Meetings

The Trefnydd drew Business Committee’s attention to the motion to suspend Standing Orders to allow for replacement motions for the following two items on Tuesday:

o   The Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales 2021

o   The Equality Act 2010 (Capacity of parents and persons over compulsory school age) (Wales) Regulations 2021

The Trefnydd also drew Business Committee’s attention to the withdrawal of the following item, scheduled for Wednesday:

·         The Welsh Elections (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2021 (15 mins)

The Llywydd informed Business Committee that both she and the Deputy Presiding Officer would be chairing from the Siambr on both days this week.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.05pm.

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 8.15pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Committee’s attention to the postponement of the following item to 23 March:

·         The Agricultural Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2021 (10 mins)

The Llywydd informed Business Committee that both she and the Deputy Presiding Officer would be chairing remotely this week.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.05pm.

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.15pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the postponement of the following items to 16 March:

·         Proposal under Standing Order 12.24 to debate the following together but with separate votes:

o    The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (Amendment of 2050 Emissions Target) Regulations 2021 

o    The Climate Change (Interim Emissions Targets) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 

o    The Climate Change (Carbon Budgets) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 

o    The Climate Change (Net Welsh Emissions Account Credit Limit) (Wales) Regulations 2021  

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.45pm.

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.40pm. 

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that there will be a break before the first vote in the Stage 3 proceedings, and as previously there will be different PINs for Voting Time and for the Stage 3.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before Stage 3 of the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.45pm

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debates

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.40pm. 

Business Committee noted the arrangements for the joint item with the Welsh Youth Parliament, including that WYP Members would be present in the Zoom meeting before the start of Plenary and until the conclusion of the item.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.36pm

Wednesday 

·         Plenary will start at 12.45.

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debates

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.15pm. 

Business Committee noted and agreed the following practical arrangements for legislative scrutiny this week:

·         relevant Members’ mics will be active during periods when amendments are being moved formally and voted on, to avoid delays;

·         for voting purposes, there will be two separate meetings with different PINs on both days, and so Members will need to log into the system twice;

·         on Tuesday, there will be a break before the first vote in the Committee of the Whole Senedd, and a short break between the Committee and the start of Plenary; and

·         on Wednesday, there will be a break before the first vote in each Stage 3 proceeding, a short break between the first Stage 3 and Oral Questions, and again before the Stage 3 on the Emergency Bill.

Tuesday 

·         Plenary will start at the conclusion of the Committee of the Whole Senedd proceedings for the Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Bill, which will start at 13.00.

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

Wednesday 

·         Plenary will start at 13.00.

·         There will be no Voting Time, other than during the two Stage 3 debates.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.50pm. 

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she would be exercising her powers of selection, to avoid Stage 3 of the emergency Bill being a re-run of Stage 2, and encouraged Members not to re-table amendments which have been comprehensively rejected at Stage 2.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to a change to Tuesday’s business to move the general principles and the financial resolution in respect of the Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Bill to the end of the day.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.15pm. 

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 5.40pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the addition of a statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services, updating Members on COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as a slight change to the title of the statement by the Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language.  She indicated there would be a statement on vaccines every week for the foreseeable future.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.45pm. 

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 5.55pm. 

This Week’s Business

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to one change to This Week’s Business – the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport will be making the statement on the Welsh Government Response to the South East Wales Transport Commission’s Final Recommendations in place of the Minister.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 5.35pm. 

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.10pm. 

This Week’s Business

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.40pm. 

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 5.40pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to various additions to This Week’s Business, including two suspensions of Standing Orders to allow some items to take place:

·         Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy (45 mins)

·         Motion to suspend Standing Orders (5 mins)

·         Proposal under Standing Order 12.24 to debate the following together but with separate votes: (30 minutes)

·         The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020

·         The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020

·         The Health Protection (Coronavirus, South Africa) (Wales) Regulations 2020       

·         Motion to suspend Standing Orders (5 mins)

·         LCM on the Trade Bill (30 mins)

The time for the budget debate would be reduced from 90 minutes to 60 minutes, and individual timings for Members and the Minister adjusted accordingly.

Business Managers noted that the Independent Alliance for Reform Group debate had been postponed until next week.

Virtual Meetings

Business Committee agreed that Plenary meetings will continue to be virtual for the foreseeable future.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 8.25pm. 

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debates.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.30pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to various changes to This Week’s Business:

·         the addition of two motions to suspend Standing Orders;

·         the addition of a statement by the Counsel General on EU Transition;

·         the addition of a debate on The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (School Premises and Further Education Institution Premises) (Wales) Regulations 2020;

·         the addition of a debate on The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 4) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020;

·         the addition of a debate on The Public Health (Protection from Eviction) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020;

·         the addition of a debate on new levels of restrictions to respond to the coronavirus pandemic;

·         the statement by the Minister for Mental Health, Well-being and Welsh Language: Publication of the national policy on Welsh language transmission and use in families has been postponed until January 2021;

·         the debate on the Legislative Consent Motion on the Trade Bill has been postponed.

The Committee agreed that the order of Short Debates scheduled for 16 December would be Andrew RT Davies first and Neil Hamilton second.

The Committee discussed the likelihood of a recall of the Senedd taking place sometime between the end of term and 31 December to consider matters related to EU exit, and agreed that any recall should take place in a virtual format.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm. 

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.20pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to various changes to This Week’s Business:

·         the addition of a debate on the new Coronavirus restrictions to Tuesday’s agenda, alongside a motion to suspend Standing Orders to allow it to take place;

·         the statement by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport: Update on the Valleys Taskforce and the debate on the Equality and Human Rights Annual Review 2019-20 have both been reduced in time from 45 to 30 minutes; and

·         the Non-Domestic Rating (Multiplier) (Wales) Order 2020 has been postponed.

Debate on Coronavirus Restrictions

The Llywydd highlighted that a total of 17 amendments have been tabled to Tuesday’s debate, and 5 to the Conservative debate on Wednesday, and that she may use her powers of selection, as usual.

Standards report

For the proper conduct of business, Business Committee agreed to schedule the debate on the Standards Report as the final item before voting time.

This Week’s Business

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the three changes to This Week’s Business:

·         The statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales on economic reconstruction has been withdrawn.

·         The LCM on the Internal Market Bill has been postponed to 8 December.

·         A statement by the First Minister on December Coronavirus restrictions has been added as the last item of business.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.   

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 5.40pm. 

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time  will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.15pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the two changes to this week’s business – the addition of a statement on an update on special measures arrangements at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and the Legislation (Wales) Act 2019 (Amendment of Schedule 1) Regulations 2020 moving to later in the day.

Changeovers

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that Members who sit in the vicinity of seats which are changing (currently Conservatives and government benches) should also leave the Siambr during changeovers, to return only after the bell is rung, to give those managing the changeovers the space they need.

Zoom update

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to remind those Members who are joining Plenary virtually to do so in plenty of time, as there is a Zoom update which may cause them to be asked for a password.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the two changes to this week’s business – the addition of a statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales on Tata Steel, and the statement on Llwybr Newydd – A new Wales Transport Strategy now being delivered by the Deputy Minister for Economy, and Transport and North Wales.

Cameras on during voting

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to advise Members to activate their videos during voting time, as a matter of courtesy and good order. This will also make it easier to address any technical issues during voting.

Members unable to vote

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that if Members are having difficulty voting then the meeting can be suspended at any time if 3 Members so request.

Changeovers

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to remind Members not to enter the Siambr until the bell has been rung. As of this week, ushers will ask Members not to enter the Chamber while cleaning is in progress.

Stage 3 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that if it becomes clear that the Stage 3 will not be completed by the end of the day, the Minister for Housing and Local Government will move to adjourn proceedings to Wednesday.

Breaks

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that there would be a short break before voting time (if there is an objection to the motion under Item 4) or after the first group in Stage 3, and use her judgement on any breaks after that. Business Managers agreed that there should be a longer break around 7pm.

This Week’s Business

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the multiple changes to Tuesday’s agenda, as agreed at the previous meeting.

Breaks

Business Committee agreed that there was no need to schedule breaks for this week, as there is no need for changeovers of Members in a virtual setting.

This Week’s Business

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the changes to Tuesday’s agenda – two statements will now be issued as written statements, to make way for a debate on the Coronavirus ‘fire break’, for which a suspension of Standing Orders is required.

Guidance for hybrid plenary

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that revised guidance for hybrid plenary will be circulated, following her ruling last week that Members should refrain from using promotional material as backgrounds in Zoom.

Voting – oral declarations

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to remind Members that voting orally is designed only as an emergency fallback in the event of a Member experiencing unexpected problems with the voting app. Members should join from a location and device that will enable them to use the app.

Changes to groups

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she is considering the request from three Members to form an Independent Alliance for Reform Group. The Brexit Party group no longer exists.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to one change to the agenda for today – the timing of the statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services.

Maintaining order in the hybrid Siambr

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that following disorder in the Siambr last week she has written to the Member concerned advising that he would not be called to speak until she has received a formal apology. This applies those proceedings where it is at the discretion of the Chair whether or not to call a Member to speak, and as such the Member would be called to ask Question 5 to the First Minister today. Business Managers were briefed on the procedures for maintenance of order and how these would work in a hybrid environment.

Selection of amendments

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she has asked officials to provide guidance for Members on the selection of amendments during hybrid plenaries.

The Trefnydd asked the Llywydd if decisions on selection could be taken earlier in the week, to help with preparation for debates. The Llywydd explained that it makes sense for her to take the decisions on the morning of the Plenary when she has a fuller picture of the number of speakers etc, and that whether an amendment is selected or not, the issues raised in it will still more often than not be raised in the debate.

Audio-visual

Jenny Rathbone has asked if she could show audio-visual material during the Member Debate on Wednesday. Given the practical difficulties involved, the Llywydd has decided that audio-visual material can’t be used in hybrid or virtual Plenary.

The Trefnydd informed Members that she has updated the title of the Counsel General statement on the English paper.

Selection of amendments

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that due to the volume of amendments tabled this week, she may use her powers not to select amendments where she deems it appropriate for the proper conduct of Senedd business.

The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that the Committee debate on Senedd Electoral Reform, ‘Senedd reform: The next steps’ has also attracted two amendments, which she will not be selecting in accordance with Standing Order 12.23(iii).

Order in the Siambr/on Zoom

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she will be treating any more instances of Members unmuting themselves when not called as a matter of order, and that she will make an announcement to that effect on this prior to today’s plenary meeting.

Business Committee noted the Llywydd’s decision to continue with hybrid Plenary meetings this week, following informal consultation with Business Managers.

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that Labour backbenchers and members of the government would participate in the hybrid meetings remotely this week.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the three changes to Tuesday’s business in the revised copy of This Week’s Business circulated yesterday:

• The statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Local Coronavirus Restrictions has been moved to later in the agenda.
• The statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Maternity Services and Governance Improvements at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has been postponed to 13 October.
• The LCM on the Fisheries Bill has been postponed to 6 October.

The Trefnydd also informed Business Managers that there will be a further change to move the public health regulations to earlier in the day.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the three changes to Tuesday’s business: the addition of a statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services; the postponement of The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 8) (Caerphilly) Regulations 2020; and the withdrawal of The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

Breaks/changeovers

Business Managers agreed to have one break on Tuesday and to two breaks on Wednesday.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that the bell will be rung at the end of breaks, to give notice that Members may enter the Chamber and that the resumption of business is imminent.

90 Second Statement Deadline

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that the deadline for submitting 90 second statements will now be 10am – the same as topical questions. If not all slots for the day are filled, the Llywydd may use her discretion to accept a late request.

Amendments to motions

In the current situation and considering the length of business days, the Llywydd informed Business Managers that she will use her power to deselect amendments where she deems appropriate for the proper conduct of Senedd business.

Timings for statements

The Llywydd consulted with Business Managers and confirmed that spokespeople should speak once for a maximum of five minutes during statements. She also confirmed that all other Members continue to be limited to one minute each in both virtual and hybrid meetings, and that she will return to always calling the Conservatives first on statements.

Timings for Oral Questions

The Llywydd confirmed that all supplementaries will continue to be limited to one minute.

The Llywydd also confirmed that Leaders and Spokespeople’s questions will continue to be limited to one minute per question (3 questions for Conservatives and Plaid Cymru and 2 for the Brexit Party).

Masks in the Siambr

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that masks can be worn in the Siambr, but that they are not required, and that Members should remove them when speaking.

The Trefnydd raised the issue of two Members being unable to vote at different times last week. The Llywydd explained that it was possible for Members’ votes to be entered manually into the system by a clerk, in the event that one or two of them experience an insurmountable problem. This would require Members to declare their vote orally while the vote was open. The Llywydd will use this when she considers it to be necessary, and if there were a more wide-scale problem, would resort to weighted voting. 

The Business Committee agreed that the Llywydd should continue with the current practice of not allowing interventions except in specific slots towards the end of a debate.

Independent Members

Business Committee agreed that as Neil Hamilton is unable to attend Plenary in person on Wednesday, although he had been successful in the ballot, his place will be offered to Neil McEvoy (the other non-group Member who had expressed a preference for attending in person).

Regulations

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that the Government has withdrawn the following motions:

• the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No.6) Regulations 2020; and
• the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No.7) Regulations 2020.

This is because the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020 laid on Friday repeal them.

Start time and break

Business Managers agreed that the break should be at around 12.30, after questions to the Counsel General. They also agreed a short break after government business, at around 15.30.

In response to a request from the Trefnydd, the Llywydd agreed that Ministers could swap during both breaks, so that most or all lead Ministers can participate from the Chamber.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers of her intention to make a statement on Srebrenica before the start of Plenary this week. The First Minister and David Melding will also be called to make short statements.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she will introduce Laura Anne Jones as a new Member of the Fifth Assembly and invite her to make a short speech.

Start time and break

Business Managers agreed that the Plenary start time should be 11am and the break should be at around 12.45pm, after Questions to the Minister for Education. Business Managers also agreed to an earlier start time of 10am for next week’s Plenary.

Spokespeople’s questions on Ministerial statements

The Llywydd consulted Business Managers and stated that the arrangements for this week will remain as they were before virtual Plenary sessions were introduced: 10 minutes or 1000 words (whichever is greater) for Ministers to make their statement and up to 5 minutes each for group spokespeople to ask one set of questions.

The arrangements for Oral Questions will also remain the same as they were before virtual Plenary sessions were introduced: Conservative and Plaid Cymru spokespeople will be called to ask 3 questions without notice to the Minister. Brexit Party spokespeople will be called to ask 2 questions without notice to 3 Ministers of their choice. All these questions will be up to one minute each.

Hybrid plenary guidance

The Secretariat will circulate guidance to Members this afternoon.

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers of:

• a new seating plan which designates specific seats in line with social distancing, and reminded Business Managers to notify officials of the names of their Members who will be attending Plenary physically this week and who will sit where;
• should the new electronic voting system fail for any reason, the fall-back will be weighted voting. Business Managers were asked to provide the name of their nominated voter in the same way they have for previous weeks; and
• equality of participation for Members participating remotely and in the Siambr, and that no Member should have a greater chance of being called.

Independent Members

The Llywydd had received responses from Independent Members to her letter explaining the cap on attendance due to social distancing in the Siambr and asking that they nominate between them one Member to attend physically each week. Two Members expressed a wish to attend both meetings physically, while the other two would attend virtually. 

Business Managers agreed that Table Office should run a ballot for any Independent Members wishing to attend physically, and create a rotational system allowing the others to attend later sessions.

Any divergence during the Plenary session from the agreed cap on numbers in line with the COVID regulations will be treated as a matter of order.

Stage 3

The Llywydd informed Members that due to the rules around remote voting, there would be a 5 minute break after the two debates during Stage 3, before the amendments were voted on.

Start time and break

Business Managers agreed that the start time should remain at 11.00 and the break should come after the questions to the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd, at approximately 13.15.

Oral Questions

Business Managers agreed that all supplementary questions will be limited to one minute. Leaders/Spokespeople will get three (Conservatives and Plaid Cymru) or two (Brexit Party) questions as previously, but each question will also be limited to one minute.

BSA

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that Members’ contributions will be limited to one minute and the expectation is that the Minister will also keep her responses brief.

Break

The Trefnydd agreed to move the BSA to be after First Minister’s Questions, and Business Managers agreed that the break should then come after the questions to the Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs, at approximately 13:00.

Order of debates

Caroline Jones asked that the Brexit Party debate be scheduled before the Conservative Party debate on Wednesday’s agenda: Business Managers agreed.

BSA

Business Committee agreed to continue with the practice of there being no questions on the BSA for this week.

Interventions

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that before the last speaker responds to the debate she will take one-minute contributions from Members who are responding to something that has been said during the course of the debate. That could include Members who have already spoken.

Joining instructions

Business Committee were informed that, differently to previous weeks and now there are up to 60 Members attending, ICT would focus their resources on ensuring that the First Minister and Party Leaders who are speaking on the First Minister’s statement have joined the meeting before the start time. ICT Account Managers will be on hand as always to assist any other Members to join.

Break

Business Managers agreed that the break should come after Topical Questions, at approximately 12.20. However, in the event that no Topical Questions are selected, the break will be earlier.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the addition of a statement by the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language to Wednesday’s agenda, and noted that it will include an update on tourism.

BSA

Business Managers agreed to continue with the practice of there not being any questions on the BSA.

Interventions

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to remind Members not to send Zoom messages to all, as these are broadcast. She will call to order any Members who do so from this week on.

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that before the last speaker responds to the debate she will take one-minute contributions from Members who are responding to something that has been said during the course of the debate. That could include Members who have already spoken.

Joining instructions

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to inform Members that they need to follow the same pattern as last week – to inform Chamber Secretariat of who will be attending, and to get their speaking requests in by the end of the day on Tuesday if at all possible.

The Llywydd also asked Business Managers to remind Members that they need to join the meeting at 10.30am (or half an hour before the start time if they are only joining for the afternoon session), at the latest, to allow time for IT checks. Members arriving after 10.50am (or 10 minutes before any start time) will have to wait until after the meeting has started.

Break

Business Managers agreed that the break should come after Topical Questions, at approximately 12.20.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the addition of a statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government on Homelessness to Wednesday’s meeting. She also informed Business Managers that a statement by the Minister for Education would be added to the agenda this afternoon.  

BSA 

Business Managers agreed to continue with the practice of there not being any questions on the BSA. 

Interventions 

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that, as happened in the government debate in the last plenary session, she will be handling interventions differently to the way she would in a physical meeting. In place of interventions, before the last speaker responds to a debate, the Llywydd will take one-minute contributions from Members who are responding to something that has been said during the course of the debate. That could include Members who have already spoken. 

Joining instructions 

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that although all 60 Members will be entitled to attend, groups and independent members still need to inform Chamber Secretariat of who will be attending. The Llywydd also asked Business Managers to encourage Members to get their speaking requests in by the end of the day on Tuesday if at all possible. 

The Llywydd also asked Business Managers to ensure that Members are aware that they need to join the meeting at 10.30am (or half an hour before the start time if they are only joining for the afternoon session), at the latest, to allow time for IT checks. Members arriving after 10.50am (or 10 minutes before the afternoon start time) will have to wait until after the meeting has started.  

Break 

Business Managers agreed that the break should come       after Topical Questions, at approximately 12.20.  

The Trefnydd informed the Business Committee that the government intends to table a motion to suspend Standing Orders to allow a debate on ‘Unlocking our society and economy: continuing the conversation’ to take place on Wednesday. In order to do so, the statements by the First Minister and the Minister for the Economy, Transport and North Wales will be reduced to 45 mins, and the Minister for Housing and Local Government’s statement withdrawn.

Business Managers expressed their disappointment at no longer having an oral statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, and the Trefnydd agreed to feed this back to the Minister.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that the deadline for tabling amendments to the motion will be 6pm on Tuesday, and that she would be selecting amendments on the basis of encouraging the orderly conduct plenary business in a virtual context. She therefore encouraged groups to consider the number of amendments they would be tabling. 

The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that in place of interventions, before the First Minister responds to the debate she will take one-minute contributions from Members who want to respond to something that has been said during the course of the debate. That could include Members who had already spoken. Business Managers asked the Secretariat to circulate a note to Members explaining this.

Grouping of regulations

Darren Millar asked that the two sets of Covid-19 regulations be debated together but with separate votes, and so the proposal to group will be amended accordingly.

BSA

Business Committee agreed to continue with the practice of there not being any questions on the BSA.

Feedback from last week’s plenary meeting

The Llywydd asked Business Managers to remind Members of the time limits on speaking, and to remain succinct.

Topical Questions

Business Committee agreed that topical questions should continue to be scheduled after the First Minister’s Statement, and any decision to move a question to earlier in the session should be done with the agreement by email of Business Committee.

The order of speakers on statements

The Llywydd confirmed that for statements, the Conservatives will be called first 6 times for every 5 times that Plaid Cymru are called first. This is in line with the allocation usually used for Leaders and spokespeople questions.

BSA

Business Committee agreed to continue with the practice of there not being any questions on the BSA.

Recall

Sian Gwenllian asked for a recall of the Senedd tomorrow morning, to discuss the new Covid-19 regulations that are coming into force in England and Wales, and the differences between the approaches of the two governments. The other Business Managers did not agree there was a need to recall the Senedd before Wednesday’s scheduled meeting and so the majority view was against the proposal.

Feedback from last week’s plenary meeting

Business Managers agreed that the pace of the meeting was much improved, due to the new time limits for contributions on statements.

Business Managers agreed to increase the number of Plaid Cymru Members to 5 to give a better reflection of the relative size of groups. Otherwise, Business Managers agreed to follow the same format and procedures for this week’s meeting.

In response to a request from Sian Gwenllian, the Llywydd agreed to give consideration to whether to alternate who went first in calling Members to ask questions on statements. Darren Millar noted that he was opposed to any change.

Topical Questions

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she will make a decision on any topical questions submitted this week as soon as possible after the deadline at 6pm, and that Members and the government will be notified that evening.

Business Managers agreed to take Topical Questions after the First Minister’s statement. Any Ministers attending solely to answer topical questions will be additional to the usual Labour/government allocation.

Business Managers agreed to continue with the practice of there not being any questions on the BSA.

The Business Committee asked officials for a paper on options for developing Plenary business over the next few weeks.

The Trefnydd informed the Business Committee that all statements had been extended from 45 to 60 minutes each.

Feedback from last week’s plenary meeting

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that Members need to be disciplined in informing officials who will be attending plenary meetings, and in arriving half an hour before the meeting starts.

Given that plenary meetings are increasing in length, the Business Committee agreed to have a technical break part way through the meeting. This will also allow the technology to be reset midway through the meeting.

Point of Order – discourteous language

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she has written to the Minister for Health regarding the use of discourteous language. The Minister has responded to confirm that he will address the Assembly on this matter at the next available opportunity. The Llywydd will address the point of order at the start of Wednesday’s Plenary.

Length of questions

Business Managers discussed the length of contributions in last week’s plenary, and agreed to set time limits for questions on statements. They agreed to allow spokespeople to ask two sets of questions, in the same manner as party leaders, and for both of these sets for party leaders and spokespeople to be limited to 2 minutes each. The Brexit Party leader and spokespeople will be allowed a single 3 minute contribution. All other contributions will be limited to one minute each. The length of Ministers’ answers are expected to be to proportionate to the length of the questions asked.

The Trefnydd updated the Business Committee on the addition of two statements for Wednesday’s Plenary, and that all statements had been extended to 45 minutes each.

• Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Coronavirus (COVID-19) (45 mins)
• Statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) (45 mins)

The Trefnydd also informed the Business Committee that the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 had been postponed to 29 April so they can be debated alongside the regulations that will amend them.

Business Committee agreed that Plenary should be held on Wednesday next week, and that it should start at 1.30pm. Business Managers also agreed that there will be no break in proceedings.

Business Committee agreed to continue with the practice of there not being any questions on the BSA.

Number of Members attending:

Business Managers agreed to continue with the allocation of Members for each group from the last plenary session: 12 Labour and government, 6 Conservatives, 4 Plaid Cymru and 2 Brexit, giving a maximum of 28 attendees should all independent Members attend.

They also agreed to allow party leaders (including the First Minister) to be replaced by another member of their party after the first item.

The Llywydd asked officials to send out a note to all Members reminding them of Zoom meeting etiquette.

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that the government had grouped the general principles and the financial resolution for the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill together for debate.

Business Committee agreed that Plenary should be held on Wednesday next week, and that it should start at 1.30pm.

Business Managers also agreed that the next Plenary meeting should be broadcast live and there should be a short break (approx. 15 mins) scheduled before the Stage 1 debate to allow for a comfort break, and for changing Members if needed. The Llywydd asked that Business Managers go back to their groups to discuss the number of their Members that would swap during these breaks, advising that it should be no more than half, and if possible much less.

The Llywydd also asked Business Managers to feed back to their groups that second speakers on items should adapt their questions to avoid asking questions that have already been asked, so that virtual meetings can make more efficient use of time.

Business Committee agreed to continue with the practice of there not being any questions on the BSA.

Number of Members attending:

Business Managers agreed that more Members could attend plenary, given that: social distancing is no longer an issue; the IT system had been shown to work successfully last week; and, voting will be weighted. They agreed to double the allocation for each group: 12 Labour and government, 6 Conservatives, 4 Plaid Cymru and 2 Brexit, giving a maximum of 28 attendees should all independent Members attend.

Stage 1 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill

Darren Millar and Caroline Jones did not think the debate was appropriate in the current circumstances. Sian Gwenllian was happy for the debate to take place though she did have sympathy with the views expressed. Business Managers noted that as this is government business, the scheduling is a matter for the government alone and the Trefnydd emphasised the time critical nature of the Bill.

In order to allow for all three committee chairs to be called in the Stage 1 debate, the Trefnydd agreed to the request from Business Managers for it to be extended to the usual length of 60 minutes.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that voting would be by weighted voting and by roll call, and party groups will need to indicate in advance which of the Members attending will be voting on behalf of their group.

Feedback from the virtual plenary meeting

Business Managers felt that the virtual plenary meeting went very well, and agreed to send a formal thank you letter to all commission staff involved.

Business Committee agreed that plenary would take place next Wednesday at 2pm, subject to confirmation from Welsh Government regarding Ministers’ availability. The meeting would take the form of an ‘Emergency Senedd’ with reduced attendance as per agreements between groups. They agreed that the meeting would take place virtually, via video-conference, and that it would be kept as short as possible. To this end, the Trefnydd agreed that the time for each statement would be reduced to 30 minutes. Any votes that needed to take place would be via weighted voting and a roll-call. It was agreed that this would be a formal meeting of the Assembly, subject to Standing Orders as usual, and so constitute Assembly proceedings for the purposes of the Government of Wales Act 2006.

Business Managers agreed to identify which Members will attend as soon as possible, so that ICT testing can take place. They asked the Llywydd to contact the four independent Members about the meeting.

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that the motion to suspend Standing Orders at the start of the meeting will allow the Ministerial questions not to be asked – Ministers have agreed instead to provide written answers. The motion will also allow the business scheduled for Wednesday to be taken on Tuesday.

The Trefnydd also informed Business Managers that the Minister for Education has to attend a quadrilateral meeting, so the government has swapped her Statement with the Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government. She also suggested that a lunch break should be factored in to Tuesday’s business.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that there will be no fixed seating for Tuesday’s meeting, so as to enable social distancing in the Chamber. She also told Business Managers that she did not want more than fifty percent of Members from each party in the Chamber at any one time. Members are to be encouraged to find a seat close to their assigned seat within their party group if possible.  Business Managers agreed that they would stagger voting time so that all Members did not need to be in the Chamber at the same time.

The Llywydd agreed to propose that the Stage 1 and Financial Resolution motions for the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill are grouped both for debate and for the vote.

The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that she will not be accepting any topical questions, as she considers that all of the issues can be raised in either FMQs or relevant statements.

Tuesday

·         Plenary will start at 10am.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 18.10pm.

Wednesday

There is no business on Wednesday.

Business Managers noted the government’s changes and welcomed the approach of focussing on the coronavirus. Business Managers decided to close the public galleries, as the Assembly could carry on meeting in public through broadcasting and the record.

Business Managers agreed to postpone all non-government business tomorrow aside from Topical Questions.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

The Minister for Housing and Local Government proposed that Plenary should begin at 1pm on Tuesday, in light of the volume of business and in particular the likely length of the Stage 3 debate. Business Managers agreed to this proposal.

The Llywydd told Business Managers that she does not think that Plenary should sit much beyond 10pm.. The Minister for Housing and Local Government explained that the government’s intention in the event that Stage 3 was not completed on Tuesday is to move a procedural motion to adjourn the remainder of the item to after OAQs on Wednesday.

The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that there will be a 10 minute break before Stage 3 starts and then another break for a longer period of time sometime after 7.30, depending on progress.

Business Managers expressed regret that the statement by the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip on International Women's Day would be issued as a written statement and asked if the statement could be rescheduled for another day. They also noted that such late finishes were not sustainable for those with caring responsibilities

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

The Trefnydd raised that the Minister for Health and Social Services is due to participate in a COBRA meeting on Wednesday afternoon, and asked if Business Managers would agree to re-arrange business so that the Conservative debate is held immediately after OAQs at 3pm. That would enable the Minister to both respond to the Conservative debate and participate in the COBRA meeting. Business Managers agreed to rearrange business accordingly.

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

Business Managers noted that there had been no questions tabled to the Counsel General, in his capacity as law officer, for today.

Business Managers noted the letter from the Chair of EAAL Committee explaining the reasons for not tabling a motion for the debate on the committee’s report on Common Policy Frameworks: Assembly scrutiny, scheduled for this Wednesday.  Business Managers expressed their disappointment that they had not been notified in time to schedule other business in place of the EAAL debate. They did not want to see this becoming a pattern for committees.

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that during the debate on the Draft Budget 2020-21 the first speaker from each opposition group will have ten minutes, and speakers thereafter will have five minutes.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

Caroline Jones asked if there will be a government statement on the coronavirus. The Trefnydd informed her that the government has already issued a written statement, and that they would update the Assembly if there were any changes.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting on the LCM will take place directly after that item.

·         All other voting (other than Stage 3) will take place before the Stage 3 debate and voting on Stage 3 will take place throughout the item.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.  

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

The Trefnydd provided an oral update on her letter to the Llywydd on Friday regarding the Renting Home regulations, which are being revoked (with effect from today, 10 December 2019) and replaced with a new set of regulations with a coming into force date of 28 February 2020. 

These original regulations are the subject of a motion to annul tabled by David Melding, and scheduled for debate on Wednesday. Russell George informed Business Managers that David Melding now intends to withdraw the motion.  

Tuesday 

·         There will be no Voting Time.   

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.  

Business Managers agreed to reschedule Mick Antoniw’s Short Debate to 15 January 2020.

The Trefnydd responded to a previous request from Darren Millar for more information on today’s statement by the Minister for Economy and Transport on Disabled People’s Employment. She explained that the statement marks the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities and one year since the publication of the Welsh Government’s Inclusive Apprenticeships Disability Action Plan. The statement will also include an update on the government’s Employability Plan and programmes, the Communities for Work Plus programme, the “Working Wales” employability advice service and Employer Champions.

Tuesday

• There will be no Voting Time. 

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

• The vote on Stage 4 of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill will take place directly after the item.

• Voting Time on all other items will take place before the Short Debate.

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that the Minister for Health and Social Services will be answering FMQs on behalf of the First Minister, who is unwell.

She also informed Business Managers that there will be an additional oral statement today by the Minister for Economy and Transport on TATA Steel.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

Business Managers agreed to a request to postpone Suzy Davies’ Short Debate from this Wednesday to the first Wednesday in January, and agreed that when the ballot for next term is conducted in December it will start with the second week of term.

This Week’s Business

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

• All voting other than Stage 3 will take place before the Short Debate.

Business Managers noted that following Vikki Howells’ request last week to move her Short Debate, Neil Hamilton has agreed to swap dates with her, so his Short Debate will take place on Wednesday.

The Deputy Presiding Officer informed Business Managers that Stage 3 of the Senedd and Elections Bill on Wednesday has a total of 181 amendments in seven groups and it is therefore anticipated that it will take around 3 to 4 hours. The DPO will call a short 10 minute break before the start of Stage 3 proceedings, and may call another one during the item should it be necessary

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting on government business will take place directly after item 3.

·         All voting on Assembly business will take place before the Short Debate.

The Trefnydd notified Business Managers that under Standing Order 12.58, Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport will be answered by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport.  

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

The Trefnydd notified Business Managers of the government’s intention to table a motion to suspend Standing Orders to allow a debate on Brexit to take place as the last item of business before Voting Time today. This will replace the ‘Statement by the First Minister: Update on Brexit (45 mins)’ which has been withdrawn pursuant to the motion to suspend Standing Orders being agreed.

The Trefnydd stated her intention to table both the motion to suspend Standing Orders and the motion for debate as soon as possible this morning. Following that, the Llywydd will communicate the deadline for amendments to Business Managers.

The Trefnydd also notified Business Managers of the following changes to this week’s business:

·         Statement by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020-2025 (45 mins)

·         Debate under Standing Order 25.15 on The Government of Wales Act 2006 (Amendment) Order 2019 (0 mins) – postponed to 6 November

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

• All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

• There will be no Voting Time.

A Committee of the Whole Assembly convened to consider Stage 2 of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill will take place after the meeting. Provisional indications are that the finish time could be around 10pm.

Tuesday

The Trefnydd reminded Business Managers that she will be answering FMQs in place of the First Minister.

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

The Deputy Presiding Officer reminded Business Managers that there will be a short session of the Committee of the Whole Assembly immediately after voting time on Tuesday. This is to consider a motion to vary the order of consideration of amendments ahead of Stage 2 consideration of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill.

She asked them to encourage Members to stay in the Chamber for the duration of that meeting – if there are fewer than 20 Members present then the meeting will be inquorate.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she intends to open up question four to the First Minister - on Operation Yellowhammer and Islwyn (Rhiannon Passmore) - to Members from across the Chamber, given the likely level of interest.

The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that, due to the importance of the debate, she will be flexible with the time on the debate on the General Principles of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill, in order to allow as many speakers as possible.

• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm.

Wednesday

• All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that following the death of former Member Rod Richards she will say a few words at the start of Plenary today. Darren Millar informed Business Managers that Paul Davies will also say a few words at the beginning of his questions to the First Minister.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Business Managers noted the addition of a statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs on Sustainable Farming and our Land to Tuesday’s business.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

The Trefnydd notified Business Managers that the Government were withdrawing the oral statement by the Minister for Economy and Transport on Economic Development Measures.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place before Stage 3 proceedings.
• There will be a 5 minute break before Stage 3 proceedings begin.

Wednesday

• Voting on the WYPM joint debate will take place directly after that item, and voting on all other items of Assembly business will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         There will be no voting time.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         The Statement by the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee: Scrutiny of Accounts 2017-18 has been withdrawn.

·         All voting will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.20pm.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the short debate.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.00pm.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that, further to discussions after last week’s meeting, the leader of the UKIP group will be called to ask two leaders’ questions to the First Minister each week, and UKIP may ask 2 spokespeople questions on three OAQ sessions of their choice. They will not be called to ask spokespeople questions to other Ministers. Where they do not have spokespeople questions, the Llywydd will make every effort to call them for supplementary questions where possible. UKIP will notify the Llywydd by the end of the day today on their choice of three OAQ slots; whilst they are free to amend their choices at the start of any term, they will need  to notify the Llywydd of any changes.

The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that there will be a review of the Visitor Code of Conduct, particularly in relation to the public gallery, following last week’s climate change debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the debate on ‘the Primary Care Model for Wales’, and before the Llywydd and First Minister’s addresses to mark the twentieth anniversary of devolution.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.05pm.

Wednesday

·         Business Managers noted that Plaid Cymru had tabled two 30 minute debates and subsequently withdrawn one, and so their debate will now last 60 minutes.

·         All voting will take place before the Short Debate.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.00pm.

Tuesday

·         Following a motion passed in Plenary on 3 April which suspended Gareth Bennett from Assembly proceedings for a period of seven calendar days, starting yesterday, the Llywydd informed Business Managers that she will not be calling another UKIP Member for Leaders Questions in his place today.

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that there will be an external photographer in Plenary today for the start of FMQs.

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Business Managers agreed to the request by the Standards of Conduct Committee to schedule a debate on their ‘Report 01-19’ during tomorrow’s Plenary. A motion to suspend Standing Orders will be tabled in the Llywydd’s name, as a precursor to the debate.

·         All voting will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         Following the attacks in Christchurch and Utrecht, the Deputy Presiding Officer will say a few words at the start of Plenary today and will invite Members to join her in observing a moment’s silence.

·         Voting Time for items other than the Stage 3 will take place after the last item of business.

·         There will be a 10 minute break before Stage 3 proceedings begin.

Wednesday

·         All voting will take place before the short debate.

This Week’s Business

Tuesday

·         The Government made the following changes to today’s Plenary business, revised hard copies of ‘This Weeks’ Business’ were circulated:

-     Statement by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism: Tourism Strategy (45 mins) – Withdrawn

-     The Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport will deliver the oral statement on ‘Apprenticeships: Investing in Skills for the Future’ (45 mins)

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 18.05pm.

Wednesday

·         All voting other than on the Stage 3 debate will take place before the short debate.

·         There will not be a break before Stage 3 proceedings begin.

Tuesday

·         The Trefnydd  informed Business Managers that the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs will answer questions on behalf of the First Minister today, as he will be absent from the early part of Plenary

·         The Government has tabled a motion to suspend Standing Orders to allow a debate on “EU Withdrawal Negotiations” to take place as the last item of business in Plenary today. An almost identical motion has been tabled in the Scottish Parliaments and there will be a 90 minute debate and vote which take place as simultaneously as possible with the Scottish Parliament. That debate will be live streamed in certain parts of the Senedd. The Llywydd informed Business Managers that the deadline for tabling amendments would be 1.30pm today.

·         The Government has postponed the following statements until 12 March 2019 to accommodate the debate:

-     Statement by the Minister for Economy and Transport: Apprenticeships: Investing in Skills for the Future (45 mins)

-     Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (45 mins)

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         The Government added a statement by the First Minister to today’s Plenary agenda: Latest developments in the UK Government’s Brexit Negotiations

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

·         The Llywydd drew Business Managers attention to the fact that an Independent Member had tabled two amendments to the Health and Social Care committee’s report. The Llywydd noted that she was yet to take a decision on whether to select the amendments, but that historically she had not done so.

·         Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she would welcome Delyth Jewell, the new Assembly Member for the South Wales East Region, at the start of today’s Plenary and invite her to say a few words.

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

·         The Llywydd, as the Member in Charge, informed Business Managers that the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill had received Minister of the Crown consent yesterday, and reminded them that the introductory statement was scheduled for tomorrow.

·         Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         The Government has added two statements to today’s Plenary agenda:

-     Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government: Homelessness and Rough Sleeping

-     Statement by the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd: Update on the Welsh Mutual Investment Model

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

·         The Llywydd informed Business Managers that there would be a BSL interpreter in the public gallery during the ‘Debate on the Petitions Committee report: P-04-628 To improve Access to Education and Services in British Sign Language’. The Llywydd informed Business Managers that it would be helpful for those AMs speaking in the debate, as well as the Minister responding, to provide any speaking notes in advance via the Petitions Committee or the Plenary Requests mailbox, that can be shared with the interpreter.

·         Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

• The Government will be adding a motion to Suspend Standing Orders to today’s Plenary agenda as the last item of business, which if agreed will enable a 60 minute debate on ‘The Prospects for a Brexit Deal Following the House of Commons Vote’ at tomorrow’s Plenary. If Members vote in favour of scheduling the debate, it is proposed that it will be tabled as early as possible tomorrow morning once the outcome of the House of Commons vote is known, and that the Llywydd will seek to allow a window of at least 2 hours for Members to table amendments. It would also be added as the last item of business tomorrow to ensure the maximum window for Members to consider the motion and table amendments.

• Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

• If a the motion to suspend Standing Orders to enable a debate on the ‘Prospects for a Brexit Deal Following the House of Commons Vote’ is accepted at today’s Plenary, Plenary tomorrow is unlikely to run past 7.20pm.

Tuesday

• The Trefnydd noted that most of Tuesday’s business had been postponed until next week to make way for a series of statements on the Welsh Government’s preparations for a no-deal Brexit, and that she had asked for copies of these oral statements to be circulated to spokespeople earlier on in the day than usual if at all possible.

• Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

• Rhun ap Iorwerth reminded Business Managers that the National Assembly for Wales CPA branch would be holding its AGM in the Siambr tonight.

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

This Week’s Business

Tuesday

• Today’s Plenary will begin at 12.45pm with tributes to Steffan Lewis AM. The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she would open the session and then call for a minute’s silence which will be started and ended with the bell; a photograph of Steffan will be displayed on the screens throughout the session.  The Llywydd stated that she would call the Leader of Plaid Cymru, followed by the First Minister, party leaders, and then others. The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she intended to suspend Plenary for up to 10 minutes before resuming normal business. The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that Members of Steffan’s family will be present in the public gallery for the tributes. 
• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Spokespeople’s questions to the Counsel General

In consultation with Business Managers, the Llywydd decided that there should be a Spokespeople’s Questions slot during OAQs to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister.

Business Managers raised the possibility of having separate OAQ sessions for the respective roles of Counsel General and Brexit Minister, and noted that it would be useful to have a further note from the Welsh Government explaining the Counsel General and Brexit Minister’s roles and status.

Business Managers also raised the issue of how they might ask oral questions to the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip.

The Trefnydd noted that a new Ministerial Responsibilities document will be circulated today, but that it would not set out the split of responsibilities between Ministers and their Deputies. Business Managers asked that the Welsh Government give further thought to the distinction of responsibilities between them in OAQ sessions, particularly for spokespeople’s questions. In the meantime, Business Managers noted their assumption that all spokespeople’s questions should be directed towards relevant Ministers in the meantime.

This Week’s Business

Tuesday

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she will call a member from each party on the First Minister’s resignation statement. The Llywydd also raised the possibility that Andrew RT Davies and Leanne Wood be called as former party leaders who served for a significant proportion of the First Minister’s time in office, as well as one other longstanding Labour Member, if those Members so wished.

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time for government business will take place after item 5 (Stage 4 of the Childcare Funding (Wales) Bill), and Voting Time for assembly business will take place before the short debate.

Business Managers noted the paper.

Tuesday

·         The Leader of the House will be answering FMQs on behalf of the First Minister today in his absence.

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place after the short debate and before Stage 3 proceedings.

·         There will be a 10 minute break before Stage 3 proceedings begin.

Tuesday

·         The Leader of the House will be answering FMQs on behalf of the First Minister today in his absence

·         The Llywydd raised the issue of Ministers making overly long statements in Plenary which can take up over a third of the allocated time for that item. The Llywydd reminded the Leader of the House  of the convention that Ministers statements be no longer than 10 minutes.

·         Voting Time will take place after the last item of business

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Tuesday

·         Business Managers agreed to table a motion to suspend Standing Orders, to be taken after the Business Statement and Announcement, to move Wednesday’s Short Debate to the last item of business on Tuesday.

Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

Wednesday

·         Business Managers discussed how to avoid overly long Wednesdays in future by scheduling one hour less of opposition time when items such as Committee Statements or Members Legislative Proposals are scheduled, to take account of Topical Questions which will now be a recurring item each Wednesday.

Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place as the last item of business.

Tuesday

·         All votes in relation to the Public Health (Wales) Bill would take place during Stage 3 proceedings.

·         The Government reduced the time allocated to Stage 3 proceedings from three hours to two hours.

·         There would be a 10 minute break before Stage 3 proceedings begin.

Business Managers also noted that voting on all other items of business will take place before Stage 3 proceedings begin.

On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will be making a statement on the Champions League Final on Tuesday (45 mins)

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

The Minister for Social Services and Public Health will be making a statement on the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act - one year on (45 mins).

The Government have tabled a motion to suspend Standing Orders in order to add a 90 minute debate on the Implications for Wales of leaving the European Union on Tuesday. The Llywydd informed Business Managers that any amendments should be tabled by 1pm, to allow time for them to be published and added to the Agenda before the debate starts.

The debate on Tackling Fuel Poverty through the Warm Homes Programme (60 mins) has been withdrawn.

At the start of the meeting, the Llywydd will be paying tribute to Claire Clancy, the Clerk and Chief Executive, who is retiring at the end of the week. Party Leaders will then be called in turn, to speak for up to a minute, followed by Dafydd Elis-Thomas as former Llywydd.

Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.05pm.

Wednesday

Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.45pm.

Tuesday

Mark Reckless will be questioning the First Minister during Leaders Questions in the absence of Neil Hamilton.

There will be a motion suspend Standing Orders to allow the debate on the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee report on the implications for Wales of leaving the European Union, which was re-scheduled from last week, to take place on Tuesday, and to allow Dawn Bowden’s Short Debate to take place on Wednesday.

The Government reduced the time allocated to Stage 3 proceedings from three hours to two hours.

Business Managers noted that all votes in relation to the Land Transaction Tax and Anti-avoidance of Devolved Taxes (Wales) Bill will take place during Stage 3 proceedings.

Business Managers questioned the timing of the debate on the National Parks given the lack of availability of the Future Landscapes Wales report.  The Leader of the House agreed to give the matter further consideration.

Business Managers also noted that voting on all other items of business will take place before Stage 3 proceedings begin.

Wednesday

The First Minister will be making a statement on the triggering of Article 50 (45 mins).

Business Committee agreed that Voting Time on Wednesday would take place before the Short Debates.

On Tuesday, the statement by the Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language: The Future of Youth Work Delivery in Wales (45 mins) has been postponed to Tuesday 4 April.

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children will be making a statement on Park Homes Commission Rate – next steps (45 mins).

The Leader of the House informed Business Managers that the Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language will be answering questions on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Education on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Leader of the House informed Business Managers that the First Minister was unable to attend Plenary today due to a personal matter, and so she would be answering First Minister’s Questions in his place.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

Statements on the Independent Evaluation of the Emergency Ambulance Services Clinical Response Model and the OECD Education Review and Recommendations have been swapped.

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will be making Statement on Future of Local Bus Services (45 mins).

The Leader of the House will be answering questions on behalf of the First Minister who is on a visit to the USA. Opposition Leaders will ask questions without notice as usual.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Minister for Social Services and Public Health will be making a statement on Sport Wales (45 mins)

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children will be making a statement on Resilient Communities – Next Steps (45 mins)

David Rowlands expressed the disappointment of the UKIP group at not being approached by other parties to co-table the motion on tidal lagoons for debate on Tuesday, which had been tabled by Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The statement by the Minister for Skills and Science on Small Business Research Initiative was postponed.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Counsel General will be making a statement on the Supreme Court Ruling on Article 50.

The First Minister will be making a statement on "Securing Wales' Future": Transition from the European Union to a new relationship with Europe.

The statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children on Working Together for Safer Communities was postponed until 7 February.

The debate on the Annual Report on Equality 2015-16, including the Welsh Ministers' Interim Report on Equality 2016 was withdrawn.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The timing for the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport: Consultation on the Draft Dementia Strategic Action Plan for Wales was increased from 30 to 45 minutes.

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs will be making a statement on Avian Influenza (30 mins).

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport will be making a statement on the New Treatment Fund (45 mins).

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education will be making a statement on the Diamond Review of Higher Education and Student Finance Arrangements in Wales on Tuesday.

A motion to amend Standing Order 26 in relation to Member Bills will be taken after 90 Second Statements on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Minister for Skills and Science will be making a statement on employability (30 mins).

Business Managers had noted on 4 October that Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, originally scheduled for 16 November, would be postponed to Wednesday 23 November.

Julie Morgan’s Short Debate, which was postponed from 9 November has been re-scheduled to follow Hefin David’s Short Debate.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debates.

The First Minister will be making a statement on EU transition, following FMQs.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport will be making a statement on the creation of a Specialist and Critical Care Centre.

The Minister for Lifelong Learning and the Welsh Language will be making a statement on the Ministerial Taskforce for the Valleys.

The Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure on Focus on Exports has been postponed until 22 November 2016.

The Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport on Winter Preparedness has been postponed until 15 November 2016.

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that Wednesday would be the first instance of 90 Second Statements and that requests should be received by noon on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Llywydd reminded Business Managers that the Aberfan commemoration would take place on Wednesday when Dawn Bowden would be called, followed by each party leader and finishing with a minute’s silence.

The debate on the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee’s report on the Wales Bill was moved to be the last item before voting time.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children will be making a statement on Resilient Communities.

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs will be making a statement on the Oil Spill at Nantycaws, Carmarthenshire as the last item of business before voting time.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure on the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales was postponed until 18 October.

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will be making a statement on the M4 Corridor around Newport Project on Tuesday.

Plaid Cymru will use their allocated time to hold two 30 minute debates on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will be making a statement on the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games Homecoming 2016 on Tuesday.

Plaid Cymru will use their allocated time to hold two 30 minute debates on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

The First Minister would be making a statement on the Programme for Government on Tuesday.

Plaid Cymru would use their allocated time to hold two 30 minute debates on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday, Business Committee agreed that Voting Time would take place before the Short Debate.

Tuesday

The First Minister will be making a statement on EU Transition.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government will be making a statement on the Land Transaction Tax and Anti-avoidance of Devolved Taxes (Wales) Bill.

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will be making a statement on Major International Sporting Events.

Voting Time will take place after the last item of business.

Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.05pm.

Wednesday

A motion has been tabled to alter the remit of the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee.

Voting Time will take place before the short debate.

Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.40pm.

Voting

On Tuesday, Voting Time would be after the final item of business. On Wednesday Voting Time would take place before the Short Debates.