Janet Finch-Saunders: Okay. Care Forum Wales have stated that their concerns centre around the turnaround time for results, as 46.5 per cent of test results authorised in NHS Wales laboratories were returned within a day, and 66 per cent within two days. That's down on last week. When are you going to get a grip on the test result waiting times? Thank you, acting Presiding Officer.
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. Well, I'd like to start by thanking the Llywydd for addressing a serious affront to the Welsh Parliament: the health Minister choosing to make such an important statement outside this Chamber. Now, having considered the written statement, I welcome the fact that he has extended the weekly testing regime for a further four weeks, but I am alarmed that he may reduce care home testing...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Counsel General, earlier this year, the Secretary of State for Wales stated that, 'the collaborative approach I take with the Welsh Government over the distribution of the fund should ensure that it goes to the places where it is most needed, and is not—as some might argue has been the case in the past—blown on vanity projects.' I welcome a collaborative approach and that the Secretary of...
Janet Finch-Saunders: As a report by the Centre for Towns has highlighted, many Welsh coastal towns are facing down both short- and long-term effects from COVID-19. Leaving the EU provides an opportunity to boost our struggling coastal towns—for example, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor, is preparing to introduce sweeping tax cuts and an overhaul of planning laws in up to 10 new free ports within a year of...
Janet Finch-Saunders: I would like to endorse the request for the statement with regard to the testing of our social care workers and domiciliary care providers providing care in the community, in other words in their own homes. Last month, after several weeks of the care home testing debacle here in Wales, I asked the health Minister as to what steps they were taking to test those going into vulnerable people's...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Bore da. First Minister, in reply to my questions last week, you said that I had not grasped the practicalities of reopening hospitality businesses, so I ask you: what do you say to Shibber Ahmed of the Blue Elephant restaurant in Llandudno, who documents that, 'This Welsh Labour Government is creating an unfriendly environment for the nation's hospitality businesses', as you continue to...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 7. What recent discussions has the Counsel General had with the UK Government regarding the shared prosperity fund? OQ55456
Janet Finch-Saunders: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on weekly COVID-19 testing for care home staff? TQ477
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Presiding Officer. And in concluding today's debate, I wish to thank the petitioner and others who have contacted our committee about this issue. It was good of Jack Sargeant to contribute as a member of the committee, and, you know, face calls to the Minister to set out how such businesses can be supported. My colleague Nick Ramsay endorsing once again the need to acknowledge...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and also for the opportunity to introduce this debate. The petition in front of us collected 5,790 signatures. It was submitted by Peter Black, a former colleague of many of us here in the Senedd, and a current elected councillor on Swansea Council. This petition raises concerns about the impact that the closure of large retail stores can have on the...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you again. Now, from many people I've spoken to in the social care sector and care home staff, they feel badly let down by the First Minister. Do you agree with me that he should apologise for failing to make the £500 payment announcement without contacting Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs or clarifying whether the bonus would affect any benefits before making the announcement, or is...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Minister. Now, it's not just me who is concerned about care homes. The older people's commissioner's report, 'Care Home Voices', has requested step-down facilities to support safe discharges from hospital, and found that the limited availability of testing was a cause of significant worry. From 15 June, all care home staff were to be offered a weekly test for a four-week period....
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, 1,097 patients or individuals were discharged to care homes without a COVID-19 test in March and April. On Sunday, you mentioned that there is no evidence to suggest this caused any increases in COVID cases or deaths. In relation to mortality rates and causes, there was a promise to issue an interim report before recess. Will this be looking very closely at the...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch. In April, an extra £3 million was announced to support digitally excluded learners, yet I am aware of many parents who have waited all these months for a laptop. I've even had issues around the provision of a dongle. So, can you confirm whether all digitally excluded learners in Wales have now been provided with the technology they need, and how will you address the shortfall? Last...
Janet Finch-Saunders: First Minister, 24,000 people work in the manufacturing industry in food and drink, with around 230,000 employed in the wider supply chain. There are around 3,700 different Welsh food and drink producers on retail, and a vital stage is the hospitality sector. Will you consider reopening the hospitality sector indoors from 13 July, but more importantly, advise them of this now? If not, what do...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 7. Will the Minister make a statement on educational support for children who have not returned to school? OQ55418
Janet Finch-Saunders: Will the First Minister make a statement on support for care homes in light of Covid-19?
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Llywydd. I will not be the only AM who feels that our constituents now wish to see our offices opened, so that advice surgeries can take place in person. Now, according to the 'Keep Wales safe at work' guidance issued by the Welsh Government, it states: 'All risks should be assessed, with meaningful discussion with staff'. To date, however, I have only been asked to undertake a very...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. I don't think it's wise to keep mentioning the £500, because that's actually scandalous—how that figure has actually materialised. Now, the Welsh Government has confirmed extension of the adult social care element of the local authority hardship fund to cover the whole of June. Will you provide an extension for July and August to give certainty to our local authorities? Longer...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. Now, despite the right to respect for private and family life, many individuals, friends and families are being kept apart here in Wales by the 5-mile rule. Despite the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, places of worship were closed, even for private prayer. The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has raised concerns that older people's rights may not have...
