Group 2. Due regard to United Nations Conventions (Amendments 26, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3, 25)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:07 pm on 21 November 2017.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 5:07, 21 November 2017

Well, of course they are, and I understand that. And if they're carrying out their duties under the terms of this, then they will have those rights front and centre. I am prepared, in listening to the concerns that were expressed during the debate and in the committee, to look at those organisations that have that strategic overview of services that are being developed. Therefore, I do feel it is appropriate that both local authorities and health authorities that have strategic oversight for these provisions, and are of a sufficient size and scale, can and should have due regard. 

Because let me say, Darren, whilst I do accept the point that you've made that some schools and some FEIs are large organisations, the point is they're not all large organisations. You and I both have a passion for small and rural schools. Let's be clear: some of those small and rural schools have two or three teachers within them. We know that they are already concerned about how they will cope with implementing this legislation, and we will have to support them heavily in doing so. I don't want to make it harder for those small and rural schools to survive and not be taken away from teaching and learning. 

This Bill proposes to cut red tape and create this smoother, less adversarial system than we have at the moment. Excluding governing bodies from the due-regard duties will maintain the streamlining approach that this Bill seeks to underpin. Children will still be treated in a convention-compliant way because the Bill incorporates the principles of the convention into its duties.

Now, Lynne Neagle is absolutely right, Presiding Officer; there is still more work to do in this area, and I will be doing that as we work on the code, for example, and through the IDP process. My officials will work with the children's commissioner's office, as well as opposition Members and the committee, so that we can get this right. Presiding Officer, with that, I would urge Members to support the Government amendments and oppose those already outlined. Thank you.