Beca Brown

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1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language cy

   Mae heriau ysgolion gwledig fel y rhai yn fy etholaeth i yn symptom o heriau ehangach ein hardaloedd gwledig, gyda'r boblogaeth yn heneiddio, teuluoedd yn symud i ffwrdd, a gwasanaethau llywodraeth leol yn ddrutach i'w rhedeg ac yn anoddach i'w gweithredu. Er mwyn i ysgolion gwledig ffynnu, mae angen swyddi o ansawdd, cartrefi digonol a thrafnidiaeth gyhoeddus effeithiol, a dwi'n falch o weld y Llywodraeth yn gweithredu ar y materion hyn. Os bydd cymunedau gwledig yn ffynnu, yna bydd ysgolion gwledig yn ffynnu. Sut, felly, bydd y cynllun Ysgolion Cymunedol a Mwy yn grymuso’n hysgolion gwledig, yn ogystal â grymuso'r cymunedau maen nhw’n perthyn iddynt?

   Official English translation

   The challenges facing rural schools like those in my constituency are a symptom of the broader challenges facing our rural areas, with an ageing population, families moving away and local authority services that are more expensive to run and more difficult to administer. For rural schools to flourish, we need high-quality jobs, adequate housing and effective public transport, and I'm very pleased to see the Government taking action on these matters. If rural communities prosper, then rural schools will prosper too. How, then, will the Community Schools Plus plan empower our rural schools, as well as empowering the communities to which they belong?

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1. 2. Questions to the Counsel General cy

   5. Pa gyngor cyfreithiol y mae'r Cwnsler Cyffredinol wedi'i roi i Lywodraeth Cymru ynghylch datganoli darlledu i Gymru? OQ64746

   Official English translation

   5. What legal advice has the Counsel General provided to the Welsh Government on the devolution of broadcasting to Wales? OQ64746

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2. 2. Questions to the Counsel General cy

   Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi am yr ateb. Mi fuaswn i'n hoffi meddwl y gallem ni i gyd gytuno ei bod hi'n bwysig i gael sector darlledu cryf sy'n adlewyrchu ein gwlad a'n systemau ni. Mae'n hysbys i ni fod y rhan fwyaf o bobl yng Nghymru yn cael eu newyddion o du allan i Gymru, ac mae'n bwysig i ddemocratiaeth yma yng Nghymru fod pobl yn ymwybodol o beth sy'n digwydd yma. Ond mae hefyd yn bwysig i gael llais a safbwynt Cymreig ar faterion allanol. A ydych chi'n cytuno efo fi am yr angen i ddatganoli darlledu a'i fod yn gam pwysig wrth gryfhau bywyd sifig yng Nghymru?

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much for that answer. I would like to think that we can all agree that it is important that we have a strong broadcasting sector that reflects our country and our systems. We know that most people in Wales get their news from sources outside Wales, and it's important for democracy here in Wales that people are aware of what happens here. But it's also important to hear a Welsh voice and perspective on external affairs. Do you agree with me about the need to devolve broadcasting and that this would be an important step towards strengthening civic life in Wales?

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1. 4. 90-second Statements cy

   Ddoe, roedd tref Porthmadog yn fy etholaeth i yn nodi canmlwyddiant marw un o’i meibion mwyaf adnabyddus, gyda chyfres o ddigwyddiadau. Mae’n bosibl na fyddai’r enw Eliseus Williams yn golygu llawer i rai, ond dwi’n siŵr y byddwch chi'n ei adnabod o o'i enw barddol, sef Eifion Wyn. Ganwyd Eifion Wyn yn 28 New Street, Porthmadog, ac er iddo dreulio cyfnod fel athro yn ysgol Snowdon Street yn y dref, mae’n cael ei adnabod yn bennaf fel un o feirdd mwyaf poblogaidd ei oes. Roedd o’n ysgrifennu yn dilyn cyfnod y Beirdd Newydd, sef ysgol o feirdd Cymraeg yn negawdau olaf y bedwaredd ganrif ar bymtheg a oedd yn pwysleisio y dylai barddoniaeth fod yn aruchel, yn ddifrifol, yn athronyddol ac yn ddwys. O edrych yn ôl, mae nifer yn ystyried gwaith y beirdd hynny’n aneglur ac yn astrus. Ond bardd ei bobl oedd Eifion Wyn. Roedd yn bwysig ganddo fod ei farddoniaeth yn ddealladwy ac yn hygyrch, a dyna pam ei fod yn fardd mor boblogaidd. I ddyfynnu arbenigwr yn y maes, roedd o’n apelio at glust y werin bobl. Mae ei waddol yn parhau heddiw, wrth gwrs, nid yn unig yn enw’r ysgol gynradd leol, ond yn ei eiriau. Mae un o emynau enwocaf y Cymry, o eiddo Eifion Wyn, ‘Efengyl tangnefedd’, yn alwad am heddwch rhyngwladol—pwnc sy’n boenus o berthnasol heddiw. Diolch i bawb a oedd yn trefnu'r digwyddiadau yma am eu gwaith.

   Official English translation

   Yesterday, the town of Porthmadog in my constituency marked the centenary of the death of one of its best-known sons, with a series of commemorative events. The name Eliseus Williams might not mean much to some, but I’m sure you will recognise his bardic name, Eifion Wyn. Eifion Wyn was born at 28 New Street, Porthmadog, and although he spent time as a teacher at Snowdon Street school in the town, he is best known as one of the most popular poets of his time. He wrote in the wake of the Beirdd Newydd, a school of Welsh poets active in the final decades of the nineteenth century who emphasised that poetry should be lofty, serious, philosophical and profound. Looking back, many consider the work of those poets to be obscure and abstruse. But Eifion Wyn was a poet of the people. It was important to him that his poetry was understandable and accessible, and that’s why he was such a popular poet. To quote an expert in the field, his poetry appealed to the people. His legacy endures today, of course, not only in the name of the local primary school, but in his words. One of the most famous Welsh hymns, ‘Efengyl tangnefedd’, written by Eifion Wyn, is a call for international peace—a subject that is painfully relevant today. Thanks to the event organisers for all of their work.

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1. 4. 90-second Statements en

   Just over 18 weeks ago, Venus Lamey turned up at the Nova Prestatyn parkrun dressed as a chicken. Since then, she has run 16 different parkruns across north Wales, dressed in a variety of costumes, including a dinosaur, a unicorn and Winnie the Pooh. Several of these parkruns have been in my constituency, Pont y Bala, Dolgellau and Hafan Pwllheli, where I went to meet her and to hear her story of why she chooses to run in some very eye-catching costumes. Venus believes in shifting shame. She runs because it helps her and to raise money for the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales, who support the victims of sexual violence. Venus says, 'Through the hundreds of conversations I've had, it's highlighted to me just how many people in north Wales have either been affected by sexual violence themselves or know someone who has.' Venus wants to shift the shame from the victims of sexual abuse to the perpetrators. Last week, she ran the Nova Prestatyn parkrun again, wearing a Teletubbies costume, but this time, she wasn't the only one in an embarrassing costume: 64 people dressed up for Venus's Shift the Shame campaign. Venus will run her final parkrun this Saturday on the prom at Abermaw—Barmouth. So, if you're in the area, do go and cheer her on. Diolch, Venus, for everything you do.

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   9. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i gefnogi goroeswyr camdriniaeth yn ystod plentyndod sy'n profi trawma pellach wrth geisio cael mynediad at gofnodion gwaith cymdeithasol, iechyd neu'r heddlu hanesyddol? OQ64653

   Official English translation

   9. What action is the Welsh Government taking to support survivors of childhood abuse who experience further trauma when accessing historical social work, health or police records? OQ64653

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2. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Thank you, First Minister. Victims and survivors tell us that, when they raise concerns about victim-blaming language or missed opportunities to protect them within historical social work, health or police records, they are often told that these attitudes were simply a product of the time and would not be acceptable today. However, for survivors living with post-traumatic stress disorder, physical ill health and the lifelong consequences of abuse, the impact is very much felt today. Many access these records in an attempt to piece together their life story and to better understand their experiences, only to find that the files leave them with more questions than answers. For professionals, these may be historical records, but for survivors, the trauma is not historical at all. What more can the Welsh Government do to ensure survivors are met with recognition, trauma-informed support and meaningful acknowledgement of the harm these records can still cause?

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3. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution cy

   8. Sut mae’r Llywodraeth yn mynd ati i sicrhau cydweithio traws-portffolio i gyflawni'r Rhaglen Lywodraethu? OQ64627

   Official English translation

   8. What is the Government's approach to ensuring co-operation across portfolios to deliver the Programme for Government? OQ64627

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4. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution cy

   Diolch, Weinidog. Roeddwn i'n falch iawn o arwain dadl yn y Siambr hon am yr angen i integreiddio'r gwaith o atal ACEs, neu adverse childhood experiences, ac ymateb iddynt ar draws gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Nid yw profiad plentyn neu berson o drawma yn parchu ffiniau adrannol. Gall tai, addysg, iechyd, gofal cymdeithasol a chyflogaeth oll chwarae rhan mewn creu amodau ble mae plant a theuluoedd yn adfer o drawma ac yn ffynnu. A wnewch chi felly amlinellu sut y bydd y Llywodraeth yn helpu i sicrhau bod trawma a phrofiadau niweidiol yn ystod plentyndod, ACEs, yn cael sylw ar draws y Llywodraeth, yn hytrach nag fel mater i adrannau unigol?

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Minister. I was delighted to lead a debate in this Chamber on the need to integrate the work of preventing ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences, and respond to them across public services. The experience of a child or a person of trauma doesn't respect departmental boundaries. Housing, health, education, social care and employment can all play their part in creating conditions where children and families recover from trauma and prosper. Will you therefore outline how the Government will help to ensure that trauma and adverse experiences during childhood, or ACEs, are covered across Government, rather than as an issue for individual departments?

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1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy cy

   3. Pa rôl fydd prosiectau ynni cymunedol yn ei chwarae yn nhrawsnewidiad Cymru i sero net? OQ64557

   Official English translation

   3. What role will community energy projects play in Wales's transition to net zero? OQ64557

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2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy cy

   Diolch yn fawr iawn. Mae'n wych clywed eich bod chi o'r un farn â fi fod gan ynni cymunedol ran hollbwysig i'w chwarae wrth inni symud tuag at ein huchelgais o Gymru sero net. Wrth gwrs, wrth galon ein hegwyddorion wrth inni fynd ati i ddatblygu prosiectau ynni cymunedol yw eu bod nhw'n cyd-fynd â'r anghenion yn lleol, ac mae'n bwysig sicrhau bod y broses cynllunio yn adlewyrchu hynny. Enghraifft berffaith o ddatblygiad diwydiannol sydd yn mynd yn gwbl groes i'n hegwyddorion ni yn fy etholaeth i yw'r cynllun canolfan ddata Menai ar hen safle Ferodo yn ardal Caernarfon. Mae'n brosiect fydd yn llyncu llwythi o ynni a dŵr, yn cael effaith ddinistriol ar fywyd natur ac yn achosi llygredd sŵn a golau yn lleol. Ond, yn fwy na dim, mae graddfa anferthol y prosiect yn golygu y bydd yn siŵr o ddifetha ein tirwedd a'n golygfeydd yn lleol, gan gynnig ychydig iawn o fanteision yn lleol. Felly, sut y gallwch sicrhau nad yw cyflenwad ynni canolfannau data yn cael effaith negyddol ar yr ardal leol?

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much. It's excellent to hear that you share my view that community energy has a crucial role to play as we move towards our ambition of a net-zero Wales. Of course, at the heart of our principles as we develop community energy projects is that they align with local need, and it's important to ensure that the planning process reflects that. A perfect example of an industrial development that is contrary to our principles in my constituency is the Menai data centre scheme on the former Ferodo site near Caernarfon. It's a project that will swallow great amounts of energy and water, will have a damaging impact on wildlife and will cause sound and light pollution locally. But, more than anything, the huge scale of the project means that it will be sure to destroy our local landscapes and views, while offering very few local benefits. So, how can you ensure that the energy supply for data centres doesn't have a negative impact on the local area?

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1. 5. Reform UK Debate: Grooming gangs en

   For many years now, I have tried at every opportunity to support and advocate for victims of sexual exploitation and grooming. It is something we should all take very seriously. Sexual grooming is something that, unfortunately, far too many of us have experienced during our formative years. Be it perpetrated by groups or by individuals, it's an insidious crime that leaves victims with a lifetime of shame, guilt and self-blame. That shame, of course, is not for the victims to carry. That shame should change sides. Abusers are both clever and controlling. Grooming behaviours can be very hard to spot and perpetrators can be exceptionally skilled at hiding their motives. A high-profile investigation into a case of grooming in my constituency revealed that a victim, a schoolgirl, had Googled, 'Is this grooming?', as she tried to understand what was happening to her. Children should never have to rely on a search engine to protect them from the calculating behaviour of a ruthless abuser. That's why I'm so proud that Plaid Cymru has committed to helping children and young people recognise the signs of grooming through the relationships and sexuality education. This is one of the many reasons why RSE is so important. Every child and young person in school has equal access to a vital education that can help keep them safe. It can help them understand and recognise positive, healthy relationships, and, equally, it can alert them to the behaviour of an abuser. Plaid Cymru stands with each and every victim and survivor of sexual abuse. If you were groomed by a family member, we stand with you. If you were groomed by a person in a position of trust, we stand with you. And if you were groomed by a group of abusers, we stand with you. Sexual abuse steals childhoods, it shatters futures, it pushes victims to the very edge of what they feel they can endure. But I'll tell you what sexual abuse isn't. It is not a political football, it is not clickbait content and it is not culture-war fodder. These are real children, real survivors and real lives, not pawns in someone else's cynical point-scoring game. I look forward to supporting the actions that will be taken by this Government under the 10-year national strategy for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse, published earlier this year. I look forward to seeing our manifesto commitments at work, which include strengthening the voice of children within safeguarding arrangements and introducing a duty to report child sexual abuse. I look forward to supporting the work that will be done by this Government to strengthen RSE, which is a vital educational tool to help keep children safe. I look forward to seeing the results of the statutory independent inquiry into grooming gangs, and supporting this Government's response to any recommendations relating to Wales. I absolutely want to reinforce my support for the victims and survivors of the vile crimes of grooming gangs, as well as my support for all victims and survivors of grooming and sexual exploitation in Wales and beyond. Diolch.

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1. 3. Business Statement and Announcement en

   Trefnydd, could I possibly request a statement from the Cabinet Member for Rural Resilience and Sustainability on the fact that greyhounds were allowed to race at Valley track last week at temperatures reaching 30 degrees, when the advice of vets is not to even walk your dogs at temperatures of 21 degrees or above? What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the welfare implications for greyhounds racing in these extreme temperatures?

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2. 4. Statement by the First Minister: Legislation cy

   Mae'n wych gweld bod y Llywodraeth hon yn mynd i’r afael efo’r argyfwng tai i gefnogi gwneud tai yn fforddiadwy a chynyddu hawliau'r rhai sydd yn rhentu. Yn 2025, yn fy etholaeth i, roedd dros 65 y cant o’r boblogaeth wedi’u prisio allan o dai yng Ngwynedd, ac mae pris canolrifol ym Mhenllyn dros £400,000, sydd yn anfforddiadwy i 96 y cant o bobl leol. Mae’r effaith mae hyn yn ei gael ar yr ardal yn un ddwys iawn. Mae pobl ifanc yn gadael eu hardaloedd, yn symud i’r ddinas neu ar draws y ffin, sy'n cael ardrawiad gwael iawn ar ddiwylliant lleol ac ar yr economi. Mae’n dda gweld y Llywodraeth yn gwneud y gwaith hanfodol hwn, a dwi hefyd yn falch iawn o glywed am ddatblygu'r hawl i dai digonol. Mae’r hawl yma yn un hollol sylfaenol, a bydd deddf ar hyn yn drawsnewidiol i filoedd ar filoedd o bobl ar draws y wlad. Felly, beth fydd yr amserlen ar gyflwyno’r mesurau uchod a’r hawl cymunedol i brynu i’r Senedd?

   Official English translation

   It's great to see that this Government is tackling the housing crisis, supporting housing affordability and increasing the rights of renters. In 2025, in my constituency, over 65 per cent of the population were priced out of housing in Gwynedd, and the median price on the Llŷn peninsula is more than £400,000, which is unaffordable for 96 per cent of local people. The impact this has on the area is very severe. Young people are leaving their localities, moving to the city or across the border, which greatly harms the local economy and culture. It's good to see the Government doing this essential work, and I'm also really pleased to hear the news about the development of the right to adequate housing. This right is fundamental, and having a law on this would be transformative for thousands upon thousands of people across the country. So, what will the timetable be for bringing the aforementioned measures and the community right to buy to the Senedd?

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1. 1. Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice cy

   Mae oedolion sy'n grŵmio plant a phobl ifanc er mwyn eu camdrin yn rhywiol yn achosi niwed a phoen pellgyrhaeddol i'r unigolion hynny, gan gynnwys niweidio eu gallu i ymddiried, eu hachosi i feio eu hunain, effeithio eu hiechyd meddwl ac achosi trafferthion wrth adnabod ffiniau iach. Mae'n drosedd sy'n dwyn plentyndod a glaslencyndod, ac yn aros efo dioddefwyr a goroeswyr ar hyd eu hoes. Mae'n hollbwysig ein bod yn arfogi ein plant a'n pobl ifanc i adnabod arwyddion y grŵmio, a grymuso y rhai sydd yn gweithio efo plant a phobl ifanc i'w adnabod ac i adrodd amdano yn syth a gyda hyder. Sut bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi plant, pobl ifanc a'r gweithlu o'u cwmpas i adnabod a galw allan arwyddion o grŵmio gan oedolion?

   Official English translation

   Adults who groom children and young people to sexually abuse them cause far-reaching harm and pain to those individuals, including harming their ability to trust, causing them to blame themselves, affecting their mental health and creating problems with identifying healthy boundaries. It's a crime that steals childhoods and adolescence, and remains with survivors their whole lives long. It's important that we equip our children and young people to identify the signs of grooming, and empower those who work with children and young people to recognise the signs and report them immediately and confidently. How will the Welsh Government support children, young people and the workforce around them to recognise and call out signs of grooming by adults?

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2. 5. Member’s Legislative Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): A Bill on corporate parenting cy

   Os caf i ddiolch yn fawr iawn, i ddechrau, i Sarah Cooper-Lesadd am ddod â'r ddadl yma gerbron heddiw yma. Mae pobl ifanc sydd â phrofiad o ofal ymhlith y mwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymdeithas. Mae llawer ohonynt wedi profi caledi sylweddol, trawma ac ansefydlogrwydd cyn iddynt hyd yn oed gyrraedd oedolaeth. I ormod ohonynt, nid yw'r heriau hynny'n bodoli ar wahân i'w gilydd. Yn aml, mae eu profiadau'n groestoriadol, wedi'u llywio gan ffactorau megis tlodi, anabledd, anghenion iechyd meddwl, ethnigrwydd, hunaniaeth ac amgylchiadau eraill a all greu rhwystrau ychwanegol drwy gydol eu bywydau.

   Official English translation

   If I could thank, first of all, Sarah Cooper-Lesadd very much for bringing this debate before us today. Care-experienced young people are amongst some of the most vulnerable in our society. Many of them have experienced significant hardship, trauma and instability before they've even reached adulthood. For too many of them, those challenges are indivisible. Often, their experiences are intersectional, steered by factors such as poverty, disability, mental health needs, ethnicity, identity and other circumstances that can create additional lifelong barriers.

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3. 5. Member’s Legislative Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): A Bill on corporate parenting en

   That is why corporate parenting is so important. It is not simply a statutory responsibility or a set of duties to be completed, it is about recognising that, as a society, we have a responsibility to stand alongside care-experienced children and young people to advocate for them and create opportunities for them and to provide the consistency and the support that every child deserves. However, we must be honest about whether our current arrangements are meeting that ambition. A young person does not stop needing support simply because they reach a particular birthday. The transition to adulthood is challenging for any young person, but for those who have experienced the care system, that transition often comes with additional pressures and without the family networks that many of their peers rely upon. We can see the consequences of that reflected in the evidence. Around one in four adults in prison in Wales has a care background, and research has found that, by the age of 24, around 15 per cent of people who have been in care have received a custodial sentence, compared with just 1 per cent of those who have not. Those figures should concern every one of us, and they are absolutely not a reflection of the potential of care-experienced young people. They are a reminder of what can happen when vulnerable young people do not receive the consistent support they need as they move into adulthood. Our ambition should be to ensure that no care-experienced young person loses access to meaningful support simply because they reach a certain age. Extending the age at which local authorities retain formal responsibility to 25 for all care leavers, rather than limiting extended support to those in education or training, would better reflect the realities of the transition to adulthood and provide a more consistent and a more compassionate offer of support. We should aspire to a system in which every local authority consistently delivers the highest standard of support for care-experienced children and young people, with clear accountability where those standards are not met. Care-experienced young people have been asking for years who is held accountable when these duties are not fulfilled. Corporate parenting must mean more than words on a page, it must mean a genuine commitment that every care-experienced child and young person receives the support, stability and opportunities they need to thrive. Diolch yn fawr.

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1. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) en

   Diolch yn fawr iawn. So, we often hear the phrase, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' We hear it and we nod earnestly. We say it, and, of course, we mean it, but do we really consider what that phrase means or what it should mean at least? Being a village for children and for all children should mean committing to the promotion of their well-being, advocating for their needs and protecting them from harm at all times. This is everyone's job. It's our job as people out there in the world. And as politicians, it's down to us to put in place measures that support and sustain that nurturing village we all want for our children. Being a part of that village should mean being curious and self-aware. Are we doing everything we can to make children's lives better, safer, healthier, happier? And when things do go wrong for a child or for a young person, how do we treat them? How do we help them heal? How do we speak to them? What kind of words do we use? And how do we speak about them and what narratives do we create around young people whose trauma makes them complicated, unpredictable and sometimes pretty hard work? Do we see them? And more importantly, do they feel seen by us? My debate today is about adverse childhood experiences and about trauma, because far too many people live with really complex trauma that is often the result of their adverse childhood experiences or ACEs. Approximately half of adults in Wales have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, and it's associated with an increased risk of poorer physical and mental health, an increased risk of substance misuse, and the increased likelihood of suffering from chronic conditions later in life.

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2. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) en

   Adverse childhood experiences are usually grouped into three categories: abuse—emotional, physical, sexual; neglect—emotional and physical; household challenges, which include the following—a parent or caregiver with a mental illness, a parent or caregiver with a substance use problem, parental separation or divorce, witnessing domestic violence, a household member becoming incarcerated. These 10 experiences are the ones most commonly used in research and public health. But many researchers now recognise that they do not capture all significant adversities and that other experiences may have lasting effects. These include bullying, racism or hate crime, community violence, poverty and food insecurity, being in care or experiencing multiple placements, the death of a parent or sibling, serious illness in the child or a close family member, refugee or asylum experiences, parental conflict, homelessness or housing instability.

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3. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) cy

   A phrin fod y sefyllfa o fod yn ddigartref neu brofi ansicrwydd tai yn cael ei thrafod o gwbl fel profiad niweidiol yn ystod plentyndod, sy’n rhyfeddol, a dweud y gwir, o ystyried mai 'cartref yw popeth', yng ngeiriau Shelter Cymru. Mae cartref yn hanfodol i blentyn deimlo’n ddiogel. Mae’n fwy na dim ond brics a mortar, ac yn ei gartref, mae plentyn yn dysgu ymlacio a chau’r drws ar helyntion y byd. Pan nad yw’r sail yna ar gael i blentyn, mae llety dros dro yn gallu creu, gwaethygu a pharhau trawma. Mae byw mewn llety dros dro yn amharu ar addysg, cwsg, iechyd, cylchoedd cyfeillgarwch a bywyd teuluol. Mae rhieni sy’n profi digartrefedd yn wynebu cynnydd mewn straen, gorbryder ac iechyd meddwl gwael, sy’n effeithio’r teulu cyfan.

   Official English translation

   The situation of being homeless or experiencing housing insecurity is hardly discussed at all as an adverse childhood experience, which is surprising, considering that 'home is everything', in the words of Shelter Cymru. A home is essential for a child to feel safe. It's more than just bricks and mortar, and it's at home that a child learns to relax and to close the door on the troubles of the world. When that foundation is not available to a child, temporary accommodation can create, exacerbate and perpetuate trauma. Living in temporary accommodation disrupts education, sleep, health, friendship circles and family life. Parents experiencing homelessness face increased stress, anxiety and poor mental health, which affects the whole family.

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4. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) en

   But home isn't always where the heart is, and the place where a child should feel safe, secure and loved can be a place of fear and trauma. It is estimated that 25,000 children and young people are sexually abused each year in Wales—a truly horrific statistic. Most child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child knows and trusts, often within the family or wider home environment. Abuse can occur in the child's home, the perpetrator's home, or another familiar setting, as well as online. It occurs in institutions, schools, sports clubs, religious settings, and through online exploitation. Child abuse knows no boundaries, and perpetrators come from all walks of life. And the second we say to ourselves that that kind of thing doesn't happen here is the second we risk letting down a child. The grooming of children and young people by adults for the purposes of sexual abuse is one of the most insidiously harmful and abhorrent crimes in society. I'm pleased that Plaid Cymru has committed to ensure that both learners and educators are fully informed on how to recognise and report signs of grooming through professional training and through RSE, relationships and sexuality education. Recognising harmful relationships and behaviours is a key part of RSE, and it has the potential to play a significant role in lowering the rates of adversity and harm for children in Wales. Child sexual abuse creates layers of trauma that follow victims and survivors throughout their lives. Two thirds of children do not disclose abuse while it is happening to them. Research into adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse indicates that the average time for victims and survivors to disclose is 26 years. There has been an 80 per cent increase in NSPCC helpline referrals to police and local authorities since lockdown. There were 349 children waiting for domestic or sexual abuse support in the last financial year in Wales. Waiting times for sexual abuse support for children have more than doubled since 2015, and tragically, child sexual abuse victims are between two and four times more likely to experience further sexual, physical or emotional abuse in their lifetime. I would like to thank Venus for allowing me to share her story with you today. Venus was referred to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales by Sussex Police during an active investigation into prolonged childhood sexual abuse, which occurred over approximately 14 years, beginning at the age of three. Her presenting issues were suicidal ideation and plans, depression, anxiety, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, disassociation, anger, disordered eating, educational and employment difficulties, fear, isolation, guilt, shame, low self-esteem, mental health instability, loss of income, sleep disturbance, relationship difficulties, nightmares, obsessive compulsive disorder traits, panic attacks, historic and current self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Here is what Venus has to say about her experience being supported by RASASC. 'I never felt like I wasn't believed. I was always treated with respect, and my experiences were never referred to as allegations before the trial. The support I received was centred on me and the feelings I was experiencing, rather than trying to fit me into labels or clinical models. Their trauma-informed approach meant they recognised how trauma can affect trust, communication, emotions and day-to-day life. It helped me understand myself better. They worked at my pace and I felt understood as a person, rather than defined by something that had happened to me.' 'As things improved, I felt empowered to share my story because of this. They helped me discover for myself what made me feel safe and what I enjoyed, instead of simply suggesting strategies or telling me what I should do. This helped me build confidence in my own ability to cope. I was given a safe, non-judgmental space to vent whenever I needed to, without pressure to have all the answers or go into the details of my trauma. I was supported throughout the entire criminal justice process, with the support adapting at each stage as my needs changed.' 'They didn't give up on me, even during the times when I found it difficult to engage or struggle to talk. Their patience, consistency and continued support made a significant difference, and I was never worried that the support would end abruptly. Knowing there was continuity and that I wouldn't suddenly be discharged gave me a sense of security and stability—an important part of my recovery.' Thank you, Venus, for your bravery, for sharing your story and for helping us understand the complex effects of abuse and the importance of trauma-informed working, and diolch, RASASC, for your fantastic work. If we are to create a village that actively promotes, supports and enables positive childhood experiences, a village that raises happy, healthy and protected children, then we must commit to preventing adversity as best we can and always be willing to ask, 'Is that child okay?' We cannot prevent all harm, but how do we help a child who has suffered adversity, whatever it may be? A child should not be the sum of his or her adverse childhood experiences, and, given the right environment and the right support, that child can go on to thrive. We must commit to supporting positive childhood experiences and prioritise opportunities for trusting, therapeutic relationships. Research by the British Psychological Society tells us that our public services are not formed in ways that put the person and relationships first. Relational public services are ones built on human connection rather than bureaucracy. They treat relationships, not processes, not targets, not transactions, as the primary mechanism for change. When services become relational, they stop doing to people and start working with them. We could embed relational health across Welsh Government and public services, ensure trauma-informed practice prioritises positive relationships, strengths and collaboration with people rather than transactional or process-driven services. We can invest in prevention by promoting positive childhood experiences, PCEs, create policies that strengthen parent-child relationships, therapeutic relationships and family strengths, and recognise the impact of poverty on relational health. That is what a collective village that raises Welsh children could look like—a truly child-friendly space that always has its children's backs, where the child's voice is central to everything we do. We can all play our part in creating that village, in keeping children safe from harm and in supporting every child to thrive. Diolch yn fawr.

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5. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) en

   Diolch yn fawr. A heartfelt diolch—thank you so much to everyone who has spoken today. I know it's not an easy subject matter and I'm really grateful to those who have felt able to speak. Thank you to those who have shared the stories of constituents. Every word counts. Thank you, Lynne, for all your work on this matter. Thank you, Jane, for your points around incarceration.

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6. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) cy

   Diolch, Mair, am dalu teyrnged ddyledus i Gyngor Sir Ynys Môn am eu gwaith gwych, a dwi'n falch o ddeall bod Cyngor Gwynedd hefyd ar yr un trywydd, a gobeithio y bydd y gwaith yna yn datblygu yn fuan iawn.

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Mair, for paying a deserved tribute to the Isle of Anglesey County Council for their excellent work, and I'm pleased to hear that Gwynedd Council is on the same track, and I hope that that work will develop very soon.

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7. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) en

   But can I say a very special 'thank you' to Sarah for her contribution? How brave of her to share such a personal story. I thank her from the bottom of my heart, and her words will stay with me for a very, very long time. Thank you to the Minister and to the Llywydd for conveying such a deep understanding of trauma and ACEs, and for identifying the opportunities presented by ACE Hub Wales, and for sharing how we can build on the good work already done. I'd like to say to any victims and survivors of abuse, or of any childhood sadness, adversity and trauma that are listening today: I am so sorry that this happened to you, and I hope you are receiving the support and the care that you need. 'Learning lessons' is a phrase that can sound so weak, unless it comes with true intent. And on the matter of sexual abuse, it is imperative that the painful lessons offered up by the 'Clywch' report, published in 2004, and the 'Our Bravery Brought Justice' report, published last year, are fully, truly and meaningfully learned.

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8. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) cy

   Plant aeth i'r ysgol. Plant oedd i fod yn saff.

   Official English translation

   Children who went to school. Children who were supposed to be safe.

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9. 6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) en

   Children who went to school. Children who should've been safe. Let's commit to creating a Wales where all children can count so many positive childhood experiences that they run out of fingers and toes, and that adverse childhood experiences are few and far between. That's why it is so important that we strengthen the effort to tackle ACEs and use that as a foundation for the work we do here at this Senedd. Let's be that collective village for the children of Wales, and let's work together to make it the best it can be. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

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1. 4. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care: Improving Leadership and Performance at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board cy

   Rydym ni'n gwybod bod perfformiad y GIG ledled Cymru wedi bod o dan bwysau sylweddol dros nifer o flynyddoedd, yn enwedig o dan y cyn-Lywodraeth Lafur, gyda rhestrau aros hir, anghysondeb mewn safonau, a phryderon parhaus ynghylch arweinyddiaeth ac atebolrwydd ar draws y system. Mae’r heriau hyn wedi’u hamlygu’n arbennig o glir ym Mwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr yn fy etholaeth i. Hoffwn bwysleisio o’r cychwyn nad yw hon yn feirniadaeth o staff y GIG; maent yn gweithio yn eithriadol o galed o dan amgylchiadau hynod o heriol. Yn hytrach, mae’r broblem yn gorwedd mewn systemau sydd, dros gyfnod hir, wedi bod yn rhy ymatebol i fethiant yn hytrach na’i atal, gyda diffyg eglurder o ran atebolrwydd a chydlyniant mewn arweinyddiaeth. Rwy’n croesawu’r ffaith eich bod chi, Weinidog, yn ceisio gosod disgwyliadau clir a newid y diwylliant systemig hwnnw. Ac yn awr, mae'n gadarnhaol gweld camau pendant i gryfhau safonau arweinyddiaeth a gwella tryloywder perfformiad. Felly, a allwch amlinellu yn benodol pa gamau trafod a gweithredu sydd wedi’u cymryd i sicrhau gwelliant gwirioneddol a chynaliadwy i gleifion, a pha newidiadau a wneir i’r fframwaith presennol er mwyn sicrhau atebolrwydd cliriach a chanlyniadau gwell? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   We know that the performance of the NHS across Wales has been under significant pressure for a number of years, particularly under the former Labour Government, with long waiting lists, inconsistencies in standards, and ongoing concerns about leadership and accountability across the system. These challenges have been demonstrated particularly clearly at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in my constituency. I would like to emphasise from the outset that this is not a criticism of NHS staff; they work extremely hard under extremely challenging circumstances. Rather, the problem lies in a system that, over a long period, has been overly focused on responding to failure rather than preventing it, accompanied by a lack of clarity in terms of accountability and cohesion in leadership. I welcome the fact that you, Minister, are trying to set clear expectations and change that systemic culture. And now, it is positive to see concrete steps being taken to strengthen leadership standards and improve performance transparency. Therefore, could you outline specifically what discussions have been had and what actions have been taken to ensure real and sustainable improvement for patients, and what changes will be made to the current framework to ensure clearer accountability and better outcomes? Thank you.

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1. 1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport cy

   5. Sut fydd y Gweinidog Cabinet yn sicrhau mynediad cyfartal i'r celfyddydau i bobl o bob oedran, cefndir, a gallu? OQ64210

   Official English translation

   5. How will the Cabinet Minister ensure equality of access to the arts for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities? OQ64210

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2. 1. Questions to the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport cy

   Diolch am yr ymateb. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod cymryd rhan yn y celfyddydau o fudd mawr i lesiant pobl a phlant, ac mae gwella mynediad ar draws y bwrdd yn allweddol i wneud y mwyaf o'r budd hwn. Ond mae nifer y bobl sy'n cymryd rhan yn y celfyddydau wedi gostwng ers y pandemig, gyda 64 y cant o bobl yn mynychu digwyddiad celfyddydol rhwng 2022 a 2023, o'i gymharu â 70 y cant cyn hynny. A gyda 15 y cant o rieni yn dweud mai tripiau ysgol yw'r elfen addysgol anoddaf i'w rheoli yn ariannol, mae llawer o blant a phobl ifanc yn colli allan ar y profiadau cyfoethog sydd gan y celfyddydau i'w cynnig. Mae'n bwysig sicrhau nad oes unrhyw un yn cael eu hamddifadu o'r cyfle i ymwneud â'n diwylliant ni oherwydd eu hoedran, eu cefndir neu eu gallu. Pa gamau mae'r Llywodraeth yn eu cymryd i sicrhau y gall pawb fwynhau holl fanteision a phleserau y celfyddydau?

   Official English translation

   Thank you for the response. We know that participating in the arts is of great benefit to the well-being of adults and children, and improving access across the board is crucial to make the most of these benefits. But the number of people participating in the arts has declined since the pandemic, with 64 per cent of people attending an arts event between 2022 and 2023, as compared to 70 per cent prior to that. And with 15 per cent of parents saying that school trips are the most difficult elements to manage financially, many children and young people are losing out on the enriching experiences that the arts can provide. It's important that we ensure that nobody is deprived of opportunities to engage with our culture because of their age, their background or their abilities. So, what steps are the Government taking to ensure that everyone can enjoy all the benefits and pleasures of the arts?

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1. 6. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care: Delivering on our priorities: Reducing waiting times and strengthening primary care cy

   Diolch i'r Gweinidog am ei ddatganiad heddiw yma. Rydyn ni'n gwybod, wrth gwrs, fod cymorth yn gweithio'n well pan fydd o ar gael yn gynnar ac yn agos, a dwi'n falch iawn o glywed y cynlluniau i wella gofal yn ein cymunedau. Tra bod llawer o eiriau cynnes wedi bod ar yr angen i symud gofal yn agosach at y gymuned gan y Llywodraeth flaenorol, mae'n dda clywed bod Llywodraeth Plaid Cymru yn cefnogi hyn gyda thargedau, disgwyliadau a chyfeiriadau clir. Mae'n bwysig bod yn glir efo'r rheini sy'n gweithio yn y sector, ac mae'r uwchgynhadledd a ddigwyddodd yr wythnos diwethaf yn gam pwysig a chadarnhaol yn hynny o beth. Felly, pa asesiad mae'r Llywodraeth wedi ei wneud ar y camau angenrheidiol ac effaith symud gofal i mewn i'r gymuned?

   Official English translation

   Thank you to the Minister for his statement this afternoon. We know, of course, that support works better when it's available early and close to home, and I am very pleased to hear the plans to improve care in our communities. Whilst many warm words were spoken by the previous Government on the need to move care closer to the community, it is good to hear that the Plaid Cymru Government is supporting this with targets, expectations and clear directives. It is important that we are clear with those who work in the sector, and the summit that was held last week is an important and positive step forward in that regard. So, what assessment has the Government made of the necessary steps and the impact of moving care into the community?

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1. 6. Statement by the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport: Priorities for Culture and Sport cy

   Diolch yn fawr iawn. Fel y soniwyd yn y datganiad, rydym ni'n ffodus yng Nghymru, dros y blynyddoedd nesaf, i fod yn croesawu digwyddiadau chwaraeon mawr megis Pencampwriaeth Ewropeaidd Dan-19 UEFA yng ngogledd Cymru'r haf hwn, y Tour de France y flwyddyn nesaf ac Ewro 2028. Mae hyn yn rhoi cyfle i ni gynyddu cyfranogiad plant a phobl ifanc ar draws y wlad. Bydd gwneud y mwyaf o’r cyfleon sydd o’n blaenau ni yn medru cael effaith gadarnhaol fawr ar ein cymunedau trwy gefnogi clybiau chwaraeon llawr gwlad a helpu efo agenda iechyd ataliol y Llywodraeth. Sut bydd y Llywodraeth yn mynd ati i sicrhau cynnydd mewn cyfranogiad ar gefn y digwyddiadau mawrion yma a sicrhau’r holl fuddion a all ddod o hynny i'n cymunedau ni? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much. As was mentioned in the statement, we are fortunate in Wales, over the next few years, to be hosting major sporting events such as the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in north Wales this summer, the Tour de France next year and Euro 2028. This gives us an opportunity to increase participation among children and young people across the country. Maximising these forthcoming opportunities could have a major impact on our communities through supporting grass-roots sports clubs and helping with the Government's preventative health agenda. How will the Government press ahead with ensuring an increase in participation on the back of these major events and ensure all of the benefits that can stem from that for our communities? Thank you.

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   Rŷn ni i gyd wedi ein brawychu gan droseddau erchyll y pedoffeil Neil Foden yn Ysgol Friars, ac yn ymwybodol o'r gyfres o fethiannau ar draws sawl sefydliad a gafodd eu hadnabod gan yr adroddiad 'Cyfiawnder trwy ein Dewrder'. Daeth troseddau Foden i'r golwg oherwydd dewrder ei ddioddefwyr—plant ysgol a oedd i fod yn saff. Beth fydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i sicrhau, hyd orau ei gallu, na welwn achos fel hwn byth eto, ac y bydd gwersi adroddiad 'Cyfiawnder trwy ein Dewrder', a 'Clywch', yn cael eu dysgu yn llawn?

   Official English translation

   We have all been horrified by the appalling crimes of the paedophile Neil Foden at Ysgol Friars, and we're aware of the litany of failures across several organisations that were identified by the 'Our Bravery Brought Justice' report. Foden's crimes came to light because of the bravery of his victims—schoolchildren who were supposed to be safe. What will the Welsh Government do to ensure, to the best of its ability, that we never see a case like this one ever again, and that the lessons of the 'Our Bravery Brought Justice' report and 'Clywch' are learnt in full?

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