Rebecca Evans: The amendments in this group propose a series of changes to the part of the Bill creating a new licensing system for special procedures, namely body piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and electrolysis. I am encouraged that these proposals have attracted widespread general support, as they will provide important protections for the public who choose to have these procedures. The first amendment...
Rebecca Evans: Thank you. I particularly thank Rhun ap Iorwerth for his support of the amendments within this particular group, reflecting the concerns that he raised at Stage 2, and also thank others who will be supporting these amendments. I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that I will be consulting with the professional bodies on the exemptions issue as a matter of priority, as confirmed at...
Rebecca Evans: Yes, formally.
Rebecca Evans: Formally.
Rebecca Evans: Formally.
Rebecca Evans: Yes, formally.
Rebecca Evans: The amendments in this group seek to create a standalone criminal offence of tattooing an eyeball in Wales, unless it’s done by a person regulated by the General Medical Council. I share the general concern about the risks of this procedure, which underpin the amendments. As I outlined in the discussion on the previous group, amendment 22 tabled in my name makes it clear that the mandatory...
Rebecca Evans: Yes.
Rebecca Evans: When we develop these regulations, obviously we will be consulting widely, particularly with the medical community in terms of what they think would be appropriate in terms of undertaking special procedures of this particular nature. As I outlined in the previous discussion, the amendment that I tabled does make it clear that the mandatory licensing conditions and criteria can make these...
Rebecca Evans: Thank you. The Bill includes a statutory duty on Welsh Ministers to publish guidance to which local authorities must have regard when developing their local toilet strategies. Section 110 of the Bill sets out a number of issues that this guidance must cover. The amendments in this group tabled by Caroline Jones seek to make changes to the content of that guidance. When amendments 39 and 40...
Rebecca Evans: Yes, formally.
Rebecca Evans: Thank you, and I thank Angela Burns for bringing forward the amendments in this group, and I do recognise the intention behind the amendments and share the view that improving and protecting the health and well-being of our young people should be at the forefront of public health policy in Wales, and, in response to Jenny Rathbone’s concerns as well, I would refer all Members to the letter...
Rebecca Evans: Thank you, Presiding Officer. These amendments seek to introduce a specific provision on air quality in the Bill by adding a new part. I share the concerns behind the amendments. The quality of the air that we breathe is a matter of critical importance to public health. As I have consistently stated, the Welsh Government has continued to demonstrate the importance that it attaches to this...
Rebecca Evans: Thank you. The amendments in this group would require the Welsh Ministers to issue guidance for enforcement authorities on exercising the powers of entry and inspection across the Bill. The guidance would cover how to ensure compliance with convention rights in respect of premises that are used wholly or mainly as a dwelling. This issue has been discussed by the Constitutional and Legislative...
Rebecca Evans: Formally.
Rebecca Evans: Yes, formally.
Rebecca Evans: Formally.
Rebecca Evans: Thank you. I’m glad to have this opportunity to reply to the debate and I do thank Caroline Jones for leading this debate today and also for telling us about the good work of Bulldogs Boxing and Community Activities. Also, thank you to Gareth Bennett for describing some of the good work done by Cardiff Riding School. The Welsh Government recognises the benefits of ensuring that communities...
Rebecca Evans: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I formally move the motion. I am delighted to introduce the fourth and final stage of the Public Health (Wales) Bill before the Assembly today. This Bill has had a long journey to reach this point, through various stages of consultation and further refinement. Today marks the culmination of that journey. I’d like to begin by thanking the Chairs and members of...
Rebecca Evans: I’d like to thank both spokespeople for their comments today and for their support for the Bill, and look forward to implementation of the Bill now, because I do think it has real potential in terms of improving the public health of the people of Wales, and I look forward to collaborating with and engaging with Members across the Assembly in terms of the implementation phase, which we’ll...
