Motions and Amendments for debate on 25 February 2009

Motions Tabled on 18 February 2009

Short Debate

NDM4152 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): The Future of Epilepsy Services in Wales

NDM4148 Jeff Cuthbert (Caerphilly)

The Assembly resolves under Standing Order 33.1 that the term of office of Richard Penn, the National Assembly Commissioner for Standards appointed by resolution of the Assembly on the 15th March 2005 for a term of four years, be extended so as to expire either:

a) on the 31st March 2011; or

b) if, before that date, a statutory Commissioner is appointed to discharge the same or similar functions under an Assembly Measure, on the day before that on which that appointment takes effect.

NDM4149 Gareth Jones (Aberconwy)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the Report of the Enterprise and Learning Committee's consideration of the fuel and road haulage petition, which was laid in the Table Office on 19 November 2008.

Note: The response of the Minister for the Economy and Transport was laid in the Table Office on 4 February 2009

NDM4150 William Graham (South Wales East)

This Assembly notes with concern that one in five pensioners in Wales are living in poverty and calls on the Welsh Assembly Government, working with the UK Government and other agencies, to take urgent action to remedy this situation.

NDM4151 Peter Black (South Wales West)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Regrets the vote by the European Parliament to remove Britain's working time directive opt-out;

2. Notes with concern the effect that the removal will have on retained Firefighters across Wales and the consequences the removal may have on public health and safety;

3. Notes that a considerable proportion of Firefighters are retained and the valuable service volunteer Firefighters provide;

4. Notes that the Retained Firefighters Union opposes this removal and that if the opt-out is removed and RDS fire stations become unviable under the directive, 91% of the UK will lose valuable emergency fire cover; and

5. Notes the potentially fatal consequences for Welsh communities.

Amendments tabled on 20 February 2009

To propose that the Assembly resolves to adopt the following amendments to motions:

NDM4150

1. Carwyn Jones (Bridgend)

Delete “take urgent action” and replace with “continue with the progress made”.

2. Peter Black (South Wales West)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Believes that council tax should be replaced with a fairer system based on people's ability to pay in order to reduce the possibility of forcing pensioners into poverty.

3. Peter Black (South Wales West)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes with concern the large number of pensioners living in fuel poverty, and further calls on the Welsh Assembly Government to:

a) Re-focus the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme so that it helps those in fuel poverty;

b) Make representations to energy companies to improve their social tariffs and to improve rates on pre-payment meters.

NDM4151

1. William Graham (South Wales East)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Notes with concern that the removal of the opt out will increase costs for fire stations which have Firefighters working the Retained Duty System.