Plenary is the full meeting of all 96 Members of the Senedd in the Siambr (the debating chamber). It is where they speak on your behalf, question Welsh Government Ministers, debate and vote on important issues, and pass laws that affect everyone in Wales.
Plenary usually takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during term time.
It is open for the public to come and watch in person, or online at Senedd.tv.
Meetings are organised by the Business Committee and a Plenary Agenda is published in advance so you can see what will be discussed.
What happens during Plenary?
'Plenary business’ refers to everything that happens during a Plenary meeting. Items of business on the Agenda include:
- Questions to Welsh Ministers and Senedd Commissioners
- Statements or debates on topics put forward by the Welsh Government, political parties or individual Members
- Consideration of pieces of law which affect Wales
Let's take a closer look.
Questioning the Welsh Government
One of the Senedd’s key roles is to hold the Welsh Government to account, and Plenary is where much of this scrutiny happens, through spoken (oral) and written questions.
The First Minister answers questions every Tuesday, while Welsh Government Ministers answer questions about their policy areas on a rota. The Llywydd conducts a weekly ballot to decide which Members can ask questions.
Questions to Government Ministers or Senedd Commissioners are answered either in the Siambr or in writing if further information is needed.
If something urgent or important comes up Members can request to ask Topical or even Emergency Questions if a quick answer is needed.
First Minister’s Questions
First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) is a regular part of Plenary. During FMQs:
- Members question the First Minister about Welsh Government work and key issues
- The First Minister responds, setting out the Welsh Government’s position
- Members can ask supplementary questions to challenge or seek clarification
While the main questions are submitted in advance, much of the discussion happens through follow-up questions.
Debates
Debates are one of the most common items of business on the plenary agenda.
Anything of interest to people in Wales can be debated in Plenary. Debates can be proposed by Ministers, Senedd Commissioners, opposition parties or individual Members.
Statements
Welsh Government Ministers make spoken (oral) statements and written updates about new policies or important issues for people in Wales.
Other Members of the Senedd can also make statements, including the Llywydd (Presiding Officer) or Deputy Presiding Officer, Senedd Commissioners or other Members with specific roles (for example, a Member introducing a new law).
Members can also bring issues to the attention of the Senedd by scheduling short 90 second statements each week.
Making new laws
Draft laws (Bills) are scrutinised at different stages. Members debate them, vote on changes, and ultimately decide whether they should become law.
Who can speak during Plenary?
All Members can speak during Plenary meetings, but they must be called by the Llywydd. Members can make a request to speak before Plenary, or during the meeting.
Members can speak in either Welsh or English, with live translation available through headsets in the Siambr.
Where does everyone sit?
Plenary meetings are chaired by the Llywydd or Deputy Presiding Officer, who sit at the front of the Siambr, facing all Members. They maintain order and invite Members to speak.
Welsh Government Ministers (the cabinet) sit in the first row of seats facing the Presiding Officer. The First Minister sits in the centre of the cabinet row. All other Members sit behind and around them, in their respective party groups.
Why Plenary matters
Plenary is where the Senedd’s work comes together, where the issues that matter to people in Wales are discussed in public. By bringing all Members together in one place, Plenary ensures that different views are heard and that decisions are made transparently.
Watch Plenary
You don’t need to come to Cardiff Bay to watch Plenary. Sessions are broadcast live and are available to watch online on Senedd.tv.
Whether you’re interested in a particular issue or just want to understand more about how decisions are made in Wales, it’s a great way to see democracy at work.
The Record of Proceedings, a transcript of everything said during Plenary meetings, is available and fully searchable on our website.
Find out more
Read about the about the different types of Plenary business.
Find out more about how laws are made in Wales.
For more detailed information, download our Guide to Plenary (PDF, 364kb). Here you can read more about types of business, official procedures and the rules Members of the Senedd must follow.
