Agenda and minutes

Venue: Y Siambr - Y Senedd. View directions

Expected timing: 227(v3) 

Media

Senedd.TV: View the webcast

Transcript: Transcript for 18/09/2019 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Items
Expected timing No. Item

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd

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 6 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Minister after question 2.

(45 mins)

2.

Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language

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

 

View Questions

Minutes:

The item started at 14.20

The first 6 questions were asked. Question 2 was answered by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Minister after question 2.

(30 mins)

3.

Questions to the Assembly Commission

Minutes:

The item started at 15.06

All 3 questions were asked.

(20 mins)

4.

Topical Questions

To ask the Minister for Economy and Transport

John Griffiths (Newport East): Will Welsh Government provide an update on the action taken since the announcement of the proposed closure of the Orb Steelworks in Newport?

Suzy Davies (South Wales West): Will the Minister provide an update on Welsh Government plans to support Ineos Automotive's decision to base themselves in Bridgend?

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.16

To ask the Minister for Economy and Transport

Answered by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport

John Griffiths (Newport East): Will Welsh Government provide an update on the action taken since the announcement of the proposed closure of the Orb Steelworks in Newport?

Suzy Davies (South Wales West): Will the Minister provide an update on Welsh Government plans to support Ineos Automotive's decision to base themselves in Bridgend? – The question was not asked

(5 mins)

5.

90 Second Statements

Minutes:

The item started at 15.29

Neil McEvoy made a statement on Remembering Owain Glyndwr.

(5 mins)

6.

Motion under Standing Order 26.17(iii) in relation to the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill

NDM7134 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that The National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 26.17(iii), agrees that Stage 2 proceedings of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill be considered by a Committee of the Whole Assembly.

Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.31

NDM7134 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that The National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 26.17(iii), agrees that Stage 2 proceedings of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill be considered by a Committee of the Whole Assembly.

Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

(5 mins)

7.

Motion under Standing Order 16.5 to establish a committee

NDM7136 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 16.5:

1. Establishes a Committee on Assembly Electoral Reform.

2. Agrees that the remit of the Committee is to examine the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Assembly Electoral Reform.

3. Agrees that the Committee will be dissolved following a Plenary debate on its final report.

A Parliament that works for Wales - The report of the Expert Panel on Assembly Electoral Reform

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.31

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

NDM7136 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 16.5:

1. Establishes a Committee on Assembly Electoral Reform.

2. Agrees that the remit of the Committee is to examine the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Assembly Electoral Reform.

3. Agrees that the Committee will be dissolved following a Plenary debate on its final report.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

35

1

11

47

The motion was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

8.

Debate on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee report: Endoscopy Services in Wales

NDM7132 Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on endoscopy services in Wales, which was laid in the Table Office on 8 April 2019.

Note: The response from the Welsh Government to the report was laid in the Table Office on 4 July 2019.

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.32

NDM7132 Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on endoscopy services in Wales, which was laid in the Table Office on 8 April 2019.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

(60 mins)

9.

Welsh Conservatives Debate - Air Quality

NDM7133 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the National Assembly of Wales:

1. Notes that Wales has some of the worst air quality in the UK and that some areas have breached EU regulations for several years, culminating in the Welsh Government being taken to court for its lack of action.

2. Regrets that around 2,000 people die early each year (6 per cent of all deaths in Wales) as a result of poor air quality.

3. Further notes that air pollution exacerbates existing lung conditions and is a cause of asthma and lung cancer, and that long-term impacts of poor air quality are not yet fully understood.

4. Calls on this Assembly to pass and enact a clean air bill in this Assembly term before the next Assembly elections.

5. Believes that the act should:

a) enshrine in law World Health Organisation air quality guidelines;

b) mandate the Welsh Government to produce a statutory air quality strategy every 5 years;

c) provide a statutory duty on local authorities to appropriately monitor and assess air pollution, and take action against it;

d) introduce a ‘right to breathe’ whereby local authorities are obliged to inform vulnerable groups when certain levels breach recommended guidance.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes that unacceptable levels of air pollution persist in some areas of Wales, the UK and Europe.

Regrets that some estimates suggest long term exposure to poor air quality is a contributory factor in the death of as many as 36,000 people in the UK, and as many as 1,400 people in Wales.

Further notes that short term exposure to air pollution can exacerbate respiratory disease, that long term exposure increases morbidity and mortality risk from lung cancer and other conditions, and that we may expect other health impacts of poor air quality to be identified as the scientific understanding evolves.

Welcomes positive action by Welsh Government including the introduction of permanent 50mph speed limits, the delivery of the Clean Air Day campaign and the development of a Clean Air Plan for Wales.

Calls on the UK and Welsh governments to use all available legislative and non-legislative actions to improve air quality.

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

Amendment 2 - Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Insert as new sub-points in point 5:

require the gradual phase-out of the sale of diesel-only and petrol-only vehicles by 2030;

create clean air zones in towns and cities;

give communities the right to place pollution-monitoring equipment outside of schools and hospitals;

enable local authorities to introduce pollution and congestion charges;

set national and regional plans to reduce air pollution in Wales;

reform planning law to require impact of air pollution to be given greater weight in the planning system.

 

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.57

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM7133 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the National Assembly of Wales:

1. Notes that Wales has some of the worst air quality in the UK and that some areas have breached EU regulations for several years, culminating in the Welsh Government being taken to court for its lack of action.

2. Regrets that around 2,000 people die early each year (6 per cent of all deaths in Wales) as a result of poor air quality.

3. Further notes that air pollution exacerbates existing lung conditions and is a cause of asthma and lung cancer, and that long-term impacts of poor air quality are not yet fully understood.

4. Calls on this Assembly to pass and enact a clean air bill in this Assembly term before the next Assembly elections.

5. Believes that the act should:

a) enshrine in law World Health Organisation air quality guidelines;

b) mandate the Welsh Government to produce a statutory air quality strategy every 5 years;

c) provide a statutory duty on local authorities to appropriately monitor and assess air pollution, and take action against it;

d) introduce a ‘right to breathe’ whereby local authorities are obliged to inform vulnerable groups when certain levels breach recommended guidance.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

14

0

33

47

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 National Assembly for Wales:

Notes that unacceptable levels of air pollution persist in some areas of Wales, the UK and Europe.

Regrets that some estimates suggest long term exposure to poor air quality is a contributory factor in the death of as many as 36,000 people in the UK, and as many as 1,400 people in Wales.

Further notes that short term exposure to air pollution can exacerbate respiratory disease, that long term exposure increases morbidity and mortality risk from lung cancer and other conditions, and that we may expect other health impacts of poor air quality to be identified as the scientific understanding evolves.

Welcomes positive action by Welsh Government including the introduction of permanent 50mph speed limits, the delivery of the Clean Air Day campaign and the development of a Clean Air Plan for Wales.

Calls on the UK and Welsh governments to use all available legislative and non-legislative actions to improve air quality.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

26

0

21

47

Amendment 1 was agreed.

As amendment 1 was agreed, amendment 2 was de-selected

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7133 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that unacceptable levels of air pollution persist in some areas of Wales, the UK and Europe.

2. Regrets that some estimates suggest long term exposure to poor air quality is a contributory factor in the death of as many as 36,000 people in the UK, and as many as 1,400 people in Wales.

3. Further notes that short term exposure to air pollution can exacerbate respiratory disease, that long term exposure increases morbidity and mortality risk from lung cancer and other conditions, and that we may expect other health impacts of poor air quality to be identified as the scientific understanding evolves.

4. Welcomes positive action by Welsh Government including the introduction of permanent 50mph speed limits, the delivery of the Clean Air Day campaign and the development of a Clean Air Plan for Wales.

5. Calls on the UK and Welsh governments to use all available legislative and non-legislative actions to improve air quality.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

25

0

20

45

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

10.

Plaid Cymru Debate - Climate Justice

NDM7137 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the call from Greta Thunberg and youth activists from Fridays for Future for adults to join with students and young people striking on 20 September 2019 to demand climate justice.

2. Applauds the role that students and young people have played in Wales and across the world in bringing the climate emergency to the attention of policy makers and the public.

3. Supports the planned strikes and demonstrations by young people and adults on 20 September 2019.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

Applauds the role young people have played in driving the climate change agenda, however, believes that striking and young people missing school is not the solution.

Recognises the widespread public concern regarding global warming and that limiting climate change requires international effort and co-operation, and notes the following actions taken to address such concerns:

a) the world-leading role taken by the UK Government in tackling climate change and the transition to clean growth;

b) that the UK has cut emissions by more than 40 per cent since 1990 while growing the economy by more than two thirds, the best performance on a per person basis than any other G7 nation;

c) the introduction by the UK Government of a legally binding net zero target to end the UK's contribution to global warming entirely by 2050.

Notes the Welsh Government’s declaration of a climate emergency but regrets the government’s failure to bring forward a comprehensive set of measures fitting for such an emergency.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected] 

Amendment 2 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete point 1 and replace with:

Supports the call of the Fridays for Future movement for all politicians and business leaders to listen to young people because their determination, their ideas and their efforts are urgently needed to bring about a low carbon Wales.

Amendment 3 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Welcomes the commitment from Welsh Government to introduce votes for 16 and 17 years olds in time for the 2021 elections to the National Assembly for Wales, giving those young people a stronger voice in how Wales rises to the challenge of climate change.

 

 

Minutes:

The item started at 16.55

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM7137 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the call from Greta Thunberg and youth activists from Fridays for Future for adults to join with students and young people striking on 20 September 2019 to demand climate justice.

2. Applauds the role that students and young people have played in Wales and across the world in bringing the climate emergency to the attention of policy makers and the public.

3. Supports the planned strikes and demonstrations by young people and adults on 20 September 2019.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

8

0

39

47

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

Applauds the role young people have played in driving the climate change agenda, however, believes that striking and young people missing school is not the solution.

Recognises the widespread public concern regarding global warming and that limiting climate change requires international effort and co-operation, and notes the following actions taken to address such concerns:

a) the world-leading role taken by the UK Government in tackling climate change and the transition to clean growth;

b) that the UK has cut emissions by more than 40 per cent since 1990 while growing the economy by more than two thirds, the best performance on a per person basis than any other G7 nation;

c) the introduction by the UK Government of a legally binding net zero target to end the UK's contribution to global warming entirely by 2050.

Notes the Welsh Government’s declaration of a climate emergency but regrets the government’s failure to bring forward a comprehensive set of measures fitting for such an emergency.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

12

1

34

47

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete point 1 and replace with:

Supports the call of the Fridays for Future movement for all politicians and business leaders to listen to young people because their determination, their ideas and their efforts are urgently needed to bring about a low carbon Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

27

8

13

48

Amendment 2 was agreed.

Amendment 3 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Welcomes the commitment from Welsh Government to introduce votes for 16 and 17 years olds in time for the 2021 elections to the National Assembly for Wales, giving those young people a stronger voice in how Wales rises to the challenge of climate change.

A vote was taken on amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

30

3

15

48

Amendment 3 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7137 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Supports the call of the Fridays for Future movement for all politicians and business leaders to listen to young people because their determination, their ideas and their efforts are urgently needed to bring about a low carbon Wales.

2. Applauds the role that students and young people have played in Wales and across the world in bringing the climate emergency to the attention of policy makers and the public.

3. Welcomes the commitment from Welsh Government to introduce votes for 16 and 17 years olds in time for the 2021 elections to the National Assembly for Wales, giving those young people a stronger voice in how Wales rises to the challenge of climate change.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

26

15

6

47

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

11.

Plaid Cymru debate - NHS Pay and Conditions

NDM7138 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Regrets Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s proposals to extend nursing shifts without pay for more than 4,000 nurses and health care support workers.

2. Fears the loss of goodwill among staff who already regularly work through their breaks or are on call on their wards or units.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to protect frontline workers’ pay and conditions within the NHS by ensuring that this regressive proposal is scrapped.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Rebecca Evans (Gower)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Values the NHS workforce and our social partnership working arrangements.

Expects all NHS bodies to work with, engage and consult with staff, their trades unions and other representative bodies on operational changes that impact upon staff.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2, 3 and 4 will be de-selected] 

Amendment 2 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Insert as new point 2 and renumber accordingly:

Further regrets that the number of working days lost due to stress and mental health related issues within the health board has increased by 20 per cent since 2014.

Amendment 3 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Expresses concern that this proposal will be unhelpful to staff morale and will place additional expectations on nurses and health care workers to sacrifice their contractual break periods.

Amendment 4 - Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

In point 3, delete ‘by ensuring’ and replace with:

‘and for the Minister for Health and Social Services to intervene to ensure’

 

 

Minutes:

The item started at 17.25

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM7138 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Regrets Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s proposals to extend nursing shifts without pay for more than 4,000 nurses and health care support workers.

2. Fears the loss of goodwill among staff who already regularly work through their breaks or are on call on their wards or units.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to protect frontline workers’ pay and conditions within the NHS by ensuring that this regressive proposal is scrapped.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

13

0

35

48

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 National Assembly for Wales:

Values the NHS workforce and our social partnership working arrangements.

Expects all NHS bodies to work with, engage and consult with staff, their trades unions and other representative bodies on operational changes that impact upon staff.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

27

0

21

48

Amendment 1 was agreed.

As amendment 1 was agreed, amendments 2, 3 and 4 were de-selected 

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM7138 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Values the NHS workforce and our social partnership working arrangements.

2. Expects all NHS bodies to work with, engage and consult with staff, their trades unions and other representative bodies on operational changes that impact upon staff.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

33

3

11

47

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

12.

Voting Time

Minutes:

The item started at 17.46

 

Votes Summary

Supporting documents:

(30 mins)

13.

Short Debate

NDM7135 Rhianon Passmore (Islwyn)

Run Happy

Creating an active Wales where citizens run, walk or jog daily to increase their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

 

Minutes:

The item started at 17.51

NDM7135 Rhianon Passmore (Islwyn)

Run Happy

Creating an active Wales where citizens run, walk or jog daily to increase their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.