Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:38 pm on 21 November 2017.
I just want to extend my support for these amendments and also to thank the previous portfolio holder for the opportunity that he gave opposition Members to engage in shaping all of the amendments in relation to the Welsh language in this group and other groups when he appeared before the committee at Stage 2.
These are very welcome amendments indeed, and it is absolutely essential, of course, that we have a workforce that can deliver services through the medium of Welsh to those young people who choose to want to access services in that way.
We're coming to some amendments in group 13 that emphasise and underscore the paramount importance of making sure that learner choice is at the heart of all decisions when it comes to providing services in Welsh. And that choice, essentially, has to be backed up with a proper workforce plan, with people in the right places at the right time, working with those children and young people who need the additional learning need support. So, I very much welcome amendments 39 and 40 and will be supporting them.