11. The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 21) Regulations 2021

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:05 pm on 14 December 2021.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 7:05, 14 December 2021

Diolch yn fawr. Thank you, Huw, and thanks for the consideration of your committee. I just would appeal to you to consider the kind of urgency with which we had to introduce these. Of course we're always very anxious to do an equality impact assessment, and that summary impact assessment will be done as soon as practically possible. Of course, all the people who are all hands on deck at the moment are being asked to do so many additional things at the same time. So, we're very keen. I take on board your suggestion. I'll see how practical that is and whether that would have made a difference in this particular instance because of the urgency of the situation. 

James, we are acutely aware of the unintended consequences of asking people to self-isolate, in particular on people's mental health, and that's why I discussed with the Deputy Minister for mental health the impact on mental health this week, about what we're doing in this space, and she was very clear to me that she has asked for further promotion of the CALL mental health helpline to be promoted in the face of this. 

Rhun, thank you, obviously we will keep the Senedd informed in terms of any proposed changes. We are dealing with this in real time. It happens to fall at a time when the Senedd will be closing, and obviously we'll be keeping in close contact with the Llywydd, who I'm sure will make some judgments as to whether or not the Senedd will need to be recalled.