Siân Gwenllian: I formally move.
Siân Gwenllian: I formally move.
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you, and I'm sure you will look at this report that I've referenced, 'Show Us You Care'. Now, in turning finally to the Welsh baccalaureate, I understand that the results of the Welsh bac won't be available until the day after A-level results are announced. Now, this is going to cause a number of problems, because receiving those results late could significantly delay the process of...
Siân Gwenllian: May I remind you that we've heard this before? Your predecessor talked about a 10-year plan to increase the number of Welsh-medium teachers, but we're still waiting to see that plan, and to see it implemented. So, I very much hope that this will be a priority of yours. Like me, you will have been shocked by the ugly racism that's faced three black England football players since Saturday's...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you, Llywydd. I'd like to begin with issues arising from your statement yesterday on Cymraeg 2050. A situation where your Government is failing to meet targets on children at seven years old learning through the medium of Welsh is entirely unacceptable. So, I do look forward to hearing more about your plans to introduce a Welsh-language education Act. This is desperately needed, and we...
Siân Gwenllian: As the purpose of this debate is to seek the views of the Senedd on the budgetary priorities of Government, I want to take this opportunity to once again emphasise the need to move towards budgets that are preventative, and budgets that provide long-term solutions. Investing in the education of our children and young people is a central part of the preventative agenda, and it's clear that we...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much, Deputy Llywydd. I'm grateful to you for bringing a statement forward early in the new Government's term on the target of creating a million Welsh speakers. You know that you have my support in this ambition, and I know that you're entirely sincere in your ambition, but I do need to be convinced that the necessary gear shift is actually happening. Your predecessor told me...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you for the statement, Minister, discussing the curriculum and qualifications. I'm pleased that you've recognised the need for clear expectations and further support to implement the new curriculum. You've also mentioned launching a new national network for the implementation of the curriculum in the autumn, but what exactly is the purpose of...
Siân Gwenllian: Plaid Cymru has played a constructive role in pressing the Welsh Government to take action in order to support communities that are suffering as a result of the impact of second homes. Unfortunately, this announcement today is very disappointing and weak. We don't have a plan here, but three headlines, which are short, vague and lacking detail. Consulting and pilot schemes won't help young...
Siân Gwenllian: It surprises me how little priority early years education and childcare is given by this Government. Studies show how vital the creation of full provision is in deprived communities for the benefit of the education of children and to raise families out of poverty. And yet, the Government's model and the defective childcare scheme is based on demand rather than need. Do you agree that we need...
Siân Gwenllian: Will the First Minister make a statement on additional support for emergency health services in Arfon over the coming months?
Siân Gwenllian: I am the species champion for the twite—a small, beautiful bird, and a rare bird. But, thanks to the restoration work by agriculturists and others of the twite's habitat in Snowdonia, it appears that the species is on the rise again. So, there is hope. By planning, by doing that restorative work, and working in partnership, rare species can be revived. The situation facing nature in Wales...
Siân Gwenllian: I formally move.
Siân Gwenllian: The Government needs to lead and not leave complex decisions up to schools and teachers who are under huge pressure already. That's unfair, it's irresponsible and it creates inconsistency. So, I would call on you to listen to the increased cry from our schools and to give clear guidance and consistent guidance. May I ask you about the vaccination plans for children and young people? Clearly,...
Siân Gwenllian: Constituents in Arfon understand why cafes and restaurants are concerned that their customers maintain social distancing and adhere to test and trace protocols. And that of course is a requirement under the law, to prevent the spread of COVID. But my constituents don't understand why similar guidance aren't provided for Transport for Wales trains, where there is no social distancing on...
Siân Gwenllian: 5. Will the First Minister make a statement on safety on trains during the pandemic? OQ56708
Siân Gwenllian: I'm very pleased to have listened to this afternoon's statement, and I'm pleased that you've listened to the suggestion that I made in the Senedd last week, namely to reduce exam fees for schools. As a former chair of governors, I am highly aware that paying for examinations is an important element of a school budget. It didn't appear to be fair that schools were facing bills similar to ones...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I’m very pleased to sum up this important and very comprehensive debate that we’ve had on housing this afternoon. We’ve discussed the shortage of houses, second homes, safety, planning, management fees—these have all been covered this afternoon. What is entirely clear is the need for intervention as a matter of urgency. The shortage...
Siân Gwenllian: Thank you. I'm still not entirely clear on the issue, but hopefully we can discuss this further outside the Chamber, and I would appreciate some clarity as to where the funding is coming from. Is this new funding—
Siân Gwenllian: —or is it a continuation of the funding that Kirsty Williams mentioned in the previous Senedd? Now, you've mentioned closing the attainment gap as one of your early priorities and I agree with you on that—it is crucially important. There is clear evidence, of course, that the one most effective thing that we can do in delivering this aim is to provide a nutritious free school meal to...
