Carwyn Jones: Thank you, Llywydd. Over the past decade, I have been presenting regular reports on the notable success of this Government in terms of improving prosperity for all. We have never been fearful, of course, of taking the route right for Wales, even if that route is different from the one taken by others, or, indeed, if we are the first to walk that particular route.
Carwyn Jones: Since the Assembly became a full legislature, we've introduced 34 Bills that have become Acts and 18 Government-proposed Measures. We've used these powers to develop a framework for growth and to deliver improvements for the people of Wales. We've led the way in the UK with legislation to introduce the first deemed consent system for organ donation. We're using legislation to protect and...
Carwyn Jones: I remember some years ago there was a spate of suicides in Bridgend—I'm sure the Member will remember it—stoked, I have to say, by the media coverage of the time, which, there's no doubt in my mind, led to so some young people taking their own lives. That was a very difficult time for the people of Bridgend, and not just the town but the entire county. So, I've seen what can happen when...
Carwyn Jones: I'd be extremely disappointed if secondary schools weren't providing the service that they're meant to provide. I think the—. I've said in the Chamber before how much money we put into the child and adolescent mental health service, but I think where the emphasis has to go now, and what we're looking at, is what happens in that gap between the counselling services and CAMHS. Many young...
Carwyn Jones: We're working with our partners to deliver a whole-system improvement to the mental health support provided to young people, building on our successful work and investment since 2015, and delivering, of course, on our 'Prosperity for All' commitments.
Carwyn Jones: First, of course, nobody argues that there should be any kind of hard border between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom—nobody's saying that they wish to see that. But of course the risk is that that might happen without any kind of deal. In the days pre the single market, there were checks at Holyhead. If I remember rightly, not everybody was checked, but there weren't any...
Carwyn Jones: Our assessment is set out in 'Securing Wales’ Future'.
Carwyn Jones: Well, I think the answer is to have a deal that works for both sides. I've said that many, many times, and the Member will know my view as to what that would look like. I think it's right to say that the suggestion of any kind of apparent political border between the island of Ireland and the island of Great Britain is anathema to the unionist parties, and it's something that we've seen, of...
Carwyn Jones: Well, should I be surprised that the department that has the responsibility for universal credit has commissioned a survey to say it's fine? I would have questions as to the objectivity—I don't know more about it—of such a survey. But let me say to him that the real effect of universal credit is this: Community Housing Cymru recently reported that housing association tenants on...
Carwyn Jones: First of all, can I add my thanks and congratulations, of course, to the fine example of co-operative working that we've seen there, helping the people who are most vulnerable at a time when they need to know which direction to go in and to find out exactly what they're entitled to. But, yes, it's quite clear to me and to many in this Chamber, that universal credit as it currently stands...
Carwyn Jones: Well, this is a matter that's still, I believe, under consultation. Of course, as happened last time around, there will be full consideration given to the comments that people make.
Carwyn Jones: Well, people are struggling, not just in Torfaen but elsewhere, because of the complexities of universal credit. The UK Government has to address these issues urgently before they proceed with any managed migration of existing benefit claimants to universal credit.
Carwyn Jones: Well, first of all, Bridgend railway station's only just been refurbished, of course, as she will know, and very well. There was a real problem there with congestion when trains were coming in and passengers not being able to get through the gates, so that's very much welcome. In terms of the town itself, Vibrant and Viable Places has had an impact on the town. The redevelopment of the Rhiw...
Carwyn Jones: The first thing that has to be established is the market, and particularly, of course, the strike price. These things are hugely important in terms of determining the viability of the project. What the UK Government didn't do was look at the contract for difference and the strike price in terms of making the lagoon viable; it decided it would pay more money for other forms of energy. So, the...
Carwyn Jones: It's a shame that the commissioner didn't give evidence to the inquiry because, of course, this evidence then could have been tested and she would have been able to explain the basis upon which that evidence was given. It was produced after the inquiry had finished, which is perhaps not the most helpful way of doing it, but we will, nevertheless, take into account, of course, what the...
Carwyn Jones: Welsh Government regeneration investment supports schemes that create jobs, enhance skills and employability, and deliver the right environment for businesses to grow and thrive and ensure that prosperity is spread to all parts of Wales.
Carwyn Jones: It's not clear how that would operate, and some of the things that I've seen would be the introduction of bus lanes on the motorway. Of course, there would need to be buses that would run on the lanes, and in some parts of it, a dual carriageway; you can't have a single-lane motorway, clearly. Preventing people getting onto the motorway was one suggestion that was made; moving freight onto...
Carwyn Jones: The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales’s sentiment on the benefits of investing in public transport, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure, is of course echoed by the Government, and the Cabinet Secretary responded to the commissioner on 28 September.
Carwyn Jones: The Minister plans to make an announcement on that before the end of term.
Carwyn Jones: These are matters that I know the Minister is looking at and she will seek to look favourably in terms of implementing that law. These are matters the Minister will deal with in due course.
