7. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Census 2021 — Welsh Language Results

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:54 pm on 24 January 2023.

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Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru 5:54, 24 January 2023

(Translated)

Thank you for your statement, Minister. The census results do show a decline in the percentage of Welsh speakers in almost every area, including for all ages, and among children aged three to 15 in every county in my region. Therefore, it's very important that the broad range of local initiatives that promote the language, especially those that have received investment from Welsh Government, continue to receive support, as you mentioned.

Tŷ'r Gwrhyd, as you know, is a Welsh language centre in Pontardawe that was established with the support of the Bwrw Mlaen capital investment grant, and it's a good example of what's possible in terms of ensuring informal support for Welsh-medium education for children and adults and community use of the language, and does that crucial work of increasing people's confidence outside the classroom. The centre, through its bookshop, generates income that's reinvested entirely in the centre and its activities, including providing part-time employment for two local Welsh speakers, but the income isn't enough to sustain the initiative in the long term, after the building's rental payments through the Bwrw Mlaen grant end in 2026. So, what is the Welsh Government doing to support initiatives such as Tŷ'r Gwrhyd, which has a successful track record of strengthening the Welsh language at a community level, but faces an uncertain future due to the economic crisis as was outlined by Heledd Fychan?