Paul Davies: Thank you, Llywydd, and I move the amendments tabled in my name. The decision by the people of the UK to leave the European Union, taken last year, is certainly going to have an impact on the agricultural industry in Wales. Without doubt, Brexit will pose challenges and opportunities for Welsh farmers. As we know, over the past few decades, agricultural policies and legislation have been...
Paul Davies: Of course, what the Member must also bear in mind is that CAP would only continue up until 2020. So, we, as a Government at the UK level, have made it quite clear that we will continue with that level of funding until 2022. Although the scale of the challenge is huge, to say the least, there are also opportunities here. For example, the agricultural policy framework must look in earnest at...
Paul Davies: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the delivery of public services in Preseli Pembrokeshire?
Paul Davies: As we know, Japanese knotweed is a plant that has a negative impact not just on other plants, but on buildings, and, as a result, it can prevent people from getting a mortgage or insurance on their property. Given the damage caused by this plant, what is the Welsh Government’s overarching strategy when it comes to tackling this problem? Do you also agree with me that Natural Resources Wales...
Paul Davies: 8. Will the First Minister make a statement on the delivery of health services in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0640(FM)
Paul Davies: I’m sure you’d agree with me, First Minister, that it’s important that emergency health services are located as close as possible to the population. A retired consultant from Withybush hospital has reviewed the number of mortalities among babies in Pembrokeshire, and the review shows that the situation has deteriorated since the maternity services were centralised in Glangwili hospital...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. And I’m delighted to have the opportunity to present an autism Bill to the Assembly. I’d like to put on record my appreciation to the Commission staff who have supported me in this process, and helped put together the accompanying explanatory memorandum. I’d also like to put on record my sincere thanks to the National Autistic Society Cymru for their outstanding support...
Paul Davies: At the very heart of these proposals is to ensure that the provision is there to meet the needs of the 34,000 autistic people in Wales, and also to ensure that autism is given its own statutory identity. The intention of this Bill is to secure consistent and continued provision of all autism services across Wales. At present, the current autism strategic action plan is only in place until...
Paul Davies: Yes, I will in a minute. We all know that it’s so crucial that pathways are in place for families as soon as they’ve visited their GP, as early intervention is vital in developing the right support for someone diagnosed with autism. It’s my view that any pathways established should include a basic awareness campaign, so that families really understand what services and support are...
Paul Davies: Absolutely, and that’s why we need clear pathways so that people understand what services and what support are actually available, and health boards then will know what services they should be delivering in their local communities. Of course, a key aspect of this proposed Bill requires staff working with people with autism to receive autism training, and I know that this is an issue that...
Paul Davies: Yes, I will give way.
Paul Davies: Well, I’m grateful to the Member for Swansea East for his support, and I agree with everything that he has just said. Now, it’s absolutely essential to encourage co-operation between agencies and workforce training to best support those with autism in Wales. It’s my view that an autism Bill would work with the additional learning needs Bill and other wider work undertaken by the Welsh...
Paul Davies: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. And can I thank Members for their contributions this afternoon? We’ve heard some very useful and thoughtful contributions on an issue that is very important, given the sheer volume of people affected by autism in Wales, and I apologise from the outset that I will not be able to refer to everyone’s comments, given the time available to me. Now, we’ve...
Paul Davies: 3. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote Pembrokeshire as a tourist destination? OAQ(5)0658(FM)
Paul Davies: The Welsh Government has earmarked this year as the Year of Legends, and certainly Pembrokeshire has its fair share of cultural history, which includes assets such as St David’s cathedral and Castell Henllys et cetera. It’s extremely important that every part of Wales receives a fair share of funding in order to celebrate the Year of Legends. So, can you tell us how you, as a Government,...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. I want to put on record this afternoon my extreme disappointment at the changes that are taking place in relation to the reallocation of committee Chairs following Mark Reckless’s decision to leave the UKIP group and join the Welsh Conservative group. Now, the Presiding Officer—[Interruption.] Now, the Presiding Officer made it quite clear—[Interruption.] The Presiding...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. If this motion is passed without due regard for the entire political balance, then it has become clear that two thirds of the Assembly no longer support a balanced Assembly that reflects the political balance of its Members. Therefore, in closing, Llywydd, I believe that this is a very sad day indeed for the National Assembly and its operations. I sincerely hope that future...
Paul Davies: Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement this afternoon and for giving me an opportunity to meet with officials earlier on today? I’d like to state, for the record, that my parents-in-law’s farm has been affected by bovine TB over the last 15 years, and I know from personal experience just how devastating this particular disease is. We, on this side of the Chamber, welcome...
Paul Davies: First Minister, it’s important that the Welsh Government does create the right conditions in order to develop an education workforce that is able to provide for a broad range of additional learning needs, including those suffering from hearing loss, and I’m sure you’ll be aware of the demands to add British Sign Language to the national curriculum. So, can you give us an update on the...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, in your written statement regarding your meeting at the recent EU fisheries council to discuss European fishing opportunities for 2017, you referred to securing a modest increase to allow catches of 250 kg per month for netters in relation to commercial sea bass fishing. Can you provide an assessment of the impact this action has had in the first part of this year, and can...
