Paul Davies: Formally move.
Paul Davies: Formally move.
Paul Davies: As you’ve said in the past, First Minister, it’s important that we do ensure that the Welsh language is a living language in our communities. Therefore, it’s extremely important that we encourage people to use the language in all parts of their lives, including using the Welsh language online, for example. The Welsh Language Commissioner made it clear in the summary to her five yearly...
Paul Davies: Will the First Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to improve the economy of Pembrokeshire?
Paul Davies: Diolch, Lywydd. I am pleased to close this important debate. I should state from the outset that my parents-in-law’s farm has been affected by bovine TB over the last 15 years and I know, from personal experience, how devastating it is, emotionally and financially. Today’s debate has been about getting the message across to the Welsh Government that cattle measures and cattle restrictions...
Paul Davies: First Minister, getting access to a GP is becoming more and more of an issue for communities across Wales, and this is especially so for working people. Can you tell us what percentage of GP surgeries across Wales currently offer appointments after 6 p.m.?
Paul Davies: Well, clearly it’s time that the First Minister takes responsibility for the Welsh NHS. Clearly he wants to talk about England in order to deflect his own failings. So, let me give him the answer to my original question: only 29 per cent of GP surgeries across Wales currently offer appointments after 6 p.m., which is an appalling statistic considering the priority your Government gave to...
Paul Davies: Well, I don’t know where the First Minister is getting his figures from, and he didn’t answer the second question about why he ditched the health checks for over-50s. Now, your recent programme for government said it will again improve access to GP surgeries, making it easier to get an appointment. Well, the people of Wales have heard all this before, from you and from previous Labour...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, you’ll be aware that the Federation of Small Businesses Wales is calling for the creation of a Wales small business administration, which they believe will provide a better solution to fostering growth in indigenous SMEs in Wales. Can you tell us what consideration the Welsh Government has given to that specific proposal?
Paul Davies: 2. Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s delivery of health services across Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0038(HWS)
Paul Davies: I’m grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for that response. Skin Care Cymru has revealed that there is no consultant dermatologist in the entire Hywel Dda Local Health Board area. Whilst there is an issue with recruiting and retaining dermatologists across the UK, the fact that there is not one actually in the entire health board area is extremely worrying. What specific support is the Welsh...
Paul Davies: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I move amendment 2 in my name. I am pleased to participate in this important debate and to highlight the importance of funding from the rural development programme for our rural communities. Of course, we on this side of the Chamber agree with the first point of the motion, which calls on Welsh Government to give us clarity on funding for rural...
Paul Davies: Of course, the responsibility lies on both sides. But the point I’m making is that she has only met the Minister of State once, and they have a responsibility, as a Welsh Government, to actually engage with the UK Government on this issue. Mae trydydd pwynt y cynnig yma yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd gweithwyr mudol i’r economi wledig. Mae’n amlwg bod yn rhaid i farchnadoedd llafur a...
Paul Davies: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on road safety in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0188(FM)
Paul Davies: I’m grateful to the First Minister for that response. Road safety is a problem for walkers in lower town Fishguard, and despite positive assurances from previous Ministers, and although a feasibility study was undertaken in 2012-13, the current Minister has asked for another study to build a footbridge. I’m sure that you’re familiar with that part of the town and that it’s important...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Lywydd. Like others, I also welcome that the Welsh Government has committed £12.9 million to reaching those final few per cent of properties. But can the Minister perhaps provide any further details at this stage on how that funding will actually be allocated across Wales, given concerns raised by many of my constituents regarding the lack of action in some areas? I know that the...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Lywydd. Cabinet Secretary, in a meeting of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee on 14 September, you responded to a question on farming regulations, saying that you’ll look to strengthen regulations in some areas when looking at Welsh-specific requirements going forward. Can you clarify what you mean by ‘strengthen’ and tell us what specific regulations...
Paul Davies: Thank you for that clarification. Of course, one set of regulations that the Welsh Government is looking at is in relation to nitrate vulnerable zones. Now, you won’t be surprised that I’ve received plenty of correspondence on this matter, and there are serious concerns regarding these proposals, which could impose huge burdens on farmers and, as a result, force many out of business due...
Paul Davies: I’m grateful to you for that response, but I’m sure that you would agree with me that regulations can, in some cases, represent an obstacle to efficient farming practices and business growth. Therefore, in light of the previous Government’s ‘Working Smarter’ report, will you commit to evaluating the costs attached to farming regulations in Wales and look at ways in which the Welsh...
Paul Davies: Thank you. I’m very pleased to take part in this important debate to draw attention to some of the matters that people who live with autism face in west Wales, and especially showing my support for an autism Act. I’m sure that Members have received heartbreaking correspondence from constituents who are frustrated with the long waiting times in diagnosis for their children. In the...