Lesley Griffiths: A range of services continue to be developed across Wales. In the current Senedd term, we will, for example, increase access to mental health advocacy to meet new liberty protection standards and also create a new advocacy service for parents whose children are at risk of removal into public care.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I think you raise a very important point, because continuous glucose monitoring is recommended for all type 1 diabetics, and it is important that they are able to access that. I'm not aware of any announcement from the Minister for Health and Social Services in relation to all healthcare staff having that ability, but, obviously, she's in the Chamber and has heard your question,...
Lesley Griffiths: Updated qualifying criteria are published regularly by the bodies responsible for clinical guidance. Health Technology Wales's latest advice on these matters was published in July 2021. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence updates its guidelines in June.
Lesley Griffiths: Well, if we hadn't left the European Union, we wouldn't have any gaps in our environmental governance.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Delivering a fair and affordable transition to a low-carbon future means ensuring that there are new, clean, affordable sources of renewable energy for Wales. We also need to grow a resilient economy, in which we can continue to seize and exploit opportunities in those new and green technologies and markets. But, they've got to be underpinned by a mature, innovative and competitive...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, I mentioned that the new contract will allow further services to be developed, going forward, and you are quite right that the role of community pharmacies has changed significantly over the last 10 years. They do play a vital role for patients. You referred to the number of community pharmacies, as did Sioned Williams, and it is fair to say there has been little change, I...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Last year, we raised our ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Ahead of COP26, we published Net Zero Wales, our emissions-reduction plan. We are now focusing on delivery of the actions in Net Zero Wales and our current climate adaptation plan, 'Prosperity for All: A Climate Conscious Wales'.
Lesley Griffiths: If I can just say in relation to Pontardawe that, obviously, I can't comment on an individual case relating to pharmacy location appeals, but I am aware that Swansea Bay University Health Board has been working with the two pharmacies in Pontardawe over the last year to ensure that an action plan is in place to address service provision concerns. I think you make a very important point about...
Lesley Griffiths: Pharmacies play a vital role in our communities in every part of Wales. Presgripsiwn Newydd, the new pharmacy contract, introduced on 1 April, has extended the range of clinical services all pharmacies can provide, reducing demand on GPs and supporting access to treatment without the need to wait for an appointment.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Working with our partners, Welsh Government explored the ECO flex process to develop an optional Wales-wide statement of intent, so as to make it as easy and as attractive as possible for local authorities to engage with this scheme. I know that officials are continuing to work with the Welsh Local Government Association, local authorities and also the Cardiff capital region so...
Lesley Griffiths: So, I can't answer the question as to whether the First Minister will be reconsidering his attendance because, obviously, I'm unable to speak to him—he's unwell—but I'm sure his office will have heard your questions. So, I don't really feel I can answer that.
Lesley Griffiths: The Welsh Government is supporting the development of a Wales-wide energy company obligation flex statement of intent for use by local authorities. This single statement encourages more local authorities to take advantage of the scheme. The Minister for Climate Change will make a wider statement on company energy efficiency in Welsh homes later this afternoon. [Interruption.]
Lesley Griffiths: You raised three different points there. You referred to Scotland, and I think you're right, we can learn from Scotland. Recently, last month, the First Minister, the Minister for Economy and I attended the Ireland-Wales Forum, where we had a round-table discussing renewable energy, and people did want to talk about Scotland. Certainly, I know that the Minister for Climate Change, who's got...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I think that you are right; it is really important that every country shows leadership, and I certainly think the UK leadership, being the member state, should do so. I'm very pleased that the Prime Minister changed his mind and is attending COP27, because I certainly think the UK Government do need to step up to the plate. As a country, here in Wales, we absolutely show...
Lesley Griffiths: The leader of the opposition will be aware that the Football Association of Wales—and that's the entirety, the players and the management—have already committed to the One Love armband campaign, for instance, to express solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities across the globe, and we've made it very clear that we support that position. I was very heartened to hear a member of the FAW on the...
Lesley Griffiths: So, as a Government, we regularly review how best we can promote Wales on the global stage, and our decision is that it is proportionate for the First Minister and another Minister to attend two of the group games. If we progress, and we certainly all hope that Wales does progress through the group games and on to the next stage, we'll consider appropriate ministerial attendance at those games.
Lesley Griffiths: Well, I don't think it's a matter of right and wrong. We are in government, as you point out, and I think it is different from a government politician's point of view than it is for somebody in opposition. The UK Labour Party has not called for formal government boycotts, for instance, and, I think, he and we recognise the very different positions of politicians, as I've just explained. I...
Lesley Griffiths: I think you got it the wrong way round. You got it the wrong way round.
Lesley Griffiths: It is really important that we continue to work with young people and our schools in relation to this. As I said to Delyth Jewell, it's not just about this week; it's about every week, isn't it, and addressing the climate emergency in that way. Obviously, the curriculum does allow that. The Welsh Government supports eco-councils and our school councils, where these issues are discussed. And I...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you very much. I'm very pleased you were able to participate this morning in the Wales youth COP event. It is really important that our young people have their voices heard. And I think the Welsh Government has really been at the fore of bringing young people forward in relation to this. You mentioned Size of Wales, and I think that's one of our most wonderful policies. And I know, in...
