Meetings

NDM8952 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the Annual Report on the Senedd Commission's Official Languages Scheme for the period 2024-25, in accordance with paragraph 8(8) of Schedule 2 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, laid before the Senedd on 2 July 2025.

The item started at 15.31

NDM8952 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the Annual Report on the Senedd Commission's Official Languages Scheme for the period 2024-25, in accordance with paragraph 8(8) of Schedule 2 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, laid before the Senedd on 2 July 2025.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Commissioners reviewed the draft Official Languages Annual Report which details the work undertaken across the organisation during the year 2024-25, to enable the Commission to uphold its commitment to deliver exemplary bilingual services.

The Senedd Commission is required to “lay before the Assembly a report setting out how the Commission has, during the year in question, given effect to the Scheme”.

The Commissioner with the portfolio for Official Languages thanked the Translation and Reporting Service proposed some additional points to note, which were agreed by other Commissioners and would be captured in the final report.

Commissioners agreed the draft annual report (subject to the additions proposed) and noted that the final report will be published online and a motion will be tabled by the Llywydd to enable the required plenary debate to take place on 9 July.

Commissioners considered a paper that presented some ideas relating to the official languages of the Senedd and Senedd Commission, prompted by reflections of the Commissioner with responsibility for the Official Languages Scheme, following a commitment given to continue to monitor and look for ways to remove obstacles to the use of the Welsh language in Senedd proceedings.

Commissioners noted the package of practical changes currently being discussed with Committee Chairs and teams and in relation to Committee meetings. They also noted assurances that preparatory work for Senedd reform by the Commission will pay due attention to matters relating to language.

Commissioners agreed to carry out a survey/language audit to understand how to better support Members and their staff who are Welsh speakers and learners to use their spoken and written Welsh language skills, as included in the Official Languages Scheme Annual Report.

They also agreed to consider the current ethos, promotion and service provision in relation to the Senedd’s official languages along with the supporting legal framework as part of preparation for the Seventh Senedd.

NDM8633 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the Annual Report on the Senedd Commission's Official Languages Scheme for the period 2023-24, in accordance with paragraph 8(8) of Schedule 2 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, laid before the Senedd on 19 June 2024.

The item started at 15.23

NDM8633 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the Annual Report on the Senedd Commission's Official Languages Scheme for the period 2023-24, in accordance with paragraph 8(8) of Schedule 2 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, laid before the Senedd on 19 June 2024.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM8354 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the Annual Report on the Senedd Commission's Official Languages Scheme for the period 2022-23, in accordance with paragraph 8(8) of Schedule 2 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, laid before the Senedd on 29 June 2023.

The item started at 15.33

NDM8354 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the Annual Report on the Senedd Commission's Official Languages Scheme for the period 2022-23, in accordance with paragraph 8(8) of Schedule 2 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, laid before the Senedd on 29 June 2023.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

This item was postponed

Letter from Rhun Ap Iorwerth MS, Commissioner, to the Chair of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee

Draft correspondence from the Chair: For consideration

9.1     The Committee considered the draft Official Languages Scheme, and agreed to write to the Commissioner with its view.