4. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: The Cymraeg 2050 Annual Report 2021-22

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:01 pm on 4 October 2022.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 4:01, 4 October 2022

(Translated)

I thank Huw Irranca-Davies for the question and the example that he's given to Welsh-language learners in using Welsh in the Chamber today. The point that he made is an important one: that we do need to collaborate regionally in order to ensure the success of the WESPs. There's an example in Merthyr, for example, where Merthyr and nearby councils are collaborating on the feasibility of a secondary school, so there are examples already within the WESPs.

The point that he made on transport is very important I think, because, in many areas of Wales, the closest Welsh-medium school won't be in the county you live in—it happens. I went to Ystalyfera and there were a number of children coming from Cwmtwrch in Powys, over the border, because that was the nearest Welsh-language school, and we must ensure that they're not deprived of the opportunity to receive Welsh-medium education because of those borders and boundaries. So, I will want to discuss with leaders during the next few weeks where those examples are, because they are very specific. We know where it happens. It doesn't happen everywhere, but it is specific to certain communities in certain parts of Wales. I want to discuss with them what more we can do to ensure that that doesn't happen in those communities—that people have equal access to Welsh-medium education wherever they live.