Heledd Fychan: Trefnydd, over the past fortnight, I have raised twice with the Minister for health the concerns of those with autism and their families regarding the COVID pass. Even though the COVID guidelines were updated last week to state that locations should be available to those who can't take lateral flow tests, this isn't strong enough as compared to the system in England. The Government's website...
Heledd Fychan: What are the Welsh Government's priorities for nursery education?
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. I would like to start by paying tribute to all of those who have lost their lives in wars. There is a fundamental difference between celebrating war and noting the sacrifice of individuals, and as we remember all of those we have lost in war and conflict this week, it's also important to remember the significance of their sacrifice. In remembering them, we must also...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Llywydd, and thank you, Minister.
Heledd Fychan: You will be aware that I raised with you last week the issue of people with autism, and I subsequently followed up with correspondence. I wondered if you had any clarity on that situation, because I have yet again been contacted by people within my region where this would affect them, pointing out the difference with England, also the fact that the guidance at the moment says that premises...
Heledd Fychan: You noted in your statement, Minister, that the First Minister has urged the UK Government to accelerate the supply of vaccines to the developing world. Are you able to advise what response the First Minister has received to this request and, in addition to making the call today, if you yourself have also written or will be writing to the UK Government on this matter? You would have our full...
Heledd Fychan: I thank the Minister for the statement. A number of important points were raised by you, and it was great to be reminded of all the strong links that exist between Wales and Africa, and the wealth of projects that are already being realised. As you'll be aware, the People's Vaccine campaign is something that we in Plaid Cymru fully support, and I agree with you entirely: everyone's safety...
Heledd Fychan: I don't wish to repeat other contributions today, but I do wish to echo other sentiments and pay tribute to Rhian and others who have suffered the worst of times but have found the strength to help so many others. We are united today in our support, and rightly so. This is something that we hope we'll never have to experience but unfortunately happens, and whatever we put in place, we cannot...
Heledd Fychan: I'm talking specifically, Minister, about local museums and the review in 2015 that was conducted, rather than the Simon Thurley review of National Museum Wales. There were 10 recommendations in the local museum review that are yet to be implemented, despite the sector writing on numerous occasions and despite pleas by organisations such as the Museums Association and National Museum Wales,...
Heledd Fychan: Wales was the first nation in the UK to publish a strategy for museums as a whole. It was a strategy that was welcomed by the sector. Now, this came to an end in 2015, having been established in 2010, and although work has been ongoing on the new strategy since 2018, Wales does not have a strategy for museums now. When will this strategy be completed? What resources will be available to...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Deputy Minister. But, the challenges facing local museums are nothing new, and for a number of years now we've heard words from Ministers but haven't seen action. Indeed, due to the concerns about the sector, the Welsh Government commissioned a review of local museums in 2015. The review noted that local museums didn't have the resources or capacity, and the Minister at the time,...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Llywydd. Over half term, museums across Wales took part in the Welsh museums festival. It's an opportunity to discuss the crucial role of museums of all sizes and shapes and the positive impact that they have in so many different ways, including on our economy. However, as a recent report by the British Museums Association shows, over the last decade, spending of local authorities...
Heledd Fychan: I just wanted to pick up, Minister, on your point around coal tips, and I wanted to ask if I'm to take from your comments and the statements that discussions with the UK Government last week therefore failed to reach an agreement over who would pay for this work. Is it not therefore time for Welsh Government to push ahead with the work for the very reason that you outlined in your statement,...
Heledd Fychan: I'd like to declare that I'm a councillor on Rhondda Cynon Taf council before asking this question. In response to the statement, I wanted to ask about the dualling of the A4119 from Coed-Ely to Ynysmaerdy, a project that was announced last week as one of those looking to receive £11.4 million through the levelling-up fund of the British Government. Obviously, this stems from a bid that was...
Heledd Fychan: A number of people living in the South Wales Central region have been in touch with me who have family members who have autism and who are refusing to have a vaccine for all sorts of reasons, including being too concerned about visiting a vaccination centre because of inexperienced staff not dealing sensitively with their needs. Many too either can't or won't take a lateral flow test. And...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm pleased to hear the Deputy Minister emphasising the importance of the creative industries, and her commitment to providing support for more people in Wales to work in the related sectors. I also very much welcome the specific statement regarding diversity, and ensuring that there are more opportunities for people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities...
Heledd Fychan: What discussions has the Welsh Government had with Academi Heddwch Cymru regarding the Welsh Government's international strategies and policies?'
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister. Earlier this year, Welsh Government also provided an additional £40 million in resources to support social services specifically in 2021-22 through the social care recovery fund. Through this, RCT council has made the decision to extend the real living wage to all contracted adult social care workers and personal assistants from December onwards, which of course is very...
Heledd Fychan: I'd like to declare an interest at the outset, as I am a member of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council until May of next year.
Heledd Fychan: 3. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the sufficiency of this year's local government settlement? OQ57010
