National Assembly for Wales

Staffing matters within the Welsh Government are a matter for the Permanent Secretary. I will ask him to write to you.

Staffing matters within the Welsh Government are a matter for the Permanent Secretary. I will ask him to write to you.

Staffing matters within the Welsh Government are a matter for the Permanent Secretary. I will ask him to write to you.

Staffing matters within the Welsh Government are a matter for the Permanent Secretary. I will ask him to write to you.

Staffing matters within the Welsh Government are a matter for the Permanent Secretary. I will ask him to write to you.

The Welsh Government Export Action Plan for Wales details the comprehensive programme of support for Welsh businesses to develop their exports, and is delivered working in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Department for Business and Trade.

Through the Plan, we will continue to support businesses to prepare for and maximise opportunities from any new trade agreements. This includes supporting businesses in Wales to understand trading conditions, regulations and opportunities in target export markets, including those where trade agreements are in place; and, through our programme of overseas trade events to key markets which includes a number of planned trade visits to the USA in 2024/25 (including a trade mission to Texas in March 2025).

Data published by the Office of Road and Rail Statistics shows that Network Rail were responsible for almost half of the delays to Transport for Wales services in 2023 by causing nearly 460,000 minutes of delay.

Source: Table 3184 - Delay minutes by operator and cause (periodic) | ORR Data Portal (Period 11 2022-23 to Period 10, 2023-24).

I only use one mobile phone, which was supplied to me as a Member of the Senedd. I set out my use of this phone when I gave evidence to the Covid-19 inquiry recently https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13200157/C-19-Inquiry-13-March-2024-Module-2B-Day-11.pdf

I have engaged consistently with business sectors, particularly since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic and more recent economic challenges. The Welsh Government recognises that businesses and other ratepayers are continuing to experience pressures in the current economic climate. We are, therefore, investing an additional £78 million to provide a fifth successive year of support for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with their non-domestic rates bills next year. This builds on the almost £1 billion of support provided since 2020-21 and forms part of a package of support communicated to all stakeholders in my statement of 19 December 2023.

Ministers and officials also meet regularly with sector representatives through our established fora that include the Welsh Ratepayer’s forum, the Visitor Economy Forum, and via regional forums for the tourism and hospitality sector in north, mid, south-west and south-east Wales. Recent meetings have provided an opportunity to discuss these matters among other issues.

Support available to the hospitality sector in the winter of 2023-24 is detailed in the response to WQ91652. Support available to the hospitality sector now is the same, but with the addition of the £20 million Future Proofing Fund available in 2024-25.

Support for the accommodation sector for the winter of 2023-24 is the same as now and can be found at Tourism | Business Wales (gov.wales).

Support available to the hospitality sector in the winter of 2023-24 is detailed in the response to WQ91652. Support available to the hospitality sector now is the same, but with the addition of the £20 million Future Proofing Fund available in 2024-25.

Support for the accommodation sector for the winter of 2023-24 is the same as now and can be found at Tourism | Business Wales (gov.wales).

Within the Economy portfolio, Ministerial discussions with the tourism and hospitality sector take place through the Visitor Economy Forum meetings, which I attend and chair. We discuss important matters, such as business rate relief, at those meetings and I hear directly from stakeholders. My officials also engage with the sector via regional forums, in north, mid, south-west and south-east Wales.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme Cymru is an important scheme that plays a critical and unique role within the broader framework supporting archaeological discoveries and heritage management in Wales.  Since 2015 the Portable Antiquities Scheme here has been joint-funded by Amgueddfa Cymru, Cadw and Welsh Government’s Culture Division and it is managed by Amgueddfa Cymru. 

Wales has a nationwide recording network, delivered through Finds Liaison Officers based in Swansea, Cardiff and Wrexham and through contracts with the Dyfed and Gwynedd Archaeological Trusts. Together, they provide provision for recording finds from across Wales, including in rural areas and the latest data for finds reported through the scheme indicates a good geographic spread from all parts of Wales.

Business plans across my portfolio will be agreed after the new First Minister has been appointed, however I can confirm the intention is that funding for the Scheme in 2024-25 will match this year’s allocation.  Within this, it is planned to enhance recording capacity in the southwest and northwest via the archaeological trusts, which will enable additional support to finders working in the rural west.

There are over 100 Accredited museums in Wales, governed and managed by a variety of organisations: local authorities, independent charities, universities, as well as Amgueddfa Cymru.  The publicity and promotion of individual museums is a matter for their governing bodies.  Many museums, including Amgueddfa Cymru, are offering comprehensive events programmes across the Easter holiday and are publicising them via their websites, social media and marketing activity.

In addition, Visit Wales promotes Welsh museums on its website and social channels. Its digital campaign activity drives traffic to this content on the visitwales.com website, and there will be a further burst of campaign activity across TV and video on demand ahead of the Easter holidays. Visit Wales is gathering information on various exhibitions for use across all of its social media platforms.  This content includes the Art of the Selfie exhibition at the National Museum Cardiff; the exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Miners’ Strike at Rhondda Heritage Park and the exhibition in the recently re-opened Tŵr Marcwis on Anglesey and Amgueddfa Lloyd George in Llanystumdwy. 

The Portable Antiquities Scheme Cymru is an important scheme that plays a critical and unique role within the broader framework supporting archaeological discoveries and heritage management in Wales. 

Since 2015 the Portable Antiquities Scheme has been joint-funded by Amgueddfa Cymru, Cadw and Welsh Government’s Culture Division, and is managed by Amgueddfa Cymru. 

The latest published data in the 2022 Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) annual report Portable Antiquities Annual Report 2022 (finds.org.uk) cites a total of 45 Finds Liaison Officers (FLO) in England and Wales, 40 in England and 5 in Wales.  While not taking account of working patterns or the uneven distribution of finds across the country, based on current ONS population figures, this would effectively equate to one Finds Liaison Officer for every c. 1.4m people in England, and c. 621,000 in Wales.

Work is underway to agree the Terms of Reference for the Broadcasting and Communications Advisory Body and the list of members. An update will be provided on this in coming weeks, including on approach to agreeing membership.

Creative Wales work with music venues across Wales throughout the year, supporting them through various means. In 2024 this has already included sponsoring a number of events including Independent Venue Week, Free For All Festival, Immersed and Beacons Summit all of which took place across several grassroots music venues. Capital funds of over £700,000 were awarded late in 2023, with those projects continuing to be completed.

Welsh Government support for the Arts is channelled through the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) who operate at arm’s length from Government.

The promotion of individual performances and events will be down to organisations advertising their calendar of events independently.

Under ACW’s new multi-year funding arrangements, from 1 April theatres and venues across Wales will receive a total of just over £14m in support for the 2024/25 financial year.

I refer you to my answer to WQ91673.

A new contractor has taken over the National Survey for Wales from 2024-25. The sample size that can be achieved within the budget available will depend on the exact response rate that is achieved by this contractor. It is currently expected that the achieved sample size for 2024-25 will be between 9,000 and 10,000.

A responsible dog breeding and ownership workshop was held on 15 February, following on from the Responsible Dog Ownership Summit: Action on dangerous dogs held in October 2023. The purpose of which is to continue the delivery of multi-agency collaborative working in this area promoting responsible dog ownership and to tackle anti-social behaviour and dog attacks

A significant recommendation from the initial summit was to encourage the reporting of dog attacks and near misses.  I have written to Chief Constables in all Welsh police forces and to Local Authorities highlighting the latest guidance and regulations to work to, and the importance of robust reporting of incidents in Wales.  By enhancing the collection of data on dog attacks, we can analyse trends and work towards finding solutions. Also, I have met with Rob Taylor , All Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Co-ordinator, and Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hobrough of Gwent Police on this matter.

In addition to the support available from Farming Connect, the Welsh Government provides mainstream education funding for learners who want to pursue careers in agriculture, horticulture, and animal care in Wales. Separately, the Apprenticeship Programme provides work-based learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, leading to nationally recognised qualifications and skills.

Welsh Government is committed to publishing a Community Food Strategy this year to encourage the supply and production of locally sourced food. The strategy will achieve this through facilitating partnerships amongst public bodies with strong grass-roots networks embedded in communities which bring together food related initiatives including producers. The aim is to stimulate working collaboratively and maximise well-being benefits across communities. An aspect of the strategy may be to encourage more direct relationships between producers and customers.

Unfortunately, the language used to describe the change in speed limit has been distorted, with terms such as blanket limits. This misconception has potentially confused matters and we are continuing to provide marketing around the changes, to provide correct information on the default 20mph limits.

20mph will make built-up areas safer for local communities and tourists alike and they will be able to travel across Wales largely as before. Much of the holiday accommodation in our villages, towns and cities will benefit from safer streets where it is easier to walk and cycle and where lower traffic speeds will make it a more pleasant place to stay. However, I would be happy to consider evidence from holiday let operators and other businesses about the effects of the 20mph speed limit.

Enforcement of speed limits is a matter for the Police.

Enforcement of speed limits is a matter for the Police.

My Officials have contacted Cardiff Council who have confirmed that they are working proactively with bus operators in the region to provide alternative transport provision for the regions affected for when bus service 86 comes to an end on 30 March 2024, subject to funding.

My Officials have contacted Cardiff Council who have confirmed that they are working proactively with bus operators in the region to provide alternative transport provision for the regions affected for when bus service 86 comes to an end on 30 March 2024, subject to funding.

My Officials have contacted Cardiff Council who have confirmed that they are working proactively with bus operators in the region to provide alternative transport provision for the regions affected for when bus service 86 comes to an end on 30 March 2024, subject to funding.

It is important that public transport is accessible and welcoming to all who wish to use it, including people who suffer from anxiety and enochlophobia.

The Traveline Cymru website contains information for disabled travellers seeking information on accessible transport and journey planning on public transport in Wales at: https://www.traveline.wales/accessible-travel, including for people with additional needs that are not immediately obvious.

Transport for Wales’s Accessibility Panel provides a forum for disabled people to input into the design and delivery of current and future TfW services. Information on the current remit of the panel can be found on TfW’s website at: https://tfw.wales/info-for/passengers/accessible-travel/accessibility-panel

It is important that public transport is accessible and welcoming to all who wish to use it, including people who suffer from anxiety and enochlophobia.

The Traveline Cymru website contains information for disabled travellers seeking information on accessible transport and journey planning on public transport in Wales at: https://www.traveline.wales/accessible-travel, including for people with additional needs that are not immediately obvious.

Transport for Wales’s Accessibility Panel provides a forum for disabled people to input into the design and delivery of current and future TfW services. Information on the current remit of the panel can be found on TfW’s website at: https://tfw.wales/info-for/passengers/accessible-travel/accessibility-panel

Transport for Wales continue to work closely with local authorities and bus operators to explore opportunities to introduce further fflecsi demand responsive bus services across Wales. New fflecsi schemes have recently been introduced in the Dolgellau and Machynlleth areas of Gwynedd, and the operating area of the fflecsi scheme in Pembrokeshire has recently been extended to serve more communities across the County.

Storm Overflow discharges by water companies are governed by environmental permitting legislation. Wales’ environmental regulator, Natural Resources Wales, is responsible for enforcement and has a range of tools to investigate and, where, appropriate, prosecute water companies.

The Minister for Economy and I meet regularly with Cardiff International Airport Limited (CIAL) executives to maintain the strategic relationship with the Welsh Government asset. Individually, I have met with CIAL twice since May 2023 and the Minister for Economy has met with CIAL five times. We both met with CIAL in March 2023.

The services and routes offered at Cardiff Airport are a matter for the CIAL board and airline operators. Ministers do not intervene in the airport’s day-to-day commercial operating matters. The executive team at the airport continues to work hard to restore flights and diversify the business as part of its recovery from the pandemic.

I understand that TUI has added an extra 40,000 holidays from Cardiff Airport for this summer programme and Ryanair has added two new routes and extra flights to Spain to their Summer 2024 schedule. Ryanair will be increasing their services to Malaga, whilst adding two new routes to Alicante and Tenerife. This is in addition to popular destinations Faro and Dublin.

The Minister for Economy and I meet regularly with Cardiff International Airport Limited (CIAL) executives to maintain the strategic relationship with the Welsh Government asset. Individually, I have met with CIAL twice since May 2023 and the Minister for Economy has met with CIAL five times. We both met with CIAL in March 2023.

The services and routes offered at Cardiff Airport are a matter for the CIAL board and airline operators. Ministers do not intervene in the airport’s day-to-day commercial operating matters. The executive team at the airport continues to work hard to restore flights and diversify the business as part of its recovery from the pandemic.

I understand that TUI has added an extra 40,000 holidays from Cardiff Airport for this summer programme and Ryanair has added two new routes and extra flights to Spain to their Summer 2024 schedule. Ryanair will be increasing their services to Malaga, whilst adding two new routes to Alicante and Tenerife. This is in addition to popular destinations Faro and Dublin.

I recently published a new road map which sets out an ambitious plan to transform the way bus services are planned and delivered across Wales to provide communities with more stable, accessible and affordable bus services. We recognise that the present deregulated bus system, where operators can change vital bus services at short notice without prior meaningful consultation with communities is having an adverse impact on the lives of people who rely on local buses for their everyday transport needs, and this is why we are determined to put in place changes to deliver a better deal for passengers. We will ask Transport for Wales to examine this important issue as we prepare to introduce bus franchising.

I regularly meet with the Chair and Chief Executive of Transport for Wales where we discuss a range of issues including revenue protection. All Transport for Wales trains operate with a ticket issuing conductor, and additional revenue protection inspectors are used across the network. Transport for Wales have recently introduced penalty fares on the South Wales main line as a fair and proportionate means of tackling ticketless travel.

Welsh Government policy in Planning Policy Wales (PPW) is a net benefit for biodiversity, based on the Section 6 Duty of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (securing biodiversity enhancement and ecosystem resilience). The approach is place-based, focused on improved outcomes for the environment. It is more robust than net gain as it seeks to secure on site benefits in preference to financial contributions for offsite projects; it is not about the commodification of our habitats and species.

The Workplace Recycling Regulations, come into force on 6 April 2024 and will require workplaces to separate key recyclable materials in the way the majority of Wales’ householders already do.

The Welsh Government is introducing this legislation to improve the consistency of how we manage waste, and the quality and quantity of recycling we collect in Wales. The increase in recycling will lead to significant overall savings to the Welsh economy and the increased capture of a resilient supply of high-quality recycled materials. This will also further reduce waste going to landfill and incineration and reduce carbon emissions. As such the reforms are a key step towards tackling the climate and nature emergency, whilst also laying the foundations for a stronger, greener economy as committed to within our Programme for Government.

Thanks to the efforts of the citizens of Wales, our rate of recycling already saves us around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Rather than adversely impacting workplaces, the regulations will help workplaces to actively play their part in addressing the climate and nature emergency, whilst driving savings to the Welsh economy and supporting individual workplaces to become more resource efficient. To assist workplaces to prepare to comply with the regulations, we have developed a variety of guidance and support tools to help make the changes needed. These include a Code of Practice, sector-specific guides and downloadable signage and resources. We are also running national communications campaign and providing a series of information webinars and case study videos highlighting some of the many businesses that already separate their waste in accordance with the new requirements.

In parallel, we have been working with the waste sector and local authorities to ensure readiness. This will also improve access to compliant services for small producers and for more rural businesses based in communities in which non-domestic waste collections currently already take place on a regular basis.

The Regulatory Impact Assessment also includes a list of measures the Welsh Government is bringing in to address potential barriers workplaces may face. This is supported with work by our partners, such as Business Wales and WRAP, to promote good practice in material separation, bin location, minimising the risk of contamination by visitors and guests, training for staff, and ways in which waste can be reduced and resource efficiency improved to minimise costs.

The Workplace Recycling Regulations, come into force on 6 April 2024 and will require workplaces to separate key recyclable materials in the way the majority of Wales’ householders already do.

The Welsh Government is introducing this legislation to improve the consistency of how we manage waste, and the quality and quantity of recycling we collect in Wales. The increase in recycling will lead to significant overall savings to the Welsh economy and the increased capture of a resilient supply of high-quality recycled materials. This will also further reduce waste going to landfill and incineration and reduce carbon emissions. As such the reforms are a key step towards tackling the climate and nature emergency, whilst also laying the foundations for a stronger, greener economy as committed to within our Programme for Government.

Thanks to the efforts of the citizens of Wales, our rate of recycling already saves us around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Rather than adversely impacting workplaces, the regulations will help workplaces to actively play their part in addressing the climate and nature emergency, whilst driving savings to the Welsh economy and supporting individual workplaces to become more resource efficient. To assist workplaces to prepare to comply with the regulations, we have developed a variety of guidance and support tools to help make the changes needed. These include a Code of Practice, sector-specific guides and downloadable signage and resources. We are also running national communications campaign and providing a series of information webinars and case study videos highlighting some of the many businesses that already separate their waste in accordance with the new requirements.

In parallel, we have been working with the waste sector and local authorities to ensure readiness. This will also improve access to compliant services for small producers and for more rural businesses based in communities in which non-domestic waste collections currently already take place on a regular basis.

The Regulatory Impact Assessment also includes a list of measures the Welsh Government is bringing in to address potential barriers workplaces may face. This is supported with work by our partners, such as Business Wales and WRAP, to promote good practice in material separation, bin location, minimising the risk of contamination by visitors and guests, training for staff, and ways in which waste can be reduced and resource efficiency improved to minimise costs.

It is for the site operator to comply with the restoration conditions set out in the planning permission or seek agreement from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for an alternative restoration plan.

Since October 2020, we have undertaken a systematic assessment of the impact of lockdowns and recovery programmes on learners and will be continuing research work in the coming months. We have published our findings to date (see below) and have provided specific funding. We have also provided planning support for schools through our Learning Continuity Guidance.

• Effect of COVID-19 on learners survey: results summary | GOV.WALES
• Evaluation of the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards (RRRS) Programme | GOV.WALES
• Evaluation of the Childcare Offer for Wales: year 5 | GOV.WALES
• Post-16 COVID-19 recovery funding evaluation: April 2022 to March 2023 | GOV.WALES

The National Attendance Taskforce has identified and agreed a programme of work focussing on youth engagement, further analysis of data and statistics to identify patterns and geographical trends for improvement; development of a national communications campaign informed by our external networks; and peer to peer networking and sharing of best practice to maximise the support and services available within individual areas.

The Taskforce has met three times since its establishment, and I have chaired two of those meetings.

The National Attendance Taskforce has identified and agreed a programme of work focussing on youth engagement, further analysis of data and statistics to identify patterns and geographical trends for improvement; development of a national communications campaign informed by our external networks; and peer to peer networking and sharing of best practice to maximise the support and services available within individual areas.

The Taskforce has met three times since its establishment, and I have chaired two of those meetings.

Learning about menstrual well-being and conditions related to reproductive health is mandatory within the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Code and includes how learners can seek further information and support. Next term, work will begin to develop a resource with partners to support the teaching and learning of menstrual well-being.

It is important that the responses and findings from the Consultation on the School Year are given due and proper consideration.  On this basis, decisions on next steps will be made, and announced, in due course.

This work is being carried out in collaboration with Sian Gwenllian the Plaid Cymru designated member as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

The Welsh Government is consulting on a new Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Strategy. This will replace the previous strategy Talk to me 2.  We published ‘Responding to issues of self-harm and thoughts of suicide in young people’ in 2019. The guidance focusses on early intervention and the safe management of self-harm and suicidal thoughts when they arise. 

The UK Government’s austerity agenda has meant there is an unprecedented pressure on our all of our public services.

Welsh Government guidance is clear that a decision to exclude a learner should be a last resort. Our framework on embedding a whole school approach to emotional and mental wellbeing, which is statutory guidance for schools and local authorities, backed by £13.6m of funding in our 2024-25 budget.

The Welsh Government has published a framework on embedding a whole school approach to emotional and mental wellbeing, which is statutory guidance for schools and local authorities, backed by £13.6m of funding in our 2024-25 budget. Local authorities and governing bodies must have regard to this framework when carrying out their duties, which is central to the success of learning about health and well-being and the four purposes of the new curriculum.

The Welsh Government is consulting on a new Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Strategy. This will replace the previous strategy Talk to me 2. We published ‘Responding to issues of self-harm and thoughts of suicide in young people’ in 2019.  The guidance focusses on early intervention and the safe management of self-harm and suicidal thoughts when they arise. 

Local authorities, in duties set out in the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 are required to prepare a Welsh in Education Strategic Plan containing a local authority’s proposals on how it will carry out its education functions to improve the planning of the provision of education through the medium of Welsh; improve the standards of Welsh-medium education and of the teaching of Welsh in its area. The Welsh in Education Strategic Plans also outline how local authorities should now be planning for an increase in Welsh-medium provision and take up in line with Cymraeg 2050 targets.

All Local Authorities have committed to ambitious targets within their Welsh in Education Strategic Plans in line with the education milestones set out in Cymraeg 2050. Plans have been operational since 2022.

Since 2018 we have invested over £128m in dedicated Welsh-medium Capital grants.  This is on top of any investment through Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

With regards to the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, every local authority will be required to submit a 9-year investment plan by the end of March 2024. These investment plans will be assessed against the approved WESP to ensure they deliver the required capacity to meet the targets.

The responsibility for the planning of school places rests with local authorities. Local authorities have to keep under review the extent to which their existing pattern of school provision meets current and forecast demand for school places and the requirements of delivering the modern curriculum.

Local authorities must ensure that there are sufficient schools providing primary and secondary education for their area. Schools are regarded as sufficient if they are sufficient in number, character and equipment to provide for all pupils the opportunity of appropriate education.   In order to fulfil these duties, local authorities must ensure that they plan thoroughly and engage fully with relevant partners.

The Welsh Government does not normally intervene directly in the planning of school places.

Concerns about errors in course content have recently been submitted by individuals directly to Duolingo.  I understand that Duolingo has considered all of the matters raised but has concluded that only a few of the requests for revisions were due to valid errors. They are in the process of making those revisions.  

Duolingo has indicated that it is willing to correct errors in the Welsh course. Any concerns should be raised, either directly with Duolingo or through the National Centre for Learning Welsh, for it to consider.

The National Centre for Learning Welsh provides opportunities for adults and young people over compulsory school age to learn Welsh.  It offers a wide choice of courses and resources to suit all levels and learning styles, varying from online self-study taster courses to intensive advanced level residential courses. £14.930 million is being invested in the National Centre for Learning Welsh for 2024-25.

We’ve also made it possible for all learners 16 – 25 to access free Welsh lessons through the National Centre and have extended the offer to the teaching workforce. 

Delivering free Welsh lessons to 16-25 year olds is being carried out in collaboration with Cefin Campbell MS, the Plaid Cymru designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

A neurodevelopmental assessment is currently carried out through NHS Children’s Neurodevelopmental Services.  Schools play an important role in the referral process but are not responsible for the assessment or diagnosis.   A formal diagnosis is not required to ensure support is provided to a pupil when they need it, and support should not be delayed whilst waiting for any diagnosis if needs and relevant support can be identified.

The NHS Delivery Unit is undertaking a mapping exercise to better understand the complexities of the assessment process for children and young people.  Our efforts are focused on addressing the barriers and getting urgent support and making services sustainable. To that purpose, the Neurodivergence Improvement Programme is addressing immediate pressures on assessment waiting times by developing sustainable integrated needs-led services with a skilled and resilient workforce, which includes supporting schools and teaching staff. It will also include additional advice and support services for parents and carers.

Official statistics for diagnostic waiting times for endometriosis are not available. A recent report published by Endometriosis UK estimates the time taken to reach a diagnosis of endometriosis across the UK. This is not the same as diagnostic waiting times. Delays referred to in the report may be influenced by a number of factors, including lack of understanding among GPs and women’s symptoms being dismissed. I have made a strong commitment to ensuring there are improvements to women’s health services in Wales, and a commitment that women’s voices will be heard.

The survey informing the report mentioned above was based on a self-selecting sample and may therefore not be representative of the wider population. A total of 4,731 women responded, with 3,715 of these being from England and only 207 being from Wales. Given these limitations in the data, it is difficult to compare the estimates between Wales and England in a meaningful way. Nevertheless, the key messages from the report are important and we know that improvements are needed. Some progress has been made as outlined below.

A dedicated website has been developed for patients and endometriosis nurses to use. Endometriosis Cymru includes ‘living with’ stories from Welsh people and a symptom tracker which has the potential to become a diagnosis tool for patients and clinicians to speed up intervention for early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Funding for a specialist endometriosis nurse has been given to each health board across Wales. These nurses are actively spending time with patients in clinics and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams to improve the endometriosis service in their health board. Patient feedback suggests they feel supported, listened to, and have a better understanding of their condition.

Awareness of menstrual health, including endometriosis, is being raised through education at school age.  Growing up has a critical impact on learners’ health and well-being, and within the new Curriculum for Wales framework, teachers will be able to focus on a wide range of health and well-being topics. Learning about menstrual well-being and conditions which can affect the reproductive system is mandatory, and this includes learning about where to get further information and support.

It is important that learning about menstrual well-being and related conditions is not simply a ‘one-off lesson’, which is why the Relationships and Sexuality Education Code sets out that it should be taught over time as children grow.

I recently announced the appointment of Dr Helen Munro as the first ever clinical lead for the Women’s Health who will lead the National Clinical Strategic Network for women’s health in developing a 10-year women’s health plan.  This will outline how the NHS in Wales will meet the expectations of the Quality Statement for Women and Girls’ and build on the findings in The Discovery Report – Foundations for a women’s health plan. 

Official statistics for diagnostic waiting times for endometriosis are not available. A recent report published by Endometriosis UK estimates the time taken to reach a diagnosis of endometriosis across the UK. This is not the same as diagnostic waiting times. Delays referred to in the report may be influenced by a number of factors, including lack of understanding among GPs and women’s symptoms being dismissed. I have made a strong commitment to ensuring there are improvements to women’s health services in Wales, and a commitment that women’s voices will be heard.

The survey informing the report mentioned above was based on a self-selecting sample and may therefore not be representative of the wider population. A total of 4,731 women responded, with 3,715 of these being from England and only 207 being from Wales. Given these limitations in the data, it is difficult to compare the estimates between Wales and England in a meaningful way. Nevertheless, the key messages from the report are important and we know that improvements are needed. Some progress has been made as outlined below.

A dedicated website has been developed for patients and endometriosis nurses to use. Endometriosis Cymru includes ‘living with’ stories from Welsh people and a symptom tracker which has the potential to become a diagnosis tool for patients and clinicians to speed up intervention for early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Funding for a specialist endometriosis nurse has been given to each health board across Wales. These nurses are actively spending time with patients in clinics and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams to improve the endometriosis service in their health board. Patient feedback suggests they feel supported, listened to, and have a better understanding of their condition.

Awareness of menstrual health, including endometriosis, is being raised through education at school age.  Growing up has a critical impact on learners’ health and well-being, and within the new Curriculum for Wales framework, teachers will be able to focus on a wide range of health and well-being topics. Learning about menstrual well-being and conditions which can affect the reproductive system is mandatory, and this includes learning about where to get further information and support.

It is important that learning about menstrual well-being and related conditions is not simply a ‘one-off lesson’, which is why the Relationships and Sexuality Education Code sets out that it should be taught over time as children grow.

I recently announced the appointment of Dr Helen Munro as the first ever clinical lead for the Women’s Health who will lead the National Clinical Strategic Network for women’s health in developing a 10-year women’s health plan.  This will outline how the NHS in Wales will meet the expectations of the Quality Statement for Women and Girls’ and build on the findings in The Discovery Report – Foundations for a women’s health plan. 

Official statistics for diagnostic waiting times for endometriosis are not available. A recent report published by Endometriosis UK estimates the time taken to reach a diagnosis of endometriosis across the UK. This is not the same as diagnostic waiting times. Delays referred to in the report may be influenced by a number of factors, including lack of understanding among GPs and women’s symptoms being dismissed. I have made a strong commitment to ensuring there are improvements to women’s health services in Wales, and a commitment that women’s voices will be heard.

The survey informing the report mentioned above was based on a self-selecting sample and may therefore not be representative of the wider population. A total of 4,731 women responded, with 3,715 of these being from England and only 207 being from Wales. Given these limitations in the data, it is difficult to compare the estimates between Wales and England in a meaningful way. Nevertheless, the key messages from the report are important and we know that improvements are needed. Some progress has been made as outlined below.

A dedicated website has been developed for patients and endometriosis nurses to use. Endometriosis Cymru includes ‘living with’ stories from Welsh people and a symptom tracker which has the potential to become a diagnosis tool for patients and clinicians to speed up intervention for early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Funding for a specialist endometriosis nurse has been given to each health board across Wales. These nurses are actively spending time with patients in clinics and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams to improve the endometriosis service in their health board. Patient feedback suggests they feel supported, listened to, and have a better understanding of their condition.

Awareness of menstrual health, including endometriosis, is being raised through education at school age.  Growing up has a critical impact on learners’ health and well-being, and within the new Curriculum for Wales framework, teachers will be able to focus on a wide range of health and well-being topics. Learning about menstrual well-being and conditions which can affect the reproductive system is mandatory, and this includes learning about where to get further information and support.

It is important that learning about menstrual well-being and related conditions is not simply a ‘one-off lesson’, which is why the Relationships and Sexuality Education Code sets out that it should be taught over time as children grow.

I recently announced the appointment of Dr Helen Munro as the first ever clinical lead for the Women’s Health who will lead the National Clinical Strategic Network for women’s health in developing a 10-year women’s health plan.  This will outline how the NHS in Wales will meet the expectations of the Quality Statement for Women and Girls’ and build on the findings in The Discovery Report – Foundations for a women’s health plan. 

We are investing £2.2 million in the NHS Executive to provide dedicated support to improve the quality and performance of all age mental health services. This will include a new Strategic Programme for Mental Health and a Mental Health Patient Safety Programme.

Health boards have agreed trajectories to improve performance and to reduce waiting lists across all mental health services, including CAMHS. Performance against these trajectories is scrutinised through the NHS Executive on a monthly basis.

Health boards have made progress in improving performance in specialist CAMHS and the NHS Executive is developing a national CAMHS specification to reduce variation in CAMHS across Wales.

We have recently published our new draft Mental Health and Well-being Strategy which places a focus on improving quality and patent experience in mental health services, including CAMHS. 

We are investing £2.2 million in the NHS Executive to provide dedicated support to improve the quality and performance of all age mental health services. This will include a new Strategic Programme for Mental Health and a Mental Health Patient Safety Programme.

Health boards have agreed trajectories to improve performance and to reduce waiting lists across all mental health services, including CAMHS. Performance against these trajectories is scrutinised through the NHS Executive on a monthly basis.

Health boards have made progress in improving performance in specialist CAMHS and the NHS Executive is developing a national CAMHS specification to reduce variation in CAMHS across Wales.

We have recently published our new draft Mental Health and Well-being Strategy which places a focus on improving quality and patent experience in mental health services, including CAMHS. 

NHS Wales commissions gender identity services for children and young people under the age of 17 from NHS England. The service is commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) which represents NHS Wales on the Improvement Programme for Gender Identity Services for children and young people which has been established by NHS England.

NHS England has carefully considered the evidence review conducted by NICE and further published evidence available to date and concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the safety or clinical effectiveness of puberty suppressing hormones to make the treatment routinely available at this time. Therefore, puberty suppressing hormones will not be available as a routine commissioning treatment option for children and young people in Wales who are referred via our gender identity services pathway.

However, NHS England aims to have a study into the use of puberty blockers in place by December 2024. Welsh children and young people referred into the service will also be eligible to participate in the study.

This change will not affect young people from Wales who are already receiving   puberty supressing hormones from the NHS. In this circumstance it will be for each patient’s consultant, together with the young person and their family to consider the continuation of puberty suppressing hormones.

We expect NHS services to refer people with suspected bladder cancer for urgent investigation in line with the referral criteria set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The NHS in Wales has also introduced Rapid Diagnostic Centres to support GPs when they suspect cancer, but the presenting symptoms are vague. In addition, Health Education and Improvement Wales has rolled out digital training support to all GP computers in Wales on cancer symptom identification and referral practice.

I meet the Chief Ambulance Services Commissioner regularly. I last met him on 13 March 2024 after officials had receipt of a paper making recommendations to the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee, following conclusion of the EMRTS service review, ahead of its next meeting of 19 March 2024.

I have asked the Chief Commissioner for written assurances on the level of engagement and how that engagement has shaped his recommendations.

The guidance for Critical Care Units states that overnight accommodation for visitors may be provided within the hospital, or the hospital may have an arrangement with a nearby hotel. Where children are being treated, overnight accommodation for parents should be provided. Enlarged single bedrooms provide the option of adding an extra bed for parents to stay overnight.

Under the All-Wales Neonatal Standards, dedicated facilities will be available for parents and families of babies receiving neonatal care. As a minimum there is one room per intensive care cot located within 10 – 15 minutes’ walking distance of the unit in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Each Health Board is responsible for planning and delivering care in line with these standards. The Wales Maternity and Neonatal Network has the responsibility for monitoring compliance with the Standards.

There are four health boards within Wales that provide Neonatal Intensive Care and the facilities that they offer are as follows:-

• Childrens Hospital for Wales (CVUHB) – Use of the Ronald McDonald House which has 30 ensuite bedrooms.

• Grange University Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (ABUHB) – Have recently opened two Parent houses (Ty Onnen and Ty Derwen) that supports any parents to stay close to their baby whilst on the neonatal unit. There are three bedrooms in each house and shared communal kitchens and living areas as well as a spacious garden. Siblings are also welcome to stay in these houses with parents.

• Singleton NICU (SBUHB)- Houses on site that are accessible for parents of infants receiving Neonatal Intensive Care.

• Ysbyty Glan Clwyd – Sub Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Centre (BCUHB) – Have parent bedrooms on the unit but if these are full then out of area parents are accommodated in the nearby hotel (within walking distance) paid for by charity.

Welsh Government will work with the BMA and NHS Wales to ensure life-saving and life-maintaining care is provided during the industrial action, and patient safety is maintained.

As the Junior Doctors strike action takes the form of full walkout, mitigation involves cover being provided by Consultants and SAS Doctors.  Health organisations first ensure sufficient staffing is in place for life-saving and life-maintaining care and then establish what planned care can be maintained or requires postponement.

I outlined the planning preparations and formal planning process to you in WQ91449. That established process still stands for the strike planned in March.

We understand the strength of feeling from junior doctors regarding pay, but without additional funding from the UK Government we are unable to offer more. The 5% increase for 2023-24 is at the limits of the finances available to us and reflects the agreement reached with the other health unions for this year.

The Welsh Government is committed to providing high quality services for people with cerebral palsy in Wales. In November 2022 we published the Neurological Conditions Quality Statement which sets out Welsh Government’s vision for high quality services for people of all ages living with neurological conditions in Wales.

The Quality Statement sets out the outcomes and standards we expect NHS organisations to achieve in delivering services for people with these conditions. It was co-produced with the Neurological Conditions Implementation Group (NCIG) and the twenty plus third sector partners represented on the NCIG by the Wales Neurological Alliance. I expect all NHS organisations in Wales to use the Quality Statement as the basis for planning how services for people with neurological conditions are developed and delivered, including those with cerebral palsy.

NHS organisations will be supported to implement the Quality Statement by the NHS Wales Executive (the Executive). This is the body responsible for driving improvements in the quality and safety of care. The Executive will do this in collaboration with National Clinical Leads, and a suite of Strategic Clinical and Implementation Networks, all of which will develop work plans setting out their priorities. Since being established in April 2023, the Executive has been phasing in a series of networks and I expect the new Neurological Conditions Strategic Clinical Network (NCSN) to be established very soon, alongside the appointment of a new National Clinical Lead for Neurological Conditions. These are critical building blocks to support the implementation of the Neurological Conditions Quality Statement.

I expect the work plan for the NCSN to take into account current and future demands to manage sustainability of services for Neurological Conditions.

In addition, the funding of networks and service provision is a commissioning and planning issue for Health Boards based on their populations needs.

The licensing and regulation of medicines in the UK is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This includes assessing and ensuring the ongoing safety and effectiveness of all medicinal products.

Licensed weight-loss injections are safe when used in accordance with a prescription from and under the care of, a suitably competent clinician.  In accordance with recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) treatment should be provided by health boards’ specialist weight management services.

I am aware some people may access weight-loss injections outside the NHS including from online services.  Where people choose to access treatment privately then they should ensure this is from a reputable service and ideally one registered with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.  Where people obtain medicines online they should do so only from pharmacies participating in the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC’s) internet pharmacy logo scheme.  The scheme provides reassurance to patients and the public that they are purchasing medicines online from registered pharmacies which meet GPhC standards.

NHS Wales commissions gender identity services for children and young people under the age of 17 from NHS England. The service is commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) which represents NHS Wales on the Improvement Programme for Gender Identity Services for children and young people which has been established by NHS England.

NHS England has carefully considered the evidence review conducted by NICE and further published evidence available to date and concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the safety or clinical effectiveness of puberty suppressing hormones to make the treatment routinely available at this time. Therefore, puberty suppressing hormones will not be available as a routine commissioning treatment option for children and young people in Wales who are referred via our gender identity services pathway.

However, NHS England aims to have a study into the use of puberty blockers in place by December 2024. Welsh children and young people referred into the service will also be eligible to participate in the study.

This change will not affect young people from Wales who are already receiving   puberty supressing hormones from the NHS. In this circumstance it will be for each patient’s consultant, together with the young person and their family to consider the continuation of puberty suppressing hormones.

The MMR vaccination programme in Wales is highly effective; the most recent data from Public Health Wales (PHW) shows that 88.9% of 5-year-olds in Wales have had a full 2 dose course of MMR. However, measles is a highly virulent and potentially very dangerous disease, and our ambition is for the uptake figure amongst all school age children to reach the World Health Organisation target of 95%.

A Welsh Health Circular was issued last month requiring health boards to carry out targeted work to ensure 90% of pupils in every school in Wales are fully vaccinated by 31 July 2024.  To support this, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer wrote to Local Authority Directors of Education, highlighting the risks posed by measles and seeking support for health boards in achieving the target.  The letter also requested schools highlight to families the importance of being vaccinated, not only for health reasons, but to ensure students can continue to attend school, in the event measles is identified in the setting.

Alongside this, the Chief Medical Officer issued a public statement highlighting the increased risk of an outbreak if vaccination rates were not increased.  To complement this national message, Public Health Wales has developed a communications plan to ensure the importance of MMR vaccination remains a focus in the coming months.

The Welsh Government works with a wide range of partners to support and encourage organisations to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. Our Armed Forces Liaison Officers promote the Covenant to public, private and third sector bodies and we engage with Armed Forces Champions and forums across Wales on local support for the Covenant. We also work in partnership  with the Reserve Forces Cadets Association in Wales, who manage the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, to deliver events for employers with the next event planned to take place in Wrexham on 27 June.

Llywydd on behalf of the Senedd Commission:

The Senedd Commission actively manages and reviews the performance of its staff against strategic goals, service requirements and individual objectives, at all times; we also monitor onsite attendance, as well as annual leave, flexi leave and sickness absence levels. The Commission does not, however, collate information on hourly rates of working from home by its staff.

Llywydd on behalf of the Senedd Commission:

The Senedd Commission actively manages and reviews the performance of its staff against strategic goals, service requirements and individual objectives, at all times; we also monitor onsite attendance, as well as annual leave, flexi leave and sickness absence levels. The Commission does not, however, collate information on the full-time equivalent levels of working from home by its staff.

I will write to you with a substantive response and a copy of the letter will be published on the internet.

The social housing identified with RAAC in Hirwaun are owned and managed by the Registered Social Landlord Trivallis. Responsibility for Tenant engagement, support and any required repair work associated with the presence of RAAC rests with them as responsible owner. Officials are in regular contact with senior officers at Trivallis and we are aware that the landlord has acted swiftly to inform and support tenants, offer alternative accommodation and undertake urgent further surveys of the affected properties. Our thoughts are of course with the affected households at this difficult time.

The social housing identified with RAAC in Hirwaun are owned and managed by the Registered Social Landlord Trivallis. Responsibility for Tenant engagement, support and any required repair work associated with the presence of RAAC rests with them as responsible owner. Officials are in regular contact with senior officers at Trivallis and we are aware that the landlord has acted swiftly to inform and support tenants, offer alternative accommodation and undertake urgent further surveys of the affected properties. Our thoughts are of course with the affected households at this difficult time.

The social housing identified with RAAC in Hirwaun are owned and managed by the Registered Social Landlord Trivallis. Responsibility for Tenant engagement, support and any required repair work associated with the presence of RAAC rests with them as responsible owner. Officials are in regular contact with senior officers at Trivallis and we are aware that the landlord has acted swiftly to inform and support tenants, offer alternative accommodation and undertake urgent further surveys of the affected properties. Our thoughts are of course with the affected households at this difficult time.

The social housing identified with RAAC in Hirwaun are owned and managed by the Registered Social Landlord Trivallis. Responsibility for Tenant engagement, support and any required repair work associated with the presence of RAAC rests with them as responsible owner. Officials are in regular contact with senior officers at Trivallis and we are aware that the landlord has acted swiftly to inform and support tenants, offer alternative accommodation and undertake urgent further surveys of the affected properties. Our thoughts are of course with the affected households at this difficult time.

The social housing identified with RAAC in Hirwaun are owned and managed by the Registered Social Landlord Trivallis. Responsibility for Tenant engagement, support and any required repair work associated with the presence of RAAC rests with them as responsible owner. Officials are in regular contact with senior officers at Trivallis and we are aware that the landlord has acted swiftly to inform and support tenants, offer alternative accommodation and undertake urgent further surveys of the affected properties. Our thoughts are of course with the affected households at this difficult time.

The social housing identified with RAAC in Hirwaun are owned and managed by the Registered Social Landlord Trivallis. Responsibility for Tenant engagement, support and any required repair work associated with the presence of RAAC rests with them as responsible owner. Officials are in regular contact with senior officers at Trivallis and we are aware that the landlord has acted swiftly to inform and support tenants, offer alternative accommodation and undertake urgent further surveys of the affected properties. Our thoughts are of course with the affected households at this difficult time.

As part of the Welsh response to the increased risks highlighted by the UK Department for Education in the summer 2023, the Welsh Government has asked local authorities and other public bodies to assess the wider public estate, including social housing, for the presence of RAAC. It was as a result of this requested work that Trivallis identified RAAC in a number of their properties.

All Welsh Government owned or operated properties have already been inspected for the presence of RAAC.

I will write to you with a substantive response and a copy of the letter will be published on the internet.