Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:53 pm on 21 June 2022.
Thank you, Llywydd. As I've stated before, I'm convinced that the language belongs to us all, and that we must keep encouraging and create opportunities to use the Welsh language, particularly in our tertiary education sector. I congratulate Laura Anne Jones on her use of the Welsh language in the Chamber this afternoon.
Members will be aware that the strategic duty in respect of promoting Welsh-medium tertiary education was amended at Stage 2, as previously mentioned, expanding the duty to require the commission to encourage demand for and participation in tertiary education through the medium of Welsh.
Whilst I welcome the Member's support for resourcing increased participation in Welsh-medium tertiary education, I cannot support amendment 79 nor amendment 80, as the provision of resources is covered by the requirement to encourage demand for and participation in tertiary education provided in Wales through the medium of Welsh. Singling out resources risks making the duty less clear, as it may introduce ambiguity as to whether provision of resources falls within the scope of the duty to encourage demand.
In terms of the question that Sioned Williams asked, the explanatory memorandum has now been amended to reflect what was agreed during Stage 2. So, the wider explanation is related to that.
So, I call on Members to reject these amendments.