Heledd Fychan: Thank you very much for that response, and I'm sure that we've all been involved with some excellent visits, and we've seen the superb opportunities that exist for our children and young people and how they and we benefit from these visits. But one of the things that's concerned to me in speaking to schools in my region, and considering that South Wales Central is that region, is that more...
Heledd Fychan: 1. How is the Commission securing opportunities for children and young people to visit the Senedd in light of rising transport costs? OQ59365
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Llywydd, and thank you for this afternoon's statement, Minister. Clearly, this is to be warmly welcomed, and I think that the benefits that you've outlined will certainly be welcomed by teachers. One of the things that you will have heard, as have I, in speaking to teachers, is that they welcome the new curriculum but that the issue of resources and that we don't have the necessary...
Heledd Fychan: We need to work together. We need a system that will transform education. We see the concerning figures from the Bevan Foundation, too, in terms of the differences between boys and girls, and the differences in attainment there. So, can I ask what specific plans do you have to ensure that those kinds of differences are also tackled? We have to ensure equality of opportunity for all and, as I...
Heledd Fychan: If I may just focus on the £40 million investment that you mentioned in terms of the community-focused schools to improve the accessibility and community use of schools, obviously, that investment is welcome, but I’m still not clear how exactly they are going to help in terms of attainment, especially when we look at the connection between school absences and attainment, because,...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister, for this afternoon’s a statement. Clearly, this does follow a discussion that we had last week on this issue, where we were emphasising how crucial it is that we do look to ensure that there is equality of opportunity for everyone, wherever they are in Wales and whatever their background, and we know that that isn’t currently the case, and there are a number of steps...
Heledd Fychan: Diolch, Prif Weinidog. Following last week's visit to the Senedd by COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru, a number of constituents from South Wales Central who lost loved ones to COVID-19 have contacted me regarding the nosocomial investigation. I understand that the interim report is imminent, but many bereaved families are concerned, as they still haven't heard anything at all in...
Heledd Fychan: 2. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's engagement with the UK COVID-19 inquiry? OQ59377
Heledd Fychan: Getting bus services right is something that will be transformative for Wales, and, certainly, in terms of the long term, I know that the Deputy Minister shares the passion that many of us have to ensure that we have a bus network that works for Wales. That will take time, it needs investment, but what we are talking about at this point in time are the services that people in our communities...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Jack, for proposing this important debate that relates to an issue affecting so many people in our constituencies and regions day in, day out. And I won't repeat the points raised, but I think it is that personal connection: we've all had people come to us who are struggling; we all know of organisations that are trying to provide that support and are just unable to meet the...
Heledd Fychan: I also think that it contrasts, perhaps, with some of the things that we discussed earlier in terms of there being a positive picture in terms of education in Wales. Because one of the things that you look at in terms of the report is the genuine challenges. Clearly, there are positives in the report, as it offers solutions too and talks about the role of so many partners in terms of the...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this debate today. Clearly, it aligns with our previous discussion in terms of the Welsh Government's vision for education. I'd like to add my thanks to Owen Evans; I think that the report, certainly, is very comprehensive. I welcome the new format, as mentioned by the Minister, and I think that thematic reports, specifically, give us a clear...
Heledd Fychan: Very clearly, Sir Wyn was clear in his support of the Law Commission's recommendations, which would enable the Welsh Tribunals to be more responsive to the devolved legislative landscape, so I do think that we do need to see progress in this regard. Finally, I'd like to reflect on the overarching conclusion of the Law Commission, echoed by Sir Wyn in his report, which states that the current...
Heledd Fychan: Certainly, it is testament to him and his team that they fulfilled their responsibilities with the utmost professionalism and diligence throughout the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. We of course wish all the best to his successor, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, who will take over the role in April. I won't repeat some of the questions asked, but I think, in terms of the timescales, it is...
Heledd Fychan: Huw Irranca referred to the use of the Welsh language, and certainly that came through very strongly. It's only in relation to issues that relate to the Welsh language that the language is used at the moment, and I think normalising the use of the Welsh language and ensuring that everyone is aware that the Welsh language option is available is very important. Another issue that became...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you to the Counsel General for bringing this debate forward this afternoon. I was a substitute on the committee when the report was discussed, and I'd like to echo our thanks to Sir Wyn Williams for his contribution in this important role.
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister, for the statement this afternoon. Certainly, you’ll get our full support in terms of the aspiration in securing high standards and aspirations for all. And certainly, one of the things that we have seen, and you’ve already mentioned this, is that we do have to acknowledge the problems that do arise from COVID, and the impact that that is having since the launch in...
Heledd Fychan: May I just emphasise therefore, we're talking—? In terms of our constituents who contact us, many do qualify for free treatment, but they can't find a dentist to do the work. That's the category we're talking about. And I haven't seen any clarity on that at all. If I look at South Wales Central, here are some of the facts that have been provided by the British Dental Association: 18 per...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister. So, you've outlined clearly that there are a number of things that have been put in place to assist families. You talked about reducing the concern, but the concern is obviously continuing, because the truth is that a number of families still find difficulty funding the essentials related to the school day. You referred to uniform, but although you've changed the guidance...
Heledd Fychan: Thank you, Minister. As you'll be aware, there is a major issue with regard to litter and fly-tipping, and we're all aware of the damaging effect that this can have, not just on the beauty of our communities, but in terms of nature and wildlife. We all, of course, have a part to play, and I'd like to thank the thousands of people across the nation who regularly litter pick in their...
