Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication.

Tuesday

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

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 5.15pm.

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm.

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers of the following changes to the Three Week Timetable of Government Business:

Tuesday 10 October 2023

·         Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Ending Homelessness in Wales (45 mins)

Tuesday 17 October 2023

·         Statement by the Minister for Finance and Local Government: Update on 2023-24 Financial Position (60 mins)

·         Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Building Safety (30 mins) - postponed

·         Statement by the Minister for Economy: Social Value and Economic Well-being (30 mins) - postponed

The following additions were agreed to the Three-Week Timetable of Senedd Business:  

Wednesday 25 October 2023 -

• Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv) (60 mins)
• Time allocated to the Welsh Conservatives (60 mins)
• Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)
• Short Debate: Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (30 mins)

Business Committee considered the proposed motions for debate and agreed to schedule the following proposal on 11 October:

Peredur Owen Griffiths

NNDM8368

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill to promote responsible dog ownership.

2. Notes that the purpose of the Bill would be to:

a) promote community safety following an increasing number of serious dog attacks across Wales including some tragic fatalities;

b) introduce guidance and regulations for anyone wishing to own certain dog breeds, whereby owners have to fulfil certain criteria to own a potentially dangerous dog;

c) consult with stakeholders to establish a definition of a potentially dangerous dog;

d) place a duty on local authorities to set up partnerships to administer the regulations and achieve a consistent pan-Wales approach; and

e) promote local and national initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare, improving public awareness and educating the public on responsible dog ownership. 

Business Committee also agreed to schedule the following proposal on 15 November:

Jenny Rathbone

NNDM8366

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill that would prevent the sale of single-use vapes.

2. Notes that the purpose the Bill would be to:

a) remove from sale all single-use vapes;

b) meet Wales’s global responsibilities under the Well-being of Future Generations Act;

c) address the fact that single use vapes are a danger to public health;

d) protect future generations from health problems including damaged lungs; and

e) end the use of lithium in single-use products.

Business Committee noted the response from the Finance Committee and agreed to revise the timetable for scrutiny of the Draft Budget 2024-25 as has been proposed by the Welsh Government. The Committee also noted that, as a result, the Finance Committee intends to meet during recess on Wednesday 20 December to commence its scrutiny of the Draft Budget.

Business Committee considered and agreed the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee’s request for its Members to be excused from Plenary on Wednesday 15 November 2023 in order to undertake committee business in Brussels.

Business Committee considered several observations made by the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee following its consideration of the first Consolidation Bill introduced in the Senedd, the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill, and agreed to conduct a limited review of the relevant Standing Orders ahead of the next Consolidation Bill being introduced, and in advance of the full review planned for a later point during this Senedd.