Siambr · Dan Thomas
Written questions
320 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 3 of 7.
WQ99775 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the total cost of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
As noted in my Written Statement of 15 July, I have currently set aside £45,000 from Creative Wales’ budget in 2026-27 to fund activity related to the establishment of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales.
WQ99773 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the total pupil capacity for each English-medium school and how many pupils attend each of those schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The relevant data is available at Stats Wales.
Across Wales, the data shows a mixed picture. In certain areas, there is surplus capacity within the school system, in both English and Welsh-medium settings. The picture is influenced by falling birth rates, demographic change and population shifts across local authorities and therefore requires careful interpretation. In some cases, surplus capacity also reflects newly established or expanding schools that are still building up year groups over time.
A proportion of this capacity is planned into the system as per Welsh Government guidance, providing flexibility to respond to changing patterns of demand.
WQ99730 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Counsel General made of the effect that putting the Sewel Convention on a firmer legislative footing would have on ability of the UK Parliament to legislate in devolved matters?
Answered by Counsel General
As set out in my Written Statement of 14 July 2026, putting the Sewel Convention on a firmer legislative footing would limit the UK Parliament’s ability to legislate on devolved matters without the Senedd’s consent. The Welsh Government believes this would strengthen the devolution settlement and be a positive step.
WQ99707 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government recognise the right of the UK Parliament to amend or repeal parts of the Government of Wales Act 2006 without the Welsh Government or the Senedd's agreement?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
We would expect the UK Parliament to respect the democratic decision of the people of Wales made in two referendums. Any amendments to the Government of Wales Act must be subject to the consent of the Senedd, in line with the Sewel Convention.
WQ99761 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Anti Racist Wales Action Plan play a key role in the proposed Creative and Culture Forum?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The purpose of the Creative and Culture Forum, as outlined in Plaid Cymru’s manifesto, is to bring together unions, cultural organisations and public bodies to develop shared priorities and drive fair pay and improved working conditions for all working in the sector.
WQ99760 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on setting up the proposed Creative and Culture Forum?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Establishing a cross-sector Creative and Culture Forum is a commitment in the Welsh Government's First 100 Days Plan. Work has begun, and I will make an announcement on the establishment of the Forum within the first 100 days.
WQ99759 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made in commissioning a review of how universities are funded in Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Higher Education funding review is one of our 100-day commitments. Commissioning the review involves developing its terms of reference and establishing a panel of independent experts. Work on both is well advanced, and we will make an announcement in due course.
WQ99758 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government confirm that it will not end student grants to Welsh students who study outside of Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Welsh Government has not taken any decision to end student grants for Welsh students who study outside Wales.
We provide a generous maintenance support package for Welsh full-time undergraduates, whether they study in Wales or elsewhere in the UK. Welsh students can continue to access support to study at the institution that best meets their needs.
The Welsh Government has committed to a comprehensive review of higher education funding. The review will be wide-ranging and will consider how students are supported to access and succeed in higher education in Wales. Further details will be set out in the terms of reference for the review. Any future changes to student support policy will be considered in light of the review’s findings.
WQ99755 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Cabinet Minister made in developing a plan with targets to reduce child poverty?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
We are developing a new child poverty strategy with specific and ambitious poverty reduction targets. In June, I met with the Tackling Child Poverty External Reference Group to hear their views as we commence this work, and we will continue to engage over the coming period to ensure that the views and input from experts in the field are heard and considered as the work develops.
WQ99754 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to using Wales's historic counties as the basis for local government reorganisation?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Reorganisation of the principal local authorities is not a priority for this government. Our priority is working with councils within existing structures to enable them to find their solutions to support long-term sustainability.
WQ99753 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to devolving more responsibilities to local authorities, and if so, what powers have been considered?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring our local authorities are in the strongest position possible to provide the services on which we all depend.
We will continue to work with local government and regional partners through our wider public service reform agenda to ensure functions are exercised at the most appropriate level and that governance arrangements remain under review. This will include work through the Strategic Partnership Agreement.
While there is no specific package of additional powers for transfer to local authorities at this time, we will continue to consider opportunities to strengthen local decision-making as part of wider local government and regional governance improvements.
WQ99752 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to bringing social housing currently owned or managed by housing associations back under the control of local authorities?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Over the last 30 years, a number of local authorities chose to transfer housing stock to housing associations through Large Scale Voluntary Transfer arrangements, which were supported by tenants through local ballots
The Welsh Government is not considering bring social housing owned or managed by housing associations back under the control of local authorities. Our focus is on ensuring all social landlords, including both housing associations and local authorities, provide high-quality homes and services for tenants. This includes support for housing associations, other Registered Social Landlords, and stock-holding local authorities, all of whom have a role to play in building the homes that Wales needs.
WQ99751 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made on its review of the Warm Homes Programme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
On 16 July, I reported on the current condition of homes in Wales and our levels of fuel poverty, the review undertaken on existing activity, the wider context, the opportunities we have identified to do things differently and our next steps.
I also announced my immediate response to its findings, including using existing budget within my portfolio to inject a further £17 million of funding into housing retrofit schemes.
WQ99750 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's Wales-wide skills audit?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
I announced on 11 June that a comprehensive skills audit is under way.
The work is bringing together existing evidence, data and stakeholder insight to assess how skills supply aligns with current and projected demand, including areas where shortages or emerging opportunities are most evident.
The audit will support long-term planning by providing a clearer understanding of current and future workforce needs across Wales.
Early findings from the audit will help inform the Future Skills Summit planned in October, bringing together employers, education and training providers, learners and policymakers to help shape the next phase of development.
We plan to publish the full audit findings in spring 2027.
WQ99749 · Tabled · Answered
How many meetings has the Cabinet Minister held with representatives, employees, or other officials of BBC Wales regarding her portfolio responsibilities since taking office, and will she provide details of the dates of those meetings and the individuals who attended?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
I had a short meeting with the Interim Director of BBC Wales on Tuesday 16 June. The meeting was also attended by a member of my Private Office and a Creative Wales official.
WQ99748 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99538, where in the Belfast Agreement does the Welsh Government consider it says that the north of Ireland can be used as a term to describe Northern Ireland?
Answered by First Minister
I made no such claim in my response to WQ99538. The response referred to the principle of parity of esteem, which underpins the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, and requires respect for the identities, traditions and aspirations of both Unionist and Nationalist communities in Northern Ireland. The Welsh Government will continue to ensure the terminology it uses accords with that principle.
WQ99746 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline why the train station for Caerleon was not delivered by 2018, as proposed by the March 2011 WelTAG report?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The March 2011 WelTAG report identified the potential for a station at Caerleon. The delivery of railway stations requires significant investment, detailed business case development and supporting infrastructure upgrades to make them suitable for passenger operation. Rail infrastructure and funding for enhancements such as a new station at Caerleon is a reserved responsibility of the UK Government.
The Welsh Government remains committed to improving connectivity and access to public transport across Wales. We continue to seek the full devolution of rail infrastructure and a fair rail funding settlement for Wales, which would provide greater control over decisions on rail investment, including the delivery of new stations.
WQ99745 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister reviewed the business case for a train station in Caerleon produced by the campaign group TRACS, and if so, what is the Government's view of it?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
I appreciate and welcome the high-quality work undertaken by Towards Restoring A Caerleon Station (TRACS) to highlight the potential benefits of a railway station at Caerleon to passengers and local communities. A new station at Caerleon could reduce road congestion both locally and more widely in the M4 corridor. Rail infrastructure, such as a new station at Caerleon, is a reserved responsibility of the UK Government.
Our current priority for rail is the delivery of the schemes already funded through the UK Government’s Spending Review, including new stations in south-east Wales and upgrades to the South Wales Main Line. These improvements will help lay the foundations for further enhancements.
The joint UK and Welsh Government Wales Rail Board is overseeing the strategic pipeline and will consider and prioritise schemes for the next UK Government Spending Review in 2027. This will include consideration of potential new stations in Wales.
WQ99732 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether any plan to build an M4 relief road has been ruled out?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
As the Member will be aware from my statement on 9th June, this government has been clear that the M4 relief road is not being taken forward.
WQ99731 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Commission have to increase the number of people working for the Senedd to deal with the extra 36 Senedd Members?
Answered by Senedd Commission
Llywydd on behalf of the Senedd Commission:
The Senedd Commission is required to provide the staff and services that the Senedd needs to fulfil all its functions.
There has been a detailed programme of work undertaken by the Commission to ensure that the 7th Senedd is able to operate effectively. The “Senedd Reform” workstream’s resourcing requirements have been set out in full in the Commission’s recent annual budget submissions and approved by the Parliament.
The 7th Senedd has established an interim business model and further decisions on this are expected in the Autumn. The Commission is assessing detailed options in relation to any additional staffing support that may now be required as a result of the Parliament’s new ways of working. It is expected that there will be a need for a relatively small number of additional posts at this stage, but not for any substantial overall increase to the Commission’s staffing establishment.
WQ99729 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health had any meetings with Cavendish Cymru since taking office, and if so, when and what was discussed?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
No meetings have taken place between the Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health and Cavendish Cymru.
WQ99696 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ98713, will the Commission discuss reinstating GB News onto Senedd TVs at its next meeting?
Answered by Senedd Commission
Llywydd on behalf of the Senedd Commission:
The Commission is currently considering its strategic direction and priorities for the Seventh Senedd.
Once those priorities have been agreed, a future programme of work will be planned.
Decisions in relation to whether the use of the Senedd internal broadcast system would be considered at a future meeting will be taken in that context.
WQ99716 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Cabinet Minister had any meetings with Professor Richard Wyn Jones since taking office, and if so, when and what was discussed?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
No. Details of ministerial meetings are published routinely as part of the Welsh Government’s transparency arrangements.
WQ99715 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made in commissioning a national school building conditions survey?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
We remain committed to strengthening our understanding of the condition of the school estate across Wales and are considering detailed options for a national condition survey.
Our priority is to ensure that any national survey delivers strong value for money, is fit for purpose, and provides a clear picture of building condition across the estate, including identifying areas requiring the most urgent attention.
WQ99711 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made in developing its proposed Digital Health and Care Wales programme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We are continuing to work with Digital Health and Care Wales and NHS Wales partners to deliver our digital transformation ambitions. Progress is being made across a range of national programmes, including digital services for patients, improved use of data and modern digital infrastructure. We are also developing a new long-term Digital and Data Strategy for Health and Social Care to support the delivery of the Welsh Government's commitment to a modern, sustainable and digitally enabled health and care system.
WQ99709 · Tabled · Answered
What definition of a woman is the Welsh Government using when it plans to tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
As set out in my response to WQ99121 the Welsh Government does not set a single definition of "female" and "male", instead using the relevant definitions set out in legislation or policy.
For the purposes of section 2 of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015, “violence against women and girls” (“trais yn erbyn menywod a merched”) means gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence where the victim is female.
Section 24(1) of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 sets out:
“abuse” (“cam-drin”) means physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse;
“domestic abuse” (“cam-drin domestig”) means abuse where the victim of it is or has been associated with the abuser;
“gender-based violence” (“trais ar sail rhywedd”) means—
(a) violence, threats of violence or harassment arising directly or indirectly from values, beliefs or customs relating to gender or sexual orientation;
(b) female genital mutilation;
(c) forcing a person (whether by physical force or coercion by threats or other psychological means) to enter into a religious or civil ceremony of marriage (whether or not legally binding);
“sexual violence” (“trais rhywiol”) means sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, or threats of violence of a sexual nature.
WQ99706 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan play a key part in the Welsh Government's new Culture Strategy?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Commitments within the 100-day plan relating to a new Culture Strategy are currently being finalised, and details about the consultation will be launched within the first 100 days. As outlined in my recent Priorities statement, our ambition as a government is for Wales to become a sporting and cultural powerhouse, with everyone in Wales given the opportunity to participate fully and actively, wherever they live in Wales.
WQ99705 · Tabled · Answered
When will the Welsh Government's proposed COVID-19 review begin?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
We will be updating the Senedd on the Covid-19 review in due course.
WQ99704 · Tabled · Answered
Has the Welsh Government confirmed a multi-year funding cycle to replace the Sustainable Farming Scheme one-year payment?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I was delighted to announce at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show that we are providing over one billion pounds during this Senedd term to support sustainable agriculture in Wales.
This is £340 million per year for three years to March 2030, including a guaranteed £238 million annually for the Universal layer or BPS tapered payment and £102 million to deliver the Optional and Collaborative layers.
WQ99701 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to ensure all new social and private housing is equipped with air conditioning?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Our Building Regulations, applicable to all new dwellings, set requirements to mitigate the risk of overheating in new build residential buildings. Part O (Overheating) of the Building Regulations has applied since 2022. The Part O statutory guidance requires that passive measures such as solar shading are prioritised before active measures such as air conditioning in order to mitigate the overheating risk.
In addition, new social housing funded by the Welsh Government must also meet the Welsh Development Quality Requirements 2021 (WDQR 2021). These requirements encourage homes to be designed to reduce the risk of overheating, with designers considering overheating guidance and assessment tools from the earliest stages of the design process.
Whether in new builds or improving thermal comfort in existing homes, air-to-air heat pumps, which are capable of cooling as well as heating, offer an option where passive measures do not provide adequate protection from overheating.
WQ99700 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure veterans are prioritised for social housing?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Local housing authorities are best placed to respond to the housing needs of their local communities and the Welsh Government expects them to take steps to house veterans whenever the need arises. When allocating accommodation, local authorities must have regard to the Welsh Government’s Code of Guidance for Local Authorities: Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness, (which includes specific advice in relation to both serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans), along with their statutory obligations. Under Section 167 of the Housing Act 1996, local authorities are required to have an allocation scheme that determines the authority’s priorities and procedures to be followed in allocating social housing.
WQ99699 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government confirm the year it aspires to hit its net zero target?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
This Government is committed to addressing the climate emergency. Wales has a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, underpinned by decadal emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2040 and a series of five-year carbon budgets that set the pathway to net zero. In line with commitments in our manifesto and First 100 Days Plan, work is now underway to develop an updated Climate and Nature Action Plan for Wales, which will set out a practical pathway to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 while accelerating nature recovery towards 2050.
WQ99698 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government's policy on pupils being prohibited from speaking to one another in their first language, or disciplined for doing so, including during break times, lunch periods or other informal periods outside lessons?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government does not have a policy on prohibiting pupils from speaking to one another in their first language outside of lessons.
WQ99697 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to increase the number of train carriages on all TfW services?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government and Transport for Wales are delivering a substantial programme of fleet renewal and network enhancement across the Wales and Borders rail network. Since 2023, more than 90 new trains have entered service, with further vehicles due to be introduced over the coming year. Once all the new trains have been delivered, TfW will have 485 carriages available compared to the 270 inherited from Arriva Trains Wales.
This includes the introduction of additional Class 197 trains on the Cambrian Line and 34 new tram-trains for the South Wales Metro. These investments will enable longer trains on key routes, increase capacity at the busiest times, and support more frequent services across the network.
Alongside these fleet improvements, TfW is continuing to explore further opportunities to increase capacity where demand is greatest. Our investment is delivering more modern, reliable and accessible trains, improving passenger comfort and helping to meet growing demand for rail travel across Wales.
WQ99678 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Commission make any changes to, or review, the security measures for Senedd Members following last week’s murder of Ann Widdecombe?
Answered by Senedd Commission
The safety and security of Senedd Members is of paramount importance and, as such, is kept under continual review, with dynamic risk assessments undertaken on a continual basis.
We work very closely with policing and security service partners across Wales and the wider UK, maintaining regular liaison with other parliamentary institutions. We draw on the strong infrastructure provided through the All-Wales Policing and Security Group, which brings together all four Welsh police forces. We also monitor and respond to threat assessments issued by the police and security services.
A comprehensive package of security measures is already in place for Members, including significant physical and vetting security on the estate, direct support for home and constituency office security, mobile panic alarms for all Members, and the support for Members provided by the Senedd police unit and nationally through Operation Ford.
We recognise the strong concerns raised by recent events. We are working in close partnership with the other UK parliaments and taking advice from the police and security services and will continue to assess risks dynamically, review the effectiveness of existing measures, and are actively considering options for further enhancements.
WQ99669 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99529, did the previous Welsh Government check if either of the co-chairs were members of political parties or organisations when establishing the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales, and if so, of which parties or organisations were they members?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
Appointments to the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales were a matter for the previous government. They were undertaken in line with Welsh Government procedures for roles of that type.
WQ99668 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of the building of the proposed Candwr solar farm on unexcavated Silurian forts in the area?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
It is the responsibility of the applicant to undertake the necessary impact assessments to accompany planning applications.
I understand that Cadw was consulted by the applicant on 2 July 2026 on the impact assessments prepared to support the application, with comments requested by 20 August 2026. Cadw is currently assessing the suitability of the archaeological impact analysis. I have requested a copy of the assessment once completed.
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales administer the DNS consenting process and will undertake the planning balance, taking account of relevant environmental, social, economic and heritage matters.
WQ99667 · Tabled · Answered
Was the Welsh Government aware prior to answering WQ99578 that the Muslim Council of Wales describes itself as an affiliate of the Muslim Council of Britain, and if so what consideration has the Welsh Government given to this affiliate status when making decisions around engagement?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Yes, the Welsh Government was aware. The Muslim Council of Britain and the Muslim Council of Wales are fully independent organisations. Welsh Government engagement with external organisations is considered on a case-by-case basis in support of the Welsh Government's policy objectives.
WQ99666 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99465, does the Welsh Government’s welcome for local authorities seeking recognition as places or councils of sanctuary apply to every local authority that wishes to do so?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I refer you to my previous answers to WQ99465, WQ99336, WQ99332, and to the answer provided by the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning to WQ99117.
WQ99665 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to whether Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board should be placed under the UK Department of Health and Social Care, at least until stable improvement has been achieved?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Responsibility for the organisation, oversight and performance management of NHS services in Wales is devolved to Wales, in accordance with the democratic will of the Welsh people expressed in two referenda. The legislative framework for Welsh NHS bodies is set out in the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, under which Welsh Ministers have powers to establish and oversee Local Health Boards for areas in Wales. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is a Local Health Board established under those provisions and is accountable to Welsh Ministers.
The devolution settlement provides for health and health services in Wales to be the responsibility of Welsh institutions. Accordingly, there is no role for the UK Department of Health and Social Care in the performance management or direct oversight of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
Whilst we will always look for good practice elsewhere, the responsibility for oversight and escalation of NHS bodies in Wales rests with Welsh Ministers. To abdicate this would be a dereliction of duty to the people of Wales. While other political parties may want to explore ways of avoiding accountability and responsibility, perhaps because they have no credible plans of their own, this Government firmly believes in upholding its moral and constitutional obligations to the people of Wales in full, without exception.
In my statement to the Senedd on 30 June, I announced new measures to stabilise services, strengthen leadership and hold Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to account for sustained improvement as part of the ongoing level 5 escalation at the health board. I was also clear that this Government will not countenance the idea of allowing an organisation from outside of Wales to take over Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
WQ99664 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Cabinet Minister made in convening a Future Skills Summit?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Good progress is being made. The Summit will take place on 8 October at the Swansea.com Stadium. It will bring together representatives from business, further and higher education, and other key stakeholders to develop a shared vision and strategic direction for the future skills system and its funding, while identifying opportunities for early action.
I hope to issue invitations very shortly.
WQ99662 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to implement Jess’s Rule in the Welsh NHS?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government has no current plans to introduce Jess’s Rule as a separate policy in NHS Wales. We expect NHS services in Wales to apply NICE guidance, which includes safety-netting advice and review arrangements for people with persistent, recurrent or changing symptoms, supported by wider patient safety safeguards including the Duty of Quality, the Duty of Candour and the Once for Wales Concerns Management System.
WQ99661 · Tabled · Answered
How is Welsh Government ensuring Welsh students applying for specialist musical theatre and dance degrees In England can access finance from Student Finance Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Welsh Government provides student finance for Welsh-domiciled students studying eligible higher education courses throughout the UK. Access to support depends on whether a course is designated under the Welsh student support regulations.
Many specialist musical theatre and dance courses in England are already designated, allowing eligible Welsh students to access Student Finance Wales funding in the usual way, subject to the normal eligibility criteria.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the Welsh Government has also taken specific action to ensure eligible Welsh students applying to certain specialist musical theatre, dance and related performing arts courses, delivered by unregulated providers in England, can access support from Student Finance Wales. A number of these courses have been designated on a temporary basis, recognising the timing of audition and recruitment cycles and the need to minimise disruption for students who had already applied or received offers.
The Welsh Government is reviewing wider course designation arrangements to ensure future arrangements are clear, robust and deliverable for students and providers.
WQ99660 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Cabinet Minister made in implementing recommendations from the Strategic Workload Co-ordination Group?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Progress is being made in taking forward the recommendations of the Strategic Workload Co-ordination Group in line with our 100-day commitment. I will be writing to the Schools Social Partnership Forum setting out the actions being taken forward and will publish the letter in due course.
WQ99659 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the total capacity for each Welsh medium school and how many pupils attend each of those schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The relevant data is available at Stats Wales.
Across Wales, the data shows a mixed picture. In certain areas, there is surplus capacity within the school system, including in some Welsh-medium settings. The picture is influenced by falling birth rates, demographic change and population shifts across local authorities and therefore requires careful interpretation. In some cases, surplus capacity also reflects newly established or expanding schools that are still building up year groups over time.
A proportion of this capacity is planned into the system as per Welsh Government guidance, providing flexibility to respond to changing patterns of demand, and amongst other matters, supporting the continued growth of Welsh-medium education.
We are currently undertaking a rapid review of Welsh in Education Strategic Plans (WESPs) as part of this Government’s 100-day commitments, which will include impact of demand, surplus capacity and pressure on school places in different areas. This will help us identify opportunities to strengthen Welsh-medium provision, inform immediate policy decisions, and shape the development of the new National Framework for Welsh Language Learning and Learning Welsh made under the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025, which we intend to consult on in the autumn term.
WQ99658 · Tabled · Answered
How does the Welsh Government plan to make 50 per cent of school children attend Welsh-medium schools by 2050 as set out in the Cabinet Minister's statement on 16 June 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government is already working towards achieving the 50% target by 2050 through a combination of strategic planning, workforce growth and promotion of Welsh-medium education. This includes strengthening the planning of Welsh-medium provision across Wales utilising the already established Welsh in Education Strategic Plans, increasing the supply and capacity of the Welsh-medium education workforce, and encouraging more families to choose Welsh-medium education through clear pathways and greater awareness of its benefits. These measures will be supported through national and local planning arrangements to ensure sustained growth in Welsh-medium education over the coming decades. We will be consulting on a National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh in the Autumn term, which will set out our plans in more detail.
WQ99657 · Tabled · Answered
What progress has the Welsh Government made in developing a roadmap to eliminate spending on private agency staff in the NHS by 2030?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is developing a plan that will set a clear trajectory towards zero agency spend by 2030, supported by a renewed control framework and strengthened monitoring arrangements.
The roadmap will focus on areas where there are greatest opportunity to make progress and will make use of new system levers such as the NHS Accountability Framework, to provide greater scrutiny, analysis and targeted support to organisations.
This work is also closely linked to the wider commitment to develop a long-term workforce plan, as eliminating agency spend will require both tighter controls and longer-term workforce transformation to address the underlying causes of agency deployment.
WQ99655 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Commission have any plans to provide male contraceptives in female toilets across the Senedd estate?
Answered by Senedd Commission
No, the Commission has no plans to provide contraceptives in toilets.
WQ99651 · Tabled · Answered
When meeting the the EU Ambassador to the UK and the 27 EU Heads of Mission on 25 June 2026, will the First Minister confirm a) were Foreign Office officials invited to attend, and b) did they attend?
Answered by First Minister
UK Foreign Office officials were not invited to attend either meeting.
The details of my visit to Ireland and London was published in a written statement on 10 July Ministerial Visit to Ireland and London | GOV.WALES
WQ99650 · Tabled · Answered
When meeting the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on 24 June 2026, will the First Minister confirm a) were Foreign Office officials invited to attend, and b) did they attend?
Answered by First Minister
UK Foreign Office officials were not invited to attend either meeting.
The details of my visit to Ireland and London was published in a written statement on 10 July Ministerial Visit to Ireland and London | GOV.WALES
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.