Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. The need to align procurement policy and practice with the wider economic, social and environmental ambitions of Wales has long been recognised, and it was a particular focus of my predecessor as finance Minister, Jane Hutt, and helps to explain the year-on-year growth in the percentage of procurement spend gathered by Welsh businesses. In construction, the particular focus of this debate, that figure is now over 70 per cent, and all of this, Dirprwy Lywydd, while we are still in the European Union.

Now, planning for the future is essential to ensure that Wales has the highly skilled, well-developed and supported construction industry that can meet our infrastructure needs and boost the Welsh economy. The intrinsic connection between public procurement and the development of a skilled construction workforce is clear, and it’s good that this debate highlights that relationship.

Rwy’n ddiolchgar, wrth gwrs, i Sian Gwenllian am beth ddywedodd hi yn tynnu sylw at y rôl mae menywod yn gallu ei chwarae yn y sector, a’r cyfleon a’r sialens sydd yna i drio tynnu menywod ifanc i mewn i’r gweithlu yn y dyfodol.

The way that the Welsh public sector procures infrastructure and construction projects can make a significant impact in the provision of good employment and training opportunities across the sector, and across the genders as well.