Dawn Bowden: Thank you, Deputy Minister, and can I wish you well with these new aspects of your portfolio? Now, last week, the First Minister set out the Welsh Government's strategy for Wales's place in the world and the important relationships that we're seeking to deliver for the future. Since that time, we've seen two significant events: first, the unsavoury events surrounding the outgoing President of...
Dawn Bowden: 2. Will the Deputy Minister provide an update on recent priorities for the international relations work of the Welsh Government? OQ55861
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. People are naturally relieved that we've now left the period of the firebreak. However, the data for Merthyr Tydfil does remain worrying. And while it's true, as you've already stated, that the initial indications from the firebreak appear positive in the area, we do need to continue behaving in ways that reduce the risk of infection, in the hope...
Dawn Bowden: 7. Will the First Minister make a statement on the most recent COVID-19 infection data in the Merthyr Tydfil local authority area? OQ55843
Dawn Bowden: Will the Minister provide an update on investment in the NHS estate in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney?
Dawn Bowden: Will the Minister make a statement on improving access to crisis care services in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board?
Dawn Bowden: Llywydd, when we first went into lockdown in March and passed emergency legislation against so many of our natural, democratic instincts, I said then—and I'll say it again now—I didn't come to this place to make decisions like that, but, in times of crisis, the most difficult decisions have to be made. That's our duty. That means that we can't hide or shirk those difficult decisions. We...
Dawn Bowden: —you answered that in your answer to Helen Mary. Thank you.
Dawn Bowden: Can I thank you, Deputy Minister, and express my appreciation for the support given by Welsh Government over recent months to maintain an essential network of bus services in our communities? The decision to impose a firebreak—we all know that these challenges are going to continue for many months to come, and, of course, as you've outlined, in the short term, we'll be returning to public...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, First Minister, and I thank you for your personal commitment to this issue. The recent report by End Youth Homelessness Cymru highlighted a number of housing issues for young people in and leaving care, including the impact of the local connection rules on their choice of home. Will the Welsh Government look in detail at this report and consider what further action...
Dawn Bowden: 6. Will the First Minister update the Senedd on Welsh Government housing support for children leaving care? OQ55749
Dawn Bowden: Apologies for that, Llywydd; I am now unmuted. Can I thank Alun Davies for giving me a minute of his time in this debate? I hear the case that he's set out on behalf of his constituency and the wider Valleys communities. Alun, of course, draws on considerable experience, both as the constituency member for Blaenau Gwent, and as a former Minister who grappled directly with the deep-seated...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for the update, Minister. Firstly, can I thank the oversight panel for their continuing work over recent months and note that the review says that the health board have kept to their commitment to review maternity services in Cwm Taf, and that is to be welcomed? Like you, I'd like to thank all of those involved in delivering those improvements. Secondly, to place on record again my...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. Following concerns that were raised with me, I've also recently written to the courts and tribunal service seeking assurance that their operational practices remain in line with Welsh COVID rules. I do, of course, understand that the courts service is under considerable pressure at the moment, but I was disturbed to hear that people appearing before...
Dawn Bowden: 1. What discussions has the Welsh Government had with Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service about tackling the spread of COVID-19 on the courts' estate in Wales? OQ55713
Dawn Bowden: Can I thank everybody who's contributed to the debate this afternoon for the largely supportive comments that have been made? Siân, Huw, Dai, the Llywydd and the Minister have all identified some of the key aspects of the report around equality and diversity, political consensus, new ways of working, scrutiny, better legislation, and the need for a stronger Parliament. That is all what this...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, acting Presiding Officer. I'd like to start by thanking the Business Committee for scheduling this debate today, because within the context of the COVID pandemic, of course, it's been right that the majority of the Senedd business is focused on how we can support our people, our communities and our economy in these unprecedented times. Nevertheless, the constitutional issues...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, acting Deputy Presiding Officer, and can I also thank Jack Sargeant for tabling this really important motion, which I'm very happy to support? I'd like to start by setting some context for my contribution, hopefully without repeating what others have said, and then to explain why I believe this is an idea whose time is coming, and why it would benefit communities like those I...
Dawn Bowden: Can I thank you, Deputy Minister, for the town centre funds that the Welsh Government has allocated in recent weeks? But one issue that I've been seeking further clarification on is the use of these funds in smaller centres outside of the main town centre of Merthyr Tydfil, in my constituency. For example, local centres like Rhymney, Merthyr Vale, Quaker's Yard, Cefn Coed and...
Dawn Bowden: Thank you, acting Presiding Officer. Can I thank you, Minister, for your statement and for the additional information you've given us today because I'm sure that the further grants and support that you've announced will assist a number of businesses in my constituency, many of which— particularly in the hospitality sector—have contacted me expressing serious concern about how they can...
