Jayne Bryant: This week is Dementia Action Week. It's predicted that by 2055 there will be over 100,000 people in Wales living with dementia. It's vital that as a nation we increase our awareness and understanding of dementia to break down stigma and support people to live well in their communities for as long as possible. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. The disease doesn't discriminate. It...
Jayne Bryant: Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. Thank you very much to everybody who's spoken today. I really do appreciate all of your contributions, and I encourage all Members of this Chamber to engage with the committee's work over the coming months to ensure that no inappropriate behaviour has any place in this Assembly. Again, as I've said, and a number of you have picked up on, it is really a positive step in...
Jayne Bryant: I think you'll find that if you have a read of the policy—
Jayne Bryant: As I say, I'd like to stress that this work is ongoing. I do not want to predict the outcome of the committee's deliberations, but will briefly outline the broad intentions of the committee. We are convinced of the need to ensure that individuals feel able and willing to come forward and discuss their concerns. To do this, the committee is seeking input into the inquiry from a wide range of...
Jayne Bryant: Yes.
Jayne Bryant: Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. I am pleased to bring before the Assembly today this dignity and respect policy. It brings clarity to the provisions already in the code of conduct around the high standards of dignity and respect everyone can and should expect from contact with AMs and those associated with the Assembly. This is being put forward today as part of the standards committee’s ongoing...
Jayne Bryant: Thank you. Only 51 per cent of pensioners living alone and 25 per cent of disabled people in Wales have internet access. A lack of skills and low confidence are often the key factors preventing people from getting online. Learning how to use technology and access the internet undoubtedly reduces loneliness and social isolation among older people, by helping them to stay in touch with family...
Jayne Bryant: 2. Will the Leader of the House provide an update on how the Welsh Government is promoting digital inclusion in Wales? OAQ52188
Jayne Bryant: The sixtieth anniversary of the Life Peerages Act 1958 was commemorated last week. One of those instrumental in campaigning for equality in both Houses of Parliament was Margaret Mackworth, Lady Rhondda. A suffragette and a lifelong campaigner for equality of women, she died in 1958, months after the Life Peerages Act was passed, and five years before the Peerage Act 1963 allowed women like...
Jayne Bryant: I'd like to thank Hefin David for raising this today and, as has been said, there's no doubt that this goes against the Welsh Government's plans for jobs closer to home. It will mean relocating 365 jobs from the heart of Newport, which will have a knock-on effect on the local economy and the footfall in the city centre. The staff at Sovereign House deserve better, and so do all the staff in...
Jayne Bryant: What progress is being made in encouraging positive relations between young people and the police?
Jayne Bryant: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for your statement today, and I'm glad the Welsh Government's task and finish group have now completed their report. The Cabinet Secretary is aware that I, like many other Members here, have heard the heart-breaking experiences of constituents suffering from the impact of surgical pelvic mesh implants—experiences of women being left in agonising pain and with...
Jayne Bryant: Thank you, First Minister. The value of homes in Newport has grown by 4.7 per cent in the last year, with the average house price now in Newport over £185,000. The Welsh Government's Help to Buy scheme has helped over 1,200 first-time buyers to purchase their homes in Newport, and that's one fifth of all Help to Buy homes purchased in Wales. With the removal of the Severn bridge tolls fast...
Jayne Bryant: 5. Will the First Minister provide an update on the impact of the Help to Buy—Wales scheme? OAQ52155
Jayne Bryant: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for that response and for attending the Newport business summit, which I hosted last week. The summit brought together businesses and public sector leaders from across the city, and their ambition and positivity about Newport as a place to do business was evident. Collaboration and partnership is key, and I know that the Cabinet Secretary is keen to engage and...
Jayne Bryant: 6. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote its economic action plan within the business community? OAQ52092
Jayne Bryant: Leader of the house, I'd ask for two statements. Do you know when we could expect an update on the surgical use of vaginal mesh in the NHS? I've raised this a number of times in the Chamber and I understand that a task and finish group is due to report soon. I think it would be appropriate if we had a statement following that in the Chamber. The second statement I'd ask for is on animal...
Jayne Bryant: Thank you, leader of the house. Newport has a rich cultural history dating back 2,000 years, and included in that is Caerleon, which was one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain, dating back to the first century AD. It's home to the most complete amphitheatre in the UK, impressive fortress baths, and the only remainder of Roman legionary barracks on view anywhere in Europe. The...
Jayne Bryant: 8. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote heritage tourism in south-east Wales? OAQ52109
Jayne Bryant: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies are well documented. However, it's really important that new mums receive the support that they need. Last year, I was really proud to attend the maternity unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital to see Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board receive the prestigious Baby Friendly award, and to pay tribute to the midwives and...