9. What consideration has the north Wales Cabinet committee given to the provision of emergency services in north Wales? OQ57011

The Cabinet committee on north Wales discusses a wide range of important topics. The first meeting of this Senedd term included a discussion on the pressures faced by health and social care partners, involving the chief executive of the health board, chief executive of NHS Wales and all local authority leaders.

Thank you very much for that answer, Minister, but I do have concerns that extend beyond the current crisis in ambulance response times. Last week, an arson attack at Rhyl Football Club occurred at the same time as a fire at a hotel in Prestatyn. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported that they were stretched dealing with those two incidents in my constituency. I dread to think what would have happened had there been a serious collision or a house fire elsewhere in the Vale of Clwyd that day. Minister, what steps will the north Wales Cabinet committee take to ensure that there is sufficient fire and rescue service provision covering north Wales, and my constituency in particular? 

Well, I don't think that would be a decision for the north Wales Cabinet sub-committee. Obviously, the cover of emergency services across north Wales has to be appropriate at all times. You just mentioned two significant incidents that happened at the same time and, of course, while they're going on, there are always other incidents where our emergency services are being called to attend. And, obviously, there continues to be immense pressure particularly on the Welsh ambulance service at the current time. There's a really complex range, I think, of challenges at the moment that are coming together to get a perfect storm, but it's really important, obviously, the Minister for Health and Social Services works very closely with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. You'll be aware of a review that is being undertaken by the trust at the current time, and obviously fire services come under the remit of the Minister for Social Justice, I think—it might be local government, but it will be a different Minister for that. But obviously, across Government, we will work very closely to make sure—. One of the good things that has happened over the previous few years that we've seen—I've certainly got one in my own constituency—is where emergency services come together in one building. So, in Wrexham, we've got the ambulance service and the fire service working together, and I think that has really improved issues.

And finally, question 10, Mabon ap Gwynfor.