4. Does the Commission have any plans to establish a permanent commemoration for Assembly Members who have died whilst in post? OAQ53502

The Commission does not have plans for a memorial of this nature. We have recently agreed a policy that notes the process the Commission will follow to consider suggestions for memorials and decide on them. The policy is available on the Assembly website. 

Thank you for that answer, Presiding Officer. I look forward to having a look on the website. I was unaware that there was a policy, so I look forward to seeing that. But I do think that that is a piece of architecture that we are missing on the Assembly estate. Thankfully, not many Members have died in post, but over the years four or five at least, I do believe, have passed away in post, and I think that, as a Parliament, we should be commemorating their service and the service that they’ve given, because it was whist they were AMs that they achieved so much, and with the passage of time it would be wrong to forget their legacy, if you like. As this was their home within their working life, I do think that that would be a noble gesture on behalf of the Commission, and I would implore the Commission maybe to put something together that could bring such a commemoration together.

I'd urge you to have a look at the policy. It is only recently agreed by the Commission, so many Members may not yet be fully aware of it. It's been put in place in order to have a framework for decision making around any memorial or plaque for any person or event to be placed on this estate. We remember our fellow Members sadly deceased with a great deal of fondness and we carry with us in our everyday life many of the aspects and priorities they brought to our discussions in this Chamber. I would urge you, if Members are supportive of an initiative such as this, to work with families and friends of those deceased Members—to work across political parties to make a proposal to the Commission, and the Commission will look at that when it comes before us. 

Diolch, Llywydd.