Paul Davies: Trefnydd, I'd be grateful if we could have a statement from the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership on action that the Welsh Government is taking to recruit and keep retained firefighters in the workforce in Wales. You may be aware that there are 125 vacancies in mid and west Wales, a situation that Roger Thomas, chief fire officer for mid and west Wales, is right to say is unsustainable,...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. I'm pleased to move the motion, tabled in the name of my colleague Darren Millar. As Members will be aware, next Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and it gives me great pleasure to open a debate on the importance of small businesses to Welsh communities and the economy. Now in its tenth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday returns with a mission—to support and...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. Trefnydd, can I just echo the comments of the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and also call for a statement from the climate change Minister on the support offered to energy-intensive industries to help businesses reduce their greenhouse gas emissions cost effectively and move to greener practices? I’m sure you’ll agree that Welsh industry has a crucial...
Paul Davies: The next item is item 9, and it's the Plaid Cymru debate on nurses' pay, and I call on Rhun ap Iorwerth to move the motion.
Paul Davies: The proposal is to note the committee's report. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Paul Davies: I call on John Griffiths to reply to the debate.
Paul Davies: I call on the Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt.
Paul Davies: I agree with you, Deputy Minister, that the opportunities presented by floating offshore wind are enormous. As you know, I am a supporter of the transformational bid for the Celtic free port, which I believe would play a huge role in developing a greener and more sustainable future here in Wales. Of course, it's vital that all marine development projects are strategically placed to protect...
Paul Davies: 4. Will the Minister make a statement on the opportunities presented by the development of floating offshore wind power in Wales? OQ58727
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and can I thank Members for contributing to this afternoon's debate? We've heard strong views from Members today on the challenges faced by workers, businesses and communities across Wales. As the Minister has rightly said, more has happened since we published our report in July than we could ever have imagined, but we all agree that we want to support our constituents...
Paul Davies: Now, our report contains 27 recommendations in five areas. We focused on: the support that was available from the Welsh Government and the UK Government in May and June of this year, and where the gaps were; the pressures on households at that time; the pressure on the workforce; the impact on rural communities; and the pressure on businesses. I'm pleased that 23 of the recommendations were...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the motion tabled in my name. Dirprwy Lywydd, last week we debated our report on the recovery of the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors in Wales, and how the cost of living and the cost of doing business was affecting them. This week, we debate our report into some of the most pressing issues our communities face: how cost-of-living pressures have been...
Paul Davies: Thank you for that response, Minister.
Paul Davies: Minister, you'll be aware that demand for an autism assessment continues to be high in west Wales, with waiting times of up to three years. Indeed, I understand that the health board met with Welsh Government officials in July to identify possible funding to assist in waiting list initiatives. Therefore, Minister, can you tell us what support the Welsh Government is offering to Hywel Dda...
Paul Davies: 8. Will the Minister make a statement on the delivery of health services in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area? OQ58688
Paul Davies: Can I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon? The football world cup in Qatar does present us with an opportunity to showcase Wales on the international stage, and it's right that the Welsh Government is actively using the event to develop economic opportunities and to travel to the event itself. I'm also pleased to hear that the Welsh Government has raised serious concerns about...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I thank Members for taking part in this debate this afternoon? Members have all touched on how the retail, tourism and hospitality industries sit at the heart of all of our communities, and that's why it's so important that the Welsh Government really understands and responds to the challenges facing these sectors. Implementing the right policies at the right...
Paul Davies: And I think I speak for all on the committee when I say that it was quite moving to hear the participants speak so passionately about working in their local communities and where they grew up. Clearly, there is a great sense of pride in working in Wales's vibrant visitor economy, and that is why action is needed now to ensure that working in these sectors can offer secure and fulfilling...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I move the motion tabled in my name. Dirprwy Lywydd, the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors are really at the heart of our nation. Their importance to supporting and enhancing life in Wales will be clear to everyone in this Chamber. Whether it's in the form of a bustling high street, a nice country pub, or a restaurant selling locally produced food cooked by...
Paul Davies: As I understand it, there has been a case of avian influenza in my constituency, and it's crucial, therefore, that everything is done to stop the disease spreading further across Pembrokeshire and indeed across the rest of Wales. Of course, it's vital that the Welsh Government works collaboratively with other Governments across the UK on this matter. Therefore, can the Minister update us on...
