Paul Davies: Minister, as I know you're aware, I've been contacted by local dentists in my constituency who are frustrated at the lack of support that they've received during the pandemic, as they've incurred substantial costs in order to treat local patients and help offset a potential crisis in oral health by providing vital care to local people. I know that we've corresponded on this matter a few times...
Paul Davies: 7. Will the Minister make a statement on the delivery of dental services in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area? OQ56306
Paul Davies: Trefnydd, can I request a statement from the health Minister about the vaccination of adults with learning disabilities in residential settings? I heard what the First Minister said in response to an earlier question about the prioritisation of people with learning disabilities, because people with learning disabilities are more likely to be at serious risk of complications should they catch...
Paul Davies: What additional financial support will the Welsh Government provide to businesses in Pembrokeshire during the pandemic?
Paul Davies: Trefnydd, could I please request an oral statement from the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on tourism in Wales and the steps being taken to plan for the reopening of the sector? Now, as you'll be aware, tourism plays a huge role in my constituency, and supports many local jobs in the area. Sadly, businesses across Pembrokeshire continue...
Paul Davies: Well, I’m grateful to you for that response, Minister. You may be aware that the online well-being and mental health counselling service for young people has been launched by the Hywel Dda University Health Board, and this digital service is a huge step forward. Young people will be able to receive anonymous support in counselling and peer-to-peer services, as well as to access a broad...
Paul Davies: 7. Will the Minister make a statement on the level of mental health support that will be provided to the people of Pembrokeshire for the next 12 months? OQ56129
Paul Davies: Well, First Minister, if it's your policy to get the vaccines into people's arms as quickly as possible, why on earth did you actually say that you wanted to roll out the vaccines over a period of time? Because that is just a confusing message. And, Llywydd, whilst the Welsh Government may be happy with its go-slow approach, the people of Wales are far from happy; they want to see action and...
Paul Davies: Well, I put it to you, First Minister, something as important as the roll-out of the vaccinations should have been discussed at Cabinet level and should have been minuted, I would have thought. The Welsh Government has had months to develop a strategy that ensures people in priority groups all over Wales receive their vaccination. And instead, what we've seen is patchy and inconsistent...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, in November, the Welsh Government held six Cabinet meetings, and yet in the published minutes a range of issues were discussed, such as the Welsh Government's transport strategy, the building safety White Paper and even broadening the role of firefighters. However, there's not one single item on vaccines or vaccinations tabled or raised for discussion. Given...
Paul Davies: First Minister, the Welsh Government's COVID-19 vaccination strategy also confirms that the number of mass vaccination centres across Wales will be increasing to 35 over the coming weeks, with at least one in each county. Given that the Welsh Government started with seven centres five weeks ago, there is at least some progress on this front, however, it is absolutely critical, which I'm sure...
Paul Davies: Well, First Minister, the health Minister was absolutely right to say that it was a race, and that's why it's crucial that, when doses are received, they are administered as quickly as possible to those in priority groups across Wales. It's clear that the Welsh Government must urgently accelerate the roll-out of the vaccine in Wales if we have any chance of seriously suppressing this virus in...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, the Welsh Government's vaccine strategy has confirmed that 280,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 47,000 of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine have now been received here in Wales, and yet we know that only around 91,000 doses have been administered. And we know, as of yesterday, 2.7 per cent of the population of Wales has been vaccinated, compared to 3 per cent...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd, and I move the amendment tabled in the name of Darren Millar. Can I first of all say that I am pleased that the First Minister requested the Senedd recall to discuss this important matter? And I'm also pleased that Members will now be given the opportunity later to discuss COVID-19, given the seriousness of the situation facing us at the moment. But the First Minister talks...
Paul Davies: Thank you for that response, Minister. Now, recent figures tell us that poor housing costs the Welsh NHS around £95 million per year in the first five years of treatment charges and costs Welsh society over £1 billion a year. Now, we can't afford to lose sight of that as, clearly, investing in good quality housing demonstrates there is a proven return on investment in health benefits....
Paul Davies: Thank you for that response, First Minister. Of course, it's deeply regrettable that Wales is at the point where further nationwide restrictions will be implemented to combat the dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, and this will be a bitter blow for many people across Wales who have complied with Government restrictions all year long and now face further restrictions on their...
Paul Davies: Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s proposals to introduce further restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic? (EQ0008)
Paul Davies: 6. What are the Welsh Government's housing priorities for Preseli Pembrokeshire? OQ56025
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the amendment tabled in the name of my colleague Darren Millar. I'm pleased that the Welsh Government will be supporting our amendment this afternoon. It's deeply worrying to see that cases in Wales are continuing to rise, and so I'm pleased that the Welsh Government has brought forward this debate and published a coronavirus control plan, so that communities...
Paul Davies: I'm grateful to the Deputy Minister for that response. Now, as you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit many charities across Wales very, very hard and had a huge impact on their funding streams. Now, this is particularly important for medical research charities, and some estimates suggest that the pandemic may set medical research back by as much as 10 years. Can you tell us what the Welsh...
