Russell George: I know you didn't say that. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Minister, can I thank you for introducing these regulations this afternoon? We're not going to be supporting the alteration of the date of the Coronavirus Act. I listened carefully to what you said, and I have a lot of understanding for the point that you argue this afternoon for extending the period by a further six months, and I...
Russell George: Thank you, First Minister, for your answer. Back in February—20 February, specifically—there were significant flooding events in my own constituency, particularly in Llandinam, Llandrinio and Pool Quay. When land is affected and flooded, this causes great distress; even greater distress when people's homes are flooded, as is what happened on that day. My concern, First Minister, is that...
Russell George: 8. What support is the Welsh Government providing to Natural Resources Wales to alleviate the flooding of land in mid Wales? OQ57902
Russell George: Today in the Senedd I wanted to highlight the fantastic work of a mental health support group called the Walking Men of Mid Wales, and the group does exactly what it says. And the group was set up by Andy Coppin and is run each week by a number of volunteers. And it was set up in a bid to support those who were struggling with anxiety or isolation, but also as a mechanism just to allow men to...
Russell George: Thank you very much, Minister, for your answer. I wrote to you back in September regarding access to cytoreductive surgery, and at the time you outlined that the reason why treatment wasn't routinely available in Wales was following the advice from NICE, as you've just pointed out in your answer to me. But, since that letter and your response, I'm sure you'll be aware of two high-profile...
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Minister. I would of course understand that you were put in a very difficult position when you became the health Minister, because your predecessor left the position in a very, very difficult state. We were in a difficult position well before we entered the pandemic, and I appreciate the difficult task that you've now got in front of you, Minister. When I talked...
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Minister, and I attach myself to the first part of your answer there. In regard to the recovery plan, I noticed that Nick Bennett, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, today talks about NHS waiting times in Wales causing a public health crisis. So, it's certainly my view that we are a long way from even getting on to a recovery plan. And a recovery plan, to...
Russell George: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Minister, on this second anniversary of COVID restrictions being introduced across Wales and across the UK, certainly on behalf of the Welsh Conservatives, I think we can all agree across this Chamber—. I want to thank everyone who has kept us safe, and our thoughts are, of course, today particularly with the friends and families of those who have lost loved ones...
Russell George: 3. How is the Welsh Government supporting cancer patients to receive the correct treatment? OQ57818
Russell George: First Minister, I'm sure that I'm not the only Member to have started to receive a steady increase in e-mails from constituents asking when they're going to receive their fourth vaccination. This in itself is positive, of course, that people want to receive their next vaccination. I've heard, of course, your answer to Vikki Howells, in regard to the over-75s receiving that during the spring,...
Russell George: Yes, and if I can ask—. Finally, then, Minister, if I can ask you, in regards to those frustrations from communities—. Can I ask you to particularly look at flood warnings as well? Because the NRW website does not seem to be working appropriately. I think, on their own admission, gauges aren't working properly. One of their main functions is of course to warn communities of flooding...
Russell George: Can I, first of all, Deputy Minister, thank you for your statement today? North Powys, in my own constituency, experienced significant flooding, of course. Last month, I think in three days, 150 mm of water fell—50 per cent just on one day alone, on Sunday 20 February—on already saturated ground, so we had there some, sadly, record-breaking levels in rivers, and many communities...
Russell George: First Minister, I'm extremely grateful for that answer. I hope the fact that I tabled this question brought the matter to a conclusion. But I have to say I was grateful, First Minister, for your answer last July when you committed the Welsh Government to the project. I have to say, I was a little bit concerned because the health Minister did raise an issue of capital funding and possible...
Russell George: 6. Will the First Minister provide an update on the proposals for a multi-agency health and wellbeing campus in Newtown? OQ57780
Russell George: I'm sure you will agree with me, Minister, that it's hugely stressful for a farming family and a farming business when they are under TB restrictions. And I'm sure you will want the Welsh Government to do all they can in limiting that stress and anxiety that a farming business and families have to go through. An issue raised with me over many, many years is the lack of communication that...
Russell George: 3. Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's plans to eradicate TB in mid Wales? OQ57749
Russell George: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thank you for your statement today, Minister. I very much welcome the announcement last Friday regarding a road map to releasing restrictions, with the majority of restrictions being lifted at the end of this month. This is very good and positive news indeed, and, of course, as Welsh Conservatives, we've been calling for this for several weeks. So, I'm glad that the...
Russell George: How is the Welsh Government supporting communities in mid Wales following flooding events as a result of the recent storms?
Russell George: Minister, can I associate myself with the comments you made on the successful roll-out of vaccinations, and all those who have worked so hard in delivering those vaccinations to allow us to get to the stage that we've got to now in relaxing restrictions on our everyday lives? This is after, of course, two years of a very difficult time for communities and people across Wales. So, I do welcome...
Russell George: Thank you, Minister, for your reply. I appreciate it's your birthday today and usually people give you presents, but I'm hoping that you'll give my constituents a present through your answer today. Minister, there is strong community support and cross-party support for proposals brought forward by Powys County Council and the Powys health board for a new community hospital and health and...
