Becca Martin

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

   7. Pa waith y mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet yn ei wneud i sicrhau bod deallusrwydd artiffisial yn cael ei fabwysiadu'n foesegol yng Nghymru? OQ64785

   Official English translation

   7. What work is the Cabinet Minister undertaking to ensure the ethical adoption of AI in Wales? OQ64785

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

   Diolch. AI-driven automation is having a growing impact on the labour market and especially on entry-level employment and on workplace learning, and is widening already existing inequalities. Young people at the start of their careers are particularly vulnerable to things like job displacement and a lack of fair access to opportunities and face the collapse of those traditional pathways that let graduates and early-career workers gain that essential experience in learning. I know we did touch on this earlier, but what measures is the Cabinet Minister taking to establish clear frameworks for the responsible, ethical and transparent use of AI when it comes to employment, and what is being done to protect and help workers to adapt to changing role requirements and the changing jobs market?

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   10. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am gynllun y Llywodraeth i ddarparu 20,000 o gartrefi cymdeithasol newydd erbyn 2030? OQ64783

   Official English translation

   10. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Government's plan to deliver 20,000 new social homes by 2030? OQ64783

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2. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Diolch. It was really, really good to hear you speak about Clwyd then, which is the constituency that I represent and where I have used available data to calculate that there are approximately 4,000 households on waiting lists for social homes there alone. So, it's evidently clear that we've got a severe lack of affordable housing here in Wales, and the plans to build 20,000 new social homes by 2030 is amazing and really welcome. However, it's really important to note that housing need varies widely by community, and even within communities, both in terms of volume and the type needed. Could the First Minister confirm that assessments of current housing stocks and needs across the different communities will be undertaken, and give assurances that those developments are to be aligned with the specific community needs?

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

   Libraries are essential services for young and old, often going far past the borrowing of books by providing warm spaces and tackling social isolation. The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 places a statutory duty on councils in England and Wales to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. However, discussions with people in the sector suggest that a lack of clarity around what this actually means creates ambiguity and can lead to library provision being treated as discretionary rather than a legal duty. I think you have gone some way to answering the question in terms of that long-term strategy, but would the Government consider looking to give more clarity on what constitutes a comprehensive and efficient library service and provide councils with greater certainty about their statutory responsibilities?

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2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance cy

   2. Pa drafodaethau mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet wedi'u cael gyda Thrysorlys Ei Fawrhydi a Chyllid a Thollau ei Fawrhydi ynglŷn ag effaith bosibl taliadau arfaethedig Cynnal Llywodraeth Cymru ar statws treth a budd-daliadau y rhai sy'n ei gael? OQ64718

   Official English translation

   2. What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with HM Treasury and HMRC regarding the potential impact of the Welsh Government’s proposed Cynnal payments on recipients’ tax and benefits status? OQ64718

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3. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en

   Diolch. On average, across Wales, around one in three children live in poverty, with some of the most deprived wards found in Clwyd, which is where I represent. We often talk about food poverty and fuel poverty, but I want to draw the Siambr's attention to another less visible consequence of poverty, and that is bed poverty. Too many children are sleeping in broken or unsuitable beds, having to share beds or regularly sleeping on sofas, chairs or even floors because they simply cannot afford an adequate bed. Sleep deprivation can affect almost every major system of the body. The introduction of the Cynnal payment is obviously very welcome, but we must ensure that this does not affect other means-tested benefits. Furthermore, if we're serious about creating lasting change for children living in poverty, we need the powers to tackle that poverty ourselves. I understand from news sources that there's been some discussion around this, but will the Minister commit to not only continuing discussions with the relevant departments to ensure Cynnal payments do not affect means-tested benefits, but also to pressing the UK Government for the full devolution of welfare powers to Wales?

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4. 5. Welsh Labour Debate: Palliative and end-of-life care en

   Hospices provide the medical facilities needed to meet complex care needs, but they also provide comfort in a way hospitals just can't. A warm and personal welcome, a peaceful, homely feel, rather than cold, white, clinical walls, frightening noises, shared wards and the hustle and bustle of busy spaces. A couple of weeks ago, I visited St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph where I had an unexpected conversation with a resident named Mel. Mel was sitting outside enjoying his morning coffee. It was an ordinary, everyday moment, yet in many ways it represented everything that hospice care should be about: enabling people to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, retain their independence and experience moments of normality, even when facing the most difficult of circumstances. Mel spoke passionately about the compassion and care shown to him by the hospice staff and volunteers. He described how the people supporting him took time to understand his needs and tailor their care accordingly. This is what makes hospice care so special. It recognises that every patient is an individual with their own needs, wishes, fears and hopes. When a patient enters, they are defined by who they are and not what condition or illness they have. Every member of staff and every volunteer I encountered at St Kentigern's demonstrated a genuine commitment to providing comfort, compassion and dignity. It was clear that, to them, this wasn't a job, it was a vocation. Sadly, Mel passed away soon after our meeting, but I'm grateful to be able to say that his death was peaceful and dignified and that he was surrounded by love. The support provided by the hospice to Mel and his family played an important part in making that possible. Between 2024 and 2025, hospices in Wales provided direct support to 4,900 family members, friends and carers. Caring for a loved one can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining and financially challenging. Unpaid carers give so much of themselves, often with little opportunity to rest and recover. Hospices can provide those carers with a much-needed break, helping them to recharge and continue in their caring role. Hospices also often continue to provide support long after a loved one has died. Bereavement services, counselling and practical guidance help families navigate the difficult journey that follows the loss of someone they love. So, when we talk of hospices and palliative care, we must look beyond the immediate care provided to patients. We must recognise the support given to families, unpaid carers, communities and the wider NHS. Hospices are precious institutions, but they cannot continue to deliver these services through goodwill and dedication alone. They need the resources, stability and support required to meet the growing needs of our communities. We must do all that we can to protect our hospices, support their dedicated staff and volunteers, and ensure that these services remain accessible to everybody, because everyone deserves the opportunity to live their final days with dignity, and no family should have to face the loss of a loved one without the care and support they need.

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   9. Pa asesiad mae'r Prif Weinidog wedi'i wneud o hygyrchedd gwasanaethau o ran adfer o gaethiwed? OQ64705

   Official English translation

   9. What assessment has the First Minister made of the accessibility of addiction recovery services? OQ64705

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2. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Diolch. I recently visited the Salvation Army in Rhyl, an open-access organisation with a welcoming home-from-home feel, offering a warm space alongside physical and emotional support to anyone seeking help. I was privileged to speak with two amazing volunteers, Chris and Mandy. Both have experienced their own journeys through recovery and now use their lived experiences to support others. Their experiences, alongside those of the others that were there, with accessing services highlighted to me significant challenges individuals experiencing addiction can face when trying to access and retain support. Chaotic living circumstances, mental health difficulties, fear, shame and the physical and cognitive effects of substance use can make it difficult for people to engage with rigid appointment times, overly structured recovery programmes and services that may not accommodate the reality of their lives. The stigma faced by people experiencing addiction can further hinder recovery, and this stigma doesn't always disappear when in recovery. How can the Government build on the support being offered in Wales to ensure that people experiencing addiction have access to more effective support, and what work can be done to reduce the stigma around addiction?

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1. 7. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health: Improving Family-centred Neonatal Care in Wales: Progress Towards the Bliss Baby Charter en

   I've been contacted by a constituent, Alexia, who has bravely given me permission to share her own personal story. Precious Maya was born at 29+3 weeks last year after fears for Alexia's life. Born on the sub-regional neonatal intensive care centre at Glan Clwyd, the care Maya and her family received was, in Alexia's words, more than they could have asked for. Although living near to the hospital, they were offered accommodation, allowing them to stay close to their daughter, alleviating the stress of travelling and the financial burden of paying for accommodation. However, Alexia is acutely aware that this experience is not typical, and research from Bliss shows that, on average, for every 10 babies on neonatal wards, there is only accommodation for one family. I really, really welcome the eagerness to work with Bliss in terms of family accommodation, but would the Government commit to looking into a review of the current provision of overnight accommodation for parents of babies receiving care, and work with local health boards and Bliss to improve accommodation sufficiency, so that no parent is separated from their baby due to financial constraints?

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

   1. A wnaiff y Gweinidog Cabinet sicrhau bod oedolion sy'n dymuno dysgu Cymraeg yn cael mynediad at fwy o gyfleoedd i ddatblygu eu sgiliau iaith? OQ64524

   Official English translation

   1. Will the Cabinet Minister ensure that adults who wish to learn Welsh have access to more opportunities to develop their language skills? OQ64524

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

   Diolch. It's widely accepted that one of the most effective ways for a child to learn the Welsh language, or any language, is through immersion. Simply put, the more Welsh a child hears and uses, the more likely they are to develop the language effectively. The trochi method, or immersion, can also foster a deeper understanding of, and a connection to, Welsh culture and history. However, for too many children, this immersion stops at the school gates. Many children come from English-speaking homes, which is the case in my home, and may have limited opportunities to hear or use Welsh within their wider communities. This is particularly prevalent in north-east Wales, where I am an elected representative. I'm regularly told that the issue is not a lack of desire to learn Welsh, but a lack of opportunities for adults to develop their language skills to a conversational standard. Will the Minister work with partner organisations and external agencies to provide additional opportunities for adult learners to use the language they have, helping to create stronger Welsh-speaking communities and in turn support the next generation of Welsh speakers?

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

   For reasons including fear of judgment, feeling unsafe, inadequate facilities and a lack of role models, more than a third of girls drop out of grass-roots rugby during their teenage years. While there has been some welcome improvement, there remains a significant gap in retention rates compared with boys' teams, and there's a clear under-representation on boards. Gender equality is not just about participation, but also recognition and support in line with male counterparts. What measures will the Government take to reshape perceptions, promote greater equality and improve the retention of girls in rugby?

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1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning cy

   4. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i sicrhau bod caffael llywodraeth leol yn cefnogi busnesau Cymru ac yn gwneud y mwyaf o fanteision economaidd gwariant cyhoeddus yng Nghymru? OQ64389

   Official English translation

   4. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that local government procurement supports Welsh businesses and maximises the economic benefits of public spending within Wales? OQ64389

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2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning en

   Diolch, Minister. I've been approached by A.N. Richards, a well-established Welsh supplier based in Froncysyllte in my constituency, which has raised concerns about the increasing use of England-based procurement frameworks by Welsh local authorities, and the barriers steering procurement officers towards them. The company says the English procurement portal, used, in this case, for fleet purchasing, is more user friendly and efficient than its Welsh equivalent. As a result, procurement officers may be drawn towards England-based frameworks, creating a structural disadvantage for Welsh suppliers and undermining the Welsh Government's aim of maximising the economic benefit of public spending within Wales. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact that the design and usability of Welsh procurement systems have on local authority procurement decisions? And what steps is it taking to improve Wales-based procurement routes and ensure more local authority spending is retained in the Welsh economy?

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   5. Pa gynlluniau sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru i ddarparu cymorth i ofalwyr di-dâl? OQ64295

   Official English translation

   5. What plans does the Welsh Government have to provide support for unpaid carers? OQ64295

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2. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   Diolch. First Minister, a constituent of mine in Clwyd is currently providing round-the-clock care for his wife, who is living with multiple serious health conditions. Like so many unpaid carers across Wales, he is struggling with the emotional strain, financial pressure and sheer exhaustion that caring responsibilities can bring, often while feeling overlooked and unsupported by public services. The First Minister will be aware of the financial pressures facing unpaid carers, pressures that all too often push individuals to the brink of poverty, with some forced to make impossible choices between basic necessities, such as heating and eating. Will he therefore commit to pressing the UK Government to uprate carers allowance to a level that properly reflects the vital contribution unpaid carers make and to ensure that they are no longer left shouldering such profound responsibilities without adequate financial support?

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3. 6. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care: Health and care winter 2026-27 preparedness en

   Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. I welcome the Cabinet Minister's statement and the emphasis on planning ahead for seasonal pressures. As said, the most effective way of protecting NHS capacity is to prevent illness and hospital admissions in the first place. In my constituency of Clwyd, families are served by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and so I thank the Minister for his previous statement. Like every part of Wales, the region faces significant winter pressures each year, and we know that vaccination programmes are one of the most cost-effective interventions available to reduce demand on GP practices, urgent care and hospitals. Public Health Wales figures show that flu vaccine uptake amongst two and three-year-olds across Wales was just 43.7 per cent last winter. More than 34,000 eligible children were not vaccinated, despite young children playing a major role in the spread of flu through families and communities. Whilst Betsi Cadwaladr actively does encourage all eligible two and three-year-olds to receive the nasal spray vaccine through their GP practices, the uptake is still relatively low. Can the Minister outline what work is being undertaken with health boards and primary care to ensure capacity for the pre-school flu vaccination programme, and what additional efforts will be made to encourage parents of two and three-year-olds to take up the offer?

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1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance cy

   5. Pa drafodaethau y mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet wedi'u cael gyda Llywodraeth y DU ynglŷn â sicrhau cyllid canlyniadol ar gyfer prosiectau rheilffyrdd? OQ64211

   Official English translation

   5. What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with the UK Government about securing consequential funding for rail projects? OQ64211

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2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Finance en

   Diolch, Cabinet Minister. While HS2 has often been criticised for its spiralling costs and delays, what is arguably an even greater scandal and injustice is the significant loss of funding to Wales because of these projects being classed as England and Wales. Communities across my constituency in Clwyd have experienced repeated disruption from flooding and severe weather, as we are seeing this week, whilst Wales stands to lose billions in rail consequential funding that could be invested in preventative infrastructure. Now, you say you have had discussions with the UK Government to secure fair consequential funding. Will you commit to intensifying these discussions to ensure Wales is no longer disadvantaged by these classifications?

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1. 4. Topical Questions en

   Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has spent much of its existence under some form of special measures. There's a well-documented history of cultural challenges and mismanagement within the health board, which underlines the urgent need for a fundamental shift. We must move away from the cycle of reactive crisis management and instead embed a culture that is performance driven, transparent and genuinely accountable. Does the Cabinet Minister therefore agree that the current Welsh Government is right to not shy away from these long-standing issues of health board governance, but to confront them directly by undertaking a thorough review of the escalation framework?

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister en

   First Minister, access to GP services has been a long-standing concern for many constituents across Clwyd, particularly in the more socioeconomically deprived coastal communities, where recruitment and retention challenges can be acute. As you say, Plaid Cymru has committed to training 100 new GPs as part of its plans to strengthen primary care services. Can the First Minister outline how this commitment will be delivered across Wales and how communities in Clwyd will benefit from the increased GP workforce that Plaid Cymru is proposing?

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1. 4. Statement by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality: Priorities for Social Justice and Equality en

   Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Rents in Wales have risen faster than anywhere else in the UK, with average increases of almost 9 per cent a year. UK Government's freeze on the local housing allowance has hit those facing rising rents the hardest, pushing more people into poverty. Shelter research shows that even the most affordable homes in Wales leave households facing an average shortfall of £1,900 a year, forcing them to cut back on essentials, fall into debt or risk eviction. In north Clwyd, that shortfall rises to £3,500. This shift pushes the burden onto local authorities and is causing widespread homelessness across Wales. Given your specific responsibilities for engagement with the Department for Work and Pensions, will you, with the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, press the UK Government to uprate the local housing allowance annually and restore it so that it properly reflects median local rents?

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