The Status of the Welsh Language In the Senedd's Work

Part of 4. Questions to the Senedd Commission – in the Senedd at 4:10 pm on 23 September 2020.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 4:10, 23 September 2020

(Translated)

Thank you for that question. I think Siân Gwenllian is entirely right in emphasising the real significance of this judgment, and I am eager for that to be given proper and detailed attention by the Commission and the Government. I am certain that this is something that will certainly be of interest to the Welsh Language Commissioner's office.

I agree that seeing the Welsh language being confirmed so emphatically in its status should encourage us to ensure that our bilingual legislative processes are robust, and are more robust. It should give us confidence as a Senedd to increase the use of the Welsh language in this Senedd. I invite Members to contribute their ideas on how that can be done as the Members' survey is distributed this week.

And the other point I'd like to make is that the official languages scheme is being reviewed for the sixth Senedd. This adjudication gives that a different context and strengthens the context of that, and I would encourage Members to contribute to that work when the Commission's consultation on it opens.