5. 2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:58 pm on 4 October 2016.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 2:58, 4 October 2016

Diolch, Lywydd. Last week, we held the first meeting of the cross-party group on steel, and I very much appreciate the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure attending that and providing an update. During recent months, steelworkers have been working hard to increase production levels and hit their targets. To the public, it appears that the issues around steel have dissipated; they have not. There are still deep concerns over the future of steel, and uncertainty and challenges ahead. Could we have a statement from the Cabinet Secretary to the Assembly on the current position in relation to the Welsh Government’s actions on steel, and perhaps on the discussions he’s been having with the UK Government as well?

On a second point, could I also support the issues that Bethan Jenkins raised on special education issues? I understand the answer you gave to her and I appreciate that it’s a decision for Neath Port Talbot council and that the ALN Bill will be coming, but it is important to understand the Welsh Government’s position in helping the most vulnerable children in our society who are facing some challenges now, and whether the Bill may actually require authorities to place more support in those areas where we are seeing at the moment some cuts.