Consultation net cast across Wales as Assembly Commission prepares fresh approach to its bilingual services
22 September 2011
The National Assembly for Wales Commission is currently asking the people of Wales to have their say about a new framework to govern its bilingual services.
As part of that process, workshop events will be held in three different parts of Wales this month (September), in order to let as many people as possible have their say on the proposals.
The (Draft) National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Bill would make provision about the use of the Welsh and English languages in the proceedings of the Assembly and the business of the Assembly Commission.
This Bill would place a duty on the Assembly Commission to bring forward a Bilingual Services Scheme specifying the framework that would govern its bilingual services.
Workshops will be held on:
26th September at the National Assembly’s offices, Princes Drive, Colwyn Bay, between 9.30-11.30am;
26th September at the National Library, in Abersytwyth, between 15.00-17.00; and
28th September at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, between 9.30-11.30am.
The sessions will be chaired by the Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for the Welsh language, Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM, and the Assembly’s Director of Legal Services, Keith Bush.
“The draft legislation and proposed language scheme confirms our commitment to developing bilingual services in an innovative way to ensure that the proceedings and work of the National Assembly are as accessible as possible to everyone in Wales,” said Mr Glyn Thomas.
“As part of that commitment, we want to hear the views of as many people as possible, from all parts of Wales. That’s why we are holding these sessions in different parts of the country.”
Following introductory remarks from the Commissioner and Mr Bush, members of the audience will be able to ask questions. In line with the Commission’s commitment to bilingualism, the audience will be able to participate in both Welsh and English, with simultaneous translation being provided.
Members of the public can book their place in the audience for any one of the sessions by calling the National Assembly’s booking line on 0845 0105500.
The consultation period will continue throughout September, and the draft Bill and Scheme are expected to be ready for the consideration of the National Assembly around the end of the year.
The draft Bill and Scheme can be found here
Anyone wishing to submit evidence should send an electronic copy of your submission to BilingualServices@wales.gov.uk and entitle the email ‘Consultation-Bilingual Services’. Alternatively, you can write to: Bilingual Services Scheme Manager, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA.
Submissions should arrive by 14 October 2011. It may not be possible to take into account responses received after this date. Comments and amendments will be considered by the Assembly Commission in the autumn term prior to the introduction of the Bill for scrutiny.