Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:46 pm on 14 February 2023.
I'm grateful to you, Deputy Presiding Officer. During the statement, in reply to a question, the Deputy Minister referred to Plaid Cymru as shaping the budget. This was also referred to in answer to a question at First Minister's questions. Now, since shaping the budget is a fundamental part of the executive role of Government, it raises significant questions about our ability to scrutinise Members of Plaid Cymru who are shaping the Government and working within the Government. At the moment, there is no means of holding designated Members to account. We need to have a debate in this place about how designated Members function within Government, and decisions that are taken alongside designated Members, so that we can have proper accountability and scrutiny in this Chamber.