Written Assembly Questions tabled on 26 November 2015 for answer on 3 December 2015
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 Minister for Education and Skills
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Minister clarify whether the provision of a sixth form within the proposed new secondary school for Haverfordwest is considered transformational under the 21st Century School programme? (WAQ69508)
Answer received on 4 December 2015
The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): I am aware that Pembrokeshire is developing proposals for secondary and post 16 provision in the area. A Business Case identifying a preferred option for the area has not yet been submitted to me for consideration as part of the 21st Century Schools Programme. Business Cases for 21st Century Schools investment are expected to set out all the arguments relating to the proposals and a clear justification and rationale for the preferred approach, taking into account the objectives of the programme. Consequently it would not be appropriate for me to comment on proposals in the absence of such a business case. In addition, should the preferred option require statutory proposals for school re-organisation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any changes which might require Ministerial consideration
To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services
Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Which local health boards in Wales have a maternal mental health strategy in place? (WAQ69508)
Answer received on 9 December 2015
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Mark Drakeford): We are committed to promoting good mental health in pregnancy and in the perinatal period. For this reason, all Wales maternity record questions include a set of mental health questions. Should any mental health issued be identified, we expect a mental health plan for the woman to be agreed.
In June, I announced £1.5 million of new recurrent funding to improve mental health outcomes for women with perinatal illnesses, their babies and families. The funding is being used to develop community based specialist perinatal mental health services across every health board in Wales, and will ensure that midwives have a comprehensive source of advice available.
Many women will have relatively mild problems that can be managed by local services, with their GP, and midwife or health visitor working together accordingly. However, these new developments should ensure greatly improved access to perinatal mental health services for those women who need them.