Paul Davies: The Welsh Government has earmarked this year as the Year of Legends, and certainly Pembrokeshire has its fair share of cultural history, which includes assets such as St David’s cathedral and Castell Henllys et cetera. It’s extremely important that every part of Wales receives a fair share of funding in order to celebrate the Year of Legends. So, can you tell us how you, as a Government,...
Paul Davies: 3. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote Pembrokeshire as a tourist destination? OAQ(5)0658(FM)
Paul Davies: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. And can I thank Members for their contributions this afternoon? We’ve heard some very useful and thoughtful contributions on an issue that is very important, given the sheer volume of people affected by autism in Wales, and I apologise from the outset that I will not be able to refer to everyone’s comments, given the time available to me. Now, we’ve...
Paul Davies: Yes, I will give way.
Paul Davies: Well, I’m grateful to the Member for Swansea East for his support, and I agree with everything that he has just said. Now, it’s absolutely essential to encourage co-operation between agencies and workforce training to best support those with autism in Wales. It’s my view that an autism Bill would work with the additional learning needs Bill and other wider work undertaken by the Welsh...
Paul Davies: Absolutely, and that’s why we need clear pathways so that people understand what services and what support are actually available, and health boards then will know what services they should be delivering in their local communities. Of course, a key aspect of this proposed Bill requires staff working with people with autism to receive autism training, and I know that this is an issue that...
Paul Davies: Yes, I will in a minute. We all know that it’s so crucial that pathways are in place for families as soon as they’ve visited their GP, as early intervention is vital in developing the right support for someone diagnosed with autism. It’s my view that any pathways established should include a basic awareness campaign, so that families really understand what services and support are...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. And I’m delighted to have the opportunity to present an autism Bill to the Assembly. I’d like to put on record my appreciation to the Commission staff who have supported me in this process, and helped put together the accompanying explanatory memorandum. I’d also like to put on record my sincere thanks to the National Autistic Society Cymru for their outstanding support...
Paul Davies: At the very heart of these proposals is to ensure that the provision is there to meet the needs of the 34,000 autistic people in Wales, and also to ensure that autism is given its own statutory identity. The intention of this Bill is to secure consistent and continued provision of all autism services across Wales. At present, the current autism strategic action plan is only in place until...
Paul Davies: I’m sure you’d agree with me, First Minister, that it’s important that emergency health services are located as close as possible to the population. A retired consultant from Withybush hospital has reviewed the number of mortalities among babies in Pembrokeshire, and the review shows that the situation has deteriorated since the maternity services were centralised in Glangwili hospital...
Paul Davies: As we know, Japanese knotweed is a plant that has a negative impact not just on other plants, but on buildings, and, as a result, it can prevent people from getting a mortgage or insurance on their property. Given the damage caused by this plant, what is the Welsh Government’s overarching strategy when it comes to tackling this problem? Do you also agree with me that Natural Resources Wales...
Paul Davies: 8. Will the First Minister make a statement on the delivery of health services in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0640(FM)
Paul Davies: Of course, what the Member must also bear in mind is that CAP would only continue up until 2020. So, we, as a Government at the UK level, have made it quite clear that we will continue with that level of funding until 2022. Although the scale of the challenge is huge, to say the least, there are also opportunities here. For example, the agricultural policy framework must look in earnest at...
Paul Davies: Thank you, Llywydd, and I move the amendments tabled in my name. The decision by the people of the UK to leave the European Union, taken last year, is certainly going to have an impact on the agricultural industry in Wales. Without doubt, Brexit will pose challenges and opportunities for Welsh farmers. As we know, over the past few decades, agricultural policies and legislation have been...
Paul Davies: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the delivery of public services in Preseli Pembrokeshire?
Paul Davies: First Minister, a year-long study by the Seale-Hayne Educational Trust and the Farming Community Network has noted a number of concerns about the impact of dementia in rural areas that we need to tackle, including a lack of awareness of the support available in rural areas, as well as the difficulty in accessing support services. So, in light of those concerns, what additional work is the...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, the Blue Cross ‘Unpicking the Knots’ report tells us that the last time Government brought in a specific law to regulate the sale of pets Winston Churchill was about to replace Clement Attlee for a second term as Prime Minister, Newcastle United won the FA cup, and ‘The Archers’ had just passed its pilot probation period. Now, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, the same report concluded that There is a generational crisis in farming’, which has long been a concern of many in the agricultural world. Indeed, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the percentage of farmers under the age of 45 had fallen to just 13 per cent in 2015, down from 18 per cent in 2003. Therefore, in light of the pressing...
Paul Davies: A recent NatWest report concluded that, young farmers need more support to diversify and while the entrepreneurial ideas may be there the support networks could be improved.’ Therefore, it’s crucial that more support is offered to young farmers, both in terms of advice and support, and in terms of finance as well. So, in light of this report, will you confirm what funding you will now...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. Like others, I’m delighted to see your return to this Chamber and I hope you will be fully recovered in the very near future. Now, Cabinet Secretary, at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival recently, you said that young farmers are the future of the industry and we must invest in them to ensure both they and this industry have a bright future. Of course, I completely agree with...
