Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
26/03/2019Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - First Minister
What consideration has the First Minister given to the Institute of Welsh Affairs' report, Re-energising Wales?
I welcome the Institute of Welsh Affairs's recent publication of the report, bringing together the broad range of work delivered under their three-year Re-energising Wales project. This collaborative effort provides useful evidence that we will consider afresh as we develop the policies and proposals to deliver our ambitious decarbonisation and energy targets.
Will the First Minister set out the Welsh Government's response to the Charter for Change published by the Children's Commissioner for Wales?
I welcome this report and the practical solutions it proposes for tackling child poverty. We will take these into account in delivering on my commitment to review Welsh Government funding programmes to ensure they have maximum impact in tackling child poverty.
How is the Welsh Government maximising front-line resources for education?
Local authorities are responsible for funding schools in Wales. Welsh Government has prioritised support for schools through the local government settlement. We also continue to provide significant additional grant funding to support our educational reforms and improve outcomes for learners.
What actions are being taken by the Welsh Government to reduce water wastage in Welsh homes?
Welsh Government works with the industry and through our own powers to reduce water wastage and usage in Welsh homes. Last year, for example, we amended building regulations in Wales so that the maximum potential consumption of water in new buildings is reduced from 135 litres per person per day to 110 litres.
Will the First Minister outline the steps that the Welsh Government is taking to protect the privacy of Welsh citizens?
The Welsh Government takes the privacy of Welsh citizens very seriously. We protect the data we hold to the highest standards. We ensure partner organisations protect data to the same high standards through regulations and other mechanisms.
Will the First Minister provide an update on any recent correspondence with the UK Government regarding the devolution of air passenger duty to Wales?
We have written to the UK Government to present conclusive independent evidence to support the case for devolution of air passenger duty. The Minister for Finance and Trefnydd robustly made the case to the Welsh Affairs Committee on 7 March, complementing the unanimous business sector support and cross-party consensus on this matter.
Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's policy in relation to decision-making processes at arm's-length bodies?
Each arm's-length body in Wales has a designated accounting officer who has a personal responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances for which she or he is accountable. This responsibility is set out in a formal accounting officer memorandum.
What assessment has the First Minister made of how prudent healthcare principles are embedded into primary care?
Primary care is at the forefront of the prudent healthcare approach we have developed in Wales, helping to eliminate unwarranted variation and to deploy the most effective forms of treatment in a genuine partnership with patients.
Will the First Minister provide an update on preparations for a people's vote on the final Brexit deal?
Arrangements for any second referendum would be the responsibility of the UK Government, as was the case for the referendum in 2016.