2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:54 pm on 23 March 2021.

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Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative 2:54, 23 March 2021

Diolch, Llywydd. Trefnydd, I'd like to request two statements: one from the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs regarding the support for agricultural shows across Wales following the recent news that the Pembrokeshire show has been cancelled again this year, which, of course, is understandable. You'll be aware that the Royal Welsh Show is also not taking place, as well as smaller shows across all parts of Wales. Now, these shows are not just important to the agricultural sector, but they're also important community events and are crucial in promoting our culture, and they are also responsible for community cohesion as they bring communities together, they bring people from rural and more urbanised areas together. Therefore, as more and more cancellations are announced in the wake of the COVID pandemic, it's vital that the Welsh Government publishes a statement of support for shows and, indeed, festivals that confirms exactly how it is supporting them through the pandemic, particularly the smaller agricultural shows and festivals.

Secondly, can I also request a statement from the Welsh Government regarding personal protective equipment for NHS workers? I've been contacted by a distressed constituent who has made it clear that the equipment does not suitably enable workers to lip-read, making life very difficult for workers who have hearing difficulties. I know that there should be appropriate equipment being made available, but I'm told that, in this case, the clear face masks are very challenging in that they're difficult to use for long periods of time, hence my constituent is unable to lip-read due to the right equipment not being worn. I'm sure that you'll agree with me that this is unacceptable and so it's crucial that the Welsh Government provides some leadership on this matter by publishing a clear statement outlining its PPE policy, explaining the importance of suitable equipment for NHS workers who need the right equipment because of hearing problems, and ensuring that those workers have access to the right equipment.