh Government housing support for children leaving care? OQ55749
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, First Minister, and I thank you for your personal commitment to this issue. The recent report by End Youth Homelessness Cymru highlighted a number of housing issues for young people in and leaving care, including the impact of the local connection rules on their choice of home. Will the Welsh Government look in detail at this report and consider what further action...
Dawn Bowden: Can I thank you, Deputy Minister, and express my appreciation for the support given by Welsh Government over recent months to maintain an essential network of bus services in our communities? The decision to impose a firebreak—we all know that these challenges are going to continue for many months to come, and, of course, as you've outlined, in the short term, we'll be returning to public...
Dawn Bowden: —you answered that in your answer to Helen Mary. Thank you.
Dawn Bowden: Llywydd, when we first went into lockdown in March and passed emergency legislation against so many of our natural, democratic instincts, I said then—and I'll say it again now—I didn't come to this place to make decisions like that, but, in times of crisis, the most difficult decisions have to be made. That's our duty. That means that we can't hide or shirk those difficult decisions. We...
Dawn Bowden: Will the Minister provide an update on investment in the NHS estate in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney?
Dawn Bowden: Will the Minister make a statement on improving access to crisis care services in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board?
Dawn Bowden: 7. Will the First Minister make a statement on the most recent COVID-19 infection data in the Merthyr Tydfil local authority area? OQ55843
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. People are naturally relieved that we've now left the period of the firebreak. However, the data for Merthyr Tydfil does remain worrying. And while it's true, as you've already stated, that the initial indications from the firebreak appear positive in the area, we do need to continue behaving in ways that reduce the risk of infection, in the hope...
Dawn Bowden: 2. Will the Deputy Minister provide an update on recent priorities for the international relations work of the Welsh Government? OQ55861
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, Deputy Minister, and can I wish you well with these new aspects of your portfolio? Now, last week, the First Minister set out the Welsh Government's strategy for Wales's place in the world and the important relationships that we're seeking to deliver for the future. Since that time, we've seen two significant events: first, the unsavoury events surrounding the outgoing President of...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for your statement, Deputy Minister, and, while I know absolutely the emphasis of your statement, it would be remiss of me at this point not to welcome the recent announcement regarding the contract for the A465 Heads of the Valleys improvements. That is a strategic and regionally important decision to ensure safe and well-managed transport infrastructure is delivered, and it shows...
Dawn Bowden: 4. Will the First Minister provide an update on the COVID-19 mass testing pilot in Merthyr Tydfil county borough? OQ55945
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, First Minister, and I'm sure you'd want to join with me in thanking everyone involved in the logistics, delivery and the analysis of this mass testing programme. I went myself, thankfully for a negative test, on Saturday, and I can say that everybody involved in it has been absolutely outstanding in working to ensure that the pilot is a success, and that includes...
Dawn Bowden: 3. What impact is COVID-19 having on people living with autism in Wales? OQ55961
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, Minister. I've been listening to the voices of some of my constituents, who are concerned about the profile of people living with autism and other learning disabilities throughout this pandemic. In our Senedd debates, we're familiar with questions about vulnerable groups and, as often seen in the media, the attention most immediately turns to our older citizens and...
Dawn Bowden: 8. Will the First Minister provide an update on the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney? OQ56023
