Written Assembly Questions tabled on 12 December 2014 for answer on 19 December 2014
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
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the First Minister make a statement on what action he is taking to promote the use of Fair Trade products across all departments in the Welsh Government? (WAQ68154)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The First Minster of Wales (Carwyn Jones): The Welsh Government's Wales for Africa programme funds Fair Trade Wales which is Wales' national organisation for Fair Trade education, policy, procurement, support and campaigning.
Fair Trade Wales work with communities, schools, organisations, individuals, Fair Trade groups, local government and the public in Wales to increase awareness and the use of Fair Trade produce in support of the Fair Trade Nation campaign.
A variety of Fair Trade events are held across government each year and Welsh Ministers actively support the annual Fair Trade Fortnight campaign.
The Welsh Government's catering contract for its administrative estate sets high standards for both local and ethical sourcing, including Fair Trade. Fair Trade food and confectionery items, including a full range of beverages, biscuits and snacks are available at all service times and Fair Trade products are also provided as part of the hospitality service. The contractor has also committed to increasing the number of Fair Trade products used year- on- year over the three year contract term, and this is regularly monitored.
To ask the Minister for Natural Resources
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister detail the timetable for the review of the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010? (WAQ68152)
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister consider legalising animal fences that are not controlled by owners in the review of the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010? (WAQ68153)
Answer received on 23 December 2014 (WAQ68152-153)
The Deputy Minister for Farming and Food (Rebecca Evans): I am very aware of the commitment to review this legislation. We are in discussion with the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group on a range of welfare issues, which will include seeking their view on the policy intent of the existing legislation of using electronic collars on dogs and cats. Once received, I will set out the next steps and timing in a written statement.
To ask the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What is the Welsh Government's strategy for independent museums in Wales? (WAQ68156W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism (Ken Skates): The Welsh Government's current strategy for all museums in Wales is set out in 'A Museum Strategy for Wales 2010-2015'.
This was developed in close collaboration with museums of all sizes and types across Wales. It offers realistic actions for all museums to improve services and to demonstrate the benefits of museums to society as a whole.
The Strategy can be downloaded from the Welsh Government website: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/cultureandsport/museumsarchiveslibraries/cymal/museums/strategy/?lang=en
There is a Museums Strategy steering group whose members include representatives of the Association for Independent Museums and The Federation of Museums and Galleries in Wales. Minutes of all meetings are published by CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales on the website noted above.
On 24th October, I issued a written statement announcing an Expert Review into local museums in Wales. Evidence for this will be sought from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including independent museums. The review findings will influence the next Strategy for Museums in Wales which will cover the period 2016-2021.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What plans does the Minister have to visit the Tenby museum and art gallery? (WAQ68157W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism (Ken Skates): Following correspondence earlier this month, I have invited Tenby Museum's Honorary Curator to contact my Diary Secretary to make arrangements for me to visit the museum in the new year.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What is the Welsh Government's opinion of the work of independent museums in Wales? (WAQ68158W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism (Ken Skates): Independent museums make a tremendous contribution to preserving and promoting Welsh heritage as part of local museum provision in Wales. There are more than 50 Accredited independent museums across the country. The Expert Panel carrying out the review of local museum services, which I announced in October, will specifically consider the impact of proposed local authority changes on independent museums.
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): In accordance with the powers contained in the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013, what steps will the Minister take in situations where local authorities: i) have not set growth targets for Welsh-language education; ii) have set targets that are not challenging or ambitious enough; iii) have set targets but have not achieved them? (WAQ68136W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): The School Standards and Organisation Act (Wales) 2013 gives me the power to approve Welsh in Education Strategic Plans, approve them with modifications or to reject them. Of the 19 Welsh in Education Strategic Plans which I approved with modifications, it was necessary for 17 to set targets or outline steps for increasing the number of 7 year old pupils in Welsh-medium education. The process of approving revised Plans each year will enable us to monitor the increase made in achieving these targets.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What assessment has the Minister made of the affordability of the Welsh Government's contribution to the 21st Century Schools and Educational Capital Programme within the following timescales: 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19? (WAQ68139W)
Answer received on 23 December 2014
The Minister for Public Services (Leighton Andrews): In December 2011, a £1.4billon investment was announced for the first wave of 21st Century Schools projects. This funding is on a 50:50 match funded basis with local authorities in Wales. Earlier this year we launched the Local Government Borrowing Initiative, which will inject around £170 million of innovative funding into the early years of the Programme, accelerating its delivery by two years.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister provide an update on the 21st century schools programme, with a particular emphasis on projects relating to Welsh-medium education? (WAQ68140W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: Since the official launch of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, 55 projects have been approved for investment. 32% of these are Welsh medium/dual stream projects with more in the pipeline.
The Welsh Government is driving strategic capital investment through the 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme. Therefore, Local Authorities and other eligible organisations must plan strategically. Where demand for Welsh medium provision is evidenced, Local Authority's strategic plans for Welsh in Education must align with any proposals for capital investment.
Welsh Government's Welsh Language Unit remains key in the evaluation of business cases ensuring proper and robust consideration of the Welsh language.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What steps does the Government intend to take to address the shortcomings identified in the Arad interim report on the Welsh-medium education strategy? (WAQ68141W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: The recently published interim report provides an indication of the early findings of the three-year evaluation of the Welsh-medium Education Strategy. These are interim findings and Arad continues to collect evidence which will inform the final conclusions and recommendations. The final report is due in the spring, and will inform the process of reviewing the Welsh-medium Education Strategy during 2015-16.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What is the Welsh Government's response to the Arad Research interim report on the Welsh-medium education strategy? (WAQ68142W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: The recently published interim report provides an indication of the early findings of the three-year evaluation of the Welsh-medium Education Strategy. These are interim findings and Arad continues to collect evidence which will inform the final conclusions and recommendations. The final report is due in the spring, and will inform the process of reviewing the Welsh-medium Education Strategy during 2015-16.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What is the Welsh Government's definition of 'stimulating growth' in relation to Welsh-medium education? (WAQ68143W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: This entails the steps taken under the local authority's Welsh in Education Plan to ensure that more seven year old pupils are in Welsh-medium education.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What reasonable steps should local authorities take, as part of their Welsh in education strategic plans, to 'stimulate growth'? (WAQ68144W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: The steps taken will vary from area to area and with different Plans. But it is expected that local authorities work with Mudiad Meithrin and other pre-school providers, use the data provided by Mudiad Meithrin, operate systems for forecasting school places, conduct surveys to measure the demand where relevant and raise awareness about Welsh-medium education amongst parents. In addition, they should set ambitious targets for increase the number of seven year olds in Welsh-medium education and ensure that the education offered by Welsh-medium schools is of the highest standard possible.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that stakeholders have a greater strategic role when participating in Welsh language forums? (WAQ68145W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): Local authorities have been asked to establish Welsh-medium Education Forums in the context of Welsh in Education Strategic Plans. It is for each Forum to establish its own terms of reference and the ways in which it seeks to exercise its role.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What is the Welsh Government's definition of the function of Welsh language forums in relation to Welsh in education strategic plans? (WAQ68146W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): It is for each Forum to establish its own terms of reference and the ways in which it seeks to exercise its role.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Welsh Government provide an update on the national campaign to promote Welsh-medium education and set out: (i) the budget for that campaign per year; (ii) the campaign's priorities; and (iii) outcomes to measure the success of the campaign? (WAQ68147W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): The three-year campaign to raise awareness of Welsh-medium education was launched in November 2013. The aim is to provide clear information to parents and carers about the nature of Welsh medium provision and the options available to them.
The budget for the campaign in 2013-14 was £155,000 and the budget for 2014-15 is £75,000. The budget for 2015-16 has not yet been confirmed.
The campaign's objectives/priorities are to:
- undertake a market research programme that will inform campaign messages and activities including a series of focus groups with primary audiences and teachers;
- develop and implement a National Marketing Campaign using high level communication channels to raise awareness of Welsh-medium and bilingual education;
- provide stakeholders that offer support and advice to parents on education e.g. Local Authority (Family information Services) / School Admissions with information and guidance to ensure that they are providing relevant, accurate and consistent information to parents about Welsh-medium education;
- develop an online space/portal for parents that will provide information, advice and guidance on Welsh-medium and bilingual education;
- work with a marketing consultancy to develop strong campaign messages and branding concepts that will be market tested with target audiences;
- work with delivery partners for this target audience i.e. Twf, Mentrau Iaith, Mudiad Meirthin on a targeted marketing approach, to promote the message on a local and regional level that supports the overarching National Campaign; and
- work with schools to assist them in engaging with parents in their communities.
To measure the effectiveness of the campaign, the enquiries and web stats will be measured regularly. We will also regularly evaluate the effectiveness and reach of various channels of communication.
To date, the activity undertaken has included:
- a national outdoor poster campaign;
- targeted local campaigns in 6 local authorities;
- national materials distributed through Book Start to over 20,000 families;
- launch of Choice: Dewis facebook page, which has over 680 followers and regularly reaches more than 6,000 people every week;
- launch of videos to promote Welsh-medium nursery and primary education, which have received 1,716 and 1,300 views respectively; and
- launch of Cymraeg for Kids app for parents and young children to learn simple Welsh words, which received over 1,000 downloads in the first three weeks.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What guidance does the Welsh Government provide to local authorities in relation to establishing Welsh-medium schools as part of new housing developments under local development plans? (WAQ68148W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: When considering the establishment of a new school local authorities must comply with the School Organisation Code and consider a range of factors, the most important of which is the effect of the proposals on quality and standards in education.
It is for local authorities to develop school organisation proposals in the light of local needs and circumstances. Proposals should ensure that the balance of provision reflects the balance of demand.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What opportunities arise within the current legislative framework in relation to establishing new Welsh-medium schools as part of new housing developments under local development plans? (WAQ68149W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: It is for the relevant local planning authority to determine what infrastructure is required to support the delivery of the LDP
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What plans does the Government have to get rid of empty spaces in English-medium schools to expand Welsh-language education? (WAQ68151W)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Huw Lewis: It is not for Welsh Ministers to make such plans. Local authorities are best placed to plan English medium and Welsh medium school places in their area. The Welsh Government expects local authorities to keep their school estate under review to ensure that it is providing efficiently and effectively for all learners. In some areas, demand for both type of school place is increasing.
To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister make a statement on the forthcoming funding proposals for north Wales mental health services? (WAQ68150)
Answer received on 19 December 2014
Mark Drakeford: Neither my officials or the health board are aware of any forthcoming funding proposals for mental health services in north Wales.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on the ambulance service in Llanelli? (WAQ68159W)
Answer received on 23 December 2014
The Deputy Minister for Health (Vaughan Gething): I am disappointed with the ambulance performance figures in Llanelli and across Wales in general, and the figures are not where the ambulance service, health boards or the public would want them to be.
The ambulance service must ensure it provides a swift response to life-threatening calls across Wales and health boards must ensure patients are taken off ambulances quickly when they arrive at hospital so ambulances can be released to answer the next emergency call. I have made it clear to all health boards in Wales, as well as the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, that I expect to see a sustained improvement in emergency response performance.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
To ask the Minister for Public Services
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister place on the public record the responses received to the consultation on the Provisional Settlement for Local Government in 2015-16? (WAQ68138)
Answer received on 23 December 2014
The Minister for Public Services (Leighton Andrews): Yes. The information will be placed on the Local Government funding section of the Welsh Government website.
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/localgovernment/finandfunding/?lang=en
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister make a statement on what action he is taking to promote the use of Fair Trade products across all local authorities in Wales? (WAQ68155)
Answer received on 23 December 2014
The Minister for Public Services (Leighton Andrews): The Welsh Government's Wales for Africa programme funds Fair Trade Wales which is Wales' national organisation for Fair Trade education, policy, procurement, support and campaigning.
Fair Trade Wales work with communities, schools, organisations, individuals, Fair Trade groups, local government and the public in Wales to increase awareness and the use of Fair Trade produce in support of the Fair Trade Nation campaign.
Fair Trade Wales supports all local authorities with resources and advice. 18 have Fairtrade Status. Each of these has passed a resolution in support of fair trade and has agreed to serve fair trade products (tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits) at their internal meetings and in their canteen facilities. The Wales Purchasing Consortium has integrated Fair Trade into their policies and 19 local authorities are looking at ways to integrate Fair Trade into joint national purchasing contracts.