5. Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:37 pm on 29 April 2020.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 5:37, 29 April 2020

Minister, some prisoners from HMP Berwyn and other prisons in Wales, of course, are being released early due to COVID-19. Now, that isn't a devolved matter, unfortunately, but the impact on local authorities of having early releases presenting as homeless is a devolved issue, of course, and I know you've touched on that briefly in your statement and in a couple of subsequent answers.

We also know, of course, the statistics from the Ministry of Justice show that prisoners in Wales or in Welsh jails make up 25 per cent of all confirmed cases in Wales and England, which is a hugely worrying statistic, particularly when prisoners in Wales make up just 6 per cent of the estate. So, can I ask what dealings has the Welsh Government had with the UK Government regarding this worrying level of infection within Welsh prisons? And, of course, whilst there are plans afoot in north Wales in relation to Berwyn to deal with this extra pressure on council homelessness services, I would like an assurance from you that all prisoners that are being released are being tested for COVID-19 and, of course, are able to isolate if they're found to be positive.