WelshTrefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Mae gwaith ar y gweill i gyflwyno strategaeth ddiwylliant a chwaraeon newydd ar gyfer Cymru. Trwy'r strategaeth newydd, byddwn yn cydnabod bod y diwydiannau creadigol yn ganolog i fywyd diwylliannol, twf economaidd a phroffil rhyngwladol Cymru. Mi fydd Cymru Greadigol yn parhau i gefnogi talent, sgiliau, twf busnes a chyfleoedd ledled sectorau creadigol Cymru.
Official English translation
Work is under way to deliver a new culture and sport strategy for Wales. Through the new strategy, we will recognise the creative industries as central to Wales’s cultural life, economic growth and international profile. Creative Wales will continue to support talent, skills, business growth and opportunities across Wales’s creative sectors.
Wel, yn sicr, mae gennych chi etholaeth greadigol dros ben. Roeddwn i'n falch iawn o fod yn Wrecsam ddydd Sadwrn diwethaf ar gyfer agoriad—wel, ailagor—Amgueddfa Wrecsam, ond agoriad yr amgueddfa bêl-droed, yr elfen yna. Dwi'n mynd i fod yn ymweld efo Wrecsam eto'n fuan. Dwi wedi bod yn ymgysylltu o ran UK City of Culture. Rydyn ni i gyd yn croesi'n bysedd, wrth gwrs, o ran hynny, ac fe fyddwn i'n hapus iawn i ymgysylltu efo'r Aelod. Yn sicr, mae yna bethau cyffrous iawn yn digwydd yn Wrecsam. Rydyn ni eisiau i bethau cyffrous barhau i ddigwydd yn Wrecsam, a dwi'n falch iawn i weithio efo unrhyw Aelod sy'n cynrychioli Wrecsam er mwyn cyflawni'r potensial hwnnw'n bellach.
Official English translation
Well, certainly, you have a very creative constituency. I was very pleased to be in Wrexham last Saturday for the opening—well, the reopening—of Wrexham Museum, but the opening of the football museum there, that element of it. I am going to be visiting Wrexham again soon. I have been engaging in terms of the UK City of Culture. We are all crossing our fingers, of course, in that regard, and I will be very content to engage with the Member on that. Certainly, there are very exciting things happening in Wrexham. We want exciting things to continue to happen in Wrexham, and I'm very pleased to work with any Member who represents Wrexham in order to realise that potential further.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Gaf i fod yn glir? Mae yna greadigrwydd ym mhob cornel o Gymru, ond, oherwydd diffyg cefnogaeth flaenorol, diffyg strategaeth a diffyg eglurder o ran cefnogaeth gan Lywodraeth, dydy'r potensial hwnnw ddim wastad wedi'i wireddu. Yr hyn y bydd yr Aelod wedi ei glywed yn fy ateb cychwynnol ydy ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth hon i gael strategaeth ddiwylliant iawn i Gymru, un sy'n cynnwys y diwydiannau creadigol, sy'n edrych ar sgiliau, sy'n edrych ar gyfleoedd i bobl yng Nghymru i aros yma yng Nghymru a bod yn greadigol. Dyna'r gwahaniaeth y gwelwch chi gan Lywodraeth Plaid Cymru—ein bod ni'n gwerthfawrogi'r diwydiannau creadigol, ein bod ni eisiau gweithio efo nhw, ein bod ni eisiau eu datblygu nhw a hefyd sicrhau mwy o gyfleoedd i bobl weithio mewn maes sydd o bwys economaidd mawr i'n cenedl ni.
Official English translation
Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. May I be clear? There is creativity in every corner of Wales, but, because of a lack of support previously, a lack of a strategy and a lack of clarity in terms of support from Government, that potential hasn't always been realised. What the Member will have heard in my initial response is this Government's commitment to have a real culture strategy for Wales, one that includes the creative industries, that looks at skills, that looks at opportunities for people in Wales to remain here in Wales and to be creative here. That's the difference that you will see from a Plaid Cymru Government—that we appreciate the creative industries, that we want to work with them, that we want to see them develop and also want to secure more opportunities for people to work in an area that is of great economic importance to our nation.
Diolch i'r Aelod am y pwyntiau hynny. Mae'n hyfryd clywed am yr holl bethau gwych sy'n digwydd mewn gwahanol etholaethau. Mae Cymru Greadigol wedi cefnogi bwrsariaethau i artistiaid a chynorthwywyr cynhyrchu o Gymru i fynychu gweithdai yn Rockfield Studios, gan agor mynediad at arbenigedd y diwydiant wrth gefnogi gweithgarwch lleol a chryfhau'r ecosystem greadigol ehangach. Dwi'n credu mai'r pwynt rydych chi'n ei wneud ydy dydy pethau fel hyn ddim yn digwydd ar hap. Mae angen strategaeth, mae angen buddsoddi, mae angen cydweithio. Yr hyn rydyn ni'n ei weld ydy bod yna fandiau mawr wedi bod yn y gorffennol ond nid yw hynny'n golygu ein bod ni'n bendant yn mynd i fod â'r bandiau hynny yn y dyfodol. Mae e'n fy mhryderu i, a dwi wedi codi'r pryder yma o'r blaen, fod yna'n lai o bobl ifanc, er enghraifft, yn cymryd TGAU mewn cerddoriaeth a drama, fod yna lai o gyfleoedd a chyrsiau o ran mynd rhagddo efo cerddoriaeth, ond hefyd y cyfleoedd i berfformio, sydd yr un mor bwysig. Rydyn ni'n lwcus iawn yng Nghymru bod yna bethau fel Brwydr y Bandiau pan fo hi'n dod i Eisteddfod yr Urdd a'r Genedlaethol ac ati. Mae'r rhain yn rhoi cyfleoedd. Ond, yn sicr, fel rhan o strategaeth hirdymor o ran cerddoriaeth, mae'n rhaid i ni fod yn meithrin talent newydd a chreu y seilwaith yna. Fel rydych chi'n sôn, mae cyhoeddiad ddoe yn mynd i fod yn help o ran lleoliadau lle mae cerddoriaeth fyw yn digwydd. Mae'n rhaid i ni barhau i weithio'n agos gyda phethau fel y Music Venue Trust er mwyn sicrhau bod dyfodol pwysig iddyn nhw.
Official English translation
I thank the Member for those points. It's lovely to hear about all those excellent things that are happening in different constituencies. Creative Wales has supported bursaries for artists and production assistants from Wales to attend Rockfield Studios workshops, opening up access to expertise in the industry while supporting local activity and strengthening the creative ecosystem more broadly. I think the point that you make is that things like this don't happen by chance. You need a strategy, you need investment, you need collaboration. What we're seeing is that there have been major bands in the past but it doesn't mean that we're definitely going to have those bands in the future. It does concern me, and I have raised this concern previously, that there are fewer young people, for example, taking GCSE drama and music, that there are fewer opportunities and courses in terms of carrying on with music, but also opportunities to perform, which are just as important. We're very lucky in Wales that we have things like Battle of the Bands when it comes to the Urdd Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod and so on. These provide opportunities. But certainly, as part of the long-term strategy in terms of music, we have to nurture new talent and we have to create that infrastructure. As you mentioned, the announcement yesterday will help live music venues. We need to continue to work closely with things like the Music Venue Trust in order to ensure that there is an important future for them.
Mae Chwaraeon Cymru, ar ran Llywodraeth Cymru, yn gweithio'n agos gyda chyrff llywodraethu, clybiau a darparwyr chwaraeon cymunedol i hyrwyddo polisïau, hyfforddiant a gweithdrefnau diogelu cadarn. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn disgwyl i'r holl gyrff llywodraethu chwaraeon gymryd diogelu o ddifrif, gweithredu'n brydlon ar bryderon, a sicrhau bod plant a phobl ifanc yn gallu cymryd rhan yn ddiogel.
Official English translation
Sport Wales, on behalf of the Welsh Government, works closely with governing bodies, clubs and community sport providers to promote robust safeguarding policies, training and procedures. The Welsh Government expects all organisations delivering sport to take safeguarding seriously, to act promptly on concerns, and to ensure that children and young people can participate safely.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi bod yn cydweithio efo Llywodraethau eraill ledled y Deyrnas Unedig. Roedd yna adroddiad prosiect ar chwaraeon diogel a gyhoeddwyd yn 2025. Comisiynwyd hwn ar ôl ymgynghoriad helaeth efo cyrff llywodraethu, cynghorau chwaraeon, athletwyr a phobl sydd â phrofiad byw. Chwaraeon Cymru sy'n cynrychioli Cymru o ran y gwaith hwn. Mi wnes i, yn fy nghyfarfod rhynglywodraethol cyntaf efo Gweinidogion chwaraeon eraill y Deyrnas Unedig, drafod hyn yn Glasgow yng Ngemau'r Gymanwlad. Mae hwn yn fater o bwys. Mae o'n fater sydd ddim dim ond yn berthnasol i Gymru. Yn amlwg, fe fyddaf yn sicrhau bod y gwaith hwnnw'n mynd rhagddo. Wrth gwrs, os oes yna unrhyw Aelod yn ymwybodol o le mae yna bryderon, mae'n ddyletswydd arnom i gyd fod yn adrodd ar hynny ac mi fyddwn i yn annog unrhyw un i sicrhau hynny.
Official English translation
Welsh Government has been working together with other Governments across the United Kingdom. There was a 'Safe Sport Project Report' that was published in 2025. This was commissioned after intensive engagement with governing bodies, sport councils, athletes and people who have lived experience. Sport Wales represents Wales in terms of that work. In our first intergovernmental meeting as sport Ministers from all parts of the United Kingdom, we discussed this in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games. This is an important issue. It is an issue that is not just relevant to Wales. Obviously, I will make sure that that work goes forward. Of course, if any Member is aware of any concerns, then we all have a responsibility to report on that and I would encourage anyone to make sure that that happens.
Diolch am godi'r pwyntiau pwysig hynny. Yn ganolog i holl weledigaeth y Llywodraeth hon, o ran chwaraeon a diwylliant, mae sicrhau cyfranogiad i bawb a dim rhwystrau. Mae hwnna'n rhan o'n galwad ni am dystiolaeth ar y funud, sydd ar agor tan 19 Rhagfyr, felly plîs a wnaiff pawb annog pobl i gyflwyno tystiolaeth, oherwydd rydyn ni'n gwybod bod yna rhwystrau'n bodoli ar y funud. Rydych chi wedi crybwyll rhai ohonyn nhw, ond mae yna eraill. Os ydym ni eisiau i bawb gael y cyfleodd hynny, yna, dwi yn cytuno efo'r Aelod, mae'n rhaid gweithredu. Felly, dwi'n mawr obeithio, yn dod allan o'r strategaeth ddiwylliant a chwaraeon newydd yma, y bydd sicrhau cyfranogiad i bawb yn rhan ganolog o hynny, a chydweithio efo Gweinidogion eraill, gan gynnwys y Gweinidog addysg a'r Gweinidog dros gyfiawnder cymdeithasol hefyd.
Official English translation
Thank you for raising those important points. Central to the whole vision of this Government in relation to sport and culture is ensuring participation for all without barriers. That is part of our call for evidence at the moment, which will be open until the 18 December, so please encourage people to present evidence to that because we know that barriers exist. You've mentioned some of them, but there are others too. If we want everyone to have those opportunities, then, I agree with the Member, we must take action. So, I very much hope that, coming out of the new culture and sports strategy, ensuring participation for all will be a central part of the strategy, and I will be working with other Ministers, including the Minister for education and the Minister for social justice too.
Dwi ddim yn gwybod os ydy fy swyddogion i wedi cael cyfle i rannu gyda'r pwyllgor eto yr ystod o dystiolaeth roeddwn i'n cyfeirio ato fo yn ystod fy sesiwn ateb cwestiynau. Mi wnes i gyfeirio at adroddiad yr IWA, yr Institute of Welsh Affairs, a oedd yn annibynnol a ddim wedi'i gomisiynu gan Lywodraeth. Mi wnes i gyfeirio at ymchwil academaidd sydd hefyd ddim wedi'i gomisiynu gan Lywodraeth. Mae yna ystod o dystiolaeth eang yma. Mi oedd y gwaith a wnaed o ran y cytundeb cydweithio yn deillio o hynny.
Mi fyddwn i hefyd yn annog Aelodau i edrych ar waith a wnaed yn ystod y pumed Senedd gan y pwyllgor rydych chi rŵan yn aelod ohono fo a ddangosodd yn drawsbleidiol, ddim gan y Llywodraeth—. Roedd yn waith craffu gan Aelodau blaenorol o'r Senedd hon a oedd yn cadarnhau nad yw darlledu yn gweithio i Gymru fel ag y mae o ac yn annog bod angen i'r Llywodraeth weithredu. Felly, yr hyn dwi'n ei wneud fel Gweinidog ydy gweithredu ar argymhellion annibynnol—yn gweithredu a gwrando—a dyna dwi'n gobeithio buasai unrhyw Weinidog yn ei wneud yn fy sefyllfa i.
Official English translation
I don't know if my officials have had an opportunity to share with the committee yet the range of evidence that I referred to during my question session with the committee. I referred to the IWA report, the Institute of Welsh Affairs, which was independent and was not commissioned by Government. I referred to academic research that was also not commissioned by Government. There is a broad range of evidence out there. The work done in terms of the co-operation agreement emerged from that.
I would also encourage Members to look at the work done during the fifth Senedd by the committee that you're now a member of, which, on a cross-party basis, not from Government, was scrutiny work carried out by previous Members of this Senedd that confirmed that broadcasting isn't working for Wales as it currently stands, and encouraged Government to take action. So, what I'm doing as a Minister is acting on independent recommendations—listening and acting—and that's what I hope that any Minister would do in my position.
Dwi'n credu, a byddwn i'n gobeithio bod pob Aelod yma yn credu, y dylem ni gael llais yma yng Nghymru ac y dylai penderfyniadau ynglŷn â Chymru gael eu gwneud yng Nghymru. Mae'r ffaith nad oes gennym ni lais fel Llywodraeth o ran yr hyn sy'n digwydd o ran siarter y BBC ar y funud, ein bod ni'n cael ein hymgynghori fel y mae unrhyw unigolyn yng Nghymru, ac nad oes gennym ni lais yn anghyfiawnder—bod dyfodol S4C yn ddibynnol ar benderfyniadau mewn Senedd sydd ddim yma yng Nghymru, heb unrhyw angen i gymryd ystyriaeth eich barn chi o ran craffu na fy marn innau fel Gweinidog. Dydy o ddim yn gweithio. Dyna pam mae'r Llywodraeth hon yn mynd ati i edrych ar y dystiolaeth o ran sefydlu awdurdod darlledu a chyfathrebu cysgodol, er mwyn edrych ar sut y byddai'n gweithio yma yng Nghymru. Gwneud y gwaith caib a rhaw i fynd i'r afael â phroblemau—dyna ydy bwriad hwn.
Official English translation
I believe, and I would hope that every Member would agree, that we in Wales should have a voice and that decisions on Wales should be made in Wales. The fact that we don't have a voice as a Government in relation to what's happening in terms of the BBC charter at the moment, that we are consulted with just as any individual in Wales would be, and that we don't have a voice, really is unjust—that the future of S4C is reliant on decisions being taken in a Parliament that isn't here in Wales, without any need to take into account your views in terms of scrutiny, or my views as a Minister. It simply isn't working. That's why this Government is looking at the evidence in terms of establishing a shadow broadcasting and communications authority, to look at how it would work here in Wales. Doing that preparatory work to tackle problems—that's the intention of this.
Fel y gwnes i eich ateb chi pan wnaethoch chi godi hwn y tro diwethaf, mae yna gefnogaeth wedi bod, yn ariannol, gan Cadw tuag at addoldai. Mi rydyn ni wedi bod yn gwneud y gwaith pellach. Mae yna gyngor ar ei ffordd i fi. Unwaith dwi wedi ystyried hwnnw, mi fydd y wybodaeth yna yn cael ei rannu gyda'r holl Aelodau o ran y camau nesaf. Ond i fod yn glir, mae yna gyllid wedi bod yn cael ei roi i gefnogi addoldai—ddim yr un math o gyllid, ond mi fyddaf yn ystyried y cyngor a ddaw ger fy mron i yn fuan iawn. Diolch.
Official English translation
As I responded to your previous question on this, there has been some financial support from Cadw for places of worship. We have been doing further work, and there is advice on its way to me. Once I've considered that advice, that information will be shared with all Members in terms of the next steps. But just to be clear, funding has been delivered to support places of worship—not the same kind of funding, but I will consider the advice that I will receive very soon. Thank you.
Mae Cadw yn ymgysylltu yn weithredol ag enwadau ffydd a chynrychiolwyr y sector i ddeall yn well cyflwr mannau addoli hanesyddol a'r pwysau ehangach y mae nhw'n eu hwynebu, gan gynnwys ffabrig sy'n heneiddio, defnydd sy'n newid, cynulleidfaoedd sy'n gostwng, costau cynnal a chadw, a mynediad at sgiliau arbenigol. Mae Cadw yn parhau i ddarparu cymorth uniongyrchol drwy ei raglenni grant ei hun. Dros y pum mlynedd diwethaf, mae yna fwy na £2 filiwn o gyllid grant adeiladau hanesyddol Cadw wedi cefnogi mannau addoli, sy'n cynrychioli tua 20 y cant o'r gyllideb grantiau. Mi fyddwch chi hefyd wedi clywed fy ymateb i i'r Aelod blaenorol. Dwi yn disgwyl cyngor pellach o ran hyn, ac mi fyddaf yn rhannu diweddariad unwaith dwi wedi derbyn hwnnw.
Official English translation
Cadw does engage proactively with faith communities and the sector to understand better the state of our buildings of worship and the pressures that they face, including ageing fabrics, change in use, declining congregations, maintenance costs, and access to skills. Cadw continues to provide direct support through its own grant schemes. Over the past five years, more than £2 million of Cadw historic building grants have supported places of worship, which represents almost 20 per cent of grant funding. You will have also heard my response to the previous Member. I do expect further advice and guidance on this, and I will share an update once I've received that.
Diolch i'r Aelod am y cwestiynau hynny. Mae'r ffaith ein bod ni yn ymgynghori ar y funud o ran strategaeth ddiwylliant a chwaraeon newydd, a'n bod ni yn edrych yn strategol, yn gyfle perffaith i bob Aelod yma i fod yn annog etholwyr, i fod yn annog unrhyw gymdeithasau, ac Aelodau eu hunain, i fod yn cyfrannu syniadau tuag at y strategaeth honno. Felly, byddwn ni yn eich annog chi i gyflwyno'r syniadau hyn, a byddwn ni wedyn yn gallu edrych ar yr holl ystod o bethau yr hoffai pobl yng Nghymru ein gweld ni'n buddsoddi ynddyn nhw. Un peth y byddwn i yn ei ddweud yw eich bod chi'n berffaith iawn i fod yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd cymaint o'n haddoldai ni, a'r amrywiaeth a'r stori mae nhw'n ei ddweud ynglŷn â Chymru. Felly, diolch i chi am godi'r pwyntiau hynny.
Official English translation
I thank the Member for those questions. The fact that we are consulting at the moment in terms of a new culture and sports strategy, and that we are looking strategically, is the perfect opportunity for every Member here to encourage constituents, to suggest to any societies, and Members themselves, to contribute ideas to that strategy. So, I would encourage you all to put forward these ideas, and we will then be able to look at the entire range of things that people in Wales would like to see us investing in. The one thing that I would say is that you are quite right to recognise the importance of so many of our places of worship, and the range of them that there is, and the story that they tell about Wales. So, thank you for raising those points.
Dwi bendant yn cytuno efo chi. Mi oeddwn i'n falch iawn o dîm Cymru, ac nid dim ond y rhai a enillodd y medalau; mi oedd yna berfformiadau rhagorol yna, ac mi ddylem ni fod yn falch iawn o'r holl dîm. Fel roeddwn i'n sôn gerbron y pwyllgor, pan oeddwn i yn Glasgow, roedd gweld bod Cymru wedi creu cymaint o argraff, eu bod nhw'n ail hoff dîm pawb nad oeddent o Gymru, yn sicr wedi bod yn wych i'w weld. Yn amlwg, mi oedd yna newyddion trist iawn dros yr haf hefyd, ac mi fyddwn i'n hoffi cymryd y cyfle yma i sôn am Fin Tarling. Mae ein meddyliau ni i gyd efo'i deulu a'i ffrindiau. Roedd hynny'n drychinebus dros yr haf.
O ran ein strategaeth ni rŵan, dwi eisiau sicrhau, o ran digwyddiadau mawr—. Roeddwn i'n falch iawn ddoe ein bod ni wedi gweld bod Champions League y menywod yn dod i Gymru yn 2029. Dwi'n falch i ddweud mai un o fy mhenderfyniadau i fel Gweinidog oedd cefnogi hwnna, ac mae hwnna'n dangos ein bod ni'n gweithredu. Ond dwi wedi bod yn glir iawn hefyd fod yn rhaid i'r holl ddigwyddiadau mawr rydyn ni'n mynd amdanyn nhw fod i bwrpas a'n bod ni wedi ystyried, cyn ein bod ni'n ymgeisio, beth fydd y buddsoddiad, ond hefyd beth ydy'r gwerth yn economaidd, yn gymdeithasol a'r deilliannau o ran hynny.
Mi ydych chi a minnau wedi bod yma yn y gorffennol a gweld Llywodraethau efallai'n methu â dweud beth ydy'r mesurau, sut rydyn ni'n mesur llwyddiant, ac mae hwnna'n sicr yn rhywbeth dwi'n edrych arno rŵan fel Gweinidog o ran y Tour de France a hefyd Ewros 2028. Ond mi ddylai'r mesurau yna fod yn eu lle cyn inni fod yn ymgeisio, a syniad o beth rydyn ni eisiau cael allan ohonyn nhw. Felly, mi ydyn ni'n ailedrych ar y strategaeth digwyddiadau mawr hefyd, ac mi fydda i'n mynd â'r gwaith yma rhagddo. Mae gwaith wedi dechrau, ond rydyn ni'n mynd â hwnna ymhellach hefyd.
Official English translation
I certainly agree with you. I was very proud of Team Wales, and not just those that won the medals; there were some wonderful and excellent performances, and we should be extremely proud of the whole team. As I mentioned in my appearance before the committee, when I was in Glasgow, to see that Wales had made such am impression, that they were everyone's second favourite team for everyone who wasn't from Wales, was wonderful to see. Clearly, there was some very sad news over the summer too, and I would like to take this opportunity to mention Fin Tarling. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. That was a disastrous occurrence over the summer.
In terms of our strategy now, I do want to ensure, in terms of major events—. I was very pleased yesterday that we saw that the UEFA Women's Champions League was to come to Wales in 2029. I'm pleased to say that that was one of my decisions as a Minister to support that, and that shows that we are taking action. But I have been very clear, too, that all major events that we bid for have to be for a purpose and that we will have considered, before making a bid, what the investment would be, but also what the value will be economically, socially, and outcomes in relation to that.
You and I have been here in the past and have seen Governments perhaps failing to outline what success looks like, and that is certainly something that I'm looking at now in relation to the Tour de France and also the 2028 Euros. But those measures and yardsticks should be in place before we bid, and we should have an idea of what we want to achieve. So, we are reviewing the major events strategy, and I will be taking that work forward. The work has commenced, but we will take it further.
I'm glad that the Member referenced the work that we've prioritised in terms of understanding the need, because the thing that I'm determined to do is have a plan in place long term, because, as I said in evidence to the committee, we do know, in some sectors, the investments needed, and the figures are eye-watering. They're not the kind of finances that we have currently available, they're nowhere near enough what's needed, and we will need to look strategically once we know that full picture.
I completely agree with you—and I think I mentioned this in my response to Mike Hedges during committee on Monday, when he asked me about bidding for the Commonwealth Games—we can't just invest in facilities to attract major events if then it means there's no money left to invest in key infrastructure like our swimming pools, like 3G pitches and so on, and that means that people in your constituency, in other constituencies across Wales, then fail to have access. So, this work will then be able to outline what investment is needed, where public investment is needed, how we work with local authorities, work with different budgets, because there are investments made in schools, for instance, in sport facilities.
The guarantee I give you is that we will have that long-term strategic approach, working with national governing bodies, Sport Wales, working with local authorities, working across portfolios, to ensure that we identify where the gaps are, where infrastructure is at point of failure as well, because we know a number of swimming pools are extremely old across Wales and are at risk of not being financially viable or able to stay open. We know some have closed already. That's my commitment. We want to see the right facilities that people will be able to use so they can stay active, be active in their communities, and that means every corner of Wales, rural Wales, including urban.
Mi wnes i gwrdd â chynrychiolwyr o Undeb Rygbi Cymru ym mis Awst a thrafod eu cynlluniau ar gyfer dyfodol y gêm broffesiynol. Fe wnes i wneud yn glir bwysigrwydd ymgysylltu agored ac ystyrlon gyda rhanbarthau, cefnogwyr a chymunedau, a sicrhau bod unrhyw benderfyniadau yn dryloyw, yn seiliedig ar dystiolaeth ac yn ystyried yr effaith ehangach ar rygbi Cymru.
Official English translation
I met WRU representatives in August and discussed their plans for the future of the professional game. I made clear the importance of open and meaningful engagement with regions, supporters and communities, and of ensuring that any decisions are transparent, evidence based and take full account of the wider impact on Welsh rugby.
A gaf i ddiolch i'r Aelod, yn gyntaf, am y cyfathrebu rydych chi wedi'i wneud efo fi dros y pwnc yma, ynghyd â'ch Aelodau chi dros Ŵyr Abertawe, a hefyd i bob Aelod sydd wedi ymgysylltu efo fi dros y mater pwysig hwn? Mae rygbi yn fwy na champ, onid ydy? Mae pobl yn ei deimlo fo i'r byw; mae o'n rhan o hunaniaeth cymunedau, fel rydych chi wedi sôn fan hyn. Mae'r tryloywder yna'n bwysig, oherwydd mae hyn am fwy na lleoliad, mae'n fwy nag effaith economaidd; mae ynglŷn â'r ymdeimlad cymunedol yna. Felly, yn sicr, fel y gwnes i ddweud yn fy ymateb cychwynnol, mi ddywedais i'n glir wrth Undeb Rygbi Cymru ein bod ni'n disgwyl y tryloywder yna, ein bod ni'n disgwyl y cydweithio efo cymunedau, a dyna fy neges i eto heddiw.
Official English translation
Can I thank the Member, in the first instance, for the communication that you've had with me on this topic, as well as your fellow Members for Gŵyr Abertawe, and also every Member who has contacted me on this important matter? Rugby is more than just a sport, isn't it? People feel it to the quick. It's part of the identity of communities, as you have mentioned here. And that transparency is important, because this is about more than just a location, it's more than just the economic impact; it's about that community spirit and feeling. So certainly, as I said in my initial answer, I said very clearly to the WRU that we do expect transparency, we expect that collaboration with communities, and that's my message again today.
Thank you for raising those concerns. It is essential that this process is conducted in a way that is transparent, evidence-based, and accountable. Supporters, players, volunteers, local communities and elected Members must have confidence that decisions are being taken with a full understanding of the wider impact and that their views have been properly considered. In any subsequent conversations with the Welsh Rugby Union—I do meet with them regularly—I will, of course, express the views that have been expressed to me.
Fel dwi wedi amlinellu eisoes heddiw, mae Undeb Rygbi Cymru yn gorff llywodraethu annibynnol ar gyfer rygbi yng Nghymru ac mae'n gyfrifol am benderfyniadau ynghylch strwythur a datblygiad y gêm broffesiynol, gan gynnwys yng ngogledd Cymru. Nid yw Llywodraeth Cymru yn ariannu timau chwaraeon proffesiynol, ond trwy Chwaraeon Cymru rydyn ni yn cefnogi'r gymuned a'r gêm ar lawr gwlad.
Official English translation
As I've already outlined this afternoon, the WRU is the independent governing body for rugby in Wales and is responsible for decisions about the structure and development of the professional game, including in north Wales. The Welsh Government does not fund professional sports teams, but through Sport Wales we support the community and the grass-roots game.
Fel gwnes i ddweud yn fy ymateb cyntaf, Undeb Rygbi Cymru ydy'r corff llywodraethu annibynnol a nhw sydd efo'r cyfrifoldeb, ond mae gen i, wrth gwrs, gyfleoedd yn fy nghyfarfodydd gyda nhw i fynegi unrhyw bryderon sy'n cael eu codi gyda ni.
O ran rygbi gogledd Cymru, dwi yn cydnabod yr uchelgais gref a'r cyfranogiad rygbi cynyddol ledled gogledd Cymru, a dwi'n cefnogi datblygiad y gêm ar bob lefel. Mi ydyn ni eisiau i chwaraewyr talentog o ogledd Cymru gael llwybrau clir i gyrraedd lefelau uchaf y gêm o fewn eu cymunedau, heb orfod symud o ogledd Cymru. A dwi wedi darllen y pryderon nad ydy hynny'n bosib ar y funud, felly diolch i'r Aelod am godi hynna gyda fi.
Official English translation
As I said in my initial response, it's the WRU that is the independent governing body and they have responsibility in this area, but, of course, I do have opportunities in my meetings with them to express any concerns that have been raised with me.
In terms of rugby in north Wales, I do recognise the strong ambition and the increasing popularity of and participation in rugby in north Wales, and I support the development of the game at all levels. We want talented players from north Wales to have clear pathways to get to the elite levels of the game within their communities, without having to move from north Wales. I have read concerns that this isn't currently possible, so I thank the Member for raising the issue with me.
Diolch. Fel oeddwn i'n dweud, nid cyfrifoldeb Llywodraeth Cymru mo hynny, ond yn sicr mi fyddwn ni eisiau cydweithio efo Undeb Rygbi Cymru a gwahanol gyrff llywodraethu eraill o ran mynediad cyfartal i chwaraeon. O ran y pwyntiau dŷch chi'n eu codi, mi fyddwn i'n argymell eich bod chi'n eu codi nhw hefyd efo Undeb Rygbi Cymru yn uniongyrchol. Mae'n bwysig ein bod ni yn gweithredu ar ran etholwyr o ran clybiau lleol. Ond yn sicr, fel dywedais i wrth Janet Finch-Saunders, dŷn ni eisiau cyfleoedd i bobl ifanc allu parhau yma yng Nghymru i chwarae ar y lefel uchaf, a dŷn ni'n cydnabod nad yw hynny yn digwydd ar y funud.
Official English translation
Thank you. As I mentioned, this isn't the responsibility of Welsh Government, but, certainly, we would want to work with the WRU and different governing bodies in terms of equal access to sport. In terms of the points that you raise, I would suggest that you also raise them with the WRU directly. It is important that we do act in the interests of constituents in terms of local clubs, But, certainly, as I told Janet Finch-Saunders, we certainly want opportunities for young people to remain here in Wales and to play at the highest levels, and we recognise that that isn't currently happening.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi cyfranogiad rygbi yng Nghlwyd drwy ein buddsoddiad mewn chwaraeon ar lawr gwlad, a ddarperir drwy Chwaraeon Cymru. Mae hyn yn helpu clybiau i wella cyfleusterau, lleihau costau rhedeg a chreu mwy o gyfleoedd i bobl o bob oed a chefndir gymryd rhan.
Official English translation
The Welsh Government supports rugby participation in Clwyd through our investment in grass-roots sport, delivered through Sport Wales. This helps clubs improve facilities, reduce running costs and create more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to take part.
Nid Llywodraeth Cymru sy'n penderfynu ar y buddsoddiad hwnnw. Mae e'n fater i gyrff chwaraeon unigol ond hefyd i Chwaraeon Cymru. Yr hyn sydd gennym ni fel ymrwymiad fel Llywodraeth ydy ein bod ni eisiau sicrhau bod yna fuddsoddiad ledled Cymru, cyfle i bawb gyfranogi lle bynnag eu bod yn byw yng Nghymru. Ac mae'r adolygiad strategol dŷn ni'n ei wneud o ran lle mae angen buddsoddiad yn cydweithio gydag Undeb Rygbi Cymru, Cymdeithas Pêl-droed Cymru, Nofio Cymru ac eraill i sicrhau bod hwnnw'n gynllun sy'n cael ei gefnogi gan bawb, nid dim ond gan y Llywodraeth ond gan y cyrff hyn hefyd. Bydd yna waith hefyd i weithio efo awdurdodau lleol o ran hynny.
Official English translation
It's not the Welsh Government that decides on that investment. It's a matter for the individual sports bodies but also for Sport Wales. What we have made as a commitment as a Government is that we want to ensure that there is investment across Wales and an opportunity for everyone to participate wherever they live in Wales. And the strategic review that we're carrying out in terms of where investment is needed works together with the WRU, FAW, Swim Wales and others to ensure that that is a plan that is supported by everyone, not just by the Government but by these bodies as well. Work will also be done to work with local authorities in terms of that too.
Diolch am godi'r pwyntiau pwysig yna. Wrth gydweithio gydag Undeb Rygbi Cymru dŷn ni eisiau sicrhau—. Fel roeddwn i'n dweud, mae'n bwysig iawn fod pawb yn cael y cyfle i gyfranogi, a phan mae yna rwystrau i hynny, yna mae hwnna'n her dwi'n barod iawn i'w rhoi i Undeb Rygbi Cymru neu ei rhoi i unrhyw gorff lle nad yw hynny'n gweithio.
Mae peth data yn dangos bod yna beth newydd da o ran merched yng Nghymru. Mae 90 y cant o chwaraewyr rŵan yn symud o'r pathway dan 14 i dan 16 o ran rygbi, sydd yn gam pwysig yn ei flaen. Ond, yn amlwg, mae angen deall wedyn beth arall sydd angen cael ei wneud, ac mae hwn yn rhywbeth byw iawn o ran trafodaethau rhwng swyddogion, Undeb Rygbi Cymru a holl gyrff chwaraeon yng Nghymru.
Official English translation
Thank you for raising those important points. Working with the WRU, we want to ensure—. As I said, it's very important that everyone has the opportunity to participate, and when there are barriers to that, then that is a challenge that I am ready to put to the WRU or to put to any body where that isn't working as it should.
There is some data that shows that there is some good news in terms of women and girls in Wales. Some 90 per cent of players now move from the under-14 pathway to that for under-16s in terms of rugby, which is an important step forward. But, obviously, we then need to understand what else needs to be done, and this is something that's very live to us in terms of discussions between officials and the WRU and all of the sporting bodies in Wales.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n cefnogi cyfleusterau llyfrgell yng Nghasnewydd Islwyn drwy gyllid cyfalaf a refeniw ar gyfer datblygu llyfrgelloedd. Mae hyn yn cynnwys £200,000 o gyllid cyfalaf i drawsnewid y llyfrgell i blant yn Llyfrgell Ganolog Casnewydd. Mae llyfrgelloedd Casnewydd Islwyn hefyd wedi elwa o dros £22,000 ar gyfer cyllid prosiectau grantiau bach.
Official English translation
The Welsh Government supports library facilities in Casnewydd Islwyn through capital and revenue funding for the development of libraries. This includes £200,000 in capital funding to transform the children's library in Newport Central Library. Libraries in Casnewydd Islwyn have also benefited from over £22,000 for small grant project programmes.
Dŷch chi'n codi pwynt pwysig dros ben, a does gen i ddim y pwerau i ymyrryd yn y fath fodd, ond yr hyn yr ydw i'n ei wneud ar y funud, trwy'r gwaith dŷn ni'n ei wneud, ydy deall beth yw'r sefyllfa o ran llyfrgelloedd ledled Cymru. Maen nhw'n wasanaeth statudol. Dŷn ni'n gwybod bod yna doriadau wedi bod ledled Cymru. Mae nifer o Aelodau yma wedi ymgyrchu o ran ceisio cadw llyfrgelloedd lleol ar agor, a dwi yn poeni yn fawr ynglŷn â dyfodol ein llyfrgelloedd ni—y dyfodol o ran y buddsoddiad hwnnw.
Mae angen inni ddeall beth ydy'r sefyllfa, a dyna pam, o ran cael gweledigaeth a strategaeth hirdymor a bod yn glir o ran y buddsoddiad hirdymor sydd ei angen, y medraf roi'r sicrwydd i'r Aelod fy mod i'n credu bod llyfrgelloedd yn bwysig, bod y gwaith hwn yn digwydd, ac mi fyddwn ni eisiau gweithio gydag awdurdodau lleol, yn sicr, er mwyn sicrhau bod y gwasanaethau iawn yn ein cymunedau ni a bod yna fynediad i'n llyfrgelloedd ni.
Official English translation
You raise an extremely important point, and I don't have the powers to intervene in that manner, but what I am doing at the moment, through the work that we are doing, is to understand what the situation actually is in terms of libraries the length and breadth of Wales. They're a statutory service. We know that there have been cuts across Wales. Many Members here will have campaigned to retain their local libraries, and I am deeply concerned about the future of our libraries—the future in terms of that investment.
We need to understand what the situation is, and that is why, in terms of a long-term vision and strategy and to be clear on the long-term investment needed, I can give an assurance to the Member that I do believe that libraries are important, that this work is ongoing, and that we would want to work with local authorities, certainly, in order to ensure that the right services exist in our communities and that there is access to our libraries.
Mae'r gwaith o lunio strategaeth diwylliant a chwaraeon newydd i Gymru yn digwydd ar y funud, ac mae treftadaeth a diwylliant cyfoethog ein cenedl yn rhan ganolog o hyn. Mae gennym ni weledigaeth glir ynghylch datblygu Cymru i fod yn bwerdy diwylliant a chwaraeon. Rydyn ni wedi ymrwymo i wireddu hynny.
Official English translation
Work in relation to a new culture and sports strategy for Wales is happening at the moment, and heritage and the rich culture of our nation are a central part of that. We have a clear vision in terms of developing Wales to be a cultural and sporting powerhouse. We have committed to realising that.
Can I be very clear? I disassociate myself with every single comment made and, no, I do not agree with the Member.
I would suggest that the Member takes the time to speak to people that he represents, who will be horrified and frightened by some of the comments made. I would also ask him to be mindful that our different cultural organisations are governed—our museums, for instance—by a code of ethics, and they are working ethically. And that's what I ask of any institution that receives public funding—to work within the ethics in which they are bound, to be respectful, to be mindful, as we are bound by a Members' code of conduct to do so.
Mae digwyddiadau chwaraeon fel pencampwriaethau dan-19 UEFA yn gyfleoedd pwerus a phwysig i ysbrydoli pobl ifanc ac annog mwy o gyfranogiad mewn chwaraeon. Mi fyddwn yn gweithio gyda phartneriaid, gan gynnwys Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru a Sefydliad Pêl-droed Cymru, i adeiladu ar y momentwm o'r twrnamaint trwy gefnogi pêl-droed ar lawr gwlad, gwella mynediad at gyfleusterau a chryfhau cysylltiadau rhwng ysgolion, clybiau a chymunedau.
Official English translation
Sporting events such as the UEFA under-19 championships are powerful and important opportunities to inspire young people and to encourage greater participation in sport. We will work with partners, including the Football Association of Wales and the Cymru Football Foundation, to build on the momentum of the tournament by supporting grass-roots football, improving access to facilities and strengthening links between schools, clubs and communities.
Thank you to the Member for raising those, and, obviously, we were also in Wrexham together on Saturday. I think that museum will hopefully not just inspire people to visit, but inspire people to be more active, to participate. I think there's much more we can do in this area, and that's why we're committed, as a Government, to be working cross-Government. Myself and the Deputy Minister for public health and prevention have already met. We will meet regularly to see how we embed this work, because it's currently not happening as it should.
I'd be very happy as well to meet with the Member to discuss how we can perhaps take forward some of the work, how it also feeds into our new strategy as well, both in terms of health, but also with the new culture strategy, and embedding those opportunities for everybody to be active, to get outdoors, to be able to participate just for fun. Because not everyone will be at the elite level representing Wales, even though some of us may dream of it. But being able to have fun as well is key there. So, I'd be very happy to take that conversation forward with you.
Fel Gweinidog newydd, dwi wedi mynd ati i geisio perthynas adeiladol gydag Undeb Rygbi Cymru, yn barod i herio pan fo angen, yn barod i gydweithio hefyd, tra'n parchu ei annibyniaeth. Mi ydym ni'n ymgysylltu'n rheolaidd ynglŷn â blaenoriaethau a rennir a datblygu'r gêm, gan gynnwys cyfranogiad, cyfleusterau, datblygu ar lawr gwlad a digwyddiadau mawr.
Official English translation
As a new Minister, I have set about trying to build a constructive relationship with the Welsh Rugby Union, ready to challenge when that's needed, and ready to work with them, whilst also respecting their independence. We engage regularly on shared priorities and the development of the game, including participation, facilities, grass-roots development and major events.
Wel, fel dwi wedi pwysleisio yn ystod y sesiwn hwn, mae'r rhain yn faterion annibynnol, a drwy Chwaraeon Cymru rydyn ni'n ariannu unrhyw gorff. Yn sicr, os oes gennych chi bryderon, mi fedraf i ofyn i Chwaraeon Cymru fod yn darparu rhagor o wybodaeth i chi. Dwi'n meddwl yr hyn sydd yn glir iawn o sesiwn heddiw ydy bod yna nifer o gwestiynau gan Aelodau ynglŷn ag Undeb Rygbi Cymru. Dwi'n awyddus iawn i gydweithio efo Aelodau ynglŷn ag unrhyw bryderon sydd gennych chi, a dwi'n hapus iawn i fod yn codi'r rhain yn uniongyrchol efo Undeb Rygbi Cymru. Pan oeddwn i'n llefarydd ar ran chwaraeon, mi oeddwn i'n ddigon parod i ofyn cwestiynau a herio hefyd, ac, fel Gweinidog, dwi'n barod iawn i wneud hynny.
Dwi'n falch iawn bod cymaint ohonoch chi yn pryderu am ddyfodol y gêm yng Nghymru gydag angerdd, ac, os cawn ni weithio gyda'n gilydd, yna dwi'n meddwl bod hwnna'n le da i ddechrau.
Official English translation
Well, as I have emphasised during the session, these are independent issues, and it's through Sport Wales that we fund any body. Certainly, if you do have concerns, I can ask Sport Wales to provide more information to you. I think what is very clear from today's session is that there are a number of questions from Members related to the WRU. I'm very eager to work together with Members in relation to any concerns that you have, and I'm very happy to raise these directly with the Welsh Rugby Union. When I was a sports spokesperson, I was quite prepared to ask questions and challenge as well, and, as a Minister, I'm still prepared to do that.
I'm very pleased that so many of you are worried about the future of the game in Wales with such passion, and, if we can all work together, then I think that this is a good place to start.