2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:50 pm on 12 March 2019.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 2:50, 12 March 2019

(Translated)

I’d like to request three statements if possible. First of all, I’d like a statement from the Government to update us on the discussions with the Rehau company as a result of their decision recently to consult on the closure of their plant in Amlwch. I and other local representatives have met with the company more than once to try and ensure that everything possible is done to avoid the closure, and it’s encouraging to hear that many options are being considered. But I’d also like an assurance that all possible support is being provided to the workforce there in their negotiations with the company. The workforce is a strong one and they deserve all possible support. The plant is a good one, too, and it deserves every opportunity to have a future.

Secondly, I’d like a statement on how the Welsh Government can work with us on Anglesey to try and push to ensure that investment in the rail line across the island is included in the Network Rail investment programme in the next control period. There are two specific reasons why this is particularly important now. A rail bridge in Llangefni was recently lost because of a collision with a lorry. We need a bridge back there and Network Rail needs to make that investment. And because of economic blows to the north of the island, that rail line is an opportunity to make important economic links.

Thirdly, I’d like a statement from the Minister with responsibility for the Welsh language on her expectations in terms of what banks should offer customers in Wales in terms of online banking. I know, in my own constituency, as in the constituencies of so many Members here, that branches are being closed. I’m opposed to those closures and I make that point clearly and strongly. But as the banks encourage us to move towards online banking, what that means is that, unless that online banking is available in Welsh, then customers who have been dealing with their banks in the branch through the medium of Welsh lose that link and ability through the medium of Welsh. Now, I’ve discussed this with a number of banks and I do think that we should see significant pressure from Government, through the language commissioner possibly, to ensure that we do move towards bilingual online services. I remember, as a campaigner for Cymdeithas yr Iaith many years ago, discussing with one bank the provision of cashpoints through the medium of Welsh and they said it was technically impossible. But now, 25 years later, all our cashpoints are bilingual, and we need to move very soon towards having online banking services in Welsh too, and I’d like a statement on that.