Paul Davies: I want to reiterate my huge thanks to all front line essential workers who continue to do a fantastic job in keeping us all safe. Can I also convey my condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic? Like you, First Minister, I send my best wishes to the Prime Minister and to Alun Davies, and I wish them a speedy recovery. Now, First Minister, over the weekend, the newly...
Paul Davies: Two very brief issues I just want to raise with you, Minister—first of all, I'm sure you'd have seen the concerns raised last night in the media by the Tenovus cancer charity, who are extremely worried that hundreds of cancer patients in Wales could die because of delays in treatment and screening as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Of course, I fully understand the Government's need...
Paul Davies: First Minister, alongside reprioritising the Government's finances, it's absolutely critical that the Government urgently addresses how it best supports and protects the most vulnerable in Wales from the threat of coronavirus. I know your statement refers to support for vulnerable people, and I'm pleased that some progress is being made, but can you tell us what work the Welsh Government has...
Paul Davies: Sorry. Can you hear me now?
Paul Davies: Ah, right. Right. So, as I was saying, First Minister, can you therefore tell us when you'll be bringing forward this supplementary budget? Have Ministers undertaken those financial reviews of their portfolios to ascertain where funding could be better prioritised? And, in relation to third sector grant funding, can you confirm that the current allocations of funding, which you referred to in...
Paul Davies: [Inaudible.]—join the COVID-19 core group this morning. As I said in accepting the invitation, I'm of course happy to take part in these discussions but, as I'm sure you'll understand, should they interfere with the scrutiny of the Government's work then I'll have to reconsider my role in attending them. Now, last week, I asked you about the Welsh Government's efforts to reprioritise its...
Paul Davies: I'm pleased to be able to take part in this extremely important debate this afternoon. The powers that are contained within this Bill are, under the circumstances, given we're in extraordinary times, entirely appropriate and will, hopefully, give the Welsh Government additional tools that will help better equip the Government for the coming weeks and months. Admittedly, there are some...
Paul Davies: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and can I thank you, First Minister, for your statement this morning? And can I also thank you for the regular briefings you've given me over the last few weeks during this unprecedented time? As I've said before, we must put our political differences aside so that we work together to tackle this virus. Can I also take this opportunity to thank everyone...
Paul Davies: First Minister, I've previously raised the impact that coronavirus could have on Wales's social care sector with you. As the threat of the virus increases, it's more important than ever that those providing care to people living in care homes have access to the latest guidance and advice available. You quite rightly said that Wales's social care sector is dominated by small owners of one or...
Paul Davies: First Minister, as the number of cases of coronavirus continues to increase, so too does the demand for hospital treatment, and I know the Welsh Government has agreed a framework of actions so that the health service can start accelerating its decision making. That framework will hopefully allow for services and beds to be reallocated and for staff to be redeployed and retrained in particular...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, it's vitally important that we all put party politics to one side and work together in the public interest as the threat of coronavirus increases, and so can I thank you for the ongoing briefings and communication on this matter, and can I make it absolutely clear that my colleagues and I will do all that we can to work with the Government to tackle the...
Paul Davies: Minister, to improve services in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area, it's essential that vital services are as accessible as possible to local people, and that includes services being based at Withybush hospital. Can you therefore tell us what discussions you've had with Hywel Dda University Health Board about the provision of services at Withybush hospital, as well as any discussions...
Paul Davies: 8. Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government will improve health services in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area over the next 12 months? OAQ55197
Paul Davies: First Minister, of course, I'm pleased that the UK Government and the Welsh Government have worked together on legislation to strengthen the Welsh Government's powers on matters like quarantining and mass gatherings, and, as you're already aware, some schools in Wales and across the UK have closed their doors to students at risk of coronavirus. Of course, schools are a particular problem in...
Paul Davies: First Minister, I understand now that the UK Government has established coronavirus ministerial leads across Government departments, and perhaps you could tell us if the Welsh Government is doing the same to explore all issues and impacts that the virus may have. For example, there's very little guidance or information around the public transport network, particularly given that research...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales has now risen to six and is expected to rise further. Therefore, it's absolutely crucial that any public information campaign now reaches all parts of Wales so that the public is fully aware of the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families and limit the spread of this virus. What further...
Paul Davies: First Minister, with the threat of confirmed cases in Wales thought to rise over time, it is essential that the Welsh NHS is as fully staffed as possible to treat anyone who has symptoms of the virus. Sadly, we already know that the NHS is facing significant recruitment challenges, so can you tell us what immediate steps the Welsh Government is taking to address any recruitment matters within...
Paul Davies: Of course, it's particularly important that the Welsh Government is also in discussion with all healthcare settings to ensure that the entire health and social care sector is as fully informed as possible and understands exactly how it can best treat those in its care. Now, we know from the outbreak of coronavirus, for example in Seattle, that it has prompted calls for preventative measures...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. Can I take this opportunity to thank you, First Minister, for your briefing on the coronavirus outbreak this morning? I'm pleased to see Governments and agencies working together to tackle this virus, and I'm sure you'll agree with me that it's vitally important that agencies and Governments continue to work together in the public interest. Now, it's critical, of course, that...
Paul Davies: I just want to take this opportunity to reflect on the Welsh Government's transport commitments in its programme for government, which commits the Government to improving the A40 in west Wales. Now, the Minister will know that one of my favourite subjects is talking about the A40 in Pembrokeshire, and he and others will not be surprised that I will continue to call on the Welsh Government to...
