Carwyn Jones: Let's look at this very carefully. The leader of Plaid Cymru represents a party that wants to see an independent Wales—
Carwyn Jones: Well, I have to say, I find it extraordinary to be accused, as a progressive politician—and all of us are on these benches—that we are choosing not to address child poverty. That is a profoundly— [Interruption.]—a profoundly unfair allegation to make, but that is the allegation that she has made. I have to say, the suggestion that this is entirely within the hands of Welsh Government...
Carwyn Jones: In terms of being 'best placed' to tackle it, there's no doubt the UK Government has a very strong role, through the welfare system, through the way it can look at tax credits, but it has unfortunately walked away from the role that Government should have, which is, firstly, to reduce inequality in society and, secondly, to ensure that money goes where money is needed most around the UK. That...
Carwyn Jones: Well, first of all, there are a number of issues that the committee raises that we have to consider, but we are entitled to put forward a response as a Government and, at that time, Members will want to weigh up, of course, what the committee has said and the important points that the committee has raised, together with the Government response, and that, to my mind, is the proper way of doing...
Carwyn Jones: Well, the leader of the opposition will be aware of the Carltona principle and the way that operates, but it wouldn't be right for me to prejudge a full response. This is a serious report that deserves a serious response, and that has to be done at the right time. At that time, of course, it's absolutely right that Members should have the opportunity to scrutinise what the Government has done...
Carwyn Jones: Well, first of all, could I join him in his congratulations to Nick Ramsay? I found out about his good news on Facebook. So, that is something that certainly all of us on these benches would offer him congratulations on, of course—him and his wife. In terms of the issue that's raised by the leader of the opposition, there are questions that we will need to address in the response to the...
Carwyn Jones: I think I have to say to the Member that I think the information she's using is out of date—possibly a year out of date. That is my understanding. We look at Superfast Cymru, for example, and what we have done with that. It has meant that a substantial number—nearly, not 100 per cent, but more than 90 per cent—of premises in Wales have access to superfast broadband. That would not have...
Carwyn Jones: I agree, and it's an issue I know the Member has raised with me privately: how do we look at digitisation as a way of improving public service performance? He's given an example there, which he's given to me before, and it's hugely important the recruitment process is speeded up. The question is, then, how do we do it. Well, there are a number of recent or current reviews that cover aspects...
Carwyn Jones: Can I commend the Member, first of all, for his interest in this? I know he has a very deep interest in digitisation and the opportunities that it affords, not just the threats that are sometimes perceived as being there. We are reviewing progress on the use of digital and data in public service delivery, to ensure we are maximising the potential for digital to contribute to our approach to...
Carwyn Jones: There are many, many sectors of the Welsh economy that depend very much on labour from outside the UK. If we look at the food and drink sector, there are many firms who'd simply not be able to survive, because there are other options available for local workers that are seen as more attractive. Our abattoirs, for example, would struggle hugely if they weren't able to recruit from other...
Carwyn Jones: [Inaudible.]—the UK Government is the mess they're making of the benefit system, particularly with regard to universal credit, which will affect disproportionately and very negatively so many people in Wales. We've seen the removal of in-work tax credits as well. That hasn't helped people in terms of their incomes. We've seen, for example, the refusal of the UK Government to fund Wales...
Carwyn Jones: Well, we are firmly committed to addressing low pay and inequality in the workplace in Wales. You're right, of course, to say that low pay impacts disproportionately on women, and our gender review will pick this up. In terms of the economic action plan, it will introduce a new economic contract that will require firms seeking Welsh Government business support to commit to investing in their...
Carwyn Jones: The airport has made a firm commitment to working towards achievement of the real living wage. A proposal has now been submitted to both recognised unions—the GMB and Unite—that the real living wage will be paid as a minimum to all directly employed airport staff by April 2020. Now, the unions will be taking this proposal to ballot and we understand the unions will be making a positive...
Carwyn Jones: We were accredited as a living wage employer in 2015. The Welsh NHS has paid the living wage since January 2015, and strong progress is being made across other employers both in the public and private sectors.
Carwyn Jones: I can give you that commitment. It is important that Bangor collaborates with Cardiff and Swansea in order to access the major hospitals in south Wales too, in order to give a complete education to any trainee doctors. The other option would be Liverpool, but, for myself, I would prefer to create a Welsh medical education system between the north and the south. That work continues and, once...
Carwyn Jones: We remain of the view that Bangor University, working with Cardiff and Swansea medical schools, can deliver increased opportunities for medical education and training in north Wales. We are working with the universities on proposals for delivering sustainable medical education in north Wales.
Carwyn Jones: Brexit, of course, is a challenge for Holyhead and the other ports such as Pembroke Dock and Fishguard. I can remember a time when there were tolls at Holyhead. Not everybody was checked, but if you were stopped there, there was a problem as regards a delay before moving on. For me, there are two things. Firstly, we don’t know exactly what the relationship will be between Holyhead and...
Carwyn Jones: We continue to work with and support Stenaline to maximise Holyhead’s potential to increase economic growth and jobs for the region. This includes engaging on plans for a new multi-use berth, for which we have granted £0.5 million under the ports development fund towards undertaking a feasibility study.
Carwyn Jones: Firstly, I've had the pleasure of meeting Elly before, and it's wonderful to welcome her back to this building. She's done a fantastic job in raising so much money, and it's great to know that she's here. Secondly, if it were the case that no AMs were going to campaign in any way with regard to Hywel Dda's consultation, it might be a level playing field, but I suspect that's going a little...
Carwyn Jones: I'd not heard that, I have to say. The Member asked a question that, with respect, is hyperlocal. It deserves an answer, but that answer will need to come, if he gives me further details, via a letter.
