Siambr · Darren Millar
Written questions
146 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 2 of 3.
WQ100414 · Tabled · Answered
How many asylum seekers are currently living in Wales as part of the asylum dispersal scheme, by local authority?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government does not hold this information.
The Home Office is responsible for asylum accommodation and publishes quarterly statistics on asylum seekers receiving support, including figures by local authority area in Wales. The latest data from June 2026 can be found here: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK
WQ100217 · Tabled · Answered
What representations has the Welsh Government made to the UK Government to ensure that eligible patients in Wales contribute to and benefit from the practical cross-border impacts of the Rare Cancers Act 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Prior to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in March 2026, Welsh Government officials held discussions with Department of Health counterparts regarding its potential implications. These discussions supported coordination and alignment across the UK in relation to the objectives set out in the Rare Cancers Bill - now the Rare Cancer Act 2026.
Whilst responsibility for implementation of the Rare Cancers Act rests primarily with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there is an important role for each of the UK nations to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to support its effective implementation so that the opportunities and expectations arising from the Act are appropriately reflected within Welsh systems and programmes. Engagement between Welsh Government officials and relevant organisations in Wales is undertaken as required through established implementation and governance arrangements.
WQ100216 · Tabled · Answered
What representations has the Welsh Government made to the UK Government regarding the statutory duty to undertake an orphan drugs review as part of the UK-wide provisions of the Rare Cancers Act 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Prior to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in March 2026, Welsh Government officials held discussions with Department of Health counterparts regarding its potential implications. These discussions supported coordination and alignment across the UK in relation to the objectives set out in the Rare Cancers Bill - now the Rare Cancer Act 2026.
Whilst responsibility for implementation of the Rare Cancers Act rests primarily with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there is an important role for each of the UK nations to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to support its effective implementation so that the opportunities and expectations arising from the Act are appropriately reflected within Welsh systems and programmes. Engagement between Welsh Government officials and relevant organisations in Wales is undertaken as required through established implementation and governance arrangements.
WQ100169 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government outline the patient pathway for people with brain injury in each local health board area?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Substantive response
WQ100168 · Tabled · Answered
What support is available for brain injury patients and their carers in north Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Substantive response
WQ100167 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the capacity, quality and accessibility of brain injury rehabilitation services for patients in north Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Substantive response
WQ100166 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the establishment of an NHS brain injury rehabilitation unit in north Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Substantive response
WQ100165 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to excluding registered childminders working from domestic properties from local authority trade waste charges?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Whilst decisions on trade waste charging are a matter for local authorities, the Welsh Government has consistently encouraged authorities to take a pragmatic approach to childminders operating from domestic premises, which for the majority, is first and foremost their family home.
The Welsh Government recognises the important role that registered childminders play in supporting families and delivering our ambitions to expand high-quality childcare across Wales. Childminders operate from domestic premises, and any unnecessary costs can act as a barrier to the sustainability and growth of the sector.
The Welsh Government’s Collections Blueprint which sets the guidance to Local Authorities recognises the unique position of childminders and states that local authorities should take a pragmatic and considered approach to childminder waste collection arrangements to avoid creating unnecessary barriers to this vital part of the childcare sector.
WQ100082 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the establishment of a North Wales headache service to improve access to specialist treatment for patients suffering from migraine and other headache disorders?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government’s aim is to ensure that people of all ages who are living with, or affected by, a neurological condition — including headache disorders — have timely and equitable access to high-quality services that support them to live well. This aim is set out in the Quality Statement for neurological conditions.
Health boards and NHS trusts are expected to use Quality Statements to guide the planning and delivery of high-quality services. This includes ensuring services are aligned with clinical standards and guidelines, and working with relevant partners in Wales, and across the border in England where appropriate, to strengthen pathways of care.
National support to implement Quality Statements is provided by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement. In 2025, it published Headache advice and guidance, which provides specialist information for primary care to support:
In Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the Living Well Service is supporting the development of a Chronic Headache Pathway. This work is intended to improve local specialist care and reduce reliance on tertiary referrals. The pathway will include repatriating Welsh patients currently referred to the Walton Centre in Liverpool, enabling them to receive care and support closer to home.
The Living Well Service was established, and continues to develop and grow, with Welsh Government Adferiad funding. Its 2025 UK Advancing Healthcare Award for delivering multi-professional community services reflects the strength of this approach. The service provides a strong platform for delivering integrated care closer to home, while maintaining access to specialist expertise.
WQ100081 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the adequacy of the current arrangements for access to treatment for migraine and other headache disorders in North Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government’s aim is to ensure that people of all ages who are living with, or affected by, a neurological condition — including headache disorders — have timely and equitable access to high-quality services that support them to live well. This aim is set out in the Quality Statement for neurological conditions.
Health boards and NHS trusts are expected to use Quality Statements to guide the planning and delivery of high-quality services. This includes ensuring services are aligned with clinical standards and guidelines, and working with relevant partners in Wales, and across the border in England where appropriate, to strengthen pathways of care.
National support to implement Quality Statements is provided by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement. In 2025, it published Headache advice and guidance, which provides specialist information for primary care to support:
In Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the Living Well Service is supporting the development of a Chronic Headache Pathway. This work is intended to improve local specialist care and reduce reliance on tertiary referrals. The pathway will include repatriating Welsh patients currently referred to the Walton Centre in Liverpool, enabling them to receive care and support closer to home.
The Living Well Service was established, and continues to develop and grow, with Welsh Government Adferiad funding. Its 2025 UK Advancing Healthcare Award for delivering multi-professional community services reflects the strength of this approach. The service provides a strong platform for delivering integrated care closer to home, while maintaining access to specialist expertise.
WQ100012 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the need to update the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc.) (Modification) Order 1999 in relation to school staff?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
Powers to modify the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc.) (Modification) Order 1999 are not devolved. The Order provides valuable protection to local government and other employees including in maintained schools.
WQ99957 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to address mobile and high-speed broadband blackspots in rural Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Telecommunications is not a devolved matter and responsibility for improving mobile phone and broadband connectivity in Wales rests with the UK Government.
We aim to create the right conditions for telecoms industry investment in mobile phone connectivity with the levers at our disposal and continue to make the case for ongoing investment in digital infrastructure throughout Wales. This includes encouraging private sector operators to expand their own networks.
Welsh Government has partnered with industry and the public sector to support innovative projects that help tackle mobile not spots in rural areas of Wales. For example, we recently worked with BT and Denbighshire County Council to help bring a mobile signal to the rural village of Clocaenog in Denbighshire for the first time.
Officials have engaged with the UK Government on the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme and established a joint working group to support the delivery of the programme in Wales. Through the SRN programme the Mobile Network Operators are required to meet binding coverage obligations.
The Welsh Government is currently undertaking a review of broadband connectivity to update our understanding of broadband availability at a premises level for all premises in Wales. This will identify those premises with the slowest broadband speeds and where there are no plans for improvements in the next three years. We plan to invest where there are gaps in both commercial and UK-led public sector schemes, including Project Gigabit, to ensure that every home and business in Wales has access to at least superfast broadband (at speeds between 30 and 100 Mbps).
WQ99906 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to reinstating a rates relief for small businesses in the leisure sector?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
Our manifesto included a range of specific commitments related to the reform of the non-domestic rates system, including improved support for the leisure businesses on which thriving town centres depend. I will set out further details on our proposals in due course.
There are also existing arrangements in the non-domestic rates system which continue to support many leisure businesses. These include Small Business Rates Relief, among the range of permanent reliefs worth more than £200m per year. More than half of properties attract relief, reflecting the composition of the tax-base base in Wales.
WQ99654 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the evidence relating to reports of big cats in Wales, and what guidance or protocols are in place for responding to sightings reported by members of the public, farmers or the police?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
It is the Welsh Government’s policy to assess reports of alleged sightings of and alleged attacks by big cats on livestock in Wales. In cases where physical evidence is provided, trained staff from the Wildlife Management Team in the Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division carry out site visits, collect livestock carcasses for postmortem, assess video footage, take casts of paw prints and investigate any other evidence indicating the possible presence of exotic species. The evidence collected is assessed with the assistance of experts in British wildlife as well as research departments in zoos, universities and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Since 2020, 18 alleged big cat sightings have been reported to the Welsh Government Wildlife Team by the public or the police. To date, no physical evidence has been provided to support the suggestion that big cats are present in Wales.
The Welsh Government do not have a formal guidance document as there is no requirement to inform us of any alleged sighting. Any alleged sighting which may represent a danger to the public is the responsibility of the Home Office and such concerns should be reported to, and investigated by, the police.
WQ99653 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm how many suspected big cat sightings have been formally investigated by the Welsh Government's wildlife team since 2020, and what the outcome of those investigations was?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
It is the Welsh Government’s policy to assess reports of alleged sightings of and alleged attacks by big cats on livestock in Wales. In cases where physical evidence is provided, trained staff from the Wildlife Management Team in the Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division carry out site visits, collect livestock carcasses for postmortem, assess video footage, take casts of paw prints and investigate any other evidence indicating the possible presence of exotic species. The evidence collected is assessed with the assistance of experts in British wildlife as well as research departments in zoos, universities and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Since 2020, 18 alleged big cat sightings have been reported to the Welsh Government Wildlife Team by the public or the police. To date, no physical evidence has been provided to support the suggestion that big cats are present in Wales.
The Welsh Government do not have a formal guidance document as there is no requirement to inform us of any alleged sighting. Any alleged sighting which may represent a danger to the public is the responsibility of the Home Office and such concerns should be reported to, and investigated by, the police.
WQ99652 · Tabled · Answered
Which Welsh Government officials or teams are responsible for investigating reports of suspected big cat sightings, and which external organisations are involved in those investigations?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
It is the Welsh Government’s policy to assess reports of alleged sightings of and alleged attacks by big cats on livestock in Wales. In cases where physical evidence is provided, trained staff from the Wildlife Management Team in the Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division carry out site visits, collect livestock carcasses for postmortem, assess video footage, take casts of paw prints and investigate any other evidence indicating the possible presence of exotic species. The evidence collected is assessed with the assistance of experts in British wildlife as well as research departments in zoos, universities and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Since 2020, 18 alleged big cat sightings have been reported to the Welsh Government Wildlife Team by the public or the police. To date, no physical evidence has been provided to support the suggestion that big cats are present in Wales.
The Welsh Government do not have a formal guidance document as there is no requirement to inform us of any alleged sighting. Any alleged sighting which may represent a danger to the public is the responsibility of the Home Office and such concerns should be reported to, and investigated by, the police.
WQ99574 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government commission research into big cat sightings in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government is aware of alleged big cat sightings across Wales. It is our policy to assess reports of alleged sightings of and alleged attacks by big cats on livestock in Wales. However, to date, no physical evidence has been provided to support the suggestion that big cats are present in Wales, and as such there are no plans to commission research into big cat sightings at this time.
WQ99573 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the increasing number of big cat sightings in North Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The Welsh Government is aware of alleged big cat sightings across Wales. It is our policy to assess reports of alleged sightings of and alleged attacks by big cats on livestock in Wales. However, to date, no physical evidence has been provided to support the suggestion that big cats are present in Wales, and as such there are no plans to commission research into big cat sightings at this time.
WQ99517 · Tabled · Answered
How will Wales support biomedical research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and improve outcomes for patients and families?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I recognise that research is a fundamental component of high-quality healthcare. It plays a vital role in improving treatments and outcomes for patients and their families, while generating the evidence needed to inform and drive improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
Through Health and Care Research Wales, Welsh Government offers a range of open and competitive research funding opportunities to which researchers with an interest in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) are eligible to apply. In addition, Welsh Government invests in a wide range of UK-level National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding programmes, enabling researchers based in Wales to participate as both lead applicants and co-investigators. I would therefore encourage researchers with an interest in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) to explore and apply for these funding opportunities.
For patient-facing studies, the Welsh Government funds an extensive Wales-wide infrastructure – including dedicated healthcare professionals – to support patients and enable efficient study delivery in the NHS.
Funding to support earlier stage and underpinning biomedical research is offered by UKRI primarily through the Medical Research Council.
Health research is a global endeavour, and we look to learn from research findings to improve the way we do things, wherever that research takes place.
My officials and I continue to work with stakeholders and partners, including people with lived experience of infection-associated chronic illness and the organisations that represent them. These discussions are helping to shape the future development of services and have included the latest evidence from recent research findings.
WQ99516 · Tabled · Answered
What action has the Welsh Government taken in response to the concerns identified in Prevention of Future Deaths Reports involving individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Support for people with infection-associated chronic illness, including ME/CFS, and those with similar or overlapping persistent physical symptoms but no diagnosis, is available in every health board through Adferiad (Recovery) funded services. These services continue to be supported by £8m Welsh Government investment.
My officials and I continue to work with stakeholders and partners, including people with lived experience of infection-associated chronic illness and the organisations that represent them. These discussions are helping to shape the future development of services, and have included proposals around clinical leadership, a national strategy, quality standards, and education and training.
Investment in Adferiad services has helped develop support for people with a range of associated and overlapping conditions, where very little previously existed in Wales. It has also helped build clinical expertise. I recognise the challenges people face and that there is more to do, but we now have a stronger foundation on which further improvements can be built. Co-production remains central to our approach, and I expect health boards to continue putting people with lived experience at the heart of service development.
Although recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths Reports are not directed to Welsh Government, I recognise the importance of embedding the learning from these tragic deaths. Officials have recently discussed findings from relevant reports with health boards, and this learning will inform future developments to ensure people in Wales receive appropriate, safe, and compassionate care.
WQ99515 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government develop an All-Wales Delivery Plan for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), including agreed pathways, education and training, and quality standards?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Support for people with infection-associated chronic illness, including ME/CFS, and those with similar or overlapping persistent physical symptoms but no diagnosis, is available in every health board through Adferiad (Recovery) funded services. These services continue to be supported by £8m Welsh Government investment.
My officials and I continue to work with stakeholders and partners, including people with lived experience of infection-associated chronic illness and the organisations that represent them. These discussions are helping to shape the future development of services, and have included proposals around clinical leadership, a national strategy, quality standards, and education and training.
Investment in Adferiad services has helped develop support for people with a range of associated and overlapping conditions, where very little previously existed in Wales. It has also helped build clinical expertise. I recognise the challenges people face and that there is more to do, but we now have a stronger foundation on which further improvements can be built. Co-production remains central to our approach, and I expect health boards to continue putting people with lived experience at the heart of service development.
Although recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths Reports are not directed to Welsh Government, I recognise the importance of embedding the learning from these tragic deaths. Officials have recently discussed findings from relevant reports with health boards, and this learning will inform future developments to ensure people in Wales receive appropriate, safe, and compassionate care.
WQ99514 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government commit to appointing an All-Wales Clinical Lead for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Support for people with infection-associated chronic illness, including ME/CFS, and those with similar or overlapping persistent physical symptoms but no diagnosis, is available in every health board through Adferiad (Recovery) funded services. These services continue to be supported by £8m Welsh Government investment.
My officials and I continue to work with stakeholders and partners, including people with lived experience of infection-associated chronic illness and the organisations that represent them. These discussions are helping to shape the future development of services, and have included proposals around clinical leadership, a national strategy, quality standards, and education and training.
Investment in Adferiad services has helped develop support for people with a range of associated and overlapping conditions, where very little previously existed in Wales. It has also helped build clinical expertise. I recognise the challenges people face and that there is more to do, but we now have a stronger foundation on which further improvements can be built. Co-production remains central to our approach, and I expect health boards to continue putting people with lived experience at the heart of service development.
Although recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths Reports are not directed to Welsh Government, I recognise the importance of embedding the learning from these tragic deaths. Officials have recently discussed findings from relevant reports with health boards, and this learning will inform future developments to ensure people in Wales receive appropriate, safe, and compassionate care.
WQ99513 · Tabled · Answered
What interim support is the Welsh Government providing for people with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) while longer-term services are being developed?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Support for people with infection-associated chronic illness, including ME/CFS, and those with similar or overlapping persistent physical symptoms but no diagnosis, is available in every health board through Adferiad (Recovery) funded services. These services continue to be supported by £8m Welsh Government investment.
My officials and I continue to work with stakeholders and partners, including people with lived experience of infection-associated chronic illness and the organisations that represent them. These discussions are helping to shape the future development of services, and have included proposals around clinical leadership, a national strategy, quality standards, and education and training.
Investment in Adferiad services has helped develop support for people with a range of associated and overlapping conditions, where very little previously existed in Wales. It has also helped build clinical expertise. I recognise the challenges people face and that there is more to do, but we now have a stronger foundation on which further improvements can be built. Co-production remains central to our approach, and I expect health boards to continue putting people with lived experience at the heart of service development.
Although recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths Reports are not directed to Welsh Government, I recognise the importance of embedding the learning from these tragic deaths. Officials have recently discussed findings from relevant reports with health boards, and this learning will inform future developments to ensure people in Wales receive appropriate, safe, and compassionate care.
WQ99480 · Tabled · Answered
What engagement has the Welsh Government had with those responsible for independent school estates where school closures have taken place?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I recognise that the closure, or potential closure, of an independent school can be deeply unsettling for learners, families and staff. Continuity of education and the welfare of learners should be central to any decisions taken by those responsible for the school.
Independent schools are privately managed and are not controlled or funded by the Welsh Government. Decisions about their operation, finances, future viability and estates are therefore matters for their proprietors.
Families affected by closures should contact their local authority, which is responsible for identifying alternative placements, planning sufficient maintained school places, considering individual learner needs, and managing any local impact on maintained schools.
WQ99479 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the impact of closures of independent schools on local authority-maintained schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I recognise that the closure, or potential closure, of an independent school can be deeply unsettling for learners, families and staff. Continuity of education and the welfare of learners should be central to any decisions taken by those responsible for the school.
Independent schools are privately managed and are not controlled or funded by the Welsh Government. Decisions about their operation, finances, future viability and estates are therefore matters for their proprietors.
Families affected by closures should contact their local authority, which is responsible for identifying alternative placements, planning sufficient maintained school places, considering individual learner needs, and managing any local impact on maintained schools.
WQ99478 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to prevent further closures of independent schools in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I recognise that the closure, or potential closure, of an independent school can be deeply unsettling for learners, families and staff. Continuity of education and the welfare of learners should be central to any decisions taken by those responsible for the school.
Independent schools are privately managed and are not controlled or funded by the Welsh Government. Decisions about their operation, finances, future viability and estates are therefore matters for their proprietors.
Families affected by closures should contact their local authority, which is responsible for identifying alternative placements, planning sufficient maintained school places, considering individual learner needs, and managing any local impact on maintained schools.
WQ99297 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister confirm a) who has been commissioned to undertake the research and produce the report on the extension of the franchise in Wales and changes to the qualifications for membership of the Senedd, b) what process was used to appoint the contractor and c) what criteria were used in selecting them?
Answered by First Minister
Section 38 of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 requires Welsh Ministers to publish and lay a report before the 7 November 2026 on the operation of the provisions of that Act.
The procurement exercise is ongoing, with the advert accessible through the Crown Commercial Service Research and Insights Framework, and it would therefore not be possible to provide further detail at this point.
WQ99296 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister provide details of the research and report being commissioned on the extension of the franchise in Wales and changes to the qualifications for membership of the Senedd, including the objectives of the work, the questions to be examined, the anticipated cost, and the expected publication date?
Answered by First Minister
Section 38 of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 requires Welsh Ministers to publish and lay a report before the 7 November 2026 on the operation of the provisions of that Act.
The procurement exercise is ongoing, with the advert accessible through the Crown Commercial Service Research and Insights Framework, and it would therefore not be possible to provide further detail at this point.
WQ99318 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government working with employers to make careers in Wales more accommodating for armed forces reservists?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Reserve Forces Cadets and Association (RFCA) funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) leads on the Defence Employer relations, including promotion and management of the Defence Employer Relationship Scheme. This has included the RFCA working in partnership with Welsh Government to deliver careers fairs and employment seminars, recognising the skills the Armed Forces community can offer employers in Wales.
WQ99317 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the First Minister had with the UK Government about strengthening support for the defence sector and the armed forces footprint?
Answered by First Minister
I refer the Member to the answer I gave to his question reference number 99314.
WQ99316 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government promoting membership of the army reserve?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Armed Forces engagement and recruitment are reserved matters for UK Government / Ministry of Defence. As an employer, the Welsh Government maintains a supportive Reserve Forces Policy for its staff. This supports both mobilisation and demobilisation and includes time off for training and voluntary operations for both Volunteer Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
WQ99315 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government encouraging careers in HM Armed Forces for young people?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Welsh Government provides impartial careers advice to young people through Careers Wales. As part of the Careers Wales Education Business Partnership offer, when requested by schools they liaise with Armed Forces representatives to support engagement activity including information on possible career options.
WQ99314 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister detail how many meetings he has personally attended with representatives of the defence sector in Wales and what the topics of these meetings were?
Answered by First Minister
Details of ministerial meetings are routinely published as part of the Welsh Government’s transparency arrangements.
WQ99313 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government review and reform the Welsh resident and leaseholder Forum?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Signatories to the Welsh Government developer contract have committed to having work started at every development in Wales by December 2026. Their progress towards this target is being closely monitored. If any of them are found to be in breach of the terms of the contract I will be exploring what enforcement action can be taken. I intend to meet developers as soon as possible to emphasise my expectation of increased pace. Diary pressures mean the meeting is unlikely to take place before the summer recess.
I am committed to ensuring leaseholders and all those impacted by concerns about the safety of their homes have their voices heard. I can confirm I will be working with my officials over the summer to identify how the Leaseholder and Resident Forum for Wales can be reviewed and reformed.
WQ99312 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government working with developers to accelerate remediation works on residential buildings?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Signatories to the Welsh Government developer contract have committed to having work started at every development in Wales by December 2026. Their progress towards this target is being closely monitored. If any of them are found to be in breach of the terms of the contract I will be exploring what enforcement action can be taken. I intend to meet developers as soon as possible to emphasise my expectation of increased pace. Diary pressures mean the meeting is unlikely to take place before the summer recess.
I am committed to ensuring leaseholders and all those impacted by concerns about the safety of their homes have their voices heard. I can confirm I will be working with my officials over the summer to identify how the Leaseholder and Resident Forum for Wales can be reviewed and reformed.
WQ99311 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister meet with representatives of major residential developers regarding building safety, before the summer recess?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Signatories to the Welsh Government developer contract have committed to having work started at every development in Wales by December 2026. Their progress towards this target is being closely monitored. If any of them are found to be in breach of the terms of the contract I will be exploring what enforcement action can be taken. I intend to meet developers as soon as possible to emphasise my expectation of increased pace. Diary pressures mean the meeting is unlikely to take place before the summer recess.
I am committed to ensuring leaseholders and all those impacted by concerns about the safety of their homes have their voices heard. I can confirm I will be working with my officials over the summer to identify how the Leaseholder and Resident Forum for Wales can be reviewed and reformed.
WQ99310 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether there any schools in Wales where HM Armed Forces are not permitted to enter or recruit?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
WQ99309 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government supporting the armed forces community?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government is supporting the Armed Forces community via a wide range of initiatives. This includes mental health support via Veterans NHS Wale, funding for Armed Forces Liaison Officers to aid local understanding and application of the Armed Forces Covenant and the provision of targeted support to Service families through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru project. Our Armed Forces Expert Group brings partners together from across the Armed Services in Wales, charities, public bodies and the Families Federations to work together to support the Armed Forces community in Wales. Our annual grant support for Wales Armed Forces Day also supports communities in Wales to recognise the important role the Armed Forces plays in Wales.
WQ99308 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with counterparts across the UK regarding the red weather warning currently in effect?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
As part of the Welsh Government’s response coordination arrangements, ministers have been kept informed of engagement with counterparts across the UK. Officials have maintained close coordination with the UK Government, including the COBR Directorate, to ensure a shared understanding of risks and a coordinated response across the UK.
We are also assured that NHS organisations are implementing their adverse weather plans and taking proactive action in response to the current red weather warning.
WQ99307 · Tabled · No answer published
How is the Welsh Government utilising the FIFA World Cup 2026 to encourage participation in sport by children and young people?
To be answered by: Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
WQ99306 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government working with health boards to mitigate the impact of high heat levels on service capacity?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is working closely with health boards and the ambulance service through enhanced national oversight and coordination arrangements to mitigate the impact of high temperatures on service capacity.
All health boards have adverse weather plans in place.
Regular national incident “huddles” are in place to monitor pressures across the system, ensure consistent application of escalation protocols, and provide assurance that local action is being taken in line with adverse weather and business continuity plans.
Across Wales, health boards are taking a range of coordinated actions, supported and overseen nationally, including:
The Welsh Government will continue to maintain close oversight of the situation, working with NHS organisations to ensure timely action is taken and providing national support where required. Updates are being managed on an exception basis as the situation evolves.
WQ99305 · Tabled · Answered
What does the Welsh Government define as a salaried GP?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
A salaried GP is a medical practitioner whose name is included in the General medical Council (GMC) General Practitioner Register, who is employed under a contract of employment by a GP practice or health board, rather than holding a General Medical Services (GMS) contract as an independent contractor or partner.
WQ99304 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to an all-Wales roll out of specialist psychological support pathways for bereaved parents following pregnancy or baby loss across every health board?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
An independent evaluation of the Onnen Baby Loss specialist psychological support pilot will be undertaken. The evaluation is expected to progress to the procurement phase shortly. This will assess the effectiveness of the pilot and provide evidence to inform decisions on the potential for wider implementation across Wales.
WQ99303 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the commissioning of an external evaluation of the Onnen Baby Loss Psychology Service?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
An independent evaluation of the Onnen Baby Loss specialist psychological support pilot will be undertaken. The evaluation is expected to progress to the procurement phase shortly. This will assess the effectiveness of the pilot and provide evidence to inform decisions on the potential for wider implementation across Wales.
WQ99302 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government encouraging physical fitness?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
Our 100-day plan sets out our commitments towards encouraging physical fitness. This includes a daily mile initiative in Welsh schools and a new national school swimming and water safety programme. An allocation of £2m has been provided in the first supplementary Budget for 2026-27 to support the roll-out of the new school swimming and water safety programme, which will ensure children in years 4 and 5 in every primary school in Wales receive 20 lessons of swimming and water safety.
Further details on implementation will be announced shortly, in addition to further measures on physical fitness.
WQ99171 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on work being done to support the development and rollout of a squirrelpox vaccine?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
We recognise the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the threat posed by squirrelpox and the potential role that vaccination could play alongside ongoing grey squirrel control and habitat management. We are keen to ensure that our approach is proportionate, evidence-based and focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the species.
Red squirrels are a species of principle importance under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and an important component of Wales’ natural heritage. The section 7 list identifies priority species and habitats in Wales that are most important for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Their conservation aligns strongly with our wider biodiversity and ecosystem resilience objectives. Public authorities must take account of the section 7 list when exercising their functions.
WQ99093 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister confirm whether the two payments of £2,996.99 made to Air Canada on 15 January 2026 on the Welsh Government's procurement credit card represent a duplicate payment?
Answered by First Minister
The expenditure concerned was incurred during the period of the previous administration. However, they do not represent a duplicate payment and they form part of the larger figure referred to in WQ99092.
WQ99092 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister confirm the purpose of the £8,269.35 in payments made to Air Canada on the Welsh Government's procurement credit card between January and March 2026?
Answered by First Minister
The expenditure concerned was incurred during the period of the previous administration. A written statement was issued in relation to the visit to which the expenditure relates on 23 March 2026.
WQ99091 · Tabled · Answered
How many trips to Canada were made by Welsh Government Ministers and officials between January and March 2026, including any made with airlines other than Air Canada?
Answered by First Minister
Details of Ministerial Visits Overseas for this period will be published on the Welsh Government website under the Ministerial Code in due course. A Welsh Government trade mission delegation to Canda was accompanied by two officials.
WQ99090 · Tabled · Answered
Will the First Minister confirm the purpose of the £12,460.97 in payments made to hotels and travel providers in China between February and March 2026 on the Welsh Government's procurement credit card?
Answered by First Minister
According to Welsh Government records, a total of two officials travelled to China between January and March 2026. The visit was to support St David’s Day activity across China and meet with investors and senior UK Government officials. It was also an opportunity for senior Wales-based officials to meet with our China team in-person, which is important to support the welfare and inclusion of our overseas staff.
The period in question relates to the previous administration. Information published as part of the government’s usual transparency and accounts processes will provide details of relevant external contracts and spend where applicable.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.