Peredur Owen Griffiths

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1. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission en

   Diolch yn fawr, Janet, for your question. The Commission is currently in discussion with landlords in the Cardiff Bay area to secure suitable temporary accommodation while the refurbishment of Tŷ Hywel takes place. Clearly, there will be costs involved. These include rent, fitting out the offices, service charges, utilities, and any costs associated with returning the buildings at the end of leases. Those costs are still being negotiated, so I'm not in a position to give you a precise figure at this point in time, but I think it's important to point out here that moving Members and staff out of Tŷ Hywel will allow for refurbishment to be completed much more quickly, and that brings significant savings as well. In fact, all the options we're currently considering are expected to be at least cost neutral compared with keeping Members in Tŷ Hywel while work takes place. So, I want to reassure you, Janet, that we're looking carefully at the costs, with value for money very much at the heart of our considerations.

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2. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission en

   Diolch, Janet, for your supplementary question, and I appreciate the importance of keeping costs to a minimum, particularly when we're talking about temporary accommodation. I think, in my initial answer, I did state that what we currently expect is for it to be at least cost neutral, if we were to stay in Tŷ Hywel or to move out, because, obviously, the timescale of the project would be reduced because contractors could get on with the work. So, that's certainly under consideration at the moment. And whilst we're still in commercially sensitive negotiations on the precise costs, I want to assure you that it's about delivering the project most efficiently, minimising disruption and securing the best possible value for public money. And all those details will be available in due course, once those negotiations have been finalised.

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3. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission en

   Diolch, Nick. I think that's a very fair point. I absolutely recognise the concerns that Members will have about the potential disruption to work. The original intention was to keep Members in Tŷ Hywel while the refurbishment took place, precisely to minimise those disruptions. However, having tested the options carefully, it became clear that the risks from noise, vibration, dust and potential delays were simply too great. We could have ended up with far more disruption and much less certainty for Members and for staff. We're now working to secure high-quality alternative accommodation very close to the Senedd, which will retain the full range of support services that Members need to do their jobs efficiently. Importantly, moving everyone out temporarily will also allow for refurbishment work to progress much more quickly. The savings from that should at least offset the additional accommodation costs and could potentially deliver an overall saving. A detailed relocation plan is being developed, and I agree with Nick that Members need to understand exactly what those arrangements will mean for them and their staff. Our priority must be to make the transition as smooth as possible, minimise disruption to the work of the Senedd, and ensure that Members can return to a refurbished Tŷ Hywel under the current programme by April 2030.

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4. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission en

   Diolch, Steve, for your question. The Commission has undertaken a public, open and competitive procurement process to look at the options available to us when the current lease of Tŷ Hywel comes to an end in 2032. Throughout that process, value for money has been absolutely central to our considerations. We've looked not just at immediate costs, but at the longer term financial implications of each option, including the cost of doing the bare minimum and remaining in Tŷ Hywel under the current arrangements. That work identified the options we're now taking forward as offering the best value for money and at a considerable margin. The final financial details are still being worked through and will form part of the full business case, which will inform the Commission's decision in December on whether to proceed. I fully appreciate that the Member will want to see those figures, and rightly so. However, we're dealing with commercially sensitive information, and publishing it before contracts are signed could undermine our negotiating position. But I want to reassure Members that we will share that information with them as soon as we're in a position to do so.

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5. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission en

   Diolch for that supplementary question. I fully appreciate that Members want the reassurance that we're getting the best value for public money, and rightly so. It's also important to recognise that doing nothing is not a cost-free option. Staying in Tŷ Hywel under the current arrangements would mean increasing maintenance costs, significant investment in an ageing building, and potential rent increases.  A full business case will examine all of these costs alongside the proposed development, so that the Commission can make an informed decision in December. It also recognises the importance of transparency, and while we must protect commercially sensitive information during negotiations, we are committed to sharing the financial details with the Finance Committee and Members as soon as we're able to do so.

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6. 8. Welsh Labour Debate: The M4 around Newport en

   On paper, we're debating the M4 relief road, but scratch the surface of this debate and it's about something else entirely: political credibility, consistency and a spectacular example of political opportunism. When I saw this debate on the agenda, I wondered whether the scriptwriters from The Thick of It had taken over the Labour group, because, Llywydd, you can't make this up. Do Labour Members think we've forgotten who cancelled the M4 relief road? Let's remind ourselves of the fact that a Labour Government spent over £100 million developing the plans and buying land along the route. A Labour Government commissioned an expensive public inquiry. A Labour Government cancelled the project in June 2019. As we've heard, we know who the transport Minister at the time was—none other than the Labour leader himself. But we don't need to go back seven years to find a contradiction. Seven months will do. In March, speaking as the transport Secretary, he told us this in this Chamber, and I quote: 'When it comes to the M4, this debate has been and gone, and we are ploughing ahead with hugely ambitious plans to improve connectivity by public transport, sustainable connectivity. The cost of building an M4 relief road right now would be enormous, and it does need to be a costed proposition, I believe, and it can't be, whether it's from yourselves or the Conservatives, a back-of-the-fag-packet proposal.' Seven months ago, Llywydd. So what's changed? Has the cost come down? Is there new evidence, or is the scheme that was unaffordable in Government—

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7. 8. Welsh Labour Debate: The M4 around Newport en

   No, I've got to make headway, because the Llywydd has told me. Or has the scheme that wasn't affordable in Government become a brilliant idea in opposition? Apparently, a few months on the opposition benches can work wonders. But, beyond the political theatre, there's a serious problem for the communities I represent. People in Casnewydd Islwyn want to get to work on time. They want reliable trains and buses and an end to the daily frustration of M4 congestion. I know how badly the congestion affects residents and businesses. There's no simple, single solution. If there was one, Labour might have found it during all those years in Government. We need credible proposals, proper evidence and meaningful consultation with local communities. If Labour want to help, they could start with their colleagues in Westminster. Wales is still being short-changed on rail funding, not least through HS2. Labour once agreed with us. Indeed, the current leader said in 2020 that Wales could be owed as much as £5 billion. Imagine the difference that could make. Yet, since Labour took office in Westminster, those demands have gone remarkably quiet. So, I'll finish with questions for the Minister when he responds to this debate. If Wales received the rail funding that we're owed, what improvements would he prioritise for Newport and the surrounding area? Would those include the Burns stations in Newport? Our communities deserve more than political theatre. They deserve investment, better transport and a Government prepared to deliver. Diolch yn fawr.

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1. 5. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Finance: Taxation (Wales) Bill cy

   Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd. Dwi'n croesawu'r Bil yma a'r camau i foderneiddio a chryfhau'r system drethi datganoledig yng Nghymru. Fel cyn-Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid, dwi'n ymwybodol o bwysigrwydd llywodraethu effeithiol a deddfwriaeth sydd yn ymateb i brofiad ymarferol. Felly, mae gennyf gwpl o gwestiynau. Un o'r cwestiynau yna roedd Huw wedi'i ofyn yn barod, felly dwi ddim am ailofyn hwnna, gan eich bod chi wedi'i ateb yn barod. Mae gen i ddau gwestiwn arall. Pa waith sydd wedi cael ei wneud gydag HMRC i wneud yn siŵr bod y WRA rŵan yn alinio efo systemau yn Lloegr, i wneud yn siŵr bod y systemau hynny yn alinio? Ac wedyn, yn ail, rydyn ni wedi galw ers blynyddoedd am ddatganoli pwerau i gyflwyno treth ar dir gwag—vacant land tax. A oes diweddariad ar hwn, ac a fydd y ddeddfwriaeth newydd yn hwyluso gweinyddu trethi datganoledig fel y rheini pan ddôn nhw i lawr y lein?

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much, Llywydd. I welcome this Bill and the steps to modernise and strengthen the system of devolved taxes in Wales. As former Chair of the Finance Committee, I'm aware of the importance of effective governance and legislation that is responsive to practical experience. So, I do have a couple of questions. One of those has been covered by Huw, so I don't want to ask that again, because you have responded to it. But I have a couple of other questions. What work has been done with HMRC to ensure that the WRA now aligns with the systems over the border in England, to ensure that those systems are aligned? And secondly, we have been calling for several years for the devolution of powers to enable us to introduce a vacant land tax. Is there an update on this, and will the new legislation facilitate the administration of other devolved taxes such as these when they come down the line?

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1. 4. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Transport: Strategic Priorities for the Menai Strait Crossings and M4 around Newport cy

   Diolch yn fawr am y briffiad y bore yma ac am y datganiad y prynhawn yma.

   Official English translation

   Thank you for the briefing this morning and for this afternoon's statement.

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2. 4. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Transport: Strategic Priorities for the Menai Strait Crossings and M4 around Newport en

   The M4 runs through my constituency. Communities across Newport and beyond feel the impact of congestion every single day. These problems are not new. Successive Labour Government have had 27 years to act. They commissioned studies, gathered the evidence and spent more than £150 million developing the M4 relief road only for it ultimately to be abandoned with a promise of other solutions. But the reality is Newport has been left without a solution, yet these same voices are now very vocal when this Welsh Government is grasping the nettle. So, the question is: will these proposals solve the problem? Time will tell, and I will continue to scrutinise the Government on these solutions. But one thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option. I welcome the commitment to work with Newport City Council and other local government partners while ensuring residents and businesses have a meaningful voice. So, Minister, how will you sequence and implement these proposals over the next 18 months and ensure that local government, residents and businesses genuinely shape the decisions that you take? Diolch yn fawr.

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1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy

   7. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn hyrwyddo gwydnwch gwledig yng Nghasnewydd Islwyn? OQ64590

   Official English translation

   7. How is the Welsh Government promoting rural resilience in Casnewydd Islwyn? OQ64590

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2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy

   Diolch yn fawr am yr ateb yna, a dwi'n falch eich bod chi yn gwneud yr holl waith yna hefyd.

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much for that response, and I'm pleased that you are doing all of that work.

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3. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability en

   I want to turn to a specific issue that I've raised with you in the past, the water pressure in Redwick. The residents of this village, just outside Newport, have suffered with low water pressure for many years due to inadequate water infrastructure serving their community. This problem is exacerbated during periods of dry weather, like the unprecedented one that we have just experienced. There are five farms in the area and the water supply problem is so bad that some farms are unable to adequately supply their dairy herds. The water supply is so low it cannot keep up with the thirst of the animals. So-called mitigation measures have been put in place, but they have fallen short, and, in some cases, failed to materialise. The only solution to this is upgrading the flow of water into the village through major infrastructure overhaul. Minister, what pressure can you bring to bear on the situation and, in particular, Dŵr Cymru, to make this happen? And what action would you expect to happen before next summer so that we don't see the same problems happening again?

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1. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission en

   Diolch, Lindsay. Responsibility for administering the civil service pension scheme transferred from MyCSP to Capita on 1 December 2025. The change was intended to modernise the service, but the transfer included a substantial volume of cases affecting some retirement quotations and new pension payments. The Cabinet Office and Capita established a recovery programme to prioritise urgent and hardship cases, clear outstanding work, and restore contracted service standards. The Commission currently has fewer than five former employees who have retired since Capita became the administrators, one of which has accessed the hardship loan scheme introduced by the Commission, in line with Cabinet Office guidance, to mitigate the financial impact, and we continue to monitor the situation and seek assurances that outstanding cases are resolved very quickly.

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2. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission cy

   Diolch yn fawr am godi y mater yma.

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much for raising this issue.

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3. 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission en

   It raises serious issues and, I agree, the situation is completely unacceptable. The welfare of former employees is paramount to what this Commission is looking to do. In answer to your question, the chief executive has written to the managing director of Capita Pensions Solutions earlier this year to raise the concerns that you've raised, and former members of staff have raised, about the impact the backlog was having on Commission staff. To date, we haven't had a response to that, and that is also unacceptable. But, in turning to what the Commission has done to support your constituents and others, in addition to administering the hardship loan, the human resources service continues to provide ongoing communication to affected retired staff, and the welfare of former employees has remained our primary concern. So, we will be keeping that under review and, where possible, furthering it as well.

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1. 3. Business Statement and Announcement cy

   Drefnydd, fel is-gadeirydd pwyllgor gwaith Eisteddfod yr Urdd Bro'r Wenynen, dwi'n falch o ddweud y bydd cynnal Eisteddfod yr Urdd yng Nghasnewydd y flwyddyn nesaf yn foment bwysig a hanesyddol iawn i'n hardal. Mae'n gyfle nid yn unig i groesawu miloedd o ymwelwyr, ond hefyd i gyflwyno mwy o blant, pobl ifanc a theuluoedd i'r Gymraeg a'n diwylliant cenedlaethol.  Ddydd Sadwrn, bydd yr ŵyl groeso yn digwydd yng nghanol Casnewydd, ac mae croeso mawr i bawb fod yno i ddathlu. I mi, y peth pwysig fydd y gwaddol fydd yr Eisteddfod yn ei adael ar ei hôl. A gaf i felly ddatganiad, os gwelwch yn dda, sy'n disgrifio sut y bydd y Llywodraeth yn cydweithio â'r Urdd, awdurdodau lleol, ysgolion a grwpiau cymunedol i sicrhau bod yr Eisteddfod yn cael effaith barhaol ar y defnydd o'r Gymraeg, ac ar hyder defnydd cymunedol ledled Casnewydd Islwyn, a Bro'r Wenynen yn ei chyfanrwydd?

   Official English translation

   Trefnydd, as vice-chair of the executive committee for the Urdd Eisteddfod in Bro'r Wenynen, I'm pleased to say that holding the Urdd Eisteddfod in Newport next year will be an important and historic moment for our area. It's an opportunity not only to welcome thousands of visitors, but also to introduce more families, young people and children to the Welsh language and our national culture. On Saturday, the welcome festival will take place in the centre of Newport, and everyone is welcome to join us at the celebration. For me, the important thing will be the legacy left by the Eisteddfod. Can I therefore ask for a statement describing how the Government will work with the Urdd, local authorities, schools and community groups to ensure that the Eisteddfod has a permanent impact on the use of the Welsh language, and on confidence in terms of community use across Casnewydd Islwyn, and Bro'r Wenynen in its entirety?

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

   Weinidog, fel gwnes i sôn wrth y Prif Weinidog ddoe, fe wnaeth y tân dinistriol yn Pantside ddangos yn glir iawn sut mae'r perygl o danau wedi newid. Cafodd cartrefi yn fanno eu dinistrio ac, a dweud y gwir, roeddem ni'n lwcus iawn bod neb wedi colli eu bywydau. Mae'r diffoddwyr tân dwi wedi siarad efo nhw trwy'r Fire Brigades Union yn glir bod y digwyddiadau hyn yn cynyddu o ran maint, cymhlethdod a'r adnoddau sydd eu hangen i ymateb iddyn nhw. Felly, ochr yn ochr â chymorth i'r commoners ac i'r ffermwyr sydd wedi dioddef colledion, pa asesiad ydych chi wedi ei wneud o oblygiadau ariannol ehangach tanau yr haf yma?

   Official English translation

   Minister, as I mentioned to the First Minister yesterday, the devastating fire in Pantside clearly demonstrated how the risk of wildfires has changed. Homes there were destroyed and, frankly, we were very fortunate that no lives were lost. The firefighters that I've spoken to through the FBU are clear that these incidents are increasing in terms of scale, complexity and the resources required to respond to them. Therefore, alongside the support for commoners and farmers who have suffered losses, what assessment have you made of the wider financial implications of this summer's fires?

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1. 3. Statement by the First Minister: Weather, wildfires, drought and resilience cy

   Diolch yn fawr iawn am y datganiad y prynhawn yma. Diolch yn fawr hefyd i bawb fu'n taclo'r tanau dros yr haf.

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much for this afternoon's statement, and thank you to everyone who tackled the fires over the summer.

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2. 3. Statement by the First Minister: Weather, wildfires, drought and resilience en

   The danger posed by mountain fires was brought home starkly by the devastating blaze at the Pantside estate in Newbridge, where homes were destroyed. This summer showed that these fires are becoming more ferocious, more complex and more dangerous as our climate changes. We were fortunate that no lives were lost this time. I recently met with the Fire Brigades Union and thank firefighters for their extraordinary work keeping our communities safe, but it's clear that the risk has changed, and therefore our response must change with it. In reviewing and adapting the future plan, I know of members of the Welsh diaspora with direct experience of wildfire preparedness who would be willing to share that experience with the Welsh Government. Are you therefore actively seeking international advice from people and places with far greater experience of fires on this scale to add to the experts that we have here in Wales? Diolch.

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1. 10. Short Debate: Improving access to local economic opportunities in Casnewydd Islwyn en

   I thank Lyn for giving me time to take part in this debate. We both represent Casnewydd Islwyn, along with Jayne and Natasha and others here in this Chamber. Recently, Lyn and I visited the semiconductor company KLA in Newport. KLA have been a real success story and are about to outgrow the state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facility that they have. KLA is part of the CSconnected semiconductor cluster in Casnewydd Islwyn, which supports thousands of jobs directly and many more indirectly through the vast supply chain of local firms. These are well-paid jobs. For example, the average wage at KLA is well over £60,000 a year. KLA conduct outreach work and bring their company and wider industry to the attention of children and young people through visits to schools and work with sports clubs. What I'd like to know from the Government, and echoing what Lyn has asked, is how this Government can assist companies like KLA to get their message out to our communities and how young people in particular understand that there will be well-paid jobs in a cutting-edge industry and that they are available locally so they don't have to move away from the communities where they grew up. I'd also like to understand, similar to what Jayne was asking, those links with schools, further education and higher education institutions to try and make those pathways for those young people to be able to get into those jobs. Diolch.

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1. 3. Business Statement and Announcement en

   Trefnydd, I want to raise a concerning matter that was brought to my attention by residents in Redwick, in my constituency. They have endured low water pressure for years, but during the drier summer months, the situation is exacerbated considerably, for example, not being able to use washing machines or have showers. Then there's the impact on dairy and beef farmers in the area. In low-pressure conditions, water butts for cattle cannot be filled to keep pace with how much the cows are drinking in this heatwave. This is therefore becoming an animal welfare issue, with one farmer telling me that their back-up supplies of water are depleted and they are, I quote, surviving from day to day.  The response to the issue from Welsh Water has fallen far short of residents' expectations, and they are becoming increasingly frustrated that the seriousness of the situation is not being grasped, and there is no talk of a long-term solution. Can I therefore ask for a statement on water provision and the Government's response to the extended drought period we are facing, as it increases pressure on water supplies?

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

   Diolch, Lywydd, a diolch am y datganiad blaengar yma heddiw, Brif Weinidog.

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Llywydd, and thank you for this progressive statement, First Minister.

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3. 4. Statement by the First Minister: Legislation en

   As the former Chair of the Finance Committee, I reflect on what we were told by former finance Ministers about the fiscal position of the previous Government. I've also been following what the new finance Minister has had to say in her analysis of her inherited tight fiscal position, once the actual line-by-line detail has been seen. It also appears that things have got even tighter in recent months as a result of events out of this Government's control. Nevertheless, it's good to see that Plaid Cymru's manifesto commitments are being delivered in this legislative programme this afternoon. I firmly believe that these commitments are for the benefit of the people and communities that we all represent—for example, the community right to buy. Not only that, these commitments are in line with the pledges of some of the opposition parties in this Siambr, as we've heard this afternoon. I've even agreed with one or two things that Darren Millar has said this afternoon, which is quite something. I hope, therefore, that we're able to put aside some of the political posturing and point scoring in order to find the common ground. So, First Minister, will you agree with me that we should focus on the common ground and those outcomes that benefit people the length and breadth of Wales? Diolch.

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4. 6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health: Priorities for Public and Preventative Health en

   Prevention must be central to turning around the NHS and improving services for staff and patients, and I welcome your statement today. This issue arose repeatedly in the cross-party group on substance use and addiction, which I chaired in the last Senedd and intend to re-establish in September, working with Kaleidoscope as the secretariat and Members from across this Chamber. If anybody else is interested, please get in touch. The group heard expert, lived-experience evidence on harm reduction, including wider access to naloxone, the international impact of safer consumption facilities, and the urgent need to educate people, particularly young people, about ketamine. Although Westminster's outdated drugs legislation limits what Wales can do, would the Deputy Minister explore further harm-reduction measures within her remit? In particular, will the Government consider a national ketamine awareness campaign to challenge myths about its perceived safety and explain the serious risks of frequent use, including bladder and kidney damage, pressure on GPs and urology services, and the potential life-changing harm developed over a relatively short period for users? Diolch.

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1. 3. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy: New Development Agency for Wales en

   Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. I welcome the statement today and the new development agency, with its focus on growing businesses across Wales. It's clear that we need better support for our businesses and the business sector, and that will require good leadership in the agency to do that. Can the Cabinet Minister tell us more about the chair of the expert panel and how the process of identifying him was carried out, please?

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

   3. Pa gamau y bydd y Llywodraeth yn eu cymryd i gefnogi'r gwaith o feithrin y sgiliau sydd eu hangen yn y diwydiant lled-ddargludyddion yng Nghasnewydd Islwyn? OQ64311

   Official English translation

   3. What steps will the Government take to support the development of skills needed in the semiconductor industry in Casnewydd Islwyn? OQ64311

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

   Diolch am yr ateb yna.

   Official English translation

   Thank you for that response.

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

   Earlier this month, I visited KLA in Newport with my Plaid Cymru colleague, Lyn Ackerman. KLA is a semiconductor firm with a proud history of providing well-paid jobs and is an integral part of the south Wales semiconductor cluster, and the first of its kind in the world. This cluster has an average salary of £67,765 per full-time employee, almost double the Welsh average. The average gross value added per employee is £155,000, excluding non-manufacturing activity. It has contributed £436 million to the GVA of the Welsh economy and supports key sectors, including advanced communications, clean energy, automotive and transport, and medical technologies. It's clear that semiconductors are key to the future economy of south-east Wales and the wider nation. To seize this opportunity, we'd need the right workforce—

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

   I'll come to my question now. So, how will you ensure that more young people can access careers in this sector and benefit from this generational opportunity?

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5. 10. Short Debate: Aiming high for our high streets—Solutions for Bangor Conwy Môn en

   I'd like to concentrate on a high street further south, in my constituency of Casnewydd Islwyn. High streets like Newport's are more than just places to shop. They are where people meet, where small businesses make their living and where the character of a city is shaped. I know this from personal experience. After university, my own career began in a bank on Newport high street, and I saw first-hand how important those businesses are as employers and community anchors. But the pressure is clear. Large businesses are leaving high streets, footfall is changing and too many empty units are becoming visible signs of decline. That affects independent traders, hospitality businesses and local confidence. Business rates are central to this. For many traders, they are the biggest fixed cost, regardless of whether takings rise or fall. So, can the Minister set out what further considerations are being given to business rates reform and what expectations are being placed on local authorities to use every available lever to support high streets like Newport? Diolch yn fawr.

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1. 5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Transport: Integrated Transport: North-South Coach Services en

   I welcome this statement as an important step forward in the integrated transport network that connects people and opportunities, and supports the economy and making travel easier. But the success of that vision will depend on affordability, as we've heard earlier. This is why it's right to recognise Plaid Cymru's commitment to keeping the bus fare low, including the £1 single journeys and £3 tickets for children and young people. So, can I have further assurance that this new service will also be affordable, especially as rail fares can often be out of the reach of many families and people on low incomes? I'd also like to ask for further detail on how the Government will work with Transport for Wales to create a fully integrated system, including the tap on, tap off ticketing and daily fare caps across bus and rail, so that public transport is simpler, fairer and more accessible? And how will you promote the service so that the public will be aware of it, have confidence in it and, of course, use it?

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

   My constituency of Casnewydd Islwyn has a proud tradition of welcoming immigrants. This can be seen in the multicultural communities around Newport docks, in places such as Maindee and Pill, and in the Basque children embraced by Caerleon when they fled fascism during the Spanish civil war. Across the coalfield communities of Islwyn, Polish families settled after the second world war, helping to rebuild communities facing severe workforce shortages. Even further back, the National Roman Legion Museum reminds us that Wales has long been shaped by people arriving, settling and living alongside those already here. Minister, do you agree that Wales's history is a rich tapestry, rooted in long traditions, but strengthened and enriched by immigrants who have made Wales their home and now proudly call themselves Welsh? And do you also agree that celebrating this history more widely would promote greater understanding and tolerance of the diversity that has long been part of our communities?

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1. 2. Business Statement and Announcement en

   Trefnydd, one of the areas I focused on in the last Senedd concerned dangerous dogs and the promotion of responsible dog ownership. This followed on from some extremely distressing attacks and fatalities involving out-of-control dogs in the region I represented. As well as raising the issue on numerous occasions with the then First Minister and Minister for rural affairs, I also put forward a Member's legislative proposal that puts the focus on responsible dog ownership. This followed the principle that pretty much any dog can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and this is how many other countries approach the matter, with great results. There is some good practice in Wales through initiatives like the Local Environmental Awareness on Dogs, LEAD, scheme, which shares intelligence among authorities and deploys measures such as warning letters, and enforcement action where appropriate. This type of provision can be patchy across Wales. Can we have a statement from the Government about how they plan to pursue an issue that saw the last Labour Government do much talking but little in the way of concrete action? It is imperative that we promote community safety and ensure that our approach to dangerous dogs and responsible ownership is consistent throughout the country. Diolch.

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2. 5. Statement by the Cabinet Minister for Finance: The First Supplementary Budget 2026-27 cy

   Diolch, Weinidog, am y datganiad y prynhawn yma. Fel cyn-Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyllid, dwi’n gwybod bod cyllidebau atodol yn aml yn cael eu camddeall neu eu camddehongli gan rai. Nid ydy cyllideb atodol fel arfer yn ailysgrifennu’r setliad cyllidol cyfan, ond yn hytrach yn ailalinio gwariant wrth i amgylchiadau newid. Mae hynny’n wir heddiw. Yn dilyn yr etholiad, mae’r gyllideb atodol hon yn dechrau symud o gyllideb olaf y Llywodraeth Lafur tuag at flaenoriaethau Llywodraeth newydd Plaid Cymru, a dwi’n croesawu’r cynnydd sylweddol sydd eisoes wedi’i wneud mewn prin chwe wythnos gyda’r Cabinet newydd yn dechrau ar y gwaith o drawsnewid Cymru gydag egni a phenderfyniad. Fel yr amlinellwyd gennych chi yn gynharach, mae’n cynnwys buddsoddiad o £55 miliwn mewn gofal plant, £145 miliwn yn ychwanegol i’r NHS yn y flwyddyn ariannol yma, a £15 miliwn pellach i ddechrau galluogi mwy o ddisgyblion uwchradd i gael prydau ysgol am ddim, ac roedd lot o’r rhain ym maniffestos lot o’r pleidiau, os nad pawb, yn y Senedd yma. Mae’n dda gweld cymaint o gyflymder o ran newid, a dwi’n edrych ymlaen i weld faint mwy bydd y Llywodraeth yma yn ei gyflawni. Felly, Weinidog, allwch chi amlinellu sut mae’r gyllideb atodol hon yn rhan o broses o symud y cynlluniau gwariant rydych chi wedi’u hetifeddu tuag at flaenoriaethau Llywodraeth newydd Plaid Cymru? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Minister, for today's statement. As a former Chair of the Finance Committee, I know that supplementary budgets are often misunderstood or misinterpreted by some. A supplementary budget doesn't usually rewrite the entire budget settlement, but rather it realigns spending as circumstances change. That is true today. Following the election, this supplementary budget begins to move from the last budget of the Labour Government towards the priorities of the new Plaid Cymru Government, and I welcome the significant progress that has already been made in just six weeks with the new Cabinet embarking on the work of transforming Wales with energy and determination. As you outlined earlier, it includes an investment of £55 million in childcare, an additional £145 million for the NHS in this financial year, and a further £15 million to start enabling more secondary pupils to get free school meals, and many of these were in the manifestos of a lot of the parties, if not all, in this Senedd. It's good to see such speed in terms of change, and I'm looking forward to seeing how much more this Government will achieve. So, Cabinet Minister, can you outline how this supplementary budget is part of the process of moving from legacy spending plans towards the new Plaid Cymru Government's priorities? Thank you.

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1. 7. Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists cy

   Diolch am ddod â'r drafodaeth yma gerbron heddiw.

   Official English translation

   Thank you for bringing forward this item today.

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2. 7. Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists en

   As a member of the standards committee in the sixth Senedd, I know this is not a new issue. Lobbying has been considered carefully over a number of Senedd terms, and the committee has always recognised that lobbying itself is not improper. Hearing from charities, trade unions, businesses, campaigners, professional bodies and constituents is part of how Members do our jobs. But there is an important distinction between legitimate engagement and a system where the public cannot clearly see who is seeking to influence decisions, on whose behalf and on what issue. That is where transparency matters.

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3. 7. Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists cy

   Mae angen i ni fod yn ofalus i beidio â chreu system sy'n cosbi ymgysylltu democrataidd arferol. Dylai etholwyr, elusennau bach, grwpiau cymunedol ac ymgyrchwyr lleol allu siarad efo Aelodau heb ofn cael eu dal mewn biwrocratiaeth ddiangen. Ond mae gwahaniaeth rhwng hynny a lobïo proffesiynol, masnachol neu drefnus ar ran buddiannau penodol. Dyna le mae angen mwy o eglurder.

   Official English translation

   We need to be careful not to create a system that penalises normal democratic engagement. Constituents, small charities, community groups and local campaigners should be able to speak to Members without fear of being caught up in unnecessary bureaucracy. But there is a difference between that and professional, commercial or organised lobbying on behalf of specific interests. That is where we need more clarity.

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4. 7. Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists en

   There's also a question about the conduct of lobbyists in their engagement with Members. Most organisations engage properly and respectfully. They provide information, make their case and understand that Members must make their own judgment in the public interest. But there are also occasions when approaches can become overly persistent or pushy. Members should not be pressured, badgered and made to feel that access to them can be forced through persistent tactics. I also have concerns about the way the Senedd estate can sometimes be used in this context. The Senedd is a public democratic space. It's not a commercial venue for private lobbying companies to monetise access to Members or to the institution. Where the estate is available without charge, there must be proper transparency if organisations are being charged by intermediaries to participate in events held here. Members, participants and the public should be clear about who is organising an event, who is paying, who is being charged and what role any lobbying or public affairs company is playing. A statutory register should therefore not only record who is lobbying and on whose behalf, but should also sit alongside clear expectations about conduct. Professional lobbying should be transparent, proportionate and respectful of the democratic role of elected Members and the public nature of the Senedd estate. That would protect Members, but it would also protect reputable organisations and lobbyists who are already operating to a high standard.  The existing guidance already makes it clear that Members should know who is lobbying them and why. It also encourages Members to keep records of lobbying meetings. That was sensible at the time. But the guidance alone is no longer enough. The Senedd has grown, its responsibilities have grown and public expectations around openness in political life have grown too. That is why a statutory lobbying register for Wales is now a logical next step. It should be proportionate and should not place unreasonable burdens on small charities, community campaigners and constituents. But professional lobbying activity should be visible, consistent and subject to clear rules.

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5. 7. Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists cy

   Dwi'n cefnogi'r cynnig. Dylai Cymru gael cofrestr statudol o lobïwyr. Dwi hefyd yn cefnogi gwelliant y Blaid Lafur. Mae'n cydnabod yn briodol y gwaith a wnaeth y pwyllgor safonau yn y chweched Senedd ac yn gofyn i'r pwyllgor yn y Senedd yma fwrw ymlaen gyda'r gwaith hwn ar fyrder. Dylid gwneud hynny'n ofalus, yn dryloyw a chyda chydweithio cadarnhaol gan bob plaid.

   Official English translation

   I support the motion. Wales should have a statutory register of lobbyists. I also support the Labour amendment. It rightly recognises the work undertaken by the standards committee in the sixth Senedd and asks the successor committee to take this work forward urgently. That should be done carefully, transparently and with positive engagement from all interested parties.

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6. 7. Reform UK Debate: Statutory register for lobbyists en

   This is not about casting suspicion on every organisation that speaks to a Member. It's about strengthening confidence in Welsh democracy. Transparency protects the public, but it also protects Members, campaigners, charities, businesses and legitimate lobbying from the perception that influence operates behind closed doors. For that reason, I support the motion and the amendment, and I hope the Senedd can move forward from discussion to delivery. Diolch yn fawr.

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

   3. Pa gamau mae'r Gweinidog Cabinet yn eu cymryd i sefydlu comisiwn cenedlaethol ar ddyfodol cyfansoddiadol Cymru? OQ64145

   Official English translation

   3. What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to establish a national commission on Wales's constitutional future? OQ64145

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

   Diolch yn fawr am yr ateb yna, ac mae'n hen bryd i setliad cyfansoddiadol blêr Cymru gael ei ddatrys. Roedd Llywodraethau Llafur olynol yn fodlon gweld y mater yma'n cael ei ohirio droeon, ond mae'r diffyg gweithredu hwn wedi methu pobl a chymunedau Cymru. Mae Plaid Cymru wedi galw am ragor o bwerau i'n gwlad, nid er mwyn mwy o bwerau yn unig, ond er mwyn cael y cyfle i wneud newidiadau a fydd yn dod ag effaith gadarnhaol i'n pobl a'n cymunedau. Ar y mater hwn, mae'n rhaid cael mwy o weithredu a mwy o symud yn y Senedd hon, a dwi'n falch iawn bod gennych chi lwyth o egni i wneud hynny. Mae llu o gomisiynau, papurau, llyfrau a barn ysgolheigion wedi bod yn dweud bod angen rhwygo'r setliad presennol i fyny a chreu un newydd sy'n adlewyrchu sefyllfa bresennol Cymru yn yr oes sydd ohoni. Felly, sut bydd y comisiwn yn tynnu ar y gwahanol gomisiynau a phapurau sydd wedi dod o'i flaen? Pa fath o dystiolaeth newydd fydd angen ei chasglu gan y comisiwn cenedlaethol i ategu'r sylfaen wybodaeth bresennol? A sut bydd y sgwrs genedlaethol ar y mater yma yn cael ei hwyluso? Diolch.

   Official English translation

   Thank you very much for that answer, and it's high time that Wales's messy constitutional settlement was sorted out. Successive Labour Governments were content to see the matter kicked into the long grass, but this inertia has failed people and communities in Wales. Plaid Cymru has asked for further power for our country, not just for the sake of it, but for the chance to make the changes that will deliver positive impacts for our people and communities. On this issue, there must be more action and more movement in this Senedd, and I'm pleased that you have a lot of energy to do that. A myriad of commissions, papers, books and opinions of learned scholars have said that the current settlement needs to be ripped up and that a new and improved one should be created that reflects Wales's position in the present day. So, how will the commission draw on the various commissions and papers that have gone before it? What kind of new evidence will need to be gathered by the national commission to complement the existing knowledge base? And how will the national conversation be facilitated on this issue?

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3. 3. Business Statement and Announcement cy

   Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Drefnydd, gaf fi ofyn i'r Llywodraeth am ddatganiad ar wella diogelwch tân yng Nghymru? Mae gen i ddiddordeb penodol mewn cryfhau trefniadau diogelwch ar gyfer adeiladau neu safleoedd sy'n cael eu defnyddio'n achlysurol ar gyfer digwyddiadau. Mae pryderon wedi cael eu codi efo fi yn cwestiynu a yw'r math yma o safleoedd bob amser yn cydymffurfio'n llawn â'r gyfraith. Os nad ydyn nhw, wrth gwrs, fe allai hyn roi diogelwch pobl sy'n mynychu'r digwyddiad mewn perygl. Hoffwn weld y Llywodraeth yn ystyried cyflwyno trefn, drwy'r gwasanaeth tân, o archwiliadau yn ystod perfformiadau neu yn ystod digwyddiadau, er mwyn gwella diogelwch ac, o bosib, osgoi rhai o'r digwyddiadau ofnadwy rydyn ni wedi eu gweld mewn gwledydd eraill dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf. Roedd y Llywodraeth flaenorol yn monitro gwersi yr oedd angen eu dysgu o'r digwyddiad yn y Swistir. Felly, byddwn yn gwerthfawrogi datganiad i ddiweddaru'r Senedd ar y gwaith hwnnw. Diolch.

   Official English translation

   Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Trefnydd, can I ask the Government for a statement on improving fire safety in Wales? I'm particularly interested in the tightening up of safety arrangements for buildings or premises that are occasionally used for events. Concerns have been raised with me, questioning whether these kinds of sites always comply fully with the law. If they don't, of course, this could put the safety of people who attend such events at risk. I would like the Government to consider introducing, through the fire service, a regime of inspections during performances or during events, in order to improve safety and to possibly avoid some of the horrendous incidents that we have seen in other countries in recent years. The previous Government was monitoring the lessons that needed to be learned from the incident in Switzerland. So, I would appreciate a statement to update the Senedd on that work. Thank you.

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1. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability cy

   Ers blynyddoedd, mae ffermwyr wedi bod yn dweud wrthyf i ei bod hi'n mynd yn fwyfwy anodd i wneud bywoliaeth. Dwi'n gobeithio y bydd pethau yn newid, wrth gwrs, rŵan, efo Llywodraeth newydd Plaid Cymru. Un peth yr hoffwn i ei godi o'r pryderon hynny ddaeth i fy sylw i gan berchennog busnes yn fy etholaeth, sydd yn cael ei rhwystro yn ei hymdrechion i arallgyfeirio ar y ffarm, yw bod biwrocratiaeth, yn enwedig o ran cynllunio, wedi achosi oedi ac wedi costio miloedd o bunnoedd iddi. Hoffwn i godi pwynt cyffredinol ynglŷn â chael gwared ar y rhwystrau sy'n atal ffermydd rhag datblygu incwm amgen. Dylai ffermydd gael y cyfle i fod yn gynaliadwy. A ydy hwn yn rhywbeth sydd ar eich radar chi, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, ac a fyddwch chi'n gweithio gyda rhanddeiliad i ddatrys rhai o'r problemau hynny?

   Official English translation

   For years, farmers have been telling me that it's becoming more and more difficult to make a living. I am hopeful that that will change, of course, with a new Plaid Cymru Government in place. One thing I would like to raise in relation to those concerns expressed by a business owner in my constituency, who is being prevented in her efforts to diversify on the farm, is that bureaucracy has led to delays and has cost her thousands of pounds. So, I'd like to raise a general point on removing the barriers that prevent farmers from developing alternative sources of income. Farms should have an opportunity to be sustainable. Is that something that is on your radar, Cabinet Secretary, and will you be working with stakeholders in order to resolve some of those problems?

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1. 2. Business Statement and Announcement cy

   Drefnydd, a gawn ni ddatganiad gan y Llywodraeth ynglŷn ag argyfwng pensiynau Capita a'r effaith mae'n ei chael ar weithwyr a phobl sydd wedi ymddeol yng Nghymru? Dwi'n gwybod bod nifer o bobl wedi cael eu heffeithio ganddo drwy'r oedi cyn derbyn eu taliadau pensiwn. Nid yw hynny'n cynnwys nifer o bobl sydd wedi cael eu hatal rhag ymddeol oherwydd oedi posib, na'r bobl sy'n methu cynllunio'n iawn am nad yw'r datganiadau pensiwn ar gael. Byddai datganiad yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr gan y bobl sydd wedi cael eu heffeithio.

   Official English translation

   Trefnydd, can we have a Government statement on the Capita pensions crisis and the impact that it's having on workers and those who have retired in Wales? I know that many people have been impacted by this issue in terms of delays before they get pension payments. That does not include a number of people who've been prevented from retiring because of possible delays or people who can't plan properly because pension statements aren't available. So, a statement would be much appreciated by those affected by this issue.

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2. 5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Transport: Key Infrastructure Resilience en

   I'm grateful for the statement today, especially on the topic of the M4 relief road, which is a major talking point among my constituents. People would appreciate any further clarification that you could give on potential solutions to the bottlenecks that are experienced around the Brynglas tunnels, especially maybe some comments around the Burns stations. I also know that Plaid Cymru's Government agrees with me on the need to protect the Gwent levels. It's truly a unique site of special scientific interest landscape and has been described by some conservationists as the Amazon of Wales due to its rich diversity, so any comments that you could make on that would be very much appreciated. Finally, I'd like to know how you intend to engage with other interested parties, such as the local authorities, to come up with solutions that ensure that traffic flow in and around Newport is eased in the most cost-effective, efficient and sustainable way. Diolch yn fawr.

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1. 1. Questions to the First Minister cy

   Brif Weinidog, dros y chwe mis diwethaf, rydych chi'n gwybod fy mod wedi cael profiad personol iawn o feddyginiaeth frys ar ôl disgyn yng Nghasnewydd a rhwygo tendon yn fy mhen glin. Fe wnes i gael fy ngweld yn y royal Gwent, yn y Grange a wedyn cael llawdriniaeth yn St Woolos. Yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw, gwelais y gorau o fwrdd iechyd Aneurin Bevan, ond hefyd y pwysau aruthrol sydd ar y system. Roedd y staff yn broffesiynol ac yn garedig, ac yn gwneud eu gorau glas o dan amgylchiadau anodd iawn. Gwelais hefyd beth mae pwysau ar y system yn ei olygu i gleifion: arosiadau hir, diffyg capasiti, pwysau ar welyau. I fi, y peth mwyaf anodd i ddelio efo fo oedd yr ansicrwydd yn y cyfathrebu am beth sydd yn mynd i ddigwydd nesaf. Felly, Brif Weinidog, a ydych chi'n cytuno bod gwella gofal brys yng Nghasnewydd Islwyn yn golygu edrych ar daith gyfan y claf, nid jest y targedau, a bod cyfathrebu'n glir yn fewnol rhwng adrannau a gyda chleifion a theuluoedd yn rhan annatod o wneud yn siŵr bod pobl yn cael eu trin gydag urddas o'r dechrau i'r diwedd?

   Official English translation

   First Minister, over the past six months, you know that I've had personal experience of emergency treatment after falling in Newport and tearing a tendon in my knee. I was seen at the royal Gwent, and then at the Grange, and then at St Woolos. I saw the best of the Aneurin Bevan health board at that time, but also the huge pressures on the system. The staff were professional and kind, and they did their very best under very difficult circumstances. I also saw what the pressures on the system mean for patients: long waits, lack of capacity, pressure in terms of beds. For me, the hardest thing to deal with was the difficulty in communication in terms of what would happen next. So, First Minister, do you agree that improving emergency care in Casnewydd Islwyn means looking at the entire patient journey, not just the targets, and that clear communication internally between departments and with patients and families is an inextricable part of ensuring that people are treated with dignity from the beginning to the end of their journey?

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