3. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:18 pm on 20 October 2020.

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Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 3:18, 20 October 2020

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Organiser, could I seek two statements, or certainly a letter in the first instance, explaining why—from the health Minister—dentists aren't classed as key workers, and if there could be possible Government reconsideration of this? I find it remarkable that dentists aren't categorised as key workers, but there might be a perfectly logical reason why that it is the case. It escapes me at this moment in time, but I have been lobbied by dentists locally about this anomaly, and so if I could seek a letter or some form of explanation as to why this is the case, I'd be most grateful, and, in the best outcome possible, actually get them added to the list of key workers, given the imminent lockdown that is going to occur from Friday.

Secondly, the Government brought forward money for the vaginal mesh campaign and addressing the concerns that many people had brought to Senedd Members and also the Government around their experiences with the Welsh NHS in this particular area. One million pounds was allocated in 2018. I'd be grateful if we could seek a statement from the health Minister to actually explain what the outcomes are from that money that was allocated to address these very serious concerns that patients brought before the Senedd. I know this issue enjoys cross-party support, but, to date, in my meetings over the last week when I've met campaigners in this particular area, they seem unsure as to what exactly has been achieved by this money that was allocated from the Welsh Government back in 2018, and a clear explanation laid out in a statement I think would benefit many people. Thank you.