Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication.

Tuesday

Business Committee agreed that the Llywydd will lead tributes to Aled Roberts at the beginning of Plenary on Tuesday with the First Minister and party representatives called to make contributions.

• Voting time will take place as the last item of business.
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.25pm.      

Wednesday 

• Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.50pm. 

The Trefnydd drew Business Committee’s attention to the following changes:

Tuesday 1 March 2022 -

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2022 (20 mins)

Tuesday 8 March 2022 –

• The Local Elections (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (15 mins)

Business Committee agreed to schedule the following items of business:

Wednesday 2 March 2022 –

• Short Debate – Rhys ab Owen (South Wales Central) (30 mins) Moved to 9 March

• Short Debate – John Griffiths (Newport East) (30 mins)

Wednesday 9 March 2022 –

• Short Debate – John Griffiths (Newport East) (30 mins) Moved to 2 March
• Short Debate – Rhys ab Owen (South Wales Central) (30 mins)

Wednesday 16 March 2022 –

• Debate on a Member's Legislative Proposal: Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy) - Marine planning in Wales (30 mins)
• Time allocated to the Welsh Conservatives (60 mins)
• Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)
• Short Debate – Gareth Davies (Vale of Clwyd) (30 mins)

Plenary format

Business Committee discussed the arrangements for Plenary meetings after the February half-term recess and considered an updated Risk Assessment. Having considered the views of party groups and measures to mitigate risks, the Llywydd determined that from 1 March all 60 Members could attend the Siambr in person at any time. This was in line with the First Minister’s indication of a relaxation of a number of other restrictions at the end of February. Virtual participation and electronic voting would continue so that Members could continue to participate remotely.

Business Committee agreed that Members would be strongly advised to wear face masks in the Chamber except when making a contribution. The Llywydd asked that Members were made aware that was her expectation. All Members should also take a lateral flow test before attending in person.

Business Committee agreed the request for an additional meeting slot.

Business Committee considered the outcome of its consultation with committees and committee members on the committee timetable and remits, and proposed revisions to the committee timetable.  It was  agreed that the Chairs’ Forum should be consulted on the proposed timetable and the timescales for implementation at its meeting on 17 February. Business Managers also agreed to consult with their groups and to consider a final proposal after the half-term recess.  

SLCM on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill

At the proposal of the Trefnydd, Business Committee agreed to revise the reporting deadline for the Supplementary LCM on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill from 3 March to 17 March.