Buffy Williams: Firstly, I'd like to thank the petitioners for bringing this petition forward, and I'd also like to thank the Members who've contributed today and the Minister for her reply. Nurses make up around 40 per cent of NHS Wales employees; they are the heart and soul of our national health service. What has been clear in this debate is that, whatever party we belong to and whatever community we...
Buffy Williams: One in two of us will develop some form of cancer in our lifetime. This inevitably means that we'll all feel the effects of cancer, but much like many other diseases and illnesses, thanks to groundbreaking research funding, not all cancer diagnoses are a death sentence. We have made leaps and bounds over the decades, with survival rates doubling over the last 40 years, but inequalities still...
Buffy Williams: Diolch to the Business Committee for the urgency, enabling this debate to take place following last week's Petitions Committee meeting. I know that Tassia is here today, and I'd like to thank her and congratulate her on her efforts to raise awareness of metastatic breast cancer. Tassia, I can't begin to imagine how difficult this campaign has been for you. You're an inspiration to us all, and...
Buffy Williams: What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of the cost of living on families' prosperity?
Buffy Williams: Will the Minister provide an update on the support provided by the Welsh Government to families experiencing hardship due to the rising cost of living?
Buffy Williams: 1. What discussions has the First Minister had with the Minister for Social Justice regarding the violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy since it was announced last year? OQ59068
Buffy Williams: Diolch, Trefnydd. The violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy is, to me, one of the most important pieces of work the Welsh Government has announced this term, especially for my communities in Rhondda. Shockingly, the number of incidents of domestic violence and abuse reported to South Wales Police in Rhondda is, more often than not, double that of Cynon, Taf and...
Buffy Williams: What action is the Welsh Government taking to support whistleblowers?
Buffy Williams: 9. What impact has the pathways of care reporting framework had in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board area? OQ59150
Buffy Williams: Thank you, Minister. Nurses in Rhondda are contacting me almost daily at the end of their tether. Demand over the winter months for ambulances and accident and emergency has been nothing like they've experienced before. They know that, in order to get sick patients through the door, patients ready to leave the hospital need to do so as soon and as safely as possible. Their colleagues in...
Buffy Williams: 6. Will the Minister outline what impact the rising cost of living has had on animal welfare? OQ59111
Buffy Williams: The rising cost of living has led to a record number of pets being abandoned. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimate that a pet is cast aside every 15 minutes in the UK. Dogs Trust have reported a record number of calls from owners looking to give up their dogs, citing financial reasons, and a survey by YouGov shows that 48 per cent of respondents confirmed they...
Buffy Williams: Diolch to the petitioner for bringing this matter to our attention. As a member of the Petitions Committee I’ve had the opportunity to take evidence from a number of stakeholders. I’d like to thank them all, as well as the clerks and my colleagues on the committee for ensuring ‘The Final Bend?’ report includes a balance of voices from those in favour of and those who oppose greyhound...
Buffy Williams: 2. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact the increased cost of living is having on plans for 21st century schools? OQ59244
Buffy Williams: Thank you, Minister. The benefits that the twenty-first century schools bring to our pupils and our teachers are enormous. We are fortunate in Rhondda to have three twenty-first century schools planned: one for Llyn y Forwyn, which will be completed over the next two years; one for Penrhys primary school; and one for Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda. Now, Minister, I know that you visited Ysgol Gyfun...
