Carolyn Thomas: In order for the future of the port of Holyhead to flourish, good communications infrastructure based on fibre broadband will be needed in order to meet demand. I have been contacted by FibreSpeed, who already have installed a point of presence close to where the proposed customs and excise building is to be built. I've been told their technology could help frictionless transport of goods and...
Carolyn Thomas: The Welsh Labour Government has consistently led the way in tackling climate change. It was the first to declare a climate emergency and it has led the way to our nation being the third best in the world at recycling, and committed to protecting biodiversity, and raised awareness of the nature emergency along with the climate emergency. This dedication to making real change has been seen...
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for that answer. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting schools across north Wales virtually and hearing the issues that are important to them. I have been contacted by the parent of a child in Ysgol Bryn Coch in Mold, who is disappointed that the child will be unable to visit the Senedd for an education visit in person during a school trip to Cardiff. I believe they fit it in with...
Carolyn Thomas: Post COVID, we need to encourage people to come back to using public transport as well. So, would you, Deputy Minister, make funding available for local authorities to be able to invest in properly advertising the metro, advertising timetables for buses and what's available for people, so they can gain confidence in using public transport again? Thank you.
Carolyn Thomas: Yes, this is it: so, I'm asking can we have metro signage so people will understand the investment made in park and ride, the cycle links—how they all link together—investment in stations as well. I think that's really important. And, also, post COVID—
Carolyn Thomas: As a previous cabinet member for Flintshire, I'd like to say that the Welsh Government has made huge investment in the north Wales metro, providing £17 million of funding to local authorities over the last year alone, and I've seen investment in cycle lanes, park and ride, electric buses, right across the region of north Wales. We've also put—. I know Flintshire's also put in a bid for the...
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for your answer, Counsel General. I believe it is vital that legal education in Wales is firmly placed within the Welsh context and focuses on building an awareness of Welsh law. Ahead of the forthcoming meeting of the proposed members of its executive committee, can you outline your priorities for the remit of the law council?
Carolyn Thomas: 2. Will the Counsel General outline how the Welsh Government has been working with the legal sector to establish a Law Council of Wales? OQ57055
Carolyn Thomas: 1. What is the Commission doing to engage with schools in North Wales? OQ57053
Carolyn Thomas: —is leading the way in tackling biodiversity loss. But I was concerned to hear that two of the three scientists I met would see their funding cut, one in March and one in June next year, because it comes from the European agricultural fund, which comes to an end. Does the Minister agree with me that the funding announced today shows Welsh Government's commitment, which is great, but concern...
Carolyn Thomas: I really welcome today's funding announcement. Across the UK, we've seen a 44 per cent decline of 770 species as a result of habitat loss and environmental challenges. The nature networks fund demonstrates quite clearly that the Welsh Government is leading the way in tackling the biodiversity and nature crisis we face. The climate emergency and nature crisis need to be treated with the same...
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. I welcome the Welsh Labour Government's commitment to creating a stronger and better-paid workforce, and in particular the decision that care workers should be paid the real living wage and that this will be delivered during the current Senedd. I have been contacted by residents working in the sector who love their job, but the last few years have...
Carolyn Thomas: 2. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to deliver a fair deal for social care staff? OQ57009
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for that answer, Minister. I know many people in the local area are excited at the prospect of this designation, which will provide recognition of the park's unique natural beauty and heritage. It will provide a boost to manage tourism and help to create sustainable jobs. In 2000, the Scottish Labour Government introduced a National Parks (Scotland) Act of just 41 pages, which was a...
Carolyn Thomas: As a Flintshire councillor, and previous streetscene and highways cabinet member, and also a member of the committee you mentioned earlier, I'm aware of the significant funding across the region—metro funding. However, to raise awareness and increase engagement across north Wales, we need to have delivery of the distinctive metro branding linking the stations, bus transport, cycle routes...
Carolyn Thomas: 3. Will the Minister provide an update on Welsh Government plans to designate the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley as a national park? OQ56955
Carolyn Thomas: Over the last 10 years, I have seen developers landbanking and abandoning brownfield sites that have previous industrial uses for easier-to-develop green land. The brownfield sites cause issues then for the local community. Some have dangerous buildings, unkept trees and fencing adjacent to the highways and private properties. Run-off of water and contamination to highway drains make a...
Carolyn Thomas: Will the First Minister provide an update on Welsh Government plans to designate the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley as a national park?
Carolyn Thomas: I believe that increasing productivity and efficiency as a measure is just going too far now. The rate of work-related stress, depression and anxiety continues to rise across the UK. A quarter of all sick days last year were the result of workload, costing businesses and the public sector billions of pounds. We are facing a mental health crisis, and Members on all sides know that we simply...
Carolyn Thomas: What support has the Welsh Government put in place for voluntary organisations in North Wales?
