​Written Assembly Questions tabled on 12 May 2017 for answer on 19 May 2017
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 Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Given that more than 70 per cent of Reservists in Wales are employed in the private sector, what action is the Welsh Government taking to acknowledge the role of the private sector in supporting the Reserve Forces? (WAQ73494)
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Given the benefits of being a Reservist to employees and employers, what is the Welsh Government doing to promote joining the Reserves and employing Reservists, especially amongst public sector employers? (WAQ73496)
Answer received on 24 May 2017
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (Carl Sargeant): Responsibility for Reserved Forces lies with the UK Government. However, the Welsh Government has made it clear through its Programme for Government, that it is committed to supporting Reservists. We have endorsed (SaBRE) Supporting Britain's Reservists and their employers and the subsequent DRM (Defence Relationship Management), which builds on the success of the SaBRE information campaign and continues the Ministry of Defence's work with Reservists, employers and organisations.
Welsh Government, as an employer, has its own specific Reservist policy in place which has been held up as an example to other employers, and I was pleased to learn this received a Silver Award through the Employers Recognition Scheme.
We will continue to promote and support the recruitment of Reservists within Welsh Government and the wider public sector as part of ongoing communications on Armed Forces Day and whenever the opportunity arises.
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): How does the Welsh Government intend to mark Reserves Day 2017? (WAQ73495)
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What support is the Welsh Government providing towards events to mark and celebrate Reserves Day in Wales? (WAQ73497)
Answer received on 24 May 2017
Carl Sargeant: National Reserves Day falls within National Armed Forces week. Welsh Government will be supporting flagship events to celebrate Armed Forces Day in both North and South Wales to demonstrate our support for all serving and ex services personnel, including Reservists. The events will also offer the public an opportunity to show their support.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Education
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What assessment has the Welsh Government made about establishing a service children pupil premium for Wales? (WAQ73493)
Answer recieved on 18 May 2017
Cabinet Secretary for Education (Kirsty Williams): I am committed to ensuring all children and young people are supported to achieve their potential, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
I am keen to better understand the specific needs of Service children and the barriers that they might face in education which impact on their well-being and attainment. I have asked officials to examine what the available evidence tells us and, reflecting on this evidence, consider whether further specific action may be required to support Service children in Wales to reach their full potential.
Since 2011 schools in Wales have been able to benefit from the Ministry of Defence Education Support Fund (ESF) which is available to address the impact of armed forces mobility and deployment on children's learning.
I think it is right that the Ministry of Defence recognises the impact its decisions have on devolved areas and I know that this grant scheme is planned to end in 2018. I have therefore written to the Secretary of State for Defence to ask him to review that decision and to continue the fund beyond March 2018 so that Service children and young people can continue to receive the help and support they need.