Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Rwy'n falch iawn o fod yma. Heledd Fychan, Gweinidog Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant a Chwaraeon. Os caf i ofyn i'r swyddogion i gyflwyno nhw eu hunain, gan ddechrau efo Elin.

Elin Burns, cyfarwyddwr diwylliant, chwaraeon, treftadaeth a'r Gymraeg.

Prynhawn da. Steffan Roberts, dirprwy gyfarwyddwr dros y celfyddydau a chwaraeon.

Good afternoon. Joedi Langley, deputy director, Creative Wales.

Diolch yn fawr ichi i gyd, a chroeso ichi i gyd yma. Weinidog, cyn inni symud at gwestiynau'r Aelodau, hoffwn eich gwahodd i wneud datganiad agoriadol byr. Diolch.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Gadeirydd. Yn gyntaf oll, llongyfarchiadau ichi i gyd am gael eich ethol i'r pwyllgor yma. Mae'n rhaid i fi ddweud, mae'n brofiad gwahanol iawn i fod ar yr ochr yma o gymharu â bod yn aelod o'r pwyllgor yma, ac roeddwn i'n adlewyrchu ar adroddiad gwaddol y chweched Senedd. Felly, gan fy mod i wedi cyfrannu at y rhain, dwi rŵan efo'r dasg o drio gweithredu nifer o argymhellion y pwyllgor. Dwi eisiau ei wneud yn glir fy mod i'n croesawu craffu. Dwi'n credu ei bod hi'n rôl hanfodol o ran ein democratiaeth ni, a dwi yn cydnabod y rôl bwysig fydd gennych chi o ran fy nwyn i i gyfrif. Dwi hefyd yn edrych ymlaen i fod yn cyfrannu at ac yn adlewyrchu ar eich ymchwiliadau chi dros y blynyddoedd i ddod, a dwi'n gobeithio yn fawr cael perthynas adeiladol gyda chi.

Mi fyddwch chi'n ymwybodol fel pwyllgor fod y sefyllfa rydym ni wedi ei hetifeddu yn un heriol. Mae blynyddoedd o danfuddsoddi wedi gadael eu hôl o ran y gweithlu ac o ran cyflwr nifer o'n hadeiladau hanesyddol a chelfyddydol a chyfleusterau chwaraeon. Ac er bod gwaith blaengar a rhagorol yn digwydd yn y sectorau hyn sydd yn denu bri rhyngwladol, mae hyn weithiau yn medru cuddio pa mor fregus ydy'r sectorau hyn mewn gwirionedd, a dyna pam dwi'n blaenoriaethu creu strategaeth hirdymor, er mwyn sicrhau bod yna gynllun i unioni hynny. Mae hyn oherwydd ein bod ni fel Llywodraeth yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd diwylliant a chwaraeon o ran ein hunaniaeth fel cenedl, ond hefyd yn cydnabod eu gwerth economaidd nhw a'u cyfraniad at wella iechyd a lles. Dwi'n siŵr bod nifer ohonoch chi wedi gweld rhai o'r uchafbwyntiau'r haf yma, o'r Eisteddfod yn dathlu bod yn 850 oed i dîm Cymru yng Ngemau'r Gymanwlad ac wrth gwrs y ffilm Effi o Blaenau. Mae yna lot i ddathlu.

Mi fyddwch chi wedi gweld yn y diweddariad ein bod ni wedi cwblhau'r holl ymrwymiadau 100 diwrnod o ran y portffolio hwn, a dwi'n edrych ymlaen at gael cwestiynau gennych chi ar hynny. Ond mae o'n werth nodi, ynghylch y gwaith o ran y strategaeth, mai dyma'r tro cyntaf inni ddod â diwylliant, chwaraeon a'r diwydiannau creadigol ynghyd. Dwi'n credu bod hwnna'n cyd-fynd efo rhai o argymhellion y pwyllgor diwethaf hefyd, oedd yn feirniadol iawn o'r ffaith nad oedd y diwydiannau creadigol yn rhan o'r strategaeth diwylliant. Felly, rydyn ni eisiau unioni hynny.

Mae Nofio Ysgol yn mynd i fod yn dechrau ar waith rŵan mewn naw awdurdod lleol. Mae yna waith o ran sefydlu awdurdod darlledu a chyfathrebu cysgodol Cymru. Mae yna gyllid ychwanegol i Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru ar gyfer buddsoddi cyfalaf a hefyd i gefnogi amgueddfeydd, archifau a llyfrgelloedd lleol. Felly, gyda'r 100 diwrnod drosodd, dwi rŵan yn symud ymlaen at weddill yr ymrwymiadau yn y maniffesto a, fel roeddwn i'n dweud, dwi'n edrych ymlaen at weithio efo chi fel pwyllgor i symud y gwaith hwn ymlaen. Mae yna heriau o'n blaenau, heb os, ond mae yna gyfle gwirioneddol i ddatgloi potensial diwylliant a chwaraeon.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, a diolch hefyd am y dystiolaeth ysgrifenedig ar gyfer y sesiwn. Fe wnaf i gychwyn efo cwestiwn agoriadol cyn agor y llawr i weddill yr Aelodau.

Mae eich tystiolaeth ysgrifenedig ar gyfer y sesiwn heddiw yn disgrifio uchelgais y Llywodraeth i weld diwylliant, treftadaeth a chwaraeon wrth galon ein cenedl ac wrth galon gwaith y Llywodraeth hon. Sut byddwn ni'n gallu mesur eich bod chi wedi cyflawni'r uchelgais hwn erbyn diwedd y Senedd? Beth fydd y mesuryddion posibl a fydd yn dod o ran mesur effaith hynny?

Wel, dwi'n gobeithio bydd gan y pwyllgor yma ran i'w chwarae o ran fy helpu i ddatblygu'r rheini. Mae gwaith wedi dechrau. Yn amlwg, rydyn ni wedi dechrau'r ymgynghori ar gyfer strategaeth newydd rŵan. Rydyn ni'n gofyn i'r rheini sy'n gweithio yn y sector i roi eu barn hefyd. Yr hyn oedd wedi bod yn rhwystredig pan oeddwn i'n eich seddi chi oedd y diffyg mesuryddion. Roedden ni wedi gweld nifer o, efallai, ddatganiadau o gefnogaeth ond roedd yn amhosib wedyn mesur beth oedd y cynnydd a medru dwyn y Llywodraeth i gyfrif.

Felly, dydyn ni ddim efo'r mesuryddion yna yn eu lle erbyn hyn, ond mae'r gwaith hwnnw'n mynd rhagddo, oherwydd, un o'r pethau heriol iawn dwi wedi ei etifeddu ydy diffyg data a diffyg gwybodaeth o ran y sectorau hyn. Felly, mae yna lot fawr o waith yn y dyddiau cynnar yma, yn y 100 diwrnod, sydd wedi mynd i ddeall lle mae buddsoddiad y Llywodraeth yn mynd, beth ydy gwerth am arian, beth ydy effaith y buddsoddiad hwnnw, a hefyd lle mae'r bylchau.

Felly, does gen i ddim darlun llawn ar y funud a dwi'n credu ei fod o'n allweddol bwysig cael y darlun llawn hwnnw fel bo'r mesuryddion fydd gennym ni wedyn yn rhai cywir. Byddwn ni'n gallu datgan rŵan rai ohonyn nhw, ond heb i fi wybod beth ydy'r gwaelodlin a beth ydy'r data yna, mae'n anodd iawn inni osod mesurau pendant.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Fe wnaf i wahodd Aelodau eraill i holi'r Gweinidog. Oes yna unrhyw un—? Ie, Paul. Diolch yn fawr.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Gadeirydd. Dwi eisiau gofyn rhai cwestiynau i chi ynglyn â'r strategaeth diwylliant, ond, yn gyntaf i gyd, dwi eisiau gofyn i chi ynglŷn â'ch ymrwymiad ym maniffesto Plaid Cymru, oherwydd ym maniffesto Plaid Cymru cyn yr etholiad roedd yna ymrwymiad i gyflwyno Bil diwylliant, ond dwi ddim yn gweld ymrwymiad i wneud hynny yn rhaglen ddeddfwriaethol y Llywodraeth. Beth yw'r sefyllfa ar hyn o bryd?

Yn y maniffesto, mi oedd o'n dweud y bydden ni'n edrych o ran y Bil, ac mae gen i feddwl agored llwyr o ran a oes angen cyflwyno Bil neu beidio. Un o'r pethau sydd wedi cael ei fwydo'n ôl i fi, ac un o'r pethau y gwnaeth y pwyllgor yma adlewyrchu arno fo wrth graffu ar gomisiynydd cenedlaethau'r dyfodol, oedd y byddech chi'n gallu treulio lot fawr o amser yn datblygu'r Bil hwn, ond os nad ydy'r adnodd gennych chi er mwyn gwarchod yr elfen statudol honno, yna beth fyddai Bil mewn gwirionedd yn cyflawni? Felly wrth i'r gwaith fynd rhagddo ar strategaeth, rydyn ni hefyd eisiau edrych ar beth ydy gwerth deddfu, oherwydd mae'n rhaid deddfu i bwrpas, yn fy marn i.

Un o'r pethau dwi wedi bod yn bryderus amdano fo, pe bydden ni ddim ond yn canolbwyntio ar gael y Bil yn ei le, ydy ein bod ni wedi gweld llyfrgelloedd lleol yn cau er eu bod nhw'n statudol, a dwi ddim yn credu bod jest gwneud rhywbeth yn statudol yn rhoi sicrwydd hirdymor bod y buddsoddiad a'r gwasanaeth yn parhau. Felly, dydy o ddim yn fater ei fod o wedi diflannu'n llwyr—mae o'n rhan o'r gwaith sydd yn cael ei wneud—ond dwi'n credu bod yna rai blaenoriaethau ar y funud, er enghraifft statws argyfyngus rhai o'n hadeiladau hanesyddol ni ac ati, neu'r gweithlu, a bod rhaid inni fynd i'r afael â nhw, ac, efo'r adnoddau sydd gennym ni, dwi'n credu bod rhaid i fi roi'r pwyslais ar ddeall hynny'n gyntaf cyn i ni edrych ar y Bil.

Felly, dydych chi ddim yn gwybod ar hyn o bryd a ydych chi'n mynd i gyflwyno Bil ai peidio, ond pryd fyddwch chi mewn sefyllfa i wybod a fyddwch chi yn, neu ddim yn, cyflwyno Bil?

Wel, dwi eisiau gwybod barn y pwyllgor yma hefyd, oherwydd barn y pwyllgor yn flaenorol oedd nad oedd yna sicrwydd bod ei angen o, felly byddwn i'n gobeithio bod hon yn un o'r elfennau o'r gwaith yna lle, efallai, y byddwn ni'n gallu cydweithio. Dwi'n wirioneddol â meddwl agored o ran yr angen am Fil neu beidio. Dwi'n gweld yr angen am strategaeth i ddechrau yn allweddol bwysig cyn i ni wedyn edrych ar ddeddfu. Felly, dwi'n hapus iawn—. Dwi wedi bod yn dryloyw iawn efo chi o ran hyn. Mae angen blaenoriaethu cael y strategaeth a'r mesurau yn eu lle gyntaf, dwi'n credu, cyn inni fynd ymlaen efo deddfu. Byddwn i'n gweld hynny yn fwy yn ail hanner tymor y Senedd hon.

Rydych chi wedi cyfeirio at y gwasanaethau statudol yn eich ateb fan yna. Dwi'n gwybod eich bod chi'n edrych ar opsiynau i wneud darpariaeth ddiwylliannol yn ofyniad statudol i sefydliadau cyhoeddus. Pryd, eto, y byddwn ni mewn sefyllfa i wybod a ydy'r Llywodraeth yn mynd i wneud hynny ai peidio?

Mae'n ddyddiau cynnar iawn o ran hynny. Yr unig beth dwi'n gadarn arno fo ydy fy mod i eisiau strategaeth yn ei lle cyn gynted ag sy'n bosib, mai'r mesurau yw'r rhai iawn, a'n bod ni wedyn yn gallu cydweithio ar hyn. Oherwydd dydy rhai o'r newidiadau yma—. Os ydych chi'n meddwl am y toriadau sydd wedi bod, maen nhw wedi bod dros 15 mlynedd. Mae'r dirwyiad wedi bod dros 15 mlynedd. Dydy rhai o'r datrysiadau ddim yn hawdd, a ddim dros nos. Felly, mae'r ffordd rydyn ni'n mynd o'i chwmpas hi i gael y gwaelodlin yna, i fod yn gwybod yn llawer mwy strategol—. Mae'n ddrwg gen i fy mod i'n methu rhoi rhai atebion cyfan gwbl bendant i chi ar y funud, oherwydd mae hi yn broses fyw iawn.

Dwi'n derbyn, wrth gwrs, eich bod chi'n ymgynghori pan ddaw hi i'r strategaeth ddiwylliannol yma. Dwi'n credu bod yr ymgynghoriad yna'n mynd i gau yng nghanol mis Rhagfyr. Yn eich tyb chi ar hyn o bryd, beth ddylai gweledigaeth gyffredinol y Llywodraeth fod ar gyfer diwylliant, a pha ganlyniadau y dylai'r strategaeth anelu at eu cyflawni ar gyfer cymunedau ac, yn wir, unigolion?

Dwi'n credu ei bod hi'n glir iawn bod angen buddsoddiad hirdymor a sicrwydd hirdymor i nifer o'n sefydliadau ni. Un o'r pethau dwi wedi'i glywed gan gyrff lleol ar lawr gwlad, a chyrff cenedlaethol, ydy pa mor heriol ydy peidio gwybod y sefyllfa ariannol o flwyddyn i flwyddyn, o beidio gwybod os oes yna arian cyfalaf ar gael, oherwydd mae rhai o'r symiau sydd angen eu buddsoddi yn aruthrol. A dwi'n credu bod trio cydweithio a rhoi'r sicrwydd hwnnw o ran sut ydyn ni'n mynd i sicrhau nad ydyn nhw bob blwyddyn yn gorfod ailstrwythuro, er engrhaifft—. Oherwydd beth sydd wedi bod yn realiti i nifer o'r cyrff yma dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf yma ydy treulio rhan fwyaf o'u hamser yn gorfod edrych ar yr adnoddau sydd ganddyn nhw, a'r strwythur staffio, yn hytrach na medru buddsoddi neu ddatblygu, codi incwm, ac ati.

Felly, o ran y gwaith hwnnw, dwi'n meddwl ei bod hi'n allweddol bwysig ein bod ni mewn sefyllfa, yn ystod tymor y Senedd hon, i roi'r sicrwydd hwnnw, a'n bod ni hefyd—. Roeddwn i'n cael llond bol pan oeddwn i yn eich seddi chi fan hyn o glywed Gweinidogion yn dweud, 'Mae'n rhaid i ni symud tuag at agenda ataliol. Mae'n rhaid i ni fod yn gwneud gwell cyswllt rhwng y gwasanaeth iechyd a'r celfyddydau, chwaraeon a diwylliant'. A'r camau rydyn ni wedi bod yn eu cymryd rŵan ydy sgyrisau efo iechyd, sgyrsiau efo addysg, o ran sut ydyn ni'n sicrhau bod y celfyddydau a diwylliant, a'u gwir botensial nhw, yn treiddio drwy bob portffolio.

Rŵan, dydy hynna ddim yn hawdd, a medraf i ddeall, wedyn, pam mae rhai Gweinidogion wedi dweud, 'Gwnawn ni ddechrau hynny flwyddyn nesaf, a gwnawn ni ddechrau hynny flwyddyn nesaf'. Ond dwi'n meddwl ein bod ni wedi cyrraedd y pwynt rŵan lle mae'n rhaid i ni ddechrau edrych o ddifri. A hyd yn oed os ydy o'n cymryd dwy flynedd i ni ddod i bwynt lle rydyn ni'n gweld y symudiad hwnnw mewn termau real, a'r mesuryddion hynny, mae'n rhaid gwneud y gwaith caib a rhaw hwnnw, a'i wneud o'n gywir hefyd. Oherwydd, byddwn i'n gallu dod yma a gwneud ymrwymiadau, ond mae'n rhaid iddyn nhw feddwl rhywbeth os ydyn nhw'n mynd i gael y newid gwirioneddol hwnnw.

Dwi'n derbyn, wrth gwrs, eich bod chi fel Llywodraeth eisiau ymgynghori gyda'r cyhoedd ynglŷn â'r strategaeth ddiwylliannol. Ond unwaith bydd yr ymgynghoriad yna wedi dod i ben, sut fydd y Llywodraeth yn dangos bod barn y cyhoedd wedi dylanwadu ar y strategaeth derfynol, a pha gyfleoedd fydd ar gyfer cyfranogiad parhaus y cyhoedd yn ei gweithrediad?

Wel, mae hon, gobeithio, yn mynd i fod yn strategaeth a fydd yn cael ei pherchnogi gan gymunedau ledled Cymru. Byddan nhw'n gweld pam rydyn ni'n credu bod diwylliant, chwaraeon a'r diwydiannau creadigol yn bwysig, oherwydd dydy hynny ddim wastad wedi bod y neges gan Lywodraethau yn y gorffennol chwaith. Felly, dwi'n gobeithio y bydd pobl, o'r ffaith ein bod ni yn ymgynghori a'n bod ni eisiau clywed eu barn nhw yn wirioneddol—. Dwi wedi gofyn i gael copi o bopeth sy'n dod i mewn, a dwi eisiau'u darllen nhw yn bersonol, oherwydd dwi eisiau clywed beth ydy'r heriau sy'n wynebu pobl, beth ydy'r rhwystredigaethau ar lawr gwlad. Ac mae hynny wedi dod drwodd yn glir efo ymweliadau dwi wedi'u gwneud eisioes.

Mae pobl yn rhwystredig. Mae'r diffyg buddsoddiad sydd wedi bod wedi golygu bod yna adnoddau a oedd yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi gan gymuedau wedi cau. Felly, gobeithio, drwy weld bod yna weledigaeth hirdymor, buddsoddiad hirdymor, ein bod ni'n edrych i fod yn cydweithio efo cymunedau, y bydd hynny'n rhoi sicrwydd i bobl bod yna ddyfodol i'r meysydd hyn ledled ein cymunedau ni. Fyddwn ni'n methu gwneud popeth ar unwaith, a dwi'n credu dyna pam mae bod yn onest efo pobl yn mynd i fod yn rhan bwysig o hyn hefyd.

Ac unwaith y byddwch chi wedi clywed barn y cyhoedd, sut byddwch chi wedyn, fel Llywodraeth, yn penderfynu pa flaenoriaethau diwylliannol ddylai dderbyn buddsoddiad? Pa griteria ŷch chi'n mynd i'w ddefnyddio i wneud hynny?

Wel, rydyn ni yn edrych ar yr ail gamau rŵan o ran hynny. Mae'r alwad am dystiolaeth yn digwydd ar yr un pryd ag ydyn ni'n edrych ar y fframwaith a'r mecanweithiau sydd eu hangen. Felly, mae'r gwaith hwnnw yn cyd-fynd, a dwi'n gobeithio y bydd hon yn ddeialog barhaus rhyngom ni, fel Llywodraeth, a chithau, fel pwyllgor, hefyd. A dwi'n siŵr y bydd gennych chi argymhellion i'w gwneud i fi fel rhan o'r broses hon hefyd.

Ac a oes rhyw amserlen gyda chi ynglŷn â'r strategaeth yma nawr? Pryd ŷch chi'n disgwyl gweld y strategaeth yma yn cael ei lansio?

Wel, byddwn i yn ei hoffi hi cyn gynted â sy'n bosib, a dwi yn gwthio swyddogion, yn sicr, o ran yr amserlen honno. Dwi ddim wedi—

Does dim amserlen gyda chi o gwbl?

Mae yna amserlen ddrafft ac, yn amlwg, y rhan gyntaf fydd adrodd yn ôl, efo rhai pethau drafft yn y gwanwyn y flwyddyn nesaf. Dwi eisiau cwtogi yr amserlen wedi hynny oherwydd yr hyn dwi'n ei glywed gan y sectorau ar lawr gwlad ac yn genedlaethol ydy, 'Rydyn ni'n gwybod beth ydy rhai o'r datrysiadau yma; mae jest angen i'r Llywodraeth fod yn glir ar eu hymrwymiad.' Felly, o ran ceisio cael rhywbeth cyn gynted â phosib, yn amlwg, mae angen rhywbeth yn drylwyr, a dyna pam mae'r gwaith yma, ond hefyd rydyn ni'n adeiladu ar y gwaith sydd wedi bod yn flaenorol. Y mesuryddion ydy'r prif beth mae'n rhaid i ni roi ffocws arno fo rŵan.

Diolch, Cadeirydd.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Mae gennyf i ychydig o gwestiynau yn dilyn fyny o'r sylwadau rydych chi newydd eu gwneud. O ran cyfranogiad, yn ymarferol, sut bydd y Llywodraeth yn sicrhau bod yr ymgynghoriad a'r strategaeth yn cyrraedd y bobl hynny efallai sydd ddim yn cymryd rhan mewn chwaraeon a diwylliant, neu weithgareddau diwylliannol ar hyn o bryd, yn enwedig, efallai, plant a phobl ifanc, pobl o gefndiroedd incwm isel, neu gymunedau lle mae yna rwystrau daearyddol, yn hytrach na dim ond cefnogi'r rhai sydd eisoes yn ymgysylltu?

Ie, mae hwnnw'n bwynt sydd yn ganolog i hyn oll, ac rydyn ni hefyd yn edrych ar yr ymchwil sydd eisoes yna. Mae nifer o'n cyrff cenedlaethol ni wedi gwneud lot fawr o waith ymchwil ar hyn. Mae nifer o brifysgolion wedi gwneud gwaith ymchwil o ran y rhwystrau. Rydyn ni'n gwybod bod pethau fel cost trafnidiaeth yn rhwystr, neu leoliad rhai o'n hamgueddfeydd ni ac a oes yna drafnidiaeth gyhoeddus. Mae hynny'n wybyddus o ran Sain Ffagan, er enghraifft, lle does yna ddim gwasanaeth bws cyson ac ati, lle mae angen cael car i fynd i nifer o lefydd. Os ydych chi'n meddwl am Big Pit, mae'n heriol iawn i'w gyrraedd os nad oes gennych chi gar.

Felly, mae nifer o'r rhwystrau yma yn wybyddus. Rydyn ni, yn amlwg, yn mynd i fod hefyd yn ymestyn allan i grwpiau sydd yn gweithio'n llwyddiannus yn y meysydd hyn, yn gweithio efo fforymau ieuenctid a gwahanol rannau o'n sefydliadau ni. Felly, mae hwn yn mynd i fod yn allweddol bwysig.

Mae Sioned Williams a finnau, efo hithau yn ei rôl o ran cyfiawnder cymdeithasol a gwaith o ran strategaeth tlodi plant, yn mynd i fod yn cydweithio'n agos iawn oherwydd rydyn ni'n gwybod yr heriau o ran costau i fod yn cyfranogi mewn chwaraeon, er enghraifft. Mae yna lot fawr o waith ymchwil sydd wedi dangos y rhwystrau sydd yna o ran methu fforddio cit chwaraeon a beth mae hynny'n ei olygu o ran cyfranogiad, neu allu cyrraedd gemau ar y penwythnos os nad oes gan eich rhieni chi gar, ac ati.

Felly, mae yna lot fawr o waith rydyn ni'n adeiladu arno fo, ac yn ganolog i'r holl strategaeth y mae sicrhau bod gan bawb y cyfle i gyfranogi mewn ffordd real.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Rydych chi wedi cyfeirio yn barod at y toriadau ac, efallai, y tanfuddsoddiad sydd wedi bod mewn diwylliant a chwaraeon gan Lywodraethau cynt, gan adael y sector mewn lle bregus. Allwch chi egluro ydy'r uchelgais yna o gynyddu buddsoddiad dros dymor y Senedd yn golygu cynnydd mewn termau real uwchlaw chwyddiant? A pha gamau fuasech chi'n eu cymryd i symud Cymru yn nes at lefelau buddsoddiad gwledydd Ewropeaidd cymaradwy?

Wel, un o'r pethau dwi wedi gofyn i swyddogion weithio arno efo sefydliadau sy'n derbyn nawdd ydy deall beth ydy'r gwir fuddsoddiad sydd ei angen ar ein sefydliadau cenedlaethol ni—nid beth maen nhw'n gallu ei wneud efo'r arian sydd ganddyn nhw, ond beth ydy'r arian gwirioneddol sydd ei angen, a hefyd beth fyddai effaith hynny. Oherwydd dydy o ddim jyst ynglŷn â chynyddu buddsoddiad; mae o hefyd ynglŷn â sicrhau bod y budd hwnnw i bobl Cymru, ac un o'r heriau dwi wedi eu clywed rŵan ydy bod rhai sefydliadau yn methu fforddio cyflogi pobl i godi arian neu gael nawdd ac ati. Wel, mae hynny'n creu sefyllfa hyd yn oed yn fwy heriol. Felly, yn sicr, yr uchelgais ydy sicrhau bod ein sefydliadau cenedlaethol ni a sefydliadau ar lawr gwlad yn y meysydd hyn efo'r cyllid maen nhw ei angen ac yn ei haeddu. Dwi'n credu bod y gwaith a wnaed gan y pwyllgor hwn yn ystod y chweched Senedd, a oedd yn dangos lle roeddem ni o ran lefelau Ewropeaidd o fuddsoddiad, yn dangos cymaint ar ei hôl hi ydyn ni.

Dwi hefyd yn ymwybodol, o fod yn siarad efo'r cyrff yma a chyfarfod efo nhw, fod yna heriau wedyn o ran sut rydych chi'n cynyddu'r gweithlu dros amser efo mwy o fuddsoddiad ac ati. Dwi ddim yn credu, o ran y sectorau hyn, nad yw ond yn fater o gael mwy o fuddsoddiad gan y Llywodraeth, ac rydyn ni yn edrych rŵan ar sut rydyn ni'n gallu edrych ar gyllidebau amgen neu ddod â chyllidebau i weithio'n fwy effeithiol.

Os caf i roi enghraifft i chi o ran ysgolion, rydyn ni'n gwybod bod yna fuddsoddi wedi bod mewn ysgolion. Yn aml, pan fydd hynny'n digwydd, mae yna feysydd chwarae newydd neu ganolfannau hamdden ac ati, ond weithiau dwi wedi clywed gan, er enghraifft, cymdeithas bêl-droed, 'Os does yna ddim floodlights yn fanna, wel, beth ydy'r pwynt cael y buddsoddiad hwnnw ar gyfer budd y gymuned os ydyn nhw methu defnyddio fo yn y gaeaf, neu os ydy'r giatiau wedi'u cloi yn ystod y gwyliau neu ar benwythnos?' Felly, drwy edrych yn draws-bortffolio a meddwl, 'Wel, os oes yna fuddsoddiad mewn ysgol, beth mae hynny'n ei olygu wedyn o ran y gymuned leol a mynediad?', rydyn ni'n trio edrych yn lot fwy strategol hyd yn oed gyda'r arian sydd gennym ni fel bod y buddsoddiad hwnna yna, oherwydd, er enghraifft, efallai y byddai floodlights yn dod o dan fy mhortffolio i a bod y sgwrs yna heb ddigwydd. Dwi'n credu, os ydyn ni'n edrych ar bob prosiect o'r dechrau ac edrych ar, 'Reit, mae hon yn ysgol newydd, ond beth ydy'r budd i'r gymuned hefyd?' ac edrych ar gyllidebau ar y cyd o'r dechrau un, y bydd y buddsoddiad yna'n lot fwy strategol.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Unrhyw Aelodau eraill eisiau dod i mewn yn fanna? Nick Carter.

Just one quick question—[Inaudible.] I know you've been around to see all the bodies that are getting funding from you in the 100 days. I just wondered: do you have an idea of how many of those still get funding annually, or whether they are now getting more longer term funding? Is that something that we can look to change, so that they can be more confident in getting their money for the longer term?

Currently, it is going from year to year. There are huge challenges for some of our arm's-length bodies in the way that pay settlements aren't automatically awarded to them either. So, that's a constant dialogue with Government, so it creates a lot of uncertainty. Part of trying to address that now is having those active conversations. There's been a nervousness from some of our organisations of disclosing to me the true challenges that they face; there's a fear that they may be punished by Government by being too honest. So, part of those initial conversations has been trying to encourage people to be truly honest with me about the challenges that they're facing, that we want to address them collectively with them, being honest—if someone's going to ask for a 50 per cent increase in budget next year, that's not going to be possible at this point in time—but also coming to us early if there are problems emerging for us to try and address them together, and being clear in the expectations. I've seen remit letters to our national organisations in the past that would have so many things that we're expecting them to do but with no further money. I think that's a live conversation as well, about what's realistic to expect when they have certain things that they have to do in terms of responsibility for the national collections and so on. And also, when we look at new investments, when we have such challenges already in our, maybe, museums or national library et cetera, we have to look at that balance, because there's always that temptation sometimes for Ministers to invest in the new, whereas, actually, developing the resilience of some of our national treasures has been neglected. So, those are the kinds of live conversations at the moment.

But, in general, do we have an ambition to try to get the funding streams on a firmer footing and on a longer period of time to give people more time to adjust and, basically, not waste money so much, I suppose?

Definitely, because I think some of the things have been as well—. I've heard of projects mentioned in terms of 'shovel-ready projects' because money has suddenly become available. And that might not be an organisation's priority in terms of what it needs, but it's what it can spend within that financial year. And it's that challenge, isn't it? When you look at some of the sums that have been said to me about the capital maintenance backlog that's accumulated over a long time, well, those are eye-watering, some of those sums, and—

I've got a question on that.

—not things that we can address overnight either. And that's why—. Clearly, we have a four-year term as a Government this time; there's only so much we'll be able to achieve there. And that's why looking at a longer term strategy, with those goals and investment goals and where we need to get to, is really important. What I find really difficult at this point in time is that, without having that baseline in terms of what's needed, it's really difficult to really know how much we're lagging behind in terms of the investments needed.

So, for instance, with sport, the Football Association of Wales have done a facilities review. I know that they require, over the next five years, £150 million. Nofio Cymru, Swim Wales, have done work in terms of their swimming pools and how much needs to be invested—and this is really to maintain what we have, even—of just over £400 million. These are huge sums of money and show the scale of the problem we've inherited.

But what I hope I will be able to present to you in the next few months is complete transparency in terms of that backlog and how we are going to be able to get to grips with that. But it will require not just public money as well—we'll need to look in terms of further investment and what other opportunities for investment there are, because, clearly, the Welsh Government budget will not be able to address all of those needs, if you just look at the figures I've outlined just for swimming pools alone.

Thank you.

Diolch yn fawr. Steven Rodaway.

You've actually touched on a little bit of my question. You've talked about lack of resources, you've talked about cultural priorities, and, again, it is a little bit about the maintenance, the backlogs that are currently out there. But also there's a suggestion of new things coming in, such as the national contemporary art gallery. Obviously, you've got to prioritise these different elements and, with our current infrastructure not necessarily being in a good place and the amount of infrastructure for that, what's happening with regard to any new projects, and where would your focus be?

I think it's important that we remain ambitious as a Government and identify those projects that we should have as a nation, and I would argue that we should have a national gallery of contemporary art. I think that challenge then is that, when you see the sums we need to invest in what we have, we need to strike that balance. And I think, by having that longer term strategy, that longer term plan, we can look to address the funding needs right now and then look towards the future and the different funding models so that we can achieve both in the future. But certainly, for me, seeing the severity of the challenges that a number of our organisations face, I think we do need to prioritise those first before we look at any new investment.

We are still investing, of course, in that dispersed model in terms of contemporary art, and looking at different ways to ensure that there is that investment in something that's crucially important. We've got amazing contemporary artists here in Wales as well, and I want to make sure that they know that they're supported by this Government and can stay in Wales, that there's a future for them, and look at different ways to expand that. So, the Celf Cymru project remains important, but I do think we need to do that work to identify what other investments there should be in the future—and, in terms of the national gallery of contemporary art, that's where I see it.

I think there was some sort of suggestion that it could be self-sustaining, but I think there was a lot of pushback on that it would actually be self-sustaining. How do you see that playing out? Is that your view, that you could see it as some sort of self-sustaining element, or will it need public funds, which would have to be taken from somewhere else? You'd have to, obviously, rob Peter to pay Paul.

Well, at the moment, none of our national institutions are self-funding. So, we are in a very different position to some nations, when you look in terms of philanthropy and so on. So, I do think, in terms of the future of the sector, looking at how we increase investment elsewhere or increase income is something that needs to be part of the conversation, and look at different models. I'm very open to those different models in terms of a future national gallery of contemporary art. There were a number of models outlined in that work, but that work needs to be progressed, and I think we can do that alongside developing a longer term strategy. Some of the work in that strategy will be about looking to the future, but we do have an urgency to look at the challenges right now as well.

To be honest with you, when I was in your position scrutinising, and I was asking for some of the figures that I've disclosed to you now, like the challenges with swimming pools, like with football, if you look at that across all sports, we had no idea, in scrutinising the Government, what those figures were. So, now that I am in that position, I think that's something we're going to have to look at very carefully and balance then between those new aspirations that we think we should have as a Government as opposed to what then would stop people from being able to participate if their local arts venue that they already go to, or their local sports club or local swimming pool, closed. Those are the kinds of trade-offs we'll have to look at.

Would you say that this contemporary art gallery is very much based on whether you do get private investors coming in, philanthropic investors coming in, whether the future of it is based around that—obviously because you've got a lot of expenses in just keeping the current infrastructure going?

Not necessarily. I think what I'm saying is that I don't know at this point in time. Clearly, the Government does not have the kinds of sums available to it at the moment, unless it was to take away from what's needed in terms of that backlog maintenance. But I think, in terms of a national gallery of contemporary art, we do invest currently in contemporary art in terms of that dispersed model, and I would hope that we're able to build upon that. It's also a very live conversation about should there be an anchor site or not. Further work is needed there. But I'm not ruling out public investment. I think, clearly, what we've seen, though, is an underinvestment from Government in arts, culture, heritage and sport, and part of that work now is truly understanding where our investment can make the biggest difference, biggest impact, because I think we've lost opportunities in terms of our economy as well. The creative industries are hugely, hugely important to our economy. Sport is hugely important. The arts, culture, creativity are hugely important, and I think under—. Well, they were misunderstood, not appreciated enough by the previous administration, and that's something that we're trying to right.

That's actually a really good point. Are you actually commissioning a study into what all this brings, whether it's culture, whether it's sport—they probably should be split out a little bit—as in how much this actually does bring into the Welsh economy, and then using that as a basis for your cultural priorities?

We are looking at a number of measures, and this comes back to the point that Paul Davies was asking me in terms of measures as well. Obviously, some of it will be economic, some of it is about health and well-being and prevention, and it's trying to look at all that in the mix. Because we've got the stats and figures in terms of economic impact. What we don't have is looking at, 'Well, what does further investment mean in terms of the economy?' How do we truly embed these within the visitor economy, for instance? I just think we've not been strategic enough under previous administrations, and looking now to having that whole-Government approach is really important.

Okay.

Niamh Salkeld.

I appreciate the honesty as well that you've given us as a committee with the situation, because I think that really helps with our work as well. I agree that Wales should have a national contemporary arts gallery. It should be the norm for our nation to have that. One thing I wanted to ask—. You kind of answered my first question, which was on your longer term vision, but one of the concerns that we had with Celf before was the fact that it wasn't reaching some areas, specifically the Valleys. We speak about barriers when it comes to accessing art and sports and so on. I was just wondering if this new Government is seeking to tackle that barrier as well, so that it's not limited to only some areas.

Yes, and I think it's really important that we learn from what's happened in terms of that dispersed model, and, obviously, as part of developing the new strategy, I completely agree with you. I don't want to leave this committee under any ambiguity. I would love to see a national gallery of contemporary art, and I think Wales deserves one, needs one. I think it's really disappointing that we haven't seen movement there. But in terms of then looking at where there are gaps, potentially, that's something I really hope comes through in the strategy as well.

I think our local museums and galleries are hugely important. I've been really concerned about local museums in particular, because they're non-statutory. Also, to be able to host collections, or national collections, that comes with a price, because you have to have the right equipment, the right galleries, et cetera, in place. There used to be a project run by the Government, going way back, called Sharing Treasures, where there was investment in local museums and galleries in order to be able to take objects, take collections. We've also seen in the local museum sector that they've had to perhaps reduce the number of engagement officers or education officers or curators working locally. Amgueddfa Cymru have had to reduce their number of staff and some of those that would have been working with local museums to be able to share national collections. So, I think it's indicative perhaps of the cuts that we've seen that access to our national collections has become more challenging because of cuts overall.

There's often a focus on national institutions, but, for me, I think it's really crucial that this strategy looks at the local as well, because often that's the most accessible point of access for people, rather than traveling to the national museum or the national library. I think we need to really look at access to the national collections. Clearly, our national collections are not owned by the Welsh Government, they're not owned by the institutions that safeguard them, they're owned by the people of Wales. I think very clearly that we need to ensure that people have that access and opportunity to engage with them, be inspired by them, and also that artists are able to show their work and engage with people in the communities they're from.

One other thing I just wanted to touch on while we're on about the national museum and so on is a question I had about St David's Hall specifically. That has been closed now since 2023—which is, I think, three years to this month—for repairs. I'm none the wiser—I'm not sure if other people are as well—as to when that's planning to reopen. I'm aware that the responsibility is with Cardiff Council, if I'm correct, but, obviously, with it being our national hall as well, it does tie into, I would think, the culture strategy and the bigger picture. So, I was just wondering if you could provide us with any updates you might have, or any dialogue you might have had with Cardiff Council, on when we can expect an update on this. Because I think there's a concern that we don't know when it's going to open, and the years are ticking on now with it.

I share your concerns. I would be on record asking questions of previous Ministers on this, because it is a hugely important venue, as you've outlined, for our nation, as well as our capital city. I haven't had that dialogue yet. I have met informally with the new leader of Cardiff Council and asked him then for us to be able to have a discussion around culture, sports and major events. I will be following up on that shortly, and I will be very happy to provide the committee with an update following that.

That would be great. Thank you.

Paul Davies.

Thank you, Chair. Steven Rodaway was just asking you about philanthropy and about levering in private funding. Just for clarification, will the new strategy include how to lever in private funding to our cultural life?

It's a question I'm asking at the moment. I don't know if it will be in the strategy itself because it will be very different for each of the organisations and the sectors in terms of how they do that. Clearly, that has to be something we look at. I've been very clear in my discussions with officials, with different organisations as well, that I'm keen to understand what opportunities are being missed at the moment, what are the different models, the different approaches internationally as well. It was part of my discussion during my recent visit to the United States of America. The creative industries and culture featured prominently there. It was very clear that people were very excited by a lot of what's happening here in Wales when it comes to culture and the arts. Some of the conversations were around, 'Tell us about your big projects coming up'.

I'm really keen that we also look at some of the barriers for organisations to be able to develop that philanthropic side at the moment. As I mentioned, one of the barriers they've shared with me has been the fact that they just don't have the staff available to support them with that work, because if you have to face—. Do you go for your education officer or do you go for someone who fundraises? They can evidence better with the education officer in terms of impact, and that's something that needs to be addressed.

Diolch, Gadeirydd.

Diolch. Rebeca Phillips.

Diolch yn fawr. Fel y gwnaethoch chi sôn, rwy'n credu ei bod yn deg i ddweud eich bod wedi etifeddu seilwaith diwylliannol bregus iawn, ac rwy'n croesawu'r egni newydd mae'r Llywodraeth yma wedi dod ag ef. Sut byddwch yn sicrhau bod y strategaeth newydd wedi'i chyllido'n gywir ac yn meddwl y bydd elfennau o ddiwylliant ar gael i bawb ar draws Cymru, mewn ardaloedd gwledig a threfol?

Diolch am y cwestiwn yna. Dwi'n meddwl mai un o'r heriau mwyaf, fel roeddwn i'n sôn, ydy'r diffyg data sydd wedi bod i weld, yn un peth, beth sydd wedi'i golli, beth sydd mewn perygl o gael ei golli sydd rhywsut wedi medru goroesi hyd yma, ac wedyn edrych ar, o'r arian sydd gennym ni, sut rydyn ni'n blaenoriaethu. Dyna pam hefyd dydy'r datrysiadau i gyd ddim jest yn fy mhortffolio i. Roeddwn i'n sôn yn gynharach ynglŷn â thrafnidiaeth, ac mae peth o fy nghyllideb i yn flaenorol, ac yn mynd i fod, yn mynd tuag at gostau trafnidiaeth er mwyn trio ehangu mynediad ysgolion ac ati. Ond eto, mae hynny'n rhywbeth sydd yn treiddio drwy bob portffolio. Os ydych chi'n edrych o ran iechyd a chael mynediad at wasanaethau iechyd, mae trafnidiaeth yn broblem.

O ran edrych ar beth ydy rhai o'r rhwystrau i bobl fod yn cyrraedd pethau sy'n cael buddsoddiad, dwi'n credu bod rhaid edrych ar yr elfennau hynny hefyd, ac edrych ar yr holl gyllidebau unigol yma ar y funud sy'n trio gwneud rhywbeth tebyg, oherwydd mae yna elfennau, er enghraifft, o gyllideb tlodi plant wedi bod o ran trio cael mynediad i ddiwylliant neu chwaraeon. Efallai bod gennych chi hyn a hyn o arian yn y gyllideb yna, neu o ran y portffolio Cymraeg, pan mae'n dod i fynediad at Eisteddfod yr Urdd, yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol. Mae'r rheini i gyd yn botiau sydd ar wahân ar y funud ac nid mewn un strategaeth neu'n edrych i weld a oes yna ffordd i ni ddod â'r arian yma at ei gilydd i gael mwy o effaith.

Felly, dyna pam dwi'n credu weithiau, oherwydd ein bod ni'n edrych ar lot o gynlluniau bach yn lle edrych yn strategol a meddwl, wel, os ydych chi'n byw yng nghanolbarth Cymru a mae'ch pwll nofio chi lot pellach nag os ydych chi'n byw yng Nghaerdydd, mae'r costau yna'n mynd i fod yn wahanol. Dyna pam, efo Nofio Ysgol, ein bod ni yn mynd ati efo naw awdurdod lleol gwahanol ar y funud sydd yn mynd i fod yn mynd i'r afael â'r heriau hynny.

Ond yn gyffelyb efo diwylliant, a dyna pam dwi'n credu bod edrych o ran yr amgueddfeydd lleol, archifau lleol, safleoedd hanesyddol lleol yn bwysig hefyd, a sut rydyn ni wedyn yn sicrhau bod pobl yn gwybod amdanyn nhw, eu bod nhw'n rhan o'r cwricwlwm os o ran plant, a bod teuluoedd hefyd yn gwybod beth sydd ar gael iddyn nhw am ddim. Efo Cadw, er enghraifft, mae yna gynlluniau o ran mynediad rhatach i'r safleoedd sy'n codi tâl o £1 i'r rhai sydd ar incwm isel. Dydy pawb ddim yn gwybod amdanyn nhw; mae yna nifer o safleoedd am ddim. Mae o jest trio gwneud siŵr bod pobl yn deall beth sydd ar gael, ond ein bod ni'n gweithio i ddatrys beth ydy rhai o'r heriau hefyd.

Diolch yn fawr. Ar y nodyn hynny, mae'r Llywodraeth wedi dangos ymrwymiad cryf i sicrhau bod pob plentyn yn gallu nofio, sydd, wrth gwrs, mor bwysig. Yn anffodus, rydym wedi cael nifer o byllau nofio lleol yn cau, fel yn fy ardal i, Pontardawe. Pryd gellir disgwyl diweddariad ar y gwaith sy'n cael ei wneud i sicrhau bod darpariaeth leol ar gyfer ein pobl ifanc a'r gymuned ehangach?

Cwestiwn da iawn, oherwydd dyna un o'r heriau. Dwi'n meddwl pan mae pethau wedi cael eu colli, mae'n dangos i bobl pa mor heriol ydy o wedyn. A dyna pam, dwi'n meddwl, roedd o'n anodd iawn, heb i ni wir wybod beth yw'r sefyllfa, a hefyd cydweithio efo awdurdodau lleol. Mae hwnna'n allweddol bwysig i ddeall yr heriau maen nhw'n eu wynebu, oherwydd yn un peth, mae nifer o'n pyllau nofio ni yn hen iawn, maen nhw'n ddrud iawn i'w rhedeg, mae'r buddsoddiad sydd ei angen yn sylweddol. Dwi'n credu bod rhaid i ni edrych wedyn, unwaith fydd gennym ni'r holl ddata wedi dod ynghyd—ac mae'r darlun yna yn mynd rhagddo'n gyflym iawn, mae Steffan yn siarad yn gyson efo Chwaraeon Cymru, sy'n arwain ar y gwaith hwn—ar sut rydyn ni'n blaenoriaethu lle mae yna fylchau.

Felly, ein gobaith ni ydy cael rhyw fath o dashboard byw lle byddwn ni'n gallu mapio allan lle mae ein gwahanol adnoddau ni ar y funud, er enghraifft pyllau nofio, a'n bod ni hefyd yn gallu gweld pa un sydd yn hen iawn efo'r risg hwnnw, a’n bod ni'n gallu edrych yn strategol. Oherwydd, ar y funud, mae'n dibynnu os ydy rhywun yn rhoi cais mewn neu beidio, yn lle ein bod ni'n meddwl, ‘Wel, os ydyn ni'n colli pwll nofio yn fanna, dydy'r holl drwch o boblogaeth fan hyn ddim yn mynd i gael mynediad'.

Mae'n anodd iawn i awdurdodau lleol wneud hynny'n unigol oherwydd, yn amlwg, maen nhw efo'r data o ran eu hawdurdod lleol nhw, lle dwi'n credu bod yna rôl i ni fel Llywodraeth i fod yn gallu cydweithio efo Nofio Cymru, er enghraifft, sydd efo'r strategaeth ledled Cymru, ond hefyd i ni o ran buddsoddiad, i edrych, ‘Reit, mae hon yn her. Mae'r pwll nofio yma wedi cau, sy'n golygu nad oes gan drwch o’r boblogaeth fan hyn ddim mynediad’, neu, ‘Mae hwn yn beryg iawn o fynd hefyd'. Oherwydd byddwch chi'n gallu gweld ardaloedd eang iawn lle does yna ddim mynediad os nad ydyn ni'n gwneud y gwaith yma rŵan.

Diolch yn fawr. Jest i ddilyn i fyny o'r cwestiwn am y gwersi nofio am ddim, yn amlwg mae hwnna'n cael ei gyflwyno o fis Medi ymlaen rŵan mewn rhai awdurdodau lleol ar gyfer plant blwyddyn 4 a 5. Beth ydy'r amserlen debygol o ran ehangu'r peilot yna, wedyn, ar draws awdurdodau lleol eraill?

Rydyn ni’n dechrau efo naw awdurdod lleol, a'r bwriad o hwnnw ydy dysgu gwersi, fel roedd Rebeca'n sôn amdano fo, o ran y newid o ran ardaloedd gwledig, ardaloedd trefol ac ati, ein bod ni wir angen gweld hefyd beth ydy'r heriau sydd yn dod, ydy hwn yn cael yr effaith yr oeddem ni’n gobeithio. Felly, yr hyn rydyn ni'n ymrwymo iddo ydy y bydd yna fwy awdurdodau yn yr ail flwyddyn a, gobeithio, pob awdurdod lleol erbyn y drydedd flwyddyn, felly ein bod ni wedyn, o fewn tair blynedd, efo pob awdurdod lleol a phob plentyn efo'r mynediad hwnnw.

Mae o’n amrywio’n fawr ar y funud ledled Cymru. Mae yna rai awdurdodau lleol yn gwneud gwaith gwych fan hyn, ond rydyn ni angen deall hefyd, hyd yn oed lle mae yna ddarpariaeth wedi bod, efallai, am ddim, neu mewn ysgolion, pam nad ydy rhai plant dal ddim yn gallu nofio, neu ddim yn cymryd rhan yn y gwersi hyn. Felly, mae hwnna'n mynd i fod yn rhan bwysig, a'r diogelwch dŵr, yr elfen honno yn yr ysgolion, hefyd. Mae honna yr un mor bwysig â'r gwersi nofio eu hunain.

Diolch yn fawr. A oes unrhyw gwestiynau neu unrhyw beth i’w ychwanegu? Steffan.

O ran y niferoedd, mae naw yn y flwyddyn yma, ac wedyn, o ran y cynllun rydyn ni wedi'i gyhoeddi, mae'n ymestyn i saith arall yn yr ail flwyddyn a chwech yn y drydedd. Felly, erbyn diwedd y drydedd, fel roedd y Gweinidog yn ei ddweud, bydd e'n gynllun cenedlaethol ar draws yr holl gynghorau sir.

Gwych. Diolch yn fawr iawn am yr wybodaeth yna. Louise Emery.

I'm going to swing you over to devolved broadcasting. You talked about devolved broadcasting as a response to a genuine gap in the current system, so could you just define what you mean by a genuine gap?

I would think that we would all see that there are huge challenges at the moment with our public service broadcasting in terms of cuts that they've seen, additional cuts announced over the summer, and why we need a strong media for our democracy, which holds me to account as a Government Minister and holds the Senedd to account. Very clearly, with the shadow broadcasting authority, this is not Plaid Cymru or me as Minister saying this; it does come from an expert panel that made these recommendations, so I'm implementing those recommendations. It comes from other reviews and reports there have been, i.e. by the Institute of Welsh Affairs. In the fifth Senedd, this committee looked at it in terms of the devolution of broadcasting. Therefore, I think it's just a matter of looking at what does our democracy need. Clearly, the media, and being able to ensure that there's plurality, is really important.

But what does that actually mean to the viewers watching television? What is the actual gap? What's missing in terms of—? I think we have pretty good BBC Wales media, we have lots of journalist outlets. What's missing? I don't understand what's missing.

Well, if we look at the evidence that's actually been submitted to various inquiries, and actually look at the reality on the ground, we shouldn't take for granted that that's secure at the moment. BBC, ITV and S4C have all over the summer outlined the dangers in terms of that reducing, of fewer reporters being based in communities, of less news from across Wales being made available, less programming. So, I think it's a very, very real risk, and I would hope it's something that perhaps the committee will be looking at, because I've certainly been concerned to hear our public service broadcasters raise those concerns, and I think it should be a concern for all of us. They've been very clear in raising those.

In terms of devolving it, though, because that's just a money thing, isn't it, that BBC Wales have had substantial cuts and redundancies across all different areas of programming—. But devolving it won't solve the money problem. We know that the licence fee that we get from Wales is about £195 million, but, actually, at the moment, the output within BBC Wales, I believe, is more than that—£220 million, £230 million. It's already being subsidised, so how does—? There's going to have to be a substantial financial package if you're then going to say, 'Well, we want to protect redundancies, particularly in news?' So, where's the money going to come from if you're going to do devolved broadcasting? It's going to have to come with a chunk of money that the Welsh Government are going to have to subsidise through a licence fee, because that's not enough.

But the shadow broadcasting and communications authority for Wales isn't the devolution of broadcasting—they're two separate things. Obviously, the shadow broadcasting authority addresses all of these in terms of looking at how those models would work, how we would address those, overcoming some of the challenges that you've rightfully outlined, because, clearly, as you've mentioned in your question to me, the status quo isn't working in terms of our democracy here in Wales and in terms of ensuring that that continues.

I think it's deeply flawed, when you think that S4C and its future is dependent on decisions made outside of Wales, that we have no say formally as a Government, as a Senedd, when it comes to the BBC charter renewal. It's something that we should have a say on, but we don't have any kind of voice. So, I think the fact that we are having to look at this is clearly because it's identified that devolution of broadcasting seems to be the only way that Wales will have its voice so that our democracy functions as it should. The status quo isn't working, and this is a step to address that.

Okay, we'll probably respectfully disagree on that. The Silk commission suggested that, yes, Wales needed a devolved voice in BBC governance and particularly with S4C. So, would it not be the solution to push that and to make sure that there's a Welsh Government seat on those boards, rather than set up a completely separate organisation?

Well, we are.

So, why aren't you having the influence that you need to on those boards, then?

Well, please ask DCMS to come here and ask them those questions, because clearly we've made the case for it, there's been cross-party agreement previously that that should be the case, but that's not the case. We will continue to make that case clearly and strongly, but we also need to do that preparatory work. As I said, it was an expert panel that talked about the setting up of a shadow broadcasting authority. If the status quo isn't working, yes, we can ask, we can request, but we also need to do something about it, and that's what I'm attempting to do with this.

Okay, I still don't understand what the Welsh viewer will see as the difference. I don't see the status quo—. I just don't understand what the problem is with media in Wales, because it seems to be pretty robust, from my position anyway. What's the problem? What's the gap? What's the issue?

Well, perhaps we could share some of the reports that have been published by the Institute of Welsh Affairs and so on, if the committee would find it helpful to really understand why we're actually listening to experts in this field, why academic research shows that, actually, Wales is missing out in terms of representation.

What will the Welsh viewer see?

Well, some of the things we have addressed, in terms of being able to support there being a journalist here in the Senedd. Obviously, that person is completely neutral in terms of how they are; we have no say in terms of what they publish or not. But we're identifying gaps where there haven't been people. Journalists watch Westminster committees and there would be on the news, then, what had happened in committees. It's very rare that anything that happens in the committee makes it to broadcast, unless the Senedd reporter covers it. The lack of investment we've seen in the media in Wales, the reductions we've seen, has made it really challenging for people to truly know what's going on. That's why we've seen people not be represented and not know what's devolved or not when it's reported in the media. I'm sure you've watched some news reports sometimes where it's not been clear which Government is being talked about, even on our own channels, or which Prif Weinidog is being referenced. These are the things that need to be addressed, and I think that's where people would see the difference.

We do have democracy reporters funded by the BBC. As a local councillor, I used to work with them quite regularly. Basically, what you guys are after is funding of more journalists who would look particularly at the work we do here in the Senedd. Again, it's coming back to money, isn't it? BBC Wales are telling us that they are having to make cuts, and we're saying, 'Well, if we do shadow broadcasting authority, then we'll suddenly find money and we'll have journalists in the Senedd.' I don't get where the money is going to come from for the journalists, if that's what the gap is. Where's the money coming from?

I don't know if you've had a chance to look at the reports by the expert panel on a shadow broadcasting and communications authority for Wales, but I think it shows clearly the work that needs to happen. Because, obviously, how people digest news is very different these days as well. It's really looking at how we address what's currently not working, the democratic deficit, to ensure Wales is adequately represented and that we have a voice when it comes to decisions about broadcasting in Wales. Clearly, in terms of S4C, for instance, the channel itself and its importance in terms of the Welsh language cannot be overstated in terms of the content for children, young people et cetera. So, what is trying to be addressed here is a system that's not working currently, and I would hope that the committee would want to support that.

I'll leave it there.

Diolch yn fawr. I think Niamh wanted to come in first. Steven, sorry, I think Niamh had her hand up earlier, sorry.

Dwi'n credu bod y datganiad y bu inni ei glywed gan S4C yr wythnos diwethaf yn dangos y broblem sydd gyda ni ar hyn o bryd gyda darlledu—

saying it's in jeopardy.

Dwi'n credu bod yna fundamental problem ar hyn o bryd. Yr wythnos diwethaf, gwaeth S4C rybuddio'r Pwyllgor Dethol ar Faterion Cymreig fod dyfodol darlledu yn y Gymraeg mewn perygl go iawn oherwydd y pryderon sydd yn bodoli ar hyn o bryd gyda chyllid. Beth yw dy ymateb i hyn? Er bod hyn yn cwympo o dan Lywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig, fel rwyt ti wedi cyffwrdd arno, fe allai hyn gael effaith enfawr ar dy bortffolio di, ar gyfer yr iaith Gymraeg ac addysg. Roeddem ni'n sôn am Effi o Blaenau—bod pethau fel yna yn bodoli oherwydd S4C. Felly, beth yw dy ymateb i'r pryderon hyn a gafodd eu codi yn y pwyllgor?

Dwi'n bryderus dros ben, a dwi'n gobeithio ei fod o'n rhywbeth y medrwn ni fel Llywodraeth a chi fel pwyllgor wir edrych arno fo, a gobeithio gallu cydweithio i fod yn mynegi'r pryderon hyn. Oherwydd dyma sydd yn anodd ar y funud: does gennym ni ddim llais, does gennym ni ddim rôl yn unrhyw un o'r penderfyniadau yma, er mai pobl Cymru a'r bobl dŷn ni'n eu cynrychioli fydd ar eu colled.

Fedraf i ddim dychmygu beth fyddai'n cael ei golli pe byddai yna ddim S4C. Mae o'n rhywbeth y gwnaeth pobl frwydro amdano fo, ac fe ddylem ni fod yn brwydro i'w ddiogelu. Dyna pam dwi'n credu bod angen i San Steffan gydnabod rôl y Senedd hon, cydnabod pwysigrwydd ein darlledwyr cyhoeddus ni o ran Cymru a'r Gymraeg, a pham y dylem ni fod yn edrych o ddifri, os ydy S4C yn dweud hynny, ar sut dŷn ni'n stopio hynny rhag bod yn realiti.

Diolch yn fawr. Steven Rodaway.

I just want to bounce off what Louise Emery was saying. It kind of came across that there would be a cost to this, there would be an ultimate cost. With the establishment of a new broadcasting authority, have we got any idea of what that would cost? Obviously, on one side, the experts are saying there's a need for it, and you believe there's a need for it, but you've always got to balance that against how much this costs and how much it's actually going to cost the Government purse. It's one thing being able to say, 'Okay, that's great, there's a need', but there has to be, when you say to anyone, 'How much is that going to cost? How long is this piece of string?', just an idea, if you have it at this point, or when you'll have it, of how much this agency will cost.

Yes. The initial cost being invested in this financial year is £45,000, and that's to develop the work further. As costs become clearer, those are then obviously going to be decisions for Government in terms of how we take that forward. But that's the initial cost in terms of making sure that we have it set up, that it really looks at what its scope would be—that's the initial work that we're taking forward.

Just so I'm clear, out of that £45,000, we're going to get the full scope of it and get an idea of how much the whole thing will cost.

Yes.

And then we can obviously hold you to account, whether you've kept to that budget, and then also we can judge it against what your output will be from it, as in that it will protect Welsh broadcasting.

Yes.

Okay, thank you.

Paul Davies.

Can I just come in on that, because I think a previous report by the previous Welsh Government suggested that once this would be set up, it would cost £700,000 to £800,000. Do you accept that figure?

That's something that I want to see as the next stage of that work, because clearly we need to understand what the costs are and look in detail at those.

So, you don't accept that figure at this stage.

I accept that that was the figure indicated, but I want to make sure whether that is the genuine figure, or is it more? Is it less? Those are the kinds of things that, in Government now, I'm able to scrutinise much better before I come before you for scrutiny.

Diolch, Gadeirydd.

Jest un pwynt arall, yn dilyn i fyny ar rai o'r sylwadau sydd wedi cael eu gwneud. Er bod darlledu heb ei ddatganoli, mae penderfyniadau ynghylch BBC ac S4C yn cael effaith sylweddol ar ddiwylliant, democratiaeth a'r Gymraeg yng Nghymru, fel dŷch chi wedi cyfeirio ato fo. So, o ran sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n sicrhau bod llais Cymru'n cael ei glywed yn ystod y broses o adnewyddu siarter y BBC, ydy e'n debygol y bydd hwn yn rhywbeth y byddai'r awdurdod darlledu a chyfathrebu cysgodol i Gymru yn edrych arno fo?

Wel, yn amlwg, mae'r gwaith o ran y siarter yn digwydd rŵan. Pan nad oeddwn i mewn Llywodraeth, mi wnes i sicrhau ein bod ni yn rhoi tystiolaeth i mewn ar gyfer hynny. Mi oedd y pwyllgor hwn yn flaenorol wedi bod yn glir iawn yn ysgrifennu at DCMS o ran y pwysigrwydd bod gan Gymru lais, bod gan y pwyllgor hwn a bod gen i fel Gweinidog lais, ac mi fyddwn ni'n ategu hynny bob cyfle posib.

Dwi'n meddwl bod hwn yn fater o bryder mawr, nad oes gennym ni'r rôl yna yn awtomatig, ac yn sicr, dwi heb gael cyfarfod efo Lisa Nandy eto, ond dwi'n mawr obeithio y cawn ni gyfarfod yn fuan. Mae peth cyfathrebu wedi bod rhyngof i a gwahanol Weinidogion yn DCMS, ac mi fyddwn ni'n mynd â hynny ymhellach, gan gynnwys efo Ian Murray—mae yna lot o gyfathrebu wedi bod nôl ac ymlaen am hynny hefyd.

Diolch yn fawr. Rŵan, dwi'n ymwybodol bod Mike Hedges arlein, a dwi eisiau gwneud yn siŵr eich bod chi'n cael y cyfle i ddod mewn, Mike. A oedd yna unrhyw gwestiynau roeddech chi eisiau eu codi ar unrhyw faes?

Yes. First of all, can I remind people of my declarations of interest regarding local football, cricket and rugby clubs?

The first question I've got is on the Commonwealth Games. The 2026 games took place in Glasgow this year and were very successful. It's a slimmed down games now, nowhere near the cost of previous Commonwealth Games. Are the Welsh Government considering bidding for one of them?

Thank you. I had the honour of being in Glasgow, and I have to say that it was great to see that Team Cymru—. If you weren't from Wales, they were everyone's second favourite team. We definitely captured the imagination of Glasgow, the city, and other nations, and I was really proud of the team as well—great energy. I think one of the things that Glasgow obviously had in place was that it wasn't their first time hosting, either; they had the facilities in place, even with a slimmed down Commonwealth Games.

As part of the facilities review that we're undertaking now, yes, it's to understand the local need but also the national need if we were in a position ever to be able to bid, because we don't have the facilities currently. I understand that we could bid for the Commonwealth Youth Games, that the facilities we have are adequate for the youth Commonwealth Games, but not for the Commonwealth Games. And that will be something I will need to look at when I have all the information in terms of what's needed locally and nationally—to then look and prioritise. Because I would love to be in a position that we're able to bid for things in the future. We can't bid for major swimming competitions at the moment, because we don't have the right-sized pools et cetera, so there are things that we can't go for. But I think, if I reflect on the question I've had earlier in terms of local swimming pools closing as opposed to then investing in something that would be for one games but maybe not benefit everybody across Wales, these are the decisions that we'll have to make strategically as a Government.

Diolch yn fawr. Unrhyw gwestiwn arall, Mike?

Yes. I know it's in Swansea, but we have a national pool in Swansea, which was built to be of Olympic and Commonwealth standard, but if you could actually write to us and tell us what facilities are not available in Wales.

The next question I've got is on facilities for young people, third and fourth generation pitches. What are your plans to increase the number of 3G and 4G pitches?

Well, one of the things we're looking at is identifying those gaps, understanding how old some of the pitches are as well, because it's not just having them, it's making sure the funding's there to ensure that they're invested in and able to remain open. It's unfortunately one of the things that I've inherited, that lack of data. So, without having that to hand and being able to identify, my hope is that we're able to extend those facilities.

In my earlier response, around looking at our investment in schools, this is crucially important as well. But I've also visited schools where the upkeep of facilities wasn't built in either, which means that, even though they may be relatively new, they're actually not fit for purpose in a very short period of time. I think what I'm keen to look at is not just that investment, but how we ensure the upkeep of those facilities as well for the longer term. That's something to work closely with local authorities on, because, obviously, if they become community facilities, there is potential for income generation around those because of pressures that, sometimes, schools have faced where they've had to actually use that budget to relieve in-year pressures, rather than being able to set it aside for upkeep. So, this is a very live conversation.

Steven Rodaway.

Again, I make the declaration that my background for the last 15 years has been major events. So, when you look at the major events calendar, have you had a think or a piece of work happening, as in I understand that there are probably some challenges around the actual facilities we've got, but going, 'Actually, we'll bid for this one at this stage in order for the future to bid for a bigger one'? So, there's actually a process of works where we can get the money in and there's a reason to actually improve the facilities to get to the standard where we can start hosting major international events. So, we've actually got that almost look forward, going, 'This is what our aim is to be.' And then, based all around that piece, has the work been done as well, again, on what is the economic benefit that this can actually bring to Wales if we follow this path?

When you look at major events, we've got two major things coming to Wales—and we have had major events in Wales. So, the Tour de France next year, followed by the Euros in 2028, two major events, and there will be investment going in, in terms of facilities and infrastructure, with both of those.

What I'm keen to look at with other major events is that they are part of this wider strategy, because if we don't look at every level—. You can't look at local and not look at what's needed for major events. They all are part of one piece of work. That doesn't mean I can do everything within the four-year term, but I do think I'd like to be able to tell you when would we be in a position to bid for a Commonwealth Games or equivalent, because, at the moment, those are all aspirational to the future rather than having a road map. Those are the things we need to look at as well as major events, to really look at why we're bidding for them, not just for the prestige of having them, but the impact, ensure that we're also in a place to really take advantage of the opportunities linked to them, that we've really thought through the costs before bidding to ensure that we do have the investment in place, especially when it comes to legacy. Because it's one thing to host, but to have a really impactful legacy that is meaningful requires a lot of work and investment. Sometimes, even with things like the cultural activation or that legacy piece, it's always, 'We'll figure that out once we've got it or once we've figured out all the logistics.' I'm very keen that whatever we bid for from now with us as a new Government would be fully costed, fully thought out in terms of that economic and social impact.

Again, I can't disagree with what you've said there. What I would like to see is a pathway to that, so you start bidding on the lower level but you see that that's building up because we want to bid in the future for that. So, when you're making a case and we're going against other countries, you can say, 'Well, we've already got this. This is what we can prove. This is what we've developed within Wales.' And then, around that, then, is built the business strategy, the transport strategy. And all of this can be a driver for, basically, improving Wales and improving facilities in Wales, not just in sport, but hospitality, transport et cetera, et cetera.

Definitely, and the conversations I've had already, such as with those leading on the Euros 2028, are that they think Wales is a brilliant venue, that Cardiff itself is a venue that fans coming to Wales will really be blown away by: the fact that our stadium is in the heart of our city centre, which isn't the case for every nation. People can see, who are not from Wales, what the benefits are. And also they referenced some of the challenges, such as transport, to me and the kinds of improvements we need to make to make sure that we ensure that people have the best possible visit when they're here.

I also want to see how people then get to know Wales, because that's one of the things, that perhaps people will come in just for a match and then go straight back on a train, and we don't see the economic benefits if they don't stay or if they don't explore different parts of Wales, or even Cardiff itself beyond the stadium. That's something that we need to be mindful of when we're bidding as well. I think the Tour de France will provide a huge platform for us, just when you think about those helicopter shots of Wales that will be seen internationally. And it's really important that we're there, able to take advantage of that, then, so that those communities that desperately need that boost—. When you think about areas of deprivation, for instance, a lot of our valleys will be featured, and people will see a different take on the Valleys, I think. They'll be blown away by the beauty of some of the places they'll see on the route and perhaps think, 'I want to visit there.' So, I really hope that we are able to really make sure—. One of the things I'm working with officials on now is to really question, 'Well, what does legacy look like? What does success look like?' When I was in a scrutiny role of Government, one of my frustrations was that those KPIs and measures weren't built in from the start. Obviously, I've inherited now the Tour de France and Euros, but I still have scope to help influence and shape some of those areas. But I want that to be clear before we bid in the future.

Again, I think that part of this is, once you get somebody in to Wales for an event, keeping them here, because they'll stay and they'll spend money. And again, it's how many hotel beds you've got around the area. And again, probably selfishly, I'd also like personally to see where Swansea fits into this piece. Again, everyone talks very heavily about Cardiff, it's obviously got the best facilities, but how do we move people further down the M4 in order to take advantage of the whole, larger parts, of Wales?

I couldn't agree more with you. I think what I would be keen to do is to explore—. If you think about the Euros 2028, some of the matches will also be in Ireland, which means people will be travelling by ferry. Well, that's a fantastic opportunity. If they've seen a match in Cardiff, then they're travelling the route to Fishguard or Holyhead, and those are vast parts of Wales that they could be exploring en route. So these are the kind of pathways—we need to make it easy for people who are visiting Wales with different itineraries, to showcase, actually, the different parts of Wales that they can see. And those kinds of opportunities, I think, are key ones for us and ones where, as a Government, we can do more to support those.

If you think about Wrexham and all the interest in Wrexham recently, we know that a number of visitors that are going to watch Wrexham play football are actually staying in Chester and maybe coming in just for the match and going out of Wales again. I was lucky enough to be at the new Football Museum of Wales and Wrexham Museum at the weekend, and I hope people will spend time and visit that, but wouldn't it be great if they then thought, 'Let's go and explore a different part of Wales as well', especially some of the international visitors that are coming over now, that they don't think they've done Wales because they've gone to Wrexham, or even just the stadium and not explored the whole of Wrexham? Let's make sure that people know that there's more to Wales than just coming in for something and that they want to stay and explore different parts of our fantastic country, which includes Swansea.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Roeddwn i'n mynd i ofyn cwestiwn ynglŷn â'r gwaddol parhaol, ond rydych chi'n barod wedi ateb y cwestiynau yna. Dwi'n meddwl ei fod e mor bwysig ein bod ni'n ystyried y gwaddol parhaol o ran cyfranogiad mewn chwaraeon, budd economaidd i gymunedau ledled Cymru, o'r de i'r gogledd. Wedyn, dwi'n meddwl byddwn ni fel pwyllgor yn edrych ymlaen at gael clywed mwy am rai o'r mesurau yna a beth sy'n eich argyhoeddi chi o ran beth yw'r gwaddol yna.

Nick Carter.

Just on Creative Wales, how much of Creative Wales's funding is directed towards productions that directly portray Wales and Welsh stories and Welsh people on screen, rather than simply use Wales as a backdrop, and how much of the money is invested in indigenous companies?

Diolch yn fawr iawn am y cwestiwn hwnnw. Mae Creative Wales erbyn hyn yn chwech oed, ac, fel rhan o'r strategaeth newydd a dod â'r diwydiannau creadigol i mewn, rydym ni wir yn edrych ar yr holl elfennau yna. Fe wnaf i ofyn i Joedi os oes yna atebion sbesiffig i hynny.

Do I have to press this?

No, you just can speak.

Fine. I don't, in terms of the Welsh portrayal, but I do know that, out of all of the productions we've supported since 2020, when we were set up, 40 of those have been indigenous and 42 have been inward investment. So, it's more or less a 50:50 split.

Ie, ac mae yna rhai datblygiadau diweddar. Dwi ddim yn gwybod faint ohonoch chi sydd wedi cael y pleser o weld Effi o Blaenau eto, sydd wedi bod yn llwyddiant ysgubol, a ffilm yn y Gymraeg, ac mae yna ymrwymiad rŵan i fod yn buddsoddi mewn ffilm yn y Gymraeg bob blwyddyn. Yn sicr, rhai o'r trafodaethau rydym ni yn eu cael hefyd ydy edrych ar y mesuryddion hynny o ran bod Cymru yn cael ei ddefnyddio fel lleoliad a hybu hynny.

Mae sut rydym ni'n aros yn gystadleuol hefyd. Mi oedd o'n fater o'r blaen fod Cymru Greadigol yn eithaf unigryw ac yn gallu cynnig mwy o incentives. Mae rhannau arall o'r Deyrnas Unedig, gwledydd eraill, yn gallu bod yn fwy cystadleuol. Dydyn ni ddim efo'r levers, chwaith, i gyd sydd gan rhai gwledydd fel Iwerddon o ran rhai o'r pethau rydym ni'n gallu eu gwneud i fod yn denu cynyrchiadau, ond yn sicr, o ran y sector yma yng Nghymru, mae hwnna yn drafodaeth fyw iawn rŵan wrth inni edrych yn fwy strategol o ran eu dyfodol nhw yma. Mae o'n weithlu pwysig iawn.

Diolch. I just think it's really important to use all the leverage we can, to not just show Wales as a backdrop and mountains and coastline that is never identified as Wales, and rather have the stories being set in Wales, and people will then want to come and travel to visit Wales like they've done in Northern Ireland, for example. So, yes. Diolch.

Diolch yn fawr. Niamh.

Just following on with the creative industries, just a couple of questions I've got. The first one is specifically on how you're supporting the creative industries, as they're being massively impacted by the rise in AI at the moment. I hear from constituents and we get correspondence about how specifically the creative industries are really feeling the brunt of the rise in AI. I know you've got the creative and culture forums— they'll be coming up, I think, quite soon, won't they? Will that be brought up in that discussion as well? And I'm sure with the creative industries now being part of the strategy that you guys are putting forward that these sorts of areas will come up time and time again, but—.

Ydy, yn sicr, mae gweithlu ac effaith AI yn rhywbeth sydd hefyd yn effeithio ar nifer o elfennau gwahanol o'r portffolio, gan gynnwys artistiaid, lle mae, efallai, posteri yn cael eu creu gan AI yn hytrach na gan artistiaid. Mae yna lot o heriau fan hyn a dwi'n credu mai un o'r pethau sydd wedi bod yn siomedig i fi ydy gweld ar rai o'r fforymau Prydeinig nad oes gennym ni efallai lais fel Cymru yn rhai o'r trafodaethau hyn, ac mae'n rhywbeth dwi'n gwybod bod Joedi a'r tîm yn gwneud yr achos yn gryf iawn i ni fod mewn nifer o'r trafodaethau hyn, a byddwn ni'n cryfhau hynny. Ond mae'n gwestiwn i ni fod yn edrych arno o ran y strategaeth yma hefyd, oherwydd mae newid mor gyflym, onid ydy, ac yn sicr mae o'n bryder i weld swyddi'n diflannu oherwydd AI ac ati. Felly, o ran y sector, mi fydd cael y fforwm yma a'u cael nhw o gwmpas y bwrdd i ddweud wrthyf fi am rai o'r heriau yn uniongyrchol yn help, oherwydd mi fydd y rhain yn drafodaethau byw sydd yn digwydd yn rheolaidd hefyd, oherwydd rydyn ni'n gwybod bod yna heriau yn wynebu'r gweithlu. Mae tipyn o waith y pwyllgor blaenorol wedi bod yn y maes hwn hefyd. Felly, ydy, mae'n rhywbeth rydyn ni'n fyw iawn iddo fo.

Diolch. The other question I had, then, was, again, to do with the creative industries, but specifically on grass-roots music venues across Wales. I was wondering if you'd be able to provide some information that you may have on how you're looking to support grass-roots music venues, because we know that they've been struggling significantly over the past couple of years. But, yes, I was wondering if you could give any insight on how this new Government is looking to support them.

Yes, certainly, they're really important. That's the first point I'd like to make. And I think some of the things that Creative Wales managed to do in the past few years have been reactive, and have been working with the industry in a way that has meant greater support. I really want to understand, with music more broadly, some of the challenges, because we've also seen, with things like traditional music, a threat to its future—lots of musicians saying that they can't see a future of staying in Wales and being able to be a musician. So, I see that as part of a wider strategy.

But, certainly, our live music venues are really important, but they've also expressed concerns to me that there are fewer new bands coming through sometimes because of the challenges there. It ties into fewer people taking music at GCSE, or drama at school. It goes down—fewer opportunities for people to participate in music then impacts how many bands are coming through. We've got fantastic talent here in Wales; I'm sure some of you would have been at some of the gigs at the Eisteddfod and so on, and would have seen those showcased. But I don't think we can take it for granted that that's going to continue unless there's a continuous strategic approach, and working with the industry.

I don't know if there's anything you want to add, Joedi, on that?

Not really, no.

Okay, that's fine.

Just following up on that, and I think you touched upon it, that educational side—I know, again, from my own constituency, we have so many children going through education and they do drama or they do music at a GCSE standard, and then it drops off significantly when they get to A-level and they want to pursue it as well. And, for me, as well, it feels like, not always, but sometimes, with the creative industries, it's harder to come from a more disadvantaged background because of the uncertainty when it comes to when you get your pay and so on. So, the stability of it is not necessarily ideal for people from more disadvantaged backgrounds. And I think that also contributes to the drop-off, because people tend to tell them, 'This is not a career path that is going to be sustainable for you in your future.' How are you working with the Cabinet Minister for education, and also the Deputy Minister for skills, to try and bridge that educational gap as well, so that we see more people coming through and going into the creative industries?

I think it's really important, as part of the work that's happening with the skills strategy, that creative industries feature strongly there, because it does come down to careers advice, teachers. We know that the creative industries and their economic impact are huge, and that there's a huge variety of jobs. But I met someone who is working in the creative industries last week, and they were telling me that when they were in school, only a few years ago, they were told, because they were a great writer that they could be either a journalist or a teacher. And, actually, the vast, kind of broad roles that there are available now in terms of content creation et cetera, so many different jobs—. But, obviously, it's really difficult, because if teachers aren't aware, who are giving that advice—. And I think that's where some of the schemes we have going into schools, providing those opportunities, tasters, are really important, and that we don't just rely on teachers to try and know every job going, but, actually, to have that link between industry is really important.

We have some really successful scheme there, but I think, with the skills strategy, giving people those pathways, making them aware of jobs that may exist in three years' time, but don't currently exist as opportunities for them—. Because even with things like e-sports, video gaming, and, actually, with music, you could be a musician composing for these things, but the breadth of roles—.

There will also be, when we have that shift with arts prevention as well, far more arts practitioners working in health. So, that broad range of different roles there are transferrable skills. But that's where the instability is of concern. That's why the culture and creative forum will be important to really understand workforce barriers. In the publishing industry, which we haven't touched upon, the wages are low there. It seems to be that you have to have someone wealthy supporting you for you to be able to survive, and these are real challenges, currently, for people who are doing amazing work, but perhaps can't stay in an industry because of that uncertainty.

Diolch.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Helen Jenner.

Jest cwestiwn o ran chwaraeon rŵan. Beth mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i ddiogelu menywod a genod mewn chwaraeon ar hyn o bryd?

Wel, dŷn ni eisiau sicrhau bod pawb yn teimlo'n ddiogel o ran chwaraeon. Yn amlwg, Chwaraeon Cymru sydd yn gyfrifol am sicrhau bod yr holl gyrff cenedlaethol yn diogelu, ac mae hynny'n rhywbeth sydd yn allweddol bwysig. Roeddwn i mewn cyfarfod trawslywodraethol efo Gweinidogion eraill y Deyrnas Unedig tra'r oedd Gemau’r Gymanwlad yn Glasgow, ac mae safeguarding yn un o'r meysydd gwaith lle dŷn ni'n cydweithio arno fo, oherwydd mae o'n rhywbeth sydd yn codi mewn nifer o wahanol feysydd, nifer o wahanol chwaraeon, ac mae'r cydweithio hwnnw'n digwydd, a Chwaraeon Cymru yn cyfrannu ar ran Cymru i'r gwaith hwnnw.

Ar hyn o bryd, does yna ddim dealltwriaeth o bwy sy'n gyfrifol dros ddiogelu mewn chwaraeon yn gyffredinol yng Nghymru. Oes yna newidiadau yn y maes yna yn mynd i fod?

Pwy sydd ddim yn sicr o ran hynny, jest i fi gael deall, oherwydd Chwaraeon Cymru sydd efo'r ddyletswydd honno?

'Sport is not currently recognised as a site of abuse within Welsh legislation, safeguarding boards, or violence against women and girls policy and frameworks.'

Dwi'n hapus, os dŷch chi efo manylion o ran y diffyg eglurder hwnnw—. Ond o ran Llywodraeth Cymru, Chwaraeon Cymru sydd efo'r cyfrifoldeb hwnnw, o ran sicrhau bod y cyrff, y national governing bodies, efo'r polisïau yn eu lle.

Ocê, diolch.

Diolch.

Diolch yn fawr. Dwi'n meddwl bod yna ohebiaeth dŷn ni wedi'i derbyn am y peth, a gallwn ni rannu mwy o wybodaeth am hynny. Diolch yn fawr.

Dwi'n ymwybodol ein bod ni'n agos at y terfyn amser, ond dwi jest eisiau gweld, cyn inni gloi, a oes yna gwestiynau eraill mae pobl yn awyddus—. Nick Carter.

Only one quick question—whether there was an update on where we are with the amgueddfa genedlaethol in Cardiff. I'm just wondering if—. I know they've got the one-hundredth year anniversary next year, and I went there, and there's obviously—. We talked earlier about the maintenance backlogs, and so it's just to see whether there's any more developments you can share with us, in terms of what's happening there.

I think it's hugely concerning that our national museum is in a position where there's been such huge underinvestment. I'm very keen to understand what the plans are, what's needed and costs. I'm sure we're all excited to see what the proposals are, but, at this point, there have been no firm proposals put forward, no ask from Amgueddfa Cymru, in terms of any financial support required. But, clearly, my concern is always about our national collections and whether they are safe. Are the buildings fit for purpose? When we've seen, actually, water come through the roofs and there being buckets in our galleries where we've got our national collections, that's of huge concern. And then also maintaining access—that's really key. So, I will be eagerly awaiting updates, as well as this committee, but, clearly, there needs to be, across all of our historical sites, our national museums, the national library, a clear understanding of what's needed. And as a Minister, I'm determined that there is a long-term plan, because it really concerned me to see National Museum Cardiff close its doors suddenly last year, I think. It was really concerning and, clearly, we want to make sure that our national museums are invested in, are open and that people can enjoy them.

Diolch.

And Steven Rodaway.

I know Mike Hedges wants to talk about this as well; he's welcome to come in after me. I want to talk about the Welsh Rugby Union and movement from—

Sorry, can I just check, obviously we're nearly at 3 o'clock, so I just want to check if—

I can't stay. I can't stay post 3 p.m., sorry.

Okay, I'll try and get it in just so it's on record. With the WRU, what conversations have you had with the WRU regarding the movement from four teams? There are three that they seem set on. They haven't published why or how or anything like that, and there's a lot of disquiet within the rugby community on (1), who it is, and (2), what the criteria are around it. I think, from a Government point of view, it would be interesting, because obviously it has a knock-on effect on hospitality, has a knock-on effect on businesses, cafes, pubs, everything. Effectively, it's business. So, I was wondering if you've got any comments on what the Government is doing to have a conversation with the WRU.

Dwi wedi cyfarfod efo'r WRU. Dwi wedi gwneud yn glir yr holl ohebiaeth dwi wedi'i derbyn gan Aelodau etholedig a'r cyhoedd o ran eu pryderon nhw, gan y cynghorau sir hefyd o ran yr hyn maen nhw'n pryderu o ran effaith economaidd, ac mi wnes i hi'n glir iawn i Undeb Rygbi Cymru—. Wrth gwrs, dwi'n parchu eu bod nhw'n gorff llywodraethu annibynnol a bod eu penderfyniadau nhw'n rhai y maen nhw efo'r cyfrifoldeb i'w gwneud heb ymyriad gwleidyddol, ond dŷn ni i gyd yn gwybod bod rygbi'n bwysig iawn i nifer o'n cymunedau ni. Mae'n bwysig o ran hunaniaeth, mae'n bwysig o ran iechyd a lles, mae'n bwysig o ran yr economi, ac mae dod â chymunedau gyda chi pan dŷch chi'n gorff cenedlaethol yn eithriadol o bwysig.

Y neges gen i, wrth gwrs, oedd bod nifer o bobl wedi dweud wrthyf i eu bod nhw ddim yn teimlo bod Undeb Rygbi Cymru yn dod â'u cymunedau gyda nhw ac yn cydweithio gyda'r rheini sydd eisiau gweld y gêm yn parhau, sydd yn deall bod yna newidiadau sydd eu hangen. Felly, dwi'n mawr obeithio y byddwn ni'n gweld Undeb Rygbi Cymru yn asesu goblygiadau unrhyw newidiadau, yn esbonio'r dystiolaeth a bod yn gyfan gwbl dryloyw. Dyna'r neges y gwnes i ei chyfleu, a dwi'n ei chyfleu eto heddiw, ac y byddaf i'n parhau i'w chyfleu.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Un cwestiwn i gloi, ond gan ein bod ni dros y terfyn amser, dwi'n hapus inni fod yn gohebu efo chi i ateb y cwestiwn yma. Mae yna dipyn o sôn wedi bod, ac mae'r pwyllgor yma yn y Senedd flaenorol wedi gwneud tipyn o waith o ran pwysleisio'r elfen ataliol a phwysigrwydd hynny. Dwi jest eisiau gofyn pa newid dŷch chi'n gobeithio gweld yng nghyllideb y Senedd dros y tymor nesaf ac yn 2027-28 a fydd yn dangos bod diwylliant a chwaraeon yn cael eu trin fel buddsoddiad ataliol mewn iechyd, yn hytrach na fel meysydd gwariant ar wahân. Dwi'n deall efallai nad oes gennych chi yr amser i ateb hynny rŵan, felly dŷn ni'n hapus i ohebu o ran hynny. Ond dwi'n meddwl ei fod o'n bwysig i chi fod yn ymwybodol o'r cwestiwn hwnnw.

Dwi'n hapus i ddarparu mwy o wybodaeth, ond hefyd mae hwn yn bwnc byw iawn. Mae'r trafodaethau yn digwydd. Yr hyn y medraf i ei rannu efo chi i gyd, a byddwch chi wedi clywed ar lawr y Senedd, dwi'n gobeithio, gan Weinidogion eraill, ydy ein bod ni'n ymrwymedig fel Llywodraeth i wneud hyn—bod y sgyrsiau hynny'n rhai byw. Er enghraifft, o ran y cynllun nofio ysgol, mi oedd y rheini'n drafodaethau rhyngof i, Nerys Evans ac Anna Brychan o ran edrych yn drawsadrannol ar bwysigrwydd y rhain. Dyna'r math o gydweithio sy'n mynd i fod yn digwydd, ddim mewn seilos, ond i wirioneddol edrych ar sut mae hyn i gyd yn dod at ei gilydd.

O ran cyllideb y flwyddyn nesaf, mae hwnna'n fwy heriol oherwydd mae lot o'r gwaith yma angen edrych dros ystod hir, ond yn sicr, dros dymor y Senedd hon, mi fyddwch chi'n gweld y sifft tuag at yr agenda a gwariant ataliol. Mae'n rhaid i ni ei wneud o. Dŷn ni'n gwybod bod y dystiolaeth yna, ond dydy o ddim digon da i ddweud bod angen ei wneud o. Byddwn ni yn dechrau gweithredu, a dŷn ni wedi dechrau gweithredu, megis efo nofio ysgol.

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Diolch yn fawr iawn i'r Gweinidog am ymuno efo ni heddiw ac i'r swyddogion am y dystiolaeth. Bydd y trawsgrifiad o'r cyfarfod yn cael ei anfon atoch chi i'w wirio. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Diolch yn fawr iawn.