Agenda and minutes

Venue: Zoom

Contact: Aled Elwyn Jones 

Expected timing: 319(v3) 

Media

Senedd.TV: View the webcast

Transcript: Transcript for 27/01/2021 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Items
Expected timing No. Item

This meeting was held in a virtual format, with Members joining by video-conference.

 

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales

The Presiding Officer will call party spokespeople to ask questions without notice after Question 2.

View Questions

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The item started at 13.30

The first 8 questions were asked. Questions 4 was answered by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Minister after question 2.

 

(45 mins)

2.

Questions to the Counsel General and Minister for European Transition (in respect of his European Transition responsibilities)

The Presiding Officer will call party spokespeople to ask questions without notice after Question 2.

View Questions

 

Minutes:

The item started at 14.26

The first 7 questions were asked. Question 8 was withdrawn.

In accordance with Standing Order 12.18, at 14.29 the proceedings were suspended until 14.38.

 

(20 mins)

3.

Topical Questions

[To ask the First Minister]

Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): Will the First Minister make a statement on the number of COVID-19 cases at the DVLA in Swansea?

 

[To be answered by the Minister for Housing and Local Government]

David Rees (Aberavon): What actions is the Welsh Government taking to support residents who were evacuated from their homes in Skewen following flooding caused by water emanating from old mine workings?

Minutes:

The item started at 15.22

To the First Minister:

Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): Will the First Minister make a statement on the number of COVID-19 cases at the DVLA in Swansea?

To the Minister for Housing and Local Government:

David Rees (Aberavon): What actions is the Welsh Government taking to support residents who were evacuated from their homes in Skewen following flooding caused by water emanating from old mine workings?

 

(5 mins)

4.

90 Second Statements

Minutes:

The item started at 15.44

David Melding made a statement on – Holocaust Memorial Day

 

(15 mins)

5.

Appointment of an Acting Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

NDM7559 John Griffiths (Newport East)

To propose that the Senedd in accordance with paragraph 4 (1) of Schedule 1 to the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019 and Standing Order 10.5 nominates Nick Bennett for appointment by Her Majesty as Acting Public Services Ombudsman for Wales for a term starting on 1 August 2021 and ending on 31 March 2022.

Supporting documents
Report of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee

Minutes:

The item started at 15.46

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM7559 John Griffiths (Newport East)

To propose that the Senedd in accordance with paragraph 4 (1) of Schedule 1 to the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019 and Standing Order 10.5 nominates Nick Bennett for appointment by Her Majesty as Acting Public Services Ombudsman for Wales for a term starting on 1 August 2021 and ending on 31 March 2022.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

48

1

2

51

The motion was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

6.

Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv) – Care and support for stroke survivors

NDM7463 Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the publication of research by the Stroke Association into the experiences of stroke survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic, which found that stroke survivors and carers are struggling to access the services and support they need.

2. Notes that admissions at acute stroke units in Wales fell 12 per cent between April and June 2020 compared to 2019.

3. Believes that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, stroke survivors should be able to continue to access the acute care, rehabilitation, mental health treatment and support they need to make the best possible recovery.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure local health boards in Wales continue their work to improve stroke care in Wales and do not allow COVID-19 to delay much needed structural changes.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to publish a new national plan for stroke services upon the expiration of the current Stroke Delivery Plan to ensure care for those affected by stroke is strengthened throughout Wales in the future.

Stroke Delivery Plan 2017-2020

Co-submitters
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central)
Nick Ramsay (Monmouth)
Adam Price (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)
Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)
Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

Supporters
Caroline Jones (South Wales West)
Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)
Mark Isherwood (North Wales)
Neil McEvoy (South Wales Central)

Minutes:

The item started at 15.49

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM7463 Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the publication of research by the Stroke Association into the experiences of stroke survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic, which found that stroke survivors and carers are struggling to access the services and support they need.

2. Notes that admissions at acute stroke units in Wales fell 13 per cent between April and June this year compared to last year.

3. Believes that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, stroke survivors should be able to continue to access the acute care, rehabilitation, mental health treatment and support they need to make the best possible recovery.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure local health boards in Wales continue their work to improve stroke care in Wales and do not allow COVID-19 to delay much needed structural changes.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to publish a new national plan for stroke services upon the expiration of the current Stroke Delivery Plan to ensure care for those affected by stroke is strengthened throughout Wales in the future.

Stroke Delivery Plan 2017-2020

Co-Submitters

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central)

Nick Ramsay (Monmouth)

Adam Price (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

Supporters

Caroline Jones (South Wales West)

Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)

Mark Isherwood (North Wales)

Neil McEvoy (South Wales Central)

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

38

13

0

51

The motion was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

7.

Welsh Conservatives debate – The supply and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines

NDM7562 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the swift action taken by the UK Conservative Government in securing access to 367 million vaccine doses and ensuring the UK was the first country in the world to authorise a vaccine.

2. Recognises the significant supply of vaccines provided by the UK Conservative Government to all home nations.

3. Regrets the slow start to the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Wales.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to implement a five-point plan to guarantee the success of the vaccination programme, which includes:

a) appointing a Welsh Government vaccines minister;

b) cutting red tape to enable pharmacies and retired or former health professionals to administer the vaccines;

c) setting clear targets and publishing detailed daily information to ensure the vaccination programme is on track in all parts of Wales;

d) mobilising a 'volunteer army' to support the Welsh NHS in the delivery of the vaccination programme; and

e) introducing 24/7 vaccinations at centres across the country.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1. Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the swift action taken by the independent regulator, the MHRA, ensuring the UK was the first country in the world to authorise a vaccine.

2. Notes the action taken by the UK Government on behalf of the 4 nations to secure vaccine supplies.

3. Notes that roll-out across Wales and the rest of the UK is dependent on security of supply from the manufacturers.

4. Notes that delays in supply of OAZ have a direct impact on roll out in primary care.

5. Notes the Welsh Government strategy to deliver the following 3 key milestones:

a) by mid-February – all care home residents and staff; frontline health and social care staff; everyone over 70 and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered vaccination;

b) by the spring  – vaccination will have been offered to all the other phase one priority groups. This is everyone over 50 and everyone who is at-risk because they have an underlying health condition;

c) by the autumn – vaccination will have been offered to all other eligible adults in Wales, in line with any guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

In accordance with Standing Order 12.23 (iii), amendment 2 tabled to the motion was not selected.

Minutes:

The item started at 16.15

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM7562 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the swift action taken by the UK Conservative Government in securing access to 367 million vaccine doses and ensuring the UK was the first country in the world to authorise a vaccine.

2. Recognises the significant supply of vaccines provided by the UK Conservative Government to all home nations.

3. Regrets the slow start to the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Wales.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to implement a five-point plan to guarantee the success of the vaccination programme, which includes:

a) appointing a Welsh Government vaccines minister;

b) cutting red tape to enable pharmacies and retired or former health professionals to administer the vaccines;

c) setting clear targets and publishing detailed daily information to ensure the vaccination programme is on track in all parts of Wales;

d) mobilising a 'volunteer army' to support the Welsh NHS in the delivery of the vaccination programme; and

e) introducing 24/7 vaccinations at centres across the country.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

11

1

39

51

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Rebecca Evans (Gower) 

Delete all and replace with: 

To propose that the Senedd: 

1. Welcomes the swift action taken by the independent regulator, the MHRA, ensuring the UK was the first country in the world to authorise a vaccine. 

2. Notes the action taken by the UK Government on behalf of the 4 nations to secure vaccine supplies. 

3. Notes that roll-out across Wales and the rest of the UK is dependent on security of supply from the manufacturers. 

4. Notes that delays in supply of OAZ have a direct impact on roll out in primary care. 

5. Notes the Welsh Government strategy to deliver the following 3 key milestones: 

a) by mid-February – all care home residents and staff; frontline health and social care staff; everyone over 70 and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered vaccination; 

b) by the spring  – vaccination will have been offered to all the other phase one priority groups. This is everyone over 50 and everyone who is at-risk because they have an underlying health condition; 

c) by the autumn – vaccination will have been offered to all other eligible adults in Wales, in line with any guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). 

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

31

4

16

51

Amendment 1 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7562 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the swift action taken by the independent regulator, the MHRA, ensuring the UK was the first country in the world to authorise a vaccine.

2. Notes the action taken by the UK Government on behalf of the 4 nations to secure vaccine supplies.

3. Notes that roll-out across Wales and the rest of the UK is dependent on security of supply from the manufacturers.

4. Notes that delays in supply of OAZ have a direct impact on roll out in primary care.

5. Notes the Welsh Government strategy to deliver the following 3 key milestones:

a) by mid-February – all care home residents and staff; frontline health and social care staff; everyone over 70 and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered vaccination;

b) by the spring  – vaccination will have been offered to all the other phase one priority groups. This is everyone over 50 and everyone who is at-risk because they have an underlying health condition;

c) by the autumn – vaccination will have been offered to all other eligible adults in Wales, in line with any guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

For

Abstain

Against

Total

32

3

16

51

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

8.

Plaid Cymru debate – Flooding in Rhondda Cynon Taf

NDM7561 Sian Gwenllian (Arfon)

To propose that the Senedd:

Calls on the Welsh Government to establish an independent inquiry into flooding in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1. Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

Calls on the Welsh Government to protect communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf and across Wales from flooding, by:

a) establishing a Welsh flood agency to co-ordinate flood risk management and the response to flooding events;

b) designating blue belts to restrict unnecessary development in areas of significant flood risk;

c) increasing investment in flood defences and flood risk management;

d) facilitating independent inquiries into significant flooding events to ensure learning;

e) ensuring that funding is immediately available to councils, emergency services and Natural Resources Wales to get through the initial clean-up stage effectively; and

f) working with the insurance industry to ensure that homes and businesses can access affordable flood-related insurance.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2. Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose the Senedd:

1. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) commend the work of the emergency responders, flood risk management authorities and all those who helped in the response to intense flooding events in 2020 and 2021 in Rhondda Cynon Taff and across Wales;

b) ensure all independent flood investigations are subject to scrutiny by the public and independent experts so the full facts are available and can be acted upon;

c) continue to support our Risk Management Authorities in Rhondda Cynon Taff and across Wales to ensure defences remain operational and help those homeowners who have been affected by the impacts of flooding whilst coping with the coronavirus pandemic; and

d) support the measures in our new National Strategy for flood and coastal risk to ensure we increase the resilience of our communities to the increasingly severe risks from the changing climate.

 

Minutes:

The item started at 17.52

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM7561 Sian Gwenllian (Arfon) 

To propose that the Senedd: 

Calls on the Welsh Government to establish an independent inquiry into flooding in Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

For

Abstain

Against

Total

8

14

29

51

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Darren Millar (Clwyd West) 

Delete all and replace with:  

To propose that the Senedd: 

Calls on the Welsh Government to protect communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf and across Wales from flooding, by: 

a) establishing a Welsh flood agency to co-ordinate flood risk management and the response to flooding events; 

b) designating blue belts to restrict unnecessary development in areas of significant flood risk; 

c) increasing investment in flood defences and flood risk management; 

d) facilitating independent inquiries into significant flooding events to ensure learning; 

e) ensuring that funding is immediately available to councils, emergency services and Natural Resources Wales to get through the initial clean-up stage effectively; and 

f) working with the insurance industry to ensure that homes and businesses can access affordable flood-related insurance. 

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

10

3

38

51

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2. Rebecca Evans (Gower) 

Delete all and replace with: 

To propose the Senedd: 

1. Calls on the Welsh Government to: 

a) commend the work of the emergency responders, flood risk management authorities and all those who helped in the response to intense flooding events in 2020 and 2021 in Rhondda Cynon Taff and across Wales; 

b) ensure all independent flood investigations are subject to scrutiny by the public and independent experts so the full facts are available and can be acted upon; 

c) continue to support our Risk Management Authorities in Rhondda Cynon Taff and across Wales to ensure defences remain operational and help those homeowners who have been affected by the impacts of flooding whilst coping with the coronavirus pandemic; and 

d) support the measures in our new National Strategy for flood and coastal risk to ensure we increase the resilience of our communities to the increasingly severe risks from the changing climate. 

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

28

13

10

51

Amendment 2 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7561 Sian Gwenllian (Arfon)

To propose the Senedd:

1. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) commend the work of the emergency responders, flood risk management authorities and all those who helped in the response to intense flooding events in 2020 and 2021 in Rhondda Cynon Taff and across Wales;

b) ensure all independent flood investigations are subject to scrutiny by the public and independent experts so the full facts are available and can be acted upon;

c) continue to support our Risk Management Authorities in Rhondda Cynon Taff and across Wales to ensure defences remain operational and help those homeowners who have been affected by the impacts of flooding whilst coping with the coronavirus pandemic; and

d) support the measures in our new National Strategy for flood and coastal risk to ensure we increase the resilience of our communities to the increasingly severe risks from the changing climate.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

28

14

9

51

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

9.

Voting Time

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 12.18, at 17.23 proceedings were suspended to allow a technical break before voting time.

The item started at 17.28

(30 mins)

10.

Short Debate

NDM7560 Laura Anne Jones (South Wales East)

Making a pitch for the future: the benefits of artificial grass sports pitches in Wales.

Minutes:

The item started at 17.34

NDM7560 Laura Anne Jones (South Wales East) 

Making a pitch for the future: the benefits of artificial grass sports pitches in Wales.

Votes Summary

Supporting documents: