5. 90-second Statements

– in the Senedd at 4:11 pm on 25 January 2023.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 4:11, 25 January 2023

(Translated)

We move on now to item 5, which is the 90-second statements. First, Samuel Kurtz. 

Photo of Samuel Kurtz Samuel Kurtz Conservative

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Last week, ColegauCymru and the Construction Industry Training Board signed a long-awaited and eagerly anticipated co-operation agreement at Pembrokeshire College. The agreement is set to strengthen the relationship between the representatives of further education colleges in Wales and the representatives of the construction industry, a recognition that both organisations have a common interest in supporting the construction industry by facilitating apprenticeships and developing employers, young people and adult learners. Both organisations are not just committed to excellence but are striving to ensure that learners receive the correct training and skills required by industry priorities. Indeed, a great example of where further education colleges and CITB work together for the benefit of learners, employers and the wider Welsh economy is the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales programme, which raises awareness of vocational education and training and career pathways that will impact positively on Welsh businesses. As part of its programme, last week, Pembrokeshire College hosted over 70 learners from across Wales to compete in the first heat of the Skills Competition Wales. The competition covered 11 trades within the construction area and was attended by several local construction companies, including W.B. Griffiths and Son, Carreg Construction, CITB and Dyfed Training Group. I would like to congratulate all learners who took part and wish them the very best as they make their way through the competition. Diolch yn fawr.

Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 4:12, 25 January 2023

(Translated)

I want to take the opportunity to congratulate O Ddrws i Ddrws, a community transport charity on the Llŷn peninsula, for providing 20 years of service to residents in the area. O Ddrws i Ddrws was incorporated in 2003, and since then it has carried hundreds of passengers on thousands of necessary journeys, from medical appointments, shopping locally or visiting loved ones, to getting to school, college or to work. Now the charity provides a well-being service, Lôn i Les, and is innovating in sharing and charging electric vehicles, Gwefryl, and the Flecsi Llŷn service, which provides public transport on demand during the summer months, too. Our thanks is great to all the volunteers and staff who have contributed to the charity over the years—trustees, administrators and drivers, and those funding. Their generosity is testament to the ongoing need for the crucial work that is delivered by this charity. Without O Ddrws i Ddrws services, community life and practical independent living without access to private transport would be impossible in Llŷn. So, I thank them for their work and on to the next 20 years.

Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 4:14, 25 January 2023

This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and the charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust have launched their biggest campaign yet, the campaign to end cervical cancer. Around 160 cases are diagnosed annually, and it's the most common form of cancer for women under 35. But, here in Wales, we have the tools to make cervical cancer a thing of the past: a wide-ranging HPV vaccination programme, highly effective colposcopy and cervical screening services. Regular screening alone can reduce risk by up to 70 per cent. We're preventing more cases of cervical cancer than ever, but we also face barriers, including inequity in access and falling uptake. The impact of the pandemic has also been significant and work is needed to remedy this. The possibility of consigning a cancer to the history books is an exciting one, and one that we should embrace and be motivated by. To get there, we must tackle the issues of today, and look to programmes of the future. The latest report from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust highlights the barriers and opportunities to eliminate cervical cancer. This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, I would encourage everyone to take up their HPV vaccines and cervical screening, and to contact Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust for information and support. Together, we can eliminate cervical cancer.  

Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 4:15, 25 January 2023

(Translated)

Thank you to the three Members.