Llyr Gruffydd: Okay. Well, I could read the quote to you, but I won’t do that; I’ll write to you. But, to all intents and purposes, there is a claim that the PDG funding is being directed at other purposes, which, to all intents and purposes, is propping up staffing levels within schools. The committee has also heard that there’s a grave inconsistency in the funding provided to schools from one part...
Llyr Gruffydd: Well, I fear saying anything now, if truth be told, but, thank you, Llywydd. [Laughter.] I want to pursue a similar theme, but perhaps in a very different way—let’s put it in those terms. The education committee over the past few months has heard a fair amount of evidence on the pressure faced by schools at the moment in terms of difficulties of capacity, teachers’ workload and so on,...
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the First Minister make a statement on the viability of the agricultural industry in Wales?
Llyr Gruffydd: May I thank the Minister for his statement? It is one I welcome, and it does give me greater confidence that the Welsh Government is taking its responsibilities in terms of the growth of Welsh-medium education seriously, and that the Government understands that business as usual is not sufficient, and that that would not meet the aims identified. You will know that I and other Members have...
Llyr Gruffydd: Along the same lines, there is YouGov research last year that showed that only 7 per cent of those between 18 and 24 were considering an apprenticeship as the best option for them, compared to 68 per cent who saw higher education as the best option for them. So, the perception still exists, doesn’t it, that there isn’t parity of esteem between vocational and academic courses. So, can I...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you for that response. The National Autistic Society Wales has asked for a record of the number of people on the spectrum in order to assist local authorities to plan services more effectively and in a more comprehensive manner. One would expect a record of people of autism who have a care plan from next April onwards, but there are a number of people who are autistic who don’t have a...
Llyr Gruffydd: 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on provision for people on the autism spectrum in Wales? OAQ(5)0509(FM)[W]
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the future of livestock markets in Wales?
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much, Llywydd. May I also echo the thanks expressed to the chief inspector and his team in Estyn for the work that they have done, and for the way in which they engaged with the children and young people committee here in the Assembly by providing evidence and being so willing—in this context anyway—to bring their annual report before us? I also want to focus on...
Llyr Gruffydd: May I request a statement from the Minister for Lifelong Learning and the Welsh Language on the lack of availability of bilingual teaching resources and the impact that that has on Welsh-medium education? It’s something that has been raised from time to time over the last few months. But I understood today that the psychology GCSE won’t be taught through the medium of Welsh anywhere next...
Llyr Gruffydd: May I support the comments that have been made by the two previous speakers—the Cabinet Secretary and the Member for Delyn? Clearly, there’s a clear message that needs to be conveyed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to tomorrow’s budget. I would appreciate it if you could expand upon what exactly you would like to see in terms of support to ensure a more long-term future...
Llyr Gruffydd: I’m going to take the opportunity, too, to celebrate our successes as it is our national day today, and to take inspiration, as we’ve heard, from our history in tackling many of the challenges facing us today. The Member for Neath talked about our assets. Well, one of the major assets that we have as a nation, of course, is our people, and investing in our people, for example through the...
Llyr Gruffydd: I’ve stood in this Chamber a number of times in the past criticising the health board and drawing the Cabinet Secretary and others’ attention to a number of problems and frustrations, so it’s only fair that I congratulate when there is room to do that. In this context, I want to congratulate the health board on the use of the app on waiting times that has been produced—well, not...
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the government's support for national museums in Wales?
Llyr Gruffydd: I will start by making reference to what Adam mentioned in his opening speech, and that’s the fact that the largest banks tend to close banks in disproportionate numbers in our poorest areas—those with the lowest incomes—while opening branches in some of the best-off areas. Reuters research shows that more than 90 per cent of the banks that closed between April 2015 and April 2016...
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the location of the Welsh Revenue Authority?
Llyr Gruffydd: May I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her opening remarks, much of which I would agree with, particularly from the point of view of the TEF? I welcome that clear message about your direction of travel on that issue. Indeed, there is much in the LCM that, certainly, I wouldn’t oppose. But there is an increasingly important question arising for me in terms of the possible impact for research...
Llyr Gruffydd: Plaid Cymru won’t be opposing these regulations—[Interruption.] We won’t be opposing these regulations, just for clarity, today, but I think it is important maybe that we do reflect on some of the concerns that have been raised, primarily by teaching unions but also by others in this sector, about the configuration of the Education Workforce Council. Now, clearly, it is currently made...
Llyr Gruffydd: May I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement? Clearly, it is something that we are more than happy to support in terms of creating this national endowment for music. As you say, music can give people expressive experiences. It can give them a sense of empowerment. It certainly enhances people’s confidence and, as you’ve already acknowledged, there is an educational benefit as well...
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the First Minister make a statement on the future of the water industry in Wales?
