Paul Davies: First Minister, I agree that it's crucial that Wales doesn't receive less funding than it had when we were in the European Union. And, as Chair of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, I can assure you that we will be scrutinising this issue very carefully in the next weeks and months. Now, last month, it was announced that new structures would be put in place between the...
Paul Davies: Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s strategy for rural development?
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirpwy Lywydd. Can I start by welcoming the Minister's, on the whole, constructive statement this afternoon? I'm sorry to hear from the Minister's tweet this morning that he's tested positive for COVID-19, but I'm pleased that he's feeling fine and I wish him well. The Minister is right to say that it has been two years since we left the European Union, and in that time there have...
Paul Davies: Thank you for that response, Minister. As you know, yesterday, the Urdd celebrated its centenary, and as you also know, the organisation does incredible work in providing opportunities for children and young people to learn and to socialise through the medium of Welsh. I'm sure that you will join me in thanking the volunteers and staff over the years who have contributed so much for the...
Paul Davies: Thank you for that response, Minister. You may be aware of the work of the CHERISH project, which consists of a team of archaeologists, geographers and geologists who study the effects of climate change on coastal and maritime heritage in Wales, and indeed in Ireland. The project is currently running an exhibition at Oriel y Parc in St David's in my constituency, looking at the effects of...
Paul Davies: 2. How is the Welsh Government raising awareness of the impact of climate change in local communities? OQ57498
Paul Davies: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on the delivery of Welsh-medium education in Pembrokeshire? OQ57499
Paul Davies: First Minister, clearly this report is another reason why a Wales-wide COVID inquiry is needed, so that issues like this can be scrutinised fully and questions answered over how these failings came to be. Patients have the right to feel safe in a hospital setting, and yet, as this report shows, there are risks of cross-infections, and in some cases patients were at risk. According to recent...
Paul Davies: First Minister, the health Minister has said that we are still in a situation where there are very real restrictions within our hospitals because of COVID, and so your own comments last week that we are past the peak, and the situation has improved significantly, should mean that, following the December figures, waiting times should start to come down. In the meantime it's vital that patients...
Paul Davies: Thank you, Llywydd. Before I move to questions to the First Minister, I would like to echo your comments in wishing a very happy birthday to the Urdd, who have and continue to make a huge contribution to our language, our heritage, our young people and to our daily life. So, a very happy birthday.
Paul Davies: First Minister, around 20 per cent of people in Wales are on a waiting list for non-urgent treatment, of which 1 in 4 of those patients have been waiting over a year for treatment, and more than 42,000 people have now been waiting for treatment since November 2019. Now, last week, the health Minister warned that figures are likely to get worse before they get better. Therefore, in light of...
Paul Davies: Minister, the reality is that COVID passes have had a huge impact on the night-time economy, with some evidence showing that on average the cost to implement COVID passes per week was around £400. This would represent an annual cost of £20,000 per year. And let's not forget that these venues have been forced to shut despite the promise that COVID passes would keep them open. Today, a...
Paul Davies: Minister, as we look forward, it is important that the Welsh Government spells out exactly how it's going to support the sustainability of the sector for the future in the form of a specific strategy. As part of that strategy, the Welsh Government should look at some of the underlying challenges facing the sector prior to the pandemic and consider what lessons it can learn from the COVID...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, businesses across Wales, of course, welcomed the announcement on Friday by the Welsh Government to ease COVID restrictions in Wales over the next two weeks. That announcement was particularly welcomed by businesses in the hospitality and night-time sectors who have faced great hardship, not just over the past few weeks, but through the whole pandemic. The struggles...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I thank his Minister for his statement this afternoon? I welcome the opportunity to scrutinise the Minister on the Welsh Government's progress in strengthening regional economies, but I am disappointed that today's statement is very light on detail. It doesn't tell us anything new. And if the Minister believes it does tell us something new, then perhaps he'd be...
Paul Davies: What is the Welsh Government doing to support the economy in Preseli Pembrokeshire?
Paul Davies: Thank you for that response, First Minister. I listened very carefully to your response to the question asked by Heledd Fychan earlier on ambulances, because a constituent has been in touch with me recently to say that an 84-year-old lady had to wait almost 12 hours for an ambulance, having fallen on Christmas Day. I understand that the ambulance service is under huge pressure, but I’m sure...
Paul Davies: 8. Will the First Minister make a statement on the delivery of health services in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area? OQ57400
Paul Davies: [Inaudible.]—naturally, these messages have had a dramatic impact on our businesses here in Wales, from shops to the hospitality sector. Now, clearly, further restrictions will be placed on businesses from next Sunday onwards, but can you tell us whether the Welsh Government has held an economic impact assessment in relation to these new restrictions? And, if so, will you publish that...
Paul Davies: I'm grateful to you, Minister, for that response. Two weeks ago, during a Welsh Conservative debate on small businesses, I encouraged the economy Minister to look at ways to strengthen our procurement practices to help small local businesses bid for public sector contracts. You'll be aware of the research that shows that for every £1 a small business receives, 63p is reinvested in the local...
