Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:33 pm on 6 June 2017.
That’s not the way that we legislate, of course, but I disagree with you about the stock answer. There are no stock answers in this Government, Darren, as the answers to questions that are raised, and I think it’s important that we recognise that. But let’s move on.
The process is what is important. The transformational programme, of which this Bill is a part, is the absolute key element of what we’re seeking to achieve today. And I think yourself in your remarks, and I think Llyr and others also, ensured that we did have a focus on that transformational programme. We will ensure that there is funding available—and I accept the points that have been made by Simon Thomas in his contribution—to cover the costs of implementation, but also—and this is the key point, I think—not simply to cover the base costs of implementing the legislation, but also to deliver the funding and the resources to deliver the wider transformational programme as well. And that’s investing in people, investing in the workforce, investing in workforce development—exactly the points that Llyr was making about the Welsh language, and I accept the points that you made on the language. I recognise, as you do, that significant amendment has been made to ensure that Welsh language services are delivered in a more profound way and a more comprehensive way than has been previously suggested. I’m taken by your idea of a sunset clause. I prefer sunrise, but it might well be that although we can’t agree on the time of day, we will be able to agree on the principle of ensuring that we do deliver those services through the medium of Welsh.
But let me say this. I can see that time is moving on. I’ve already confirmed I will not move a financial resolution today, but will re-table it after the summer recess, following publication of the revised regulatory impact assessment. I will also give the undertaking to Members that I will continue the conversations that we’ve had. A number of Members have raised particular issues. I will speak to party spokespeople, and to the committees, before we lay Government amendments to this Bill. And I will, wherever possible, seek to ensure that there is a conversation that takes place to ensure that amendments that we lay are amendments that reflect the debate that we’ve had this afternoon, and the scrutiny process that all three committees have undertaken.