Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 21 March 2017.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on actions being taken by the Welsh Government to improve the economy of the valleys in South Wales West?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We have been clear that identifying opportunities for decent employment is a key role of the ministerial taskforce for the Valleys. We will only achieve our ambitions for more prosperous valleys communities if people have access to decent, sustainable work.

Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the viability of the agricultural industry in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

Agriculture is a vital industry to Wales and a crucial backbone of the Welsh rural economy. The Welsh Government is working in partnership with the industry to support farming to become more profitable, sustainable, resilient and professionally managed.

Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent

(Translated) What plans does the First Minister have to meet with the Taoiseach to discuss the relationship with the Republic of Ireland following the UK's decision to leave the European Union?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

I last met the Taoisech, in Wales, on Friday 10 March.

Photo of Hefin David Hefin David Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister provide an update on Welsh Government plans to create better jobs closer to home?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The national transport finance plan sets out the measures we are taking to ensure that south-east Wales is connected via a reliable, modern and integrated transport network.

Photo of Rhianon Passmore Rhianon Passmore Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to ensure that more women enter jobs relating to science, technology, engineering and maths?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

All 33 recommendations from the ‘Talented Women for a Successful Wales’ report were supported by the Welsh Government. Many of these points call for action to ensure more women work in STEM jobs. The Minister for Skills and Science is to chair a programme board to assist the report’s implementation.

Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on direct payments to farmers?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

Since the payment window opening on 1 December, over 97 per cent of eligible farm businesses have received their payment, totalling over £212 million. We expect to pay all but the most complex cases by the middle of April.

Photo of Mark Reckless Mark Reckless UKIP

(Translated) Will the First Minister clarify his previous comments on him seeing Scotland as being a constitutional model for Wales to follow?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

I welcome the move to a reserved-powers model, which will be introduced by the Wales Act 2017, and which will place the structure of our devolution settlement on the same footing as Scotland.