Lynne Neagle: Minister, just like in RCT, Torfaen environmental health department and public protection staff have been working incredibly hard, undertaking spot checks on supermarkets in the borough. Will you join me in congratulating and commending the public protection team for their hard work? But will you redouble your efforts to emphasise to supermarkets, at a senior management level, that they have...
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, Minister. As you know, I'm particularly concerned about the impact of restrictions on visiting in care homes on people living with dementia. There's growing evidence that the first lockdown led to people living with dementia dying from dementia, not from COVID, because they were cut off from loved ones. Now, as we face a prolonged winter of restrictions, I think that Welsh...
Lynne Neagle: First Minister, the evidence is unequivocal that the first 1,000 days of a child's life, from pregnancy to age two, lays foundations for a healthy and happy life. The recent 'Babies in Lockdown' report from the Parent—Infant Foundation highlighted the stark impact that COVID has had on families and babies, and also that families already at risk of poor outcomes have suffered the most,...
Lynne Neagle: 2. What assessment has the First Minister made of the impact of the ongoing pandemic on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life in Wales? OQ55717
Lynne Neagle: 1. How is the Welsh Government upholding the human rights of older people through the COVID-19 pandemic? OQ55705
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, Minister. The recent letter from Lord Frost to car manufacturers, ruling out any third-country cumulations as part of the trade deal, is a hugely concerning development. The sector has already warned of the devastating impact of a potential 'no deal' endpoint, and now it appears they are facing being cut out of any deal that might be possible, as the UK Government pursues other...
Lynne Neagle: 1. What discussions has the Counsel General had about the impact of Brexit on the automotive sector in Wales? OQ55659
Lynne Neagle: First Minister, thank you for that. We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on children and young people, and I very much welcome the commitment in the COVID reconstruction plan you published today that you will make sure that our young people do not lose out educationally or economically, and that you will support all of our young people to stay in education. Many young people who...
Lynne Neagle: 1. What steps is the First Minister taking to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people in Wales? OQ55668
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, Minister. I know that you are very well aware that I share the concerns raised by other Members about the mental health of higher education students at this very difficult time, and also that the committee has written to all vice-chancellors in Wales to seek assurances about support for students. But what I wanted to ask about today was specifically suicide prevention. I was very...
Lynne Neagle: 4. What steps is the Minister taking to support the mental health of higher education students in Wales? OQ55617
Lynne Neagle: First Minister, the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone's mental health, and many of us have got through it because cases were coming down, and we could see a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm deeply worried about the impact of a long and difficult winter on everyone's mental health, particularly those cut off from family and friends' support, and our NHS and social care staff. You said...
Lynne Neagle: What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding additional budget allocations for the health portfolio due to COVID-19?
Lynne Neagle: Minister, I'd like to ask for two statements, the first from the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs on social distancing and other safety measures in supermarkets. Because of the worsening coronavirus situation, some supermarkets have already reintroduced queues, one-way systems et cetera, but it is crucial that the Welsh Government brings whatever pressure is necessary to...
Lynne Neagle: —that's been produced with Childline, which is very helpful: you have the right to remain safe. Can I ask you what you're doing to ensure that all children and young people in Wales have access to that very useful leaflet? Thank you.
Lynne Neagle: Can I thank you for your statement, Minister, and also place on record my thanks to not just the school staff, but also staff in LEAs who've worked really hard to get the children back to school? It is really wonderful to have them back there. I welcome your assurance on the issue of testing that you're having very regular discussions with the health Minister. As you'll be aware, there have...
Lynne Neagle: First Minister, as you know, the failure of some supermarkets in Wales to observe social distancing regulations in Wales has been a source of continued concern to myself and my constituents. And while I appreciate the efforts of local authorities to enforce these regulations, I'd like to ask you for an update today on Welsh Government efforts to really drive home that message to supermarkets,...
Lynne Neagle: First Minister, I was very encouraged by your answer earlier to Adam Price, as I'm personally very keen to see the Welsh Government commit to a zero-COVID strategy for Wales. I was also very heartened by your restatement of your commitment to prioritise the reopening of schools. Of course, the other point that the Children's Commissioner for England made was that schools should be the first...
Lynne Neagle: Hefin, can I thank you for your very powerful and heartfelt contribution? I recognise that that wouldn't have been an easy speech to make, but our deliberations and consideration of these matters are all the stronger for having you share those contributions with us. And just to assure you that the concerns about ALN provision are something that the committee are continuing to focus on;...
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, acting Presiding Officer. Can I thank all the Members who've contributed to this very important debate? I'll try and respond to as many points as I can. Thank you, Janet, for your contribution and for your articulation of some of the very significant challenges that children and young people have faced in the pandemic, and you referred to the children's commissioner's survey and...
