Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
14/07/2021Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Climate Change
Will the Minister make a statement on the assessment criteria for selecting sites for large-scale energy generation projects?
The Welsh Government published 'Future Wales: the national plan 2040' in February 2021. This identifies 10 pre-assessed areas for wind energy developments of national significance. Detailed assessments supporting 'Future Wales' including the integrated sustainability appraisal, a habitats regulations assessment and an assessment of on-shore wind and solar energy potential in Wales have been published.
What assessment has the Minister made of the effectiveness of the Welsh Government’s help-to-buy scheme?
Since its launch in 2014 Help to Buy Wales has successfully helped nearly 12,000 individuals and families to buy their new home. I introduced changes for phase 3 after reviewing the performance of the scheme, including a reduced price cap, additional quality requirements, and broadband readiness.
Will the Minister make a statement on fines for local authorities that fail to meet recycling targets?
Drwyddi draw, roedd cyfradd ailgylchu trefol Cymru yn 2019-20 yn uwch na’r targed o 64 y cant. O ran yr awdurdodau lleol sy’n methu’r targed ailgylchu, cynhelir proses i ddeall y rhesymau pam a chynllunio sut i daro’r targed yn y blynyddoedd wedi hynny. Bydd hynny’n sail i’r penderfyniad a ddylid codi dirwy neu beidio.
What steps will the Welsh Government take to address air pollution in South Wales East?
Our clean air plan and plan to tackle roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations set out ambitious cross-Government actions being delivered to address air pollution. We are working with Caerphilly County Borough Council to deliver compliance with nitrogen dioxide limits at A472 Hafodyrynys, alongside developing our own measures to ensure compliance at M4 Newport.
Questions For - Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
What discussions has the Minister had with Bridgend College regarding its vision for post-16 education?
I have already committed to having discussions with all colleges regarding their vision for post-16 education in Wales. The FE sector has a huge contribution to make in realising our vision for post-compulsory education and training in line with the Tertiary Education and Research Bill.
Will the Minister make a statement on progress towards achieving a million Welsh speakers by 2050?
Ddoe, lansiais raglen waith 'Cymraeg 2050' ar gyfer tymor y Senedd hon. Mae’n amlinellu uchelgais ein Llywodraeth i wthio’r agenda yn ei blaen, gan ganolbwyntio ar greu siaradwyr newydd, cynyddu defnydd mewn cymunedau a gweithleoedd a diogelu cymunedau er mwyn gwneud yn siŵr y gall yr iaith ffynnu.
Will the Minister provide an update on the school COVID-19 bubble system?
I wrote to all schools last Friday confirming we will no longer be recommending contact groups or bubbles from the start of the next school year. The intention is to ensure we minimise the number of learners self-isolating unnecessarily.
Will the Minister provide an update on progress in relation to rolling out the new curriculum for Wales in Islwyn?
Schools and settings in Islwyn, as elsewhere in Wales, continue to make meaningful progress on curriculum reform. I announced last week a package of measures to support, simplify and create space for schools to take forward the Curriculum for Wales from 2022.