Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:03 pm on 12 November 2019.
Diolch, Rhun ap Iorwerth, for those questions. Just in relation to the Prince Madog, I remember when you—I think it was a short debate that you had around the Prince Madog, and that's when I looked into that for the first time in the level of detail that was needed. I think it was quite right to ensure that we secured the future for the vessel. And the First Minister and I visited—. I'm not sure if you're aware that the First Minister and I visited it after the Anglesey agricultural show, on a very wet day, to see for ourselves the work, world-leading work, that is being undertaken on the vessel. So, I'm very pleased that, between us all, we managed to secure that.
In relation to the NDF, obviously—I think I'm right in saying that it's still out to consultation; I think it finishes this week. Clearly, it's something that we can look at in detail around the targets, for instance. I think I was the Minister that started the NDF process, as well as doing the marine plan. Obviously, it now sits within the portfolio of the Minister for local government. But I was very keen to bring forward this document, because we were playing catch-up. I think we were desperately in need of a marine plan. I wanted it to be very ambitious and I think it is a major step forward in the way that we're going to manage our seas and secure their sustainable future. And, certainly, I think the publication of this plan today gives a very clear message that we are planning for a much more prosperous and resilient Wales and our natural resources do need to be sustainably managed in the way that we've outlined. But it's certainly something that I can look at with the Minister to make sure there is more—. I think the cross-referencing suggestion from Mike Hedges is certainly something we can look at.
You're quite right, there are lots of opportunities, and, clearly, you represent a constituency that is completely surrounded by our seas and all the benefits that that brings. And I've visited Morlais, for instance. I've had discussions with developers. I mentioned the conference I went to in Dublin—there were a lot of people interested in that stretch from Ynys Môn right across the north Wales coast. I think collaboration is very important and it is there. I mentioned new advisory groups we've brought in. There has been a huge amount of stakeholder engagement as well, but we recognise the importance of marine renewables. Again, it's about recognising the key consenting challenges that there have been, and I think this plan will go a long way to addressing those.