Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 11 July 2017.

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Photo of David Melding David Melding Conservative

(Translated) What plans does the Welsh Government have for the future of Cardiff Airport?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The continued success of the airport is vital to our economy. We will continue to support the airport to develop new routes, grow passenger numbers and improve facilities. We are already working on proposals to improve access to the airport and are continuing to pursue devolution of air passenger duty.

Photo of Hannah Blythyn Hannah Blythyn Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for women in sport in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Increasing the number of women who take part in sport and physical activity is one of our priority areas. Through Sport Wales, there are a range of programmes that are being delivered by a number of partners across Wales and covering a number of activities.

Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP

(Translated) Will the First Minister outline how the Welsh Government is improving transport links to Wales's tourist destinations?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We are focused on ensuring that we have an integrated transport network across Wales that actively encourages visitors to use public transport, improves economic competiveness and provides enhanced access for communities, people and businesses to jobs, services and markets.

Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on road safety in Clwyd West?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Our road safety framework sets out actions we and our partners are taking to achieve our casualty reduction targets across Wales. The 2016 data recently published continues the long-term downward trend in Wales in the number of road traffic accidents and in the number of killed or seriously injured casualties.

Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour

(Translated) What discussions has the Welsh Government had with local authorities regarding discretionary housing payments?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Discretionary housing payments are non-devolved and administered by local authorities on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. However, working in collaboration with Welsh local authorities, we have introduced improved guidance ensuring more consistent handling of applications, targeting those in greatest need.

Photo of Mark Reckless Mark Reckless Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement regarding his assessment of the continuation of the common travel area post Brexit?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Our close links with Ireland mean maintaining the common travel area—which predates the UK’s membership of the EU—is a particular priority for Wales. Everyone wants to maintain it, but the UK Government has not explained how it proposes to square this with its rhetoric on future migration policy.

Photo of Nathan Gill Nathan Gill Independent

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on the performance of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The health board is maintaining good performance in key areas, including cancer and ambulance performance. While they have virtually eliminated over eight-week diagnostic waits, however, we have made it clear that performance in other areas, for example orthopaedic waiting times, needs to improve.

Photo of Jenny Rathbone Jenny Rathbone Labour

(Translated) What plans does the Welsh Government have to make Transport for Wales transparent and accountable to the people of Wales following the procurement of the new rail franchise?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

As a wholly owned, not-for-profit company, Transport for Wales is accountable to Welsh Ministers, much like any other Welsh Government department.