Janet Finch-Saunders: It's called failure.
Janet Finch-Saunders: Well, we'd certainly use the money that we get here, coming into Wales, we'd actually use it far more effectively, far more efficiently, and we would provide a good transport service. When devolution was first mooted, the links between north and south were going to be made far simpler. This was going to be the democratic heart of Wales. Well, I can tell you now it's a darn sight worse trying...
Janet Finch-Saunders: A well-connected, integrated travel network that's affordable and modern for Wales, is that really too much to ask? Well, it seems so. Transport underpins the functioning of any society. It plays a fundamental role in enabling access to work, learning, health services, social and cultural activities. If our access to transport options is not questioned, then we will continue to see an...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Will you take an intervention?
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you very much, Peredur. You’re quite right to outline that, 10 years ago, the UK Government brought in community asset transfers, community right to buy, and really, it was a very good piece of legislation that we wanted to see here in Wales. In fact, I myself raised it numerous times when I was shadow Cabinet Secretary, as they were called then, for local government. And it’s fair...
Janet Finch-Saunders: It's fair to say that if the Welsh Conservatives were in Government and had your levers, then we'd actually be using them. Now, despite England and Northern Ireland having the Office for Environmental Protection, Scotland having environmental standards, here in Wales we are still relying on temporary arrangements that WEL and Healthy Air Cymru have described as lacking legal powers, public...
Janet Finch-Saunders: —14 months ago, still has not been published.
Janet Finch-Saunders: No, just the one question. Tell us why the report's not been—
Janet Finch-Saunders: The clean air—why the paper hasn't been published.
Janet Finch-Saunders: That's the beauty of spokespersons' questions—we do have some leverage.
Janet Finch-Saunders: The repeated delays by this Welsh Government are a mess, and if you don't believe me, listen to Haf Elgar, vice-chair of Healthy Air Cymru and director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, who states, 'If Wales wants to be a fair and just nation, as well as a green one, we must clean up our act now.' Wales Environment Link and Healthy Air Cymru have stated that Wales needs access to environmental...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, it is a fact that people on the lowest incomes in Wales are breathing in the most polluted air. Friends of the Earth have found that, in Wales, income-deprived areas disproportionately have the worst air pollution, and people of colour are 2.5 times more likely to live in an area with high particulate pollution, and five times more likely to live in a nitrogen...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Will the Minister provide an update on the rollout of a deposit-return scheme in Wales?
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and as you say, I move the amendment tabled in the name of Darren Millar MS. In the face of the cost-of-living crisis and the urgent need to replace fossil fuels, we need to be ambitious in our pursuit of alternative energy sources. As you know, hydrogen could actually displace natural gas in heating systems, or even be used as a storage medium for renewable...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Of course, Wales is known for one of its greatest natural assets, which has contributed towards an integral part of Wales's culture, heritage and national identity. It shapes our natural environment and landscapes, supporting biodiversity and our ecosystems. As a vital natural resource, water underpins our economy and the effective operation of infrastructure, including energy supply. Access...
Janet Finch-Saunders: A little one. It's really great working with you on these sorts of issues on the committee, alongside you. Would you agree with me that the latest fad now is plastic lawns? Of course, there's no absorption with plastic lawns. And now that we are actually going forward trying to protect our environment, I know that we can't bring policy or legislation in, but should we not, perhaps, be putting...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Certainly, going through a pregnancy and having a baby is a life-changing event. Postnatal depression, however, and other perinatal mental health problems, such as women experiencing eating problems during and after pregnancy, including possible other causes, can be incredibly dangerous to mother and baby. It is an issue I've remained very passionate about. Around one in five women experience...
Janet Finch-Saunders: A clear commitment is made in 'Stronger, fairer, greener Wales: a plan for employability and skills' to support and encourage employers to create high-quality employment whilst improving the offer to workers. One method through which you plan to do this is by delivering funding through the Development Bank of Wales to support businesses to create and sustain new jobs. Now, sustaining jobs is...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Deputy Llywydd, and thank you, Minister, for the statement. I think there's one thing we can agree on and that is the need to protect 30 per cent of our land and sea by 2030. Now, however, as you know, I've been asking, since October, what is the reason why we can't set these targets into law. You responded to me then, saying, 'I am considering the role that legislation can play in...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Trefnydd, could I have a statement, please, from the Deputy Minister for transport regarding the shocking state of the rail service in Wales? It's not that long ago since I was stood here, Llywydd, after we'd had a horrendous journey down from north to south—it took quite a few hours. But only last Monday, coming down here, I had a terrible journey. I was told the reason was that the mark 5...
