​Written Assembly Questions tabled on 27 July 2016 for answer on 3 August 2016

R - Signifies the Member has declared an interest.
W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

(Self-identifying question no. shown in brackets)

Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.

To ask the First Minister

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the First Minister confirm what action was taken in relation to the fraudulent purchase at Victoria's Secret using Welsh Government procurement cards, and if the perpetrator was an employee? (WAQ70771)

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): With reference to the fraudulent purchase of goods from Victoria's Secret using procurement cards, will the First Minister confirm the location of the store, the date of both purchase and refund, whilst also disclosing what items were purchased? (WAQ70772)

Answer received on 5 August 2016

The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): Last December, our procurement credit card provider flagged up a suspicious transaction, due to both the nature and location of the retailer.
This charge related to a purchase from a Victoria’s Secret store in New York City. Following an immediate investigation, by the provider and Welsh Government, it was confirmed that no Welsh Government employee used the procurement card to purchase items from Victoria’s Secret and the charge was both unauthorised and fraudulent.
The charge was refunded in full by the card provider and the procurement card involved was immediately cancelled. The transaction was both charged and refunded to the card account on 19 December 2015. Welsh Government does not hold further details on the fraudulent transaction.

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): In relation to an interview given by the First Minister to Sunday Politics Wales, can he confirm whether formal meetings have taken place between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government regarding 'Brexit', listing the attendees, dates and venues of any such meetings? (WAQ70784)

Answer received on 12 August

First Minister: I have met the Leader of Plaid Cymru to discuss the implications of Brexit and there will be further discussion between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru on this topic in due course.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): With regard to his response to WAQ70700 will the Minister outline a clear timetable for implementing his new economic strategy? (WAQ70768)

Answer received on 5 August 2016

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure (Ken Skates): Discussions are underway with businesses and a range of other partners about economic priorities. I have not put a definitive timescale on this yet because I want to ensure that this is an inclusive process that engages and involves a broad spectrum of views.

Mark Isherwood (North Wales): What is the current position with the delayed rail scheme to improve train times between Wrexham and Chester, including doubling the rail track between Rossett and Saltney junction? (WAQ70769)

Mark Isherwood (North Wales): When do you anticipate that the new track between Saltney and Rossett will now be commissioned? (WAQ70770)

Answer received on 5 August 2016

Ken Skates: Network Rail have indicated that they will carry out the final commissioning work during late March and early April 2017.
The new track between Rossett and Saltney junction, they have indicated that this element will be commissioned by 2 April 2017. Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales are currently working together to realise the timetable changes made possible by this investment.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What strategic planning has the Minister undertaken to increase mobile phone coverage in Welsh rural areas during the Fifth Assembly and what steps has he also undertaken to help mobile phone operators and rural Welsh communities future proof their masts for 5G coverage? (WAQ70774)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

The Minister for Skills and Science (Julie James): I will write to you and a copy of the letter will be placed on the internet.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Minister provide an update on his discussions with Ofcom, mobile phone operators and the UK Government regarding 4G network coverage in Welsh rural areas? (WAQ70775)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Julie James: I will write to you and a copy of the letter will be placed on the internet.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What discussions has the Minister had with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs regarding the extension of non-domestic rates relief for new mobile phone masts in non-commercial areas and planning reform for those masts? (WAQ70776)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Julie James: I will write to you and a copy of the letter will be placed on the internet.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What discussions has the Minister had with Ofcom and other stakeholders regarding 4G coverage and infill for rural areas which are not commercially viable, and what Welsh Government support is available to rural communities which do not have commercially viable areas for 4G mobile phone coverage? (WAQ70777)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Julie James: I will write to you and a copy of the letter will be placed on the internet.

Nathan Gill (North Wales): In respect of the Circuit of Wales development, which company is in receipt of Welsh Government funding? (WAQ70779)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

The Minister for Economy and Infrastructure (Ken Skates:) The only company to have received financial support from Welsh Government is Heads of the Valleys Development Company Ltd. 

Nathan Gill (North Wales): What due diligence was done prior to the award of Welsh Government funding to that company and what ongoing due diligence is that company subject to? (WAQ70780)

Answer received on 5 August 2016

Ken Skates: Extensive financial and legal due diligence was undertaken prior to the award of any funding. This work was commissioned from specialist external advisors. Checks were also made to ensure that Mr Carrick and other Directors are not debarred from holding such office.

Nathan Gill (North Wales): After landscaping invoices were seen to have been paid by Heads of the Valleys Development Company what questions did the Welsh Government ask of the company in this regard and what answers were given? (WAQ70781)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

Ken Skates: Welsh Government, together with the company's bankers, implemented robust procedures to ensure public funds were only applied to the payment of authorised suppliers. The company have provided documentary evidence that the landscaping invoices were paid by individuals or companies not supported by the Welsh Government though my Officials are undertaking a comprehensive audit and review. 

Nathan Gill (North Wales): Is the Welsh Government aware of other companies owned by Michael Carrick, CEO of the Heads of the Valleys Development Company and if so, what checks has the Welsh Government done on Michael Carrick's other companies? (WAQ70782)

Answer received on 5 August 2016

Ken Skates: At the date of the award of grant Mr Carrick was a director of 4 companies Aventa Capital Partners Ltd (Wholly owned by Michael Carrick), Rassau Track and Leisure Ltd (Wholly owned by Michael Carrick) Heads of the Valleys Development Company Ltd (Majority owned by Rassau Track and Leisure plus 7 other shareholders, including Mr Carrick) and Circuit of Wales Ltd (Wholly owned by Heads of the Valleys Development Company Ltd) Solvency and creditworthiness checks were made on each company.  Since the date of the grant award Mr Carrick has been appointed a director of 7 other companies.

Nathan Gill (North Wales): In respect of the Circuit of Wales, how much public money has been paid out in total? When was it paid? How was it paid? To whom? (WAQ70783)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

Ken Skates: A property development grant of £2m was paid to Heads of the Valleys Development Company between December 2012 and February 2013. Subsequently no further payments have been made direct by Government, though a loan provided by the company's bankers was in part underwritten by a Welsh Government  guarantee. A payment of £7.334m was made to the bank under that guarantee in May 2016.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn): Will the Minister provide an update on when he plans to publish the findings of the scoping exercise on the implications of implementing the changes to the first line test in the bowel screening programme from faecal occult blood test (FOBT) to faecal immunochemical test (FIT)? (WAQ70754)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

The Minister for Social Services and Public Health (Rebecca Evans): There are no plans to publish the business plan for the implementation of FIT in Wales which was developed by Public Health Wales, following a request from the Wales Screening Committee. The Wales Screening Committee considered this plan at its meeting held on 27 January and requested Public Health Wales continue planning for the introduction of FIT in order to avoid any unnecessary delays.

The business plan, associated funding requirements and advice from the Wales Screening Committee are currently being considered and a ministerial decision on the formal introduction of FIT in Wales will be published in due course.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn): What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the Wales Screening Committee concerning the introduction of HPV as a primary test for cervical cancer? (WAQ70755)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

The Minister for Social Services and Public Health (Rebecca Evans): Following the recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee, the Wales Screening Committee commissioned Public Health Wales to establish a project group to develop an outline business case for the introduction of HPV as the primary screening test in Wales. The Wales Screening Committee met on 21 June and at this meeting endorsed the project group recommendation to develop a HPV pilot programme to be introduced in early 2017.

Sian Gwenllian (Arfon): Which services have been re-located from Ysbyty Gwynedd to other hospitals in north Wales since 2010? (WAQ70756)W

Answer received on 5 August 2016

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport  (Vaughan Gething): During the period in question, the major relocation that has occurred has been the transfer of major ENT and head and neck procedures from Ysbyty Gwynedd to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.  This took place as part of the centralisation of head and neck work to support a centre of excellence at Glan Clwyd.  There were reciprocal arrangements put in place at a similar time that saw the centralization of gynaecological cancer treatments at Ysbyty Gwynedd and upper GI cancer at Wrexham Maelor.  I understand these changes were agreed with the former community health councils prior to 2010 as a positive move to improve patient outcomes in line with evidence.

There have been some changes in other services involving minor relocations to and from Ysbyty Gwynedd but not involving whole service transfer. For example, some increase in numbers around urology and gynaecology, some reductions in breast surgery due to the need to manage the services appropriately to address demand and capacity across the North Wales hospitals network.

Ysbyty Gwynedd has recently had an Alongside Midwifery-Led Unit developed and opened, consistent with maternity service provision in the other two acute hospitals in North Wales and in accordance with evidence of best practice.

Ysbyty Gwynedd will continue to play a major role in the provision of services designed to meet the needs of the local population.

Sian Gwenllian (Arfon): What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that Rapid Response Paramedic staff are receiving effective vehicle training and professional development in order to ensure staff and patient safety? (WAQ70757)

Answer recevied on 3 August 2016

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (Vaughan Gething):  It is the responsibility of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to ensure all its staff receive the necessary training and professional development to safely and effectively perform their duties.

The Trust's Education and Development Team run a variety of educational programmes to make sure staff have the skills they need  and has also developed individual programmes to meet specific staff needs including Rapid Response Vehicle Courses.

Sian Gwenllian (Arfon): What is the timetable for implementing the plan to upgrade the Emergency Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd? (WAQ70758)W

Answer recevied on 5 August 2016

Vaughan Gething: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are finalising a business case in respect of the emergency department at Ysbyty Gwynedd. I understand it will be submitted to Welsh Government in the autumn. The current timetable indicates the upgrade should be completed by early 2019, subject to formal scrutiny of the business case and the relevant approvals.

Sian Gwenllian (Arfon): What are Ysbyty Gwynedd's plans for the future of the vascular service, and is there any cause for concern for the safety of renal patients in the Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Alltwen areas? (WAQ70759)W

Answer recevied on 5 August 2016

Vaughan Gething: Plans for services at the hospital are a matter for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. As part of its plans for delivery the health board needs to take account of quality, safety and the needs of its population.

Sian Gwenllian (Arfon): Following confirmation by the First Minister that a business plan will be created for a Medical School in north Wales, wat are the next steps and the timetable? (WAQ70760)W

Answer recevied on 5 August 2016

Vaughan Gething: On 13 July, in answer to a question you raised in plenary, I confirmed I have asked my officials to do some initial work in this area.
I have agreed to look at whether there is a business case for establishing an additional medical school in Wales. I do, however, want to set this within the context of the wider health professional education and training requirements within North Wales.
I expect to receive the outcome of this initial work in the autumn. I will then be in a position to consider next steps.

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What help does the Welsh Government offer to children who have been sexually abused after meeting people online? (WAQ70765)

Answer recevied on 3 August 2016

Rebecca Evans:  Identifying and protecting children is the first imperative.  The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 introduces for the first time a duty on relevant partners to report children who are suspected of being at risk. 

This ensures that those at risk or who have experienced abuse, receive immediate protection and an assessment of all of their well-being needs.  Equivalent duties apply to adults suspected of being at risk.  The new framework under the Act drives integrated practice between practitioners and those they support.  It promotes opportunities for agencies to assess needs jointly including commissioning and undertaking specialist assessment in order to avoid duplication.

We have made an additional £7.65m annually to improve mental health services for children, including £1.1m to increase access to talking therapies and £2.7m to develop crisis intervention services.  We have also made over £200,000 available in the current year to support the six Welsh Sexual Assault Referral Centres in providing appropriate healthcare to adults and children who may have been sexually assaulted.  This further promotes access to the most appropriate care, in a timely manner from the most appropriate source, in line with prudent healthcare.

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on the lack of GPs in Cardigan? (WAQ70766)W

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What steps is the Minister taking to ensure there are more GPs on the Cardigan area? (WAQ70767)W

Answer recevied on 5 August 2016

Vaughan Gething: The Welsh Government will shortly be bringing forward proposals for a national and international recruitment campaign to market NHS Wales as an attractive place to work. This includes work to recruit, train and retain GPs and other primary care professionals to address the issues faced across Wales, including in the Cardigan area. We will also continue to support the development of new models of care.
In Cardigan, Hywel Dda University Health Board has been actively supporting and working with GP practices to recruit additional GPs in what is a challenging recruitment market across the whole of the UK. However, Ashleigh Surgery recently served notice to the health board in response to a GP retirement due in January 2017.
The health board has a responsibility to ensure the on-going provision of high quality primary care services for their patients. They will need to evaluate all options for future service delivery, including alternative models of care utilising a wide range of health care professionals to meet local health needs. This includes letting a new contract or taking the practice into health board management. The health board has held a public meeting to seek views from the community and is now considering a range of options. I expect them to continue to work with the local community to ensure local residents are kept informed and involved.

Dai Lloyd (South Wales West): Will the Cabinet Secretary for Health outline the latest plans for promoting breast feeding in Wales? (WAQ70778)

Answer recevied on 3 August 2016

Rebbecca Evans: The Welsh Government recognises the importance of breastfeeding and is committed to increasing breastfeeding rates across Wales, but in particular in disadvantaged areas where rates are lowest.

Public Health Wales (PHW) has responsibility for delivering the national breastfeeding programme - a programme of activities which incorporates work within the NHS, communities and the voluntary sector.

A 2013 review considered the future direction for health improvement programmes in Wales, and concluded approaches to promote breastfeeding should be revised to reflect best evidence and practice.  It highlighted the need for breastfeeding to be embedded as part of a systems-based approach to achieve the greatest impact. In adopting these changes, breastfeeding will be promoted and normalised in all PHW programmes of work. Examples include the NHS Settings Programme, where health boards will continue to be supported to achieve and maintain UNICEF's UK Baby Friendly accreditation and a Breastfeeding Report Card is being developed to measure success, share good practice and identify areas requiring additional support. Breast feeding will also be embedded in the Educational Settings Programme, Early Years Work Programme, Health at Work Programme, Healthy and Well Communities, Nutrition and Obesity Programme, Mental Wellbeing, and Research and Development. 

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government's assessment of the effect of Britain leaving the European Union on animal welfare in Wales? (WAQ70742)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Lesley Griffiths): We would not expect animal welfare standards, as currently set out in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to change.

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): When will the Welsh Government publish its response to the Professor Harris report on the use of wild animals in circuses? (WAQ70743)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Lesley Griffiths: I refer to my previous response on this subject in WAQ70666.

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Minister outline how the Welsh Government is tackling illegal animal trading online? (WAQ70744)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Lesley Griffiths: Enforcement is a matter for the enforcement authorities, the police, Local Authorities and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
We are aware of Third Sector concerns on illegal trading online in wildlife and wildlife crime has recently been considered in a published report, which can be found at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/578963/IPOL_IDA(2016)578963_EN.pdf

The report explains how a multiagency group the ‘UK Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW UK)’ has been set up, comprising representatives of statutory and non-governmental organisations involved in wildlife law enforcement in the UK including Welsh representatives.

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): What plans does the Welsh Government have to review the breeding, trade and keeping of exotic pets across Wales? (WAQ70745)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Lesley Griffiths: We have no plans, currently, to consider this further.

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): How is the Welsh Government ensuring the coordination and sharing of animal welfare expertise amongst local authorities? (WAQ70746)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Lesley Griffiths: We have regular and varied discussions with the Welsh Local Government Association and Local Authority officials. Where appropriate and timely, workshops are held with local authority staff.

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What evidence has the government given to the Hendry review? (WAQ70786)W

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What consultation has there been with the Hendry review on tidal lagoons? (WAQ70787)W

Answer received on 23 October 2017

Lesley Griffiths:  My Officials are currently preparing evidence for submission to the Hendry independent review and I am meeting Charles Hendry, who is leading on the review, after the Summer recess.  I understand the Hendry Review is also arranging a cross-party meeting with Assembly Members.
 
The review is expected to report back in the Autumn and will inform the UK's future policy towards tidal lagoons. I have written to the Secretary of State to emphasise the importance of the review engaging with Wales and Welsh stakeholders, given that Wales is one of the key locations for deployment of tidal lagoons within the UK.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children

Mohammad Asghar (South Wales East): How much money has been given by the Welsh Government to the Muslim Council of Wales in each of the last five years? (WAQ70773)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (Carl Sargeant): The Welsh Government has awarded no funding to the Muslim Council of Wales for activity delivered over the past 5 financial years (2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16 & 2016/17).

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister confirm (a) how many orders relating to the review of electoral arrangements have been issued to town and community councils, by local authorities, to reduce the number of councillors elected to that council; and (b) the total reduction in town and community council seats achieved as a result of these orders? (WAQ70747)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Mark Drakeford): Under the Local Government (Democracy) Wales Act 2013, a principal council may review the electoral arrangements of a community in its area either on its own initiative or at the request of the community council or the electors.

There is no requirement to inform Welsh Ministers of these reviews or their outcome, therefore the Welsh Government does not have a record of any such orders made by principal councils.

Before the 2013 Act, there was a role for Welsh Ministers in the reviews of community boundaries conducted by either the principal councils or the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales under the Local Government Act 1972.  Community boundary reviews which have as a consequence of the proposed changes to boundaries, meant changes to the electoral arrangements are needed, are implemented by order of Welsh Ministers.  

Since the 2012 local government elections, three orders have been made by Welsh Ministers under the 1972 Act.  These will result in a total reduction of 15 town and community councillors.

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy):Will the Minister publish the agendas and minutes of all meetings of the distribution sub group of the Partnership Council for Wales held after 12 November 2015? (WAQ70748)

Answer received on 5 August 2016

Mark Drakeford: Agendas and minutes for all Distribution Sub Group meetings from January 2010 to May 2016 are published on the Welsh Government website:
http://gov.wales/topics/localgovernment/finandfunding/dsg1/item/?lang=en

Documents relating to each future meeting will be published after the minutes have been agreed at the following meeting.

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister confirm whether he will revisit the voluntary merger proposals put forward to the previous Minister for Public Services when looking at how to take forward local government reorganisation? (WAQ70749)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

Mark Drakeford: As part of the process of developing an agreed approach to local government reform, I am willing to consider any voluntary mergers which local authorities themselves might want to pursue, should they conclude that merger would be in the interests of their local populations. 

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister make a statement on the findings of the Wales Audit Office that the number of town and community councils with qualified audit opinions has increased in two or more out of the last four financial years, including from 85 to 113 councils between 2013 and 2015? (WAQ70750)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

Mark Drakeford: I share the Auditor General’s concerns regarding those councils that have received qualified audit opinions for a number of years.  It is the responsibility of every council to carry out its statutory duties and to follow proper practices to account for the public money entrusted to them. 

I support the changes to the audit arrangements from 2015-16 onwards which will result in a greater focus on governance.  These changes should lead to improvements in financial management within town and community councils.  

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister outline what structural support the Welsh Government will provide to town and community councils who are struggling to provide their audits on time, and how is the Minister looking to increase quality audits from these during the course of the Fifth Assembly? (WAQ70751)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

Mark Drakeford: The Welsh Government has provided funding to One Voice Wales to prepare training modules on a variety of topics which are of relevance to community and town councillors.  These include their statutory responsibilities and the proper accounting practices they should follow.

In 2015, the Welsh Government also provided funding to One Voice Wales to prepare an advanced finance module.  Training based on this module aims to increase councillors’ knowledge and understanding of good governance and accountability.  The Welsh Government is also funding the Society of Local Council Clerks to support clerks to undertake occupational training which will include the financial elements of their role.

It is envisaged that increased competence for both councillors and clerks will assist councils in submitting their annual returns on time and receiving unqualified opinions.

Mohammad Asghar (South Wales East): Will the Minister make a statement on small business rate relief thresholds in Wales? (WAQ70752)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

Mark Drakeford: In 2016-17, business properties with a rateable value up to £6,000 receive 100 per cent relief and those with a rateable value between £6,001 and £12,000 receive tapered relief.

Mohammad Asghar (South Wales East): What plans does the Minister have to increase the small business rate relief threshold in Wales? (WAQ70753)

Answer received on 12 August 2016

Mark Drakeford: I will be considering the options over the summer for providing future relief from non-domestic rates to support small businesses. This work will be informed by the outcome of the revaluation exercise being undertaken by the Valuation Office Agency.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Education

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Minister make a statement on action the Welsh Government is taking to keep children safe online? (WAQ70761)  

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle the online abuse of children? (WAQ70762)

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What action is the Welsh Government taking to educate children about online safety? (WAQ70763)

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What advice has the Welsh Government published for parents regarding online safety for children? (WAQ70764)

Answer received on 3 August 2016

The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Kirsty Williams): The Welsh Government recognises the critical importance of safeguarding children and young people online.

Last year the Welsh Government published new statutory guidance, ‘Keeping learners safe’, which includes guidance specifically on e-Safety.

In January 2014, the Welsh Government contracted South West Grid for Learning to deliver an extensive e-Safety education and awareness raising programme across Wales. 

To date the project has developed and provided:

To help children and young people stay safe online, an e-Safety zone has been created on Hwb.  This one-stop shop provides access to resources, news and research, in addition to materials and tips to help both learners and parents.

Most recently, playlists have been published on digital safeguarding issues including cyberbullying, ‘selfies & sexting’ and social networking.  Resources will continue to be developed on key themes to help teach children and young people how to make safe, smart and ethical decisions online.

Over the past 12 months, we have also strengthened our education response to child sexual exploitation in Wales with the publication of a new education resource ‘Hidden’. Developed with Barnardos Cymru, the resource highlights the dangers of child sexual exploitation.  An accompanying training programme has also been delivered to practitioners, and highlights the risks of on-line grooming.  Further training sessions are being planned for later this year.

A Digital Competence Framework is on track to be available to schools and other settings from September this year, in line with the Welsh Government’s proposals in “A curriculum for Wales – a curriculum for life”, which followed Professor Graham Donaldson’s report “Successful Futures”.  Development of the Framework has been led by practitioners from pioneer schools across Wales, and areas such as digital wellbeing, rights and responsibilities are an important part of this work. Digital Competence will be a cross-curricular responsibility, alongside literacy and numeracy and this will further embed e-Safety throughout the curriculum.

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on the future of Welsh for Adults education in Carmarthenshire? (WAQ70785)W

Answer received on 3 August 2016

The Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language (Alun Davies): The recently established National Centre for Learning Welsh is responsible for the strategic development of the Welsh for Adults sector, along with the process for appointing providers across Wales. The process has been complex, and I am aware of concerns about the provision of courses in Carmarthenshire.

The Centre has been working closely with my officials and the providers and I am pleased to note that arrangements are now in place with Carmarthenshire County Council and Aberystwyth University to provide courses in the county from September.

The Centre and the providers will now ensure that the courses are promoted locally.