Siân Gwenllian: What assessment has been made of the impact of COVID-19 on the Welsh-language skills of primary school children?
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much to both committees for your thorough work in looking at all of these issues. The work carried out by your committee, not only with this Bill but all of the legislation that is coming towards us very quickly, is so crucially important. We cannot allow these issues to go beneath the radar. It's crucial that they are carefully scrutinised and I can see that you are doing...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you for that answer. I do believe that you need to show sympathy with the concerns of parents and young people and staff, and show that you are listening and considering action, if it's necessary—that is, you're willing to tighten the rules, if necessary. Explaining the rationale in terms of who should isolate and who should go to school would be a help, and constituents tell me that...
Siân Gwenllian: 1. What further action will the Government take in response to serious disruption to education early in the new school term due to an increase in COVID-19 cases? TQ567
Siân Gwenllian: 'When we try to keep positive clients out of hospital and protect others in the community, we are refused a vital piece of PPE'.
Siân Gwenllian: Can you confirm what the situation is exactly as to why workers are being treated differently, and will you reconsider this? In the words of my constituent once again, this is what she said:
Siân Gwenllian: 'Social care is already at crisis point. The recruitment and retention of care staff is at an all-time low, and this will only compound the situation further as staff will feel they're not being protected, and will seek alternative employment'.
Siân Gwenllian: It's still not clear what the situation is in terms of those providing care in the community and the use of one part of PPE, namely the gowns. Many have been in touch with me given their concerns that they are being treated as second class in relation to their colleagues in clinical settings, because they don't have to wear gowns. This is one message that I received:
Siân Gwenllian: 3. Will the First Minister provide an update on the use of personal protective equipment in care homes in Arfon? OQ56933
Siân Gwenllian: Will the Minister provide an update on support for women refugees from Afghanistan in Wales?
Siân Gwenllian: We in Plaid Cymru don't oppose these regulations either. They have moved Wales towards a zero alert level, bringing more normality into people's lives across the country, which is to be welcomed, of course. But, as we know, we can't take anything for granted, as cases increase once again, and there are questions that need to be answered by the Government about the current situation and how...
Siân Gwenllian: Well, thank you very much, because I read in the press that it was the Government's intention to sell the park, or parts of the park. It's good to have confirmation from you today that you are talking about two plots and not the whole park. But it is scandalous, isn't it, that not a single job has been created in this park after almost 20 years under the management of Welsh Government. So,...
Siân Gwenllian: The housing crisis, including the second homes crisis, is having a destructive impact on communities the length and breadth of Wales. I welcome this consultation of course, but it would be only part of the solution in tackling the issues contained within this consultation. I'm sure you'd agree with me on that. But, in terms of the consultation itself, when exactly will the recommendations...
Siân Gwenllian: 8. Will the Minister explain the purpose of the current consultation on local taxes for second homes and self-catering accommodation? OQ56822
Siân Gwenllian: 6. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Economy regarding the current responsibility of the Welsh Government in developing Bryn Cegin business park in Bangor? OQ56823
Siân Gwenllian: On bank holiday Monday, the Minister for education announced a budget of over £3 million for the provision of 1,800 ozone disinfectant machines in our schools, colleges and universities. Two days later, following calls for assurances on the safety of the equipment from Plaid Cymru and others, it became apparent that Ministers had carried out a u-turn on that decision. Can you explain the...
Siân Gwenllian: 3. Will the Minister make a statement on COVID-19 safety measures in schools? OQ56807
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much. I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions this afternoon. Plaid Cymru speakers have made very forceful arguments, setting the context and outlining the calls that are getting more and more support as we discuss this issue and I don't apologise for bringing the issue back so soon in this Senedd. We discussed this in the last Senedd as well and it does need to be...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you for being allowed to jointly submit this motion this afternoon. For a year now, Plaid Cymru has also been calling for a public inquiry that is specific to Wales. That would give a unique opportunity to assess and learn lessons from the way in which the Government has handled the pandemic, but, rather than that, the Government has decided to have one Welsh chapter in a UK-wide...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you to Jane Dodds for bringing this issue forward. I extend my support to her. It's an issue that's been discussed over many years now, and the Government has accepted the need to commit to take action, with the aim of scrapping for-profit children's residential services. There are two elements to place under the microscope: children in...
