Siân Gwenllian: It's this problem of schools that are in deprived areas, schools that aren't reaching the necessary standards, and the risks for them as they try to put an entirely new curriculum in place. I do want an assurance from you that equality within the policy will be given more prominence in the discussions on the curriculum from here on in. And the third point, and the final point in a way, is the...
Siân Gwenllian: So, clearly, we do need to focus in on that, that lack of connectivity between the vision and the practice that will be expected within schools. There's no doubt that that's a major challenge in the face of inadequate funding. As the children and young people committee has highlighted, there isn't enough funding reaching our schools. Therefore, the challenge of ensuring that the curriculum...
Siân Gwenllian: 'To ensure the intentions of the new curriculum translate into practice, it is essential for Wales to address several issues, including a lack of deep understanding of what successful realisation of the curriculum might look like in practice'.
Siân Gwenllian: It is true to say that the OECD report is useful and does highlight important and crucial issues; issues and concerns that are already being discussed by stakeholders in Wales. It's true to say that there are no surprises, as the education Minister said, but the report does underline the fact that there is a great deal of work still to be done, that the issues and concerns are very real and...
Siân Gwenllian: I'm going to ask for something very simple from the Trefnydd. I would like a phone call. I was given to understand that a new testing centre was to be established in Bangor, but that's still a fortnight away, and nobody is entirely clear of the details, including who will be allowed to go there for testing. There is a lack of clarity in my constituency as to where it's possible to get a test...
Siân Gwenllian: Will the First MInister make a statement on support for outdoor education centres in Arfon?
Siân Gwenllian: We have welcomed far more visitors than usual to tourist areas in my constituency this year. They have brought a boost of a second summer to the local economy, but the experience for the visitor and the local population hasn't always been pleasant—parking problems; travel problems; long queues, and not just on the top of Snowdon; there are also litter problems. These all have a negative...
Siân Gwenllian: 3. What discussions is the Welsh Government having with relevant partners about visitor experiences in Wales in 2021? OQ55621
Siân Gwenllian: We have brought forward a detailed and comprehensive motion before the Senedd today, and the intention is to move the debate away from the problem and to the solutions and the need to take urgent action at a time where there are clear signs that the issue is intensifying. We know that local people are being shut out of the housing market in communities across Wales and that that is...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you.
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much. Yesterday, I had an opportunity to discuss this significant court judgment with the Counsel General. There are two significant aspects with regard to this judgment and the Welsh language, and one—the one that we were discussing yesterday—is the right to a Welsh education within a reasonable distance of the home. Now, I'm raising another matter that was part of that...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much. We look forward to seeing that work coming to fruition, because I’m sure you’ll agree that the newspaper industry and having a prosperous sector is vital to public life and democracy in Wales. So, I’m pleased to hear what you say today on that. May I turn to one other area to conclude? Last Thursday, I believe it was, the Welsh Government announced a fund for...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much. I note that you haven’t answered my question with regard to the freelance taskforce and their recommendations in the report—
Siân Gwenllian: May I turn to another issue, namely journalism? I’d like to know what discussions you have had with regard to the future of English-medium print journalism in Wales. Have you been discussing with Reach, for example? I’d like to know how the Government can provide support—at arm’s length of course, but support despite that—to the English-medium print industry.
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd. The funding problems of the arts sector as a result of COVID continue, and I think that you agree with me that freelance workers are specifically under a great deal of pressure. You told the culture committee of the Senedd that the £7 million for freelance workers in the cultural sector wasn’t sufficient. And I’m sure you’ve seen the comprehensive...
Siân Gwenllian: 1. Will the Commission make a statement on the status of the Welsh language in the Senedd's work in light of the administrative court’s judgement in the case of Driver v. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council? OQ55557
Siân Gwenllian: I too would like to thank everyone working in this important sector for their contributions over the past few months in caring for children, including children of some of our care workers, so that they could continue to maintain front-line services. Unfortunately, half of the providers had to close their doors, but now many have reopened, as you mentioned. But 12 per cent continue to be...
Siân Gwenllian: I’ve already talked about the significance of the judgment made by Judge Fraser in the case of the Pontypridd schools, and the decision has been welcomed from supporters of the Welsh language in the legal profession. Michael Imperato, in a recent discussion on the adjudication, talked of the ripple effect that that case would have. Can you confirm how you as a Government will inform public...
Siân Gwenllian: This judgment was made by Judge Fraser over the summer, wasn't it, and was a success for a group that is fighting to keep schools open in the Pontypridd catchment area, including Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pont Siôn Norton. The deficient decision taken by Rhondda Cynon Taf council meant that a disadvantaged community could have been excluded from Welsh-medium education, and the council now needs...
Siân Gwenllian: 7. What assessment has the Counsel General made of the administrative court’s judgement in the case of Driver v. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council? OQ55555
