Samuel Kurtz: Yes. Thank you, again, Minister for that, and it's pleasing to see that. I'm sure we all agree around this Chamber that more needs to be done and is being done to ensure that our candidates and elected members are being properly protected. But, again, we did see, in May's election, 74 uncontested seats, with many people suggesting that they're not willing to stand because of the fear, at...
Samuel Kurtz: 1. What support is the Welsh Government providing to encourage responsible dog ownership? OQ58618
Samuel Kurtz: Trefnydd, last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Diabetes UK and Member of Parliament Sir James Duddridge to discuss the lesser know type 3c diabetes, something that both James and my father suffer with. For those in the Chamber that aren't aware, type 3c is diagnosed when the pancreas not only stops producing insulin for the body but inhibits the production of digestive enzymes as...
Samuel Kurtz: I'm grateful to have the opportunity to take part in this debate today. As a former county councillor, but not reaching the dizzy heights of council leader like my two esteemed colleagues either side of me, I am acutely aware of the importance of that revenue business rates raise for local authorities, but also the inadequacies of the current funding formula and the raw deal that many...
Samuel Kurtz: Will the Member give way?
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you. I'm grateful to the Member for giving way, and I'd just like to declare an interest as well; it was remiss of me not to do that at the beginning.
Samuel Kurtz: But, at the same time, the reason that these businesses have failed to comply in the sense that you're saying is that they're trying to; they're trying their very best to go to local authorities to ask for that planning application, to ask for that planning to be approved so that they can install the infrastructure, the slurry lagoons that are necessary, but they're being turned down by local...
Samuel Kurtz: I welcome the opportunity to speak in this afternoon's debate. The Welsh Government's NVZ policy, the topic of this report, has been a flagship yet controversial policy of this and former Welsh Governments. Therefore, it was only right that this Senedd tasked the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee to urgently review these regulations. I know that the Minister has been keen to stress...
Samuel Kurtz: Minister, the sustainable schools challenge is aimed at upgrading existing school infrastructure to become more environmentally sustainable, but I'm sure you will be aware of the shocking fire that took place at Manorbier primary school in my constituency on Monday, which has caused massive damage to the school building. Thankfully, no-one was hurt. This is down, in part, to the fantastic...
Samuel Kurtz: Will the Minister provide an update on staffing levels in Hywel Dda University Health Board?
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I thank the Minister for giving me an advance look at his annual report on 'Cymraeg 2050', and also for the statement this afternoon. From the outset, the Minister will be aware of my concerns about the accountability of this programme. As I have said in this Chamber previously, it is possible that neither he nor I will be in this Chamber in 28 years' time, so...
Samuel Kurtz: It's a pleasure to follow the Member from Anglesey.
Samuel Kurtz: It was a pleasure to have that history lesson and science lesson as well, for me to learn more about mapping Welsh seas. I think the point around funding is one that's purely pragmatic. We're able to overcome that, I think, either side of the M4, which is something that I would be very happy to throw my weight behind as well, because if we are looking to make the absolute most of the...
Samuel Kurtz: On 19 August, a hosepipe ban was enforced in a large area of my constituency of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, an area serviced by the Llys-y-Frân reservoir in my neighbour Paul Davies's constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire. Paul kindly granted me safe passage into Preseli Pembrokeshire so I could visit the Llys-y-Frân reservoir to see just how low the water level had become, and...
Samuel Kurtz: I was compelled, really, to contribute to this Petitions Committee report after two visits. The first was to Glangwili General Hospital in my constituency over the summer recess, where I met with staff in what was a very real, very raw and very honest discussion with staff around the levels that they're seeing in terms of nursing levels. We're quite right to talk about nurses leaving the...
Samuel Kurtz: Thank you to the Llywydd for introducing this item, and for the important work that she does in promoting the use of the language in this Chamber and across the Senedd estate. And thank you to the Member for Anglesey for opening the debate. It's important that we lead by example here in the Senedd, not only in delivering the ambitious targets of 'Cymraeg 2050', which we will receive an update...
Samuel Kurtz: Diolch, Llywydd. Today is World School Milk Day, and I'm incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to champion this day and the School and Nursery Milk Alliance on the floor of this Siambr. Did you know that a 189 ml carton of semi-skimmed milk can provide 42 per cent of a seven to 10-year-old's recommend daily calcium intake, and 24 per cent of their recommended protein intake? It also...
Samuel Kurtz: Minister, as chairman of the cross-party group on shooting and conservation, you'll be aware that I've sent you letters previously around avian influenza and the difficulties that caused for the importation of eggs to hatcheries here in the United Kingdom. Therefore, game shoots in Wales are looking to develop their own breeding programmes so that they're no longer reliant on the import of...
Samuel Kurtz: I would like to begin by thanking the Minister for giving me advance sight of both her statement and the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, especially as she's had a very busy afternoon in the Chamber. It is no understatement to say that this 45-page document, accompanied by the 475-page memorandum, represents the largest and most significant overhaul in agricultural policy since the birth of this...
Samuel Kurtz: Can I call for two statements, please? Firstly, from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, as this past weekend saw complete disruption to rail services in south Pembrokeshire. The bus replacement service was, I'm told, unable to take wheelchair users or bikes, potentially leaving passengers stranded. Having worked with the South Pembrokeshire Rail Action Group to highlight the...
