Llyr Gruffydd: I do think the fact that there is a visual impact assessment available now from the National Grid, in partnership with Ofgem, does highlight the fact that an important principle has been accepted. That is, the relevant authorities do now accept that these pylons do have an impact. Perhaps you could argue as to the extent of that impact, but the fact that that provision is in place does mean...
Llyr Gruffydd: As an Assembly Member for north Wales, of course, and as someone who lives in north-east Wales, it is important that we remember that this is about more than Port Talbot, as Members have already reminded us. There was a great deal of doom and gloom the last time I visited Shotton steelworkers last year. The cloud hanging over the entire Tata enterprise had extended even to one of the most...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much, Llywydd. May I thank everyone who has contributed to the debate? I think the number of contributors has reflected the importance of the issue that we’re discussing and the concern that many of us have on the possible impact on HE institutions in Wales as well as on FE here in Wales and the broader economy. In my opening remarks I failed to refer to the Conservative...
Llyr Gruffydd: Yes, okay.
Llyr Gruffydd: Yes, I agree entirely. It was shorthand to talk of work. You’re quite right to correct me on that. Thank you for doing so. Of course, the tier 1 post-study work visa, which was abolished in 2012, did allow international students to wait for an additional two years after graduation. Universities across the UK and in Wales are supportive of that. Such a scheme would benefit the economy,...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. It’s my pleasure to move this motion in the name of Plaid Cymru. We are, of course, of the view that students from outside of the UK, be they from within the EU or outwith the EU, do bring cultural, economic and educational benefits to our universities and colleges here in Wales, and indeed to broader society. It’s important, therefore, in...
Llyr Gruffydd: In order to do that, of course, it’s important that we ensure that Wales continues to be an attractive place for students. In my view, offering the opportunities to students to remain within the UK post study is something that’s important and would assist in reducing the skills gap in many sectors here in Wales too. The strong presence of overseas students also allows us to develop...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you for that response, and, I hope, in the coming months, that you will announce where this is to be located, because the economy Secretary, of course, has said that he is considering Wrexham as a possible location for the development bank. Would you be willing to consider Wrexham as a possible location for the treasury? Because we know that the skilled workforce is there. HMRC is to...
Llyr Gruffydd: 3. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the work of developing a Welsh treasury? OAQ(5)0078)[W]
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the government's expectations with regard to local authorities in relation to implementing Welsh language standards?
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. May I move the amendments officially? PISA, of course, unfortunately, has reminded us once again that Wales has performed worst of the UK countries, that the scores in terms of reading, maths and science are worse in Wales than they were 10 years ago, and that Wales is further behind the UK average in those three areas as compared with 2006. And,...
Llyr Gruffydd: Now, they say that 30 points in terms of PISA scores corresponds to a year of education. If that is the case, and I don’t doubt it, then Wales now is almost a year behind our attainment in 2006 in terms of science. So, given that measurement, Wales has fallen back a year in 10 years, and that, unfortunately, is the legacy of education for Labour in Wales.
Llyr Gruffydd: Well, I’m not sure if that’s entirely correct, Cabinet Secretary, because there is a duty at the moment for the Post Office to ensure that there is provision within some 3 miles of 95 per cent of the rural community in the UK. That is being reviewed as part of the proposals put forward by the UK Government at the moment, and who knows what the outcome of that will be. But certainly,...
Llyr Gruffydd: The reality is, of course, that the budget for flood prevention has been cut. Now, given that there is additional capital funding to come to Wales in light of the autumn statement, will you make the strongest case possible for ensuring that that source is restored?
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Government make a statement on the effect of the UK Government’s plans for a reduction in Post Office provision in rural areas? EAQ(5)0092(CC)[W]
Llyr Gruffydd: May I thank the Minister for his statement and welcome the fact that the Bill has been tabled this week, and also declare an interest, of course, as a school governor, because there are responsibilities placed on boards of governors through this Bill, of course? May I also say that I agree that getting a good Act, rather than a swift Bill, is the important thing here, although I do think that...
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the First Minister make a statement in the Welsh Government's support for young carers?
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you for that response. As you say, as things stand at the moment, the majority of sleep disorders are treated across departments within our hospitals. There isn’t a specialist centre for such disorders. Those who have these conditions are complaining about diagnosis and treatment for non-respiratory sleep disorders, and you referred to disorders emanating from neurological problems,...
Llyr Gruffydd: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on non-respiratory sleep disorders? OAQ(5)0092(HWS)[W]
Llyr Gruffydd: We will be supporting this Order, but I just have a few points that I’d like to raise, and perhaps the Minister could respond to them. I should also declare an interest as one of the honorary presidents of the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services Registering an individual who is a youth worker isn’t going to secure a better quality of service necessarily. There are other...
