Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 4 July 2017.

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Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour

(Translated) What measures is the Welsh Government taking to combat the problem of holiday hunger among school age children in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Earlier this year, we announced £500,000 of funding, for 2017-18, to help accelerate the roll-out of the Welsh Local Government Association’s summer holiday programme, Food and Fun. This programme provides a free, healthy breakfast and lunch, along with a suite of enriching and educational activities that seek to tackle learning loss.

Photo of Gareth Bennett Gareth Bennett UKIP

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the future of the Wales and Borders rail franchise?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The procurement exercise to secure an operator and development partner to operate the next Wales and borders rail services contract is currently under way. It remains our ambition to award the contract by the end of the year, however, the general election may have caused some delays.

Photo of Jenny Rathbone Jenny Rathbone Labour

(Translated) What plans does the Welsh Government have to strengthen building regulations in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

It is far too early to know if any change to regulation will be necessary in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. We are working to ensure all relevant cladding is identified and tested. Our focus is on all residential high-rise, regardless of tenure and other public sector estate. Anything found to be, or suspected to be, aluminium composite material will be tested.

Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the joint review by the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales on governance arrangements at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Our views align with those of the joint Healthcare Inspectorate Wales/Wales Audit Office review—that the health board is clearly moving in the right direction. Leadership has been strengthened, the board is working more effectively and the special measures arrangements are clearly helping to focus attention in specific areas where action and further progress is required.

Photo of David Melding David Melding Conservative

(Translated) What are the First Minister's priorities for economic development in South Wales Central?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Our priorities are to support businesses in their growth, to invest in high-quality infrastructure, and to improve conditions for business.

Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative

(Translated) What is the Welsh Government's priority for health services in Pembrokeshire over the next twelve months?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Welsh Government’s priority is to provide the people of Pembrokeshire with health services that deliver the best possible outcomes for patients. We will be guided by the best and most up-to-date clinical evidence and advice to deliver high-quality care that the people of Pembrokeshire deserve.

Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on funding higher education in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

The reforms that were announced in November in response to the Diamond review will create a sustainable and progressive higher education funding settlement for Wales that supports students when they most need it, and enables our universities to compete domestically and internationally.

Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour

(Translated) What plans does the Welsh Government have to reconfigure the economic strategy in Wales to ensure that rural areas do not lose out as a result of the focus on City Deals?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We are developing a strategic approach based on prosperity for all, enabling all of Wales to benefit from economic growth and the opportunity and security it brings.