, Plenary
Plaid Cymru Debate: Apprenticeships
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. We table this debate not just because of our own concerns, but also the concerns that have been shared with us by the further education sector, students as well as the wider business sector, concerns that Members can see from the open…
, Plenary
Topical Questions
I listened with great interest to the answers you gave to my colleague Llyr Gruffydd, and to Tom Giffard as well. Of course, you've talked about the need or the want for a stronger role in appointing a chair. What exactly does that mean? I have to say that a…
, Plenary
Debate: Levelling-up
I would agree there's no point reinventing the wheel where we have plenty of work that's already been done on this, and I think, actually, looking at how we can ensure that local authorities, that grass-roots level, are empowered by any new system we put…
, Plenary
Debate: Levelling-up
I was just about to finish, but of course I'll give way; I have time.
, Plenary
Debate: Levelling-up
We've already heard mention of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee's report into EU funding, and I'd echo the Chair in saying that if there are Members in the Chamber who haven't read it—though I assume everyone has spent the time to read it—then…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
The question I asked was whether or not you believed it was the right time to reduce business rates relief, and you set out, quite rightly, why now is not the right time to do so when businesses are facing rising costs through inflation and rising energy…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Diolch, Llywydd. The cost of living easily translated into the cost of doing business, and, in recent months, we've seen that very clearly. A number of businesses from across Wales, particularly in the hospitality sector, have been clear that they are…
, Plenary
Statement by the Minister for Economy: The compound semiconductor industry
I thank the Minister for his statement. The semiconductor industry is a crucial part of the global economy, and it's good to see that south Wales is home to one of those clusters for innovation that the industry relies on. One element of the statement that…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
And I am sympathetic to the difficulty the Government faces with this budget, but a cut to apprenticeship funding deeply concerns me. Its effects will be felt for some time, and we are talking about the futures of so many young people here in Wales…
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
Thank you for that response, First Minister.
, Plenary
Questions to the First Minister
5. What discussions is the Welsh Government having with key stakeholders in the work-based learning sector regarding the provision of apprenticeships? OQ60493
, Plenary
Motion under Standing Order 26.91 seeking the Senedd's agreement to introduce a Member Bill: Mental Health Standards of Care (Wales) Bill
Yes, 100 per cent. I think that's why it was important, or I felt compelled at least, to speak in this debate today as well. Because I think having people like me, like you, Jack, like James being able to discuss these issues right here on the floor of the…
, Plenary
Motion under Standing Order 26.91 seeking the Senedd's agreement to introduce a Member Bill: Mental Health Standards of Care (Wales) Bill
I am really pleased to see this Bill put forward by James Evans. I think one of the first conversations James and I had after being elected was around mental health, and in particular male mental health. I think the person-centred approach is the right way…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
Diolch.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
So, it's safe to say that you'll be looking for further co-operation with the British Business Bank.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
I take the point, but, obviously, you can aspire to at least get to the same level as some of those development banks. But just thinking again about increasing the flow of funds into Wales, obviously the British Business Bank announced its Wales investment…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
I think the development bank and the potential behind it are quite exciting in terms of what we can do with it. You mentioned that you view it as being successful, so how exactly are we measuring that, then? You could argue that any increase of inflow of…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
Diolch, Cadeirydd. Thinking around the Development Bank of Wales, and in particular the remit letter that the Minister issued around increasing the flow of funds into Wales, I think back in 2021, how successful has the development bank been in meeting that…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
So your strategy is saying 'more of the same' then, isn't it?
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
But that's the narrative; what I'm talking about here is new policy, new direction.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
But this was trailed by the Government as its new strategy on the economy and very little changed. You've set out the narrative well, but there is nothing new here, is there?
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
It's hardly a refocus if the previous economy Minister was doing the same.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
Diolch, Cadeirydd. I'm just returning to the broader priorities, then. What exactly is new then in terms of these priorities? Because a lot of what I heard at least is very similar to what the previous economy Minister was focused on. So, what exactly is new…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
Perhaps we should double-check with the FE colleges on that, then, Chair.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny: Minister for Economy
Not according to FE colleges. I mean, what would you say to FE colleges now, who are looking at this cliff edge and are really going to struggle, going forward, to actually provide the courses that the Government wants it to?
