Siân Gwenllian: I hear what you say in terms of the numbers that are currently on initial teacher training courses increasing, and that's good to hear, but the problem is that one out of all three leave after five years, and it's that that's causing the major problem. It's about the retention of teachers; that's the main problem, and surely that's what you should be focusing on.
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you very much for the statement. As we know, and as you've mentioned, it's wonderful to construct new buildings that make effective and efficient use of energy, but we do also need to retrofit our current stock of buildings in order to reduce emissions in a meaningful way, as part of efforts to tackle climate change. And I can't emphasise this...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. I’m pleased to hear that the programme announced today will ensure that every child and young person in Wales will have a book to keep. I was reminded recently of the pleasure I got from reading a book called Luned Bengoch as a child—a book that has just been re-issued and is now available once again in the shops. I had huge pleasure in...
Siân Gwenllian: Will the First Minister make a statement on the timetable for the establishment of the new Bangor dental academy?
Siân Gwenllian: I understand that the Football Association of Wales have announced that league of Wales games—adran and ardal games—will be postponed for the time being as 50 supporters isn't going to be sufficient to make those games financially sustainable. Now, this will create huge frustrations for both players and supporters alike, but will also create cash flow problems for clubs. So, can you...
Siân Gwenllian: 6. Will the Minister make a statement on the lessons learned about social inequalities as a result of the pandemic? OQ57412
Siân Gwenllian: I hope your connection improves as I move forward. The pandemic has highlighted the deep inequalities that exist within my constituency between communities and between families. For example, inappropriate housing is a problem in certain parts of Arfon—houses that are too small for the needs of the families living in them, houses that are damp and difficult to heat. And, of course, this has...
Siân Gwenllian: 2. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Health and Social Services about vascular services for patients from Arfon and all parts of north Wales since the reconfiguration of these services? OQ57541
Siân Gwenllian: There is increasing evidence that reconfiguration of the vascular services has led to a significant deterioration in provision for people in north Wales. It would have made sense to locate the new hub in Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor—that's what a sensible reorganisation would have been, namely building on the unit of excellent quality that was there. As you said, there is another review in the...
Siân Gwenllian: I wanted to share with the Senedd some information about a new and beautiful short film that breathes new life into one of our nation's legends. Pupils of Ysgol Gynradd Rhosgadfan in my constituency have made the film, and it was shown at the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, and it enjoyed an enthusiastic reception. The children and their parents had an opportunity to see the film on a...
Siân Gwenllian: As we've just heard, stalking is a traumatic experience for those who experience it and survive it. Often, the psychological impact is huge and can lead to depression, anxiety and stress. It's believed that around half of stalking survivors have difficulty with PTSD, stress, anxiety and being overly cautious. Ultimately, the impact of stalking is to significantly limit the freedom of another...
Siân Gwenllian: 7. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of the measures it has introduced during the pandemic on the equal rights of people who have sight problems in Arfon? OQ57613
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you for that response. Almost 5,000 people in Gwynedd live with visual impairments, and as the use of lateral flow tests becomes part of our lives, and is likely to be for some time yet, we need to ensure that there is support available to them in terms of taking these tests and also in understanding the results. I am aware of the plan to provide support through an app called Be My...
Siân Gwenllian: 1. Will the Minister provide an update on business development plans at Bryn Cegin Park, Bangor? OQ57667
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much for that update. The plain truth is that not a single job has been created at Bryn Cegin Park since the site was purchased and adapted by the Welsh Government, despite the significant funds spent on the park and despite the promises made. Next door to the site is the Maesgeirchen estate and within a stone's throw is the city of Bangor. We desperately need high-quality and...
Siân Gwenllian: Will the First Minister make a statement on the resumption of day care services in Arfon as COVID restrictions are relaxed?
Siân Gwenllian: 3. Will the Minister provide an update on the Arbed 2 scheme in Arfon? OQ57712
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much, but you will be aware of the problems that have arisen with the scheme, and I do thank you for your support on this to date. I am currently helping—
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much for your support with this issue, because you will be aware that there have been a number of problems arising in my constituency. I am continuing to assist a number of constituents with requests for compensation from the contractors or the guarantee firms, but none of these cases has successfully reached conclusion as of yet, and there are at least five cases that I'm...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much. The art foundation course at Coleg Menai was established in 1981, but the fortieth anniversary celebrations are only taking place this year due to last year’s public health situation. This was the inspiration behind Owein Prendergast’s decision, as course leader, to give the exhibition the title '40+1'. The course was established in Bangor by the artist Peter...
