Y Cyfarfod Llawn
Plenary
14/05/2024Cynnwys
Contents
Yn y fersiwn ddwyieithog, mae’r golofn chwith yn cynnwys yr iaith a lefarwyd yn y cyfarfod. Mae’r golofn dde yn cynnwys cyfieithiad o’r areithiau hynny.
In the bilingual version, the left-hand column includes the language used during the meeting. The right-hand column includes a translation of those speeches.
Cyfarfu'r Senedd yn y Siambr a thrwy gynhadledd fideo am 13:30 gyda'r Llywydd (Elin Jones) yn y Gadair.
The Senedd met in the Chamber and by video-conference at 13:30 with the Llywydd (Elin Jones) in the Chair.
Prynhawn da. Cyn i ni gymryd yr eitem gyntaf ar yr agenda y prynhawn yma, a gaf i hysbysu Aelodau, wrth gwrs, taw 25 mlynedd i ddoe y cynhaliwyd cyfarfod cyntaf y Cynulliad yn Siambr Tŷ Hywel? A, dros nos, fe ddaeth y newydd bod un o'r Aelodau a etholwyd i'r Cynulliad hynny wedi ein gadael ni. Roedd Owen John Thomas yn Aelod Plaid Cymru dros Ganol De Cymru. Mi ddaeth yn llais ac acen gref Caerdydd yn nhrafodaethau'r Cynulliad cyntaf hynny. Gwnaeth gyfraniad arbennig drwy ei oes i dwf addysg Gymraeg yn y brifddinas, ac mi oedd yn un o sylfaenwyr clwb enwog Ifor Bach yn y brifddinas. Mae'n cydymdeimladau ni oll fel Senedd, dwi'n siŵr, gyda theulu Owen John Thomas a'i gyfeillion oll.
Good afternoon. Before we move to our first item on our agenda this afternoon, may I inform Members that, 25 years ago to yesterday, the first meeting of the Assembly was held in the Tŷ Hywel Chamber? And, overnight, we heard the news that one of the Members elected to that Assembly had left us. Owen John Thomas was a Plaid Cymru Member for South Wales Central. He became a strong voice and Cardiff accent in the discussions of that first Assembly. He made a lifelong contribution to the growth of Welsh-medium education in the capital city, and he was one of the founders of the famous Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff. Our sincerest condolences as a Senedd are passed to Owen John Thomas's family and all of his friends.
Yr eitem nesaf, felly—yr un gyntaf—fydd y cwestiynau i'r Prif Weinidog, ac mae'r cwestiwn cyntaf gan Sam Rowlands.
The first item on our agenda is questions to the First Minister, and the first question is from Sam Rowlands.
1. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y ddarpariaeth gofal iechyd yng ngogledd Cymru? OQ61115
1. Will the First Minister provide an update on healthcare provision in north Wales? OQ61115
Thank you. Healthcare overall in north Wales is not where I, nor indeed the staff delivering those services, would want it to be. As part of the special measures escalation, the Welsh Government is working closely with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to improve access to the safe and timely health and care that the people of north Wales deserve.
Diolch. Nid yw gofal iechyd yn gyffredinol yn y gogledd lle y byddwn i, nac yn wir y staff sy'n darparu'r gwasanaethau hynny, eisiau iddo fod. Yn rhan o ddwysau'r mesurau arbennig, mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio'n agos gyda Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr i wella mynediad at yr iechyd a gofal diogel a phrydlon y mae pobl y gogledd yn eu haeddu.
Well, thank you for your response, First Minister. And, Llywydd, the First Minister will be aware that, just last week, a black alert was issued in the north Wales health board because hospitals could not cope with the bank holiday levels of demand, and, sadly, this is far too often an occurrence for the residents that I represent in north Wales. And you'll also be aware that, of course, just before the last Senedd election, you felt it right to pull that health board out of special measures, and, then, inevitably, very quickly after the Senedd elections, the health board went straight back into special measures.
Now, things are as bad as they ever have been for the residents that I represent in north Wales, and I shared in this Chamber last week the example of one of my residents who is, sadly, terminally ill with cancer, who had to wait more than 24 hours in an A&E department. So, First Minister, because of the regularity of these occurrences, and because of the severity of the issues that my residents are suffering, would you not think that now is the time for an independent review of the health board, so that the people that I represent can get the healthcare that they deserve?
Wel, diolch am eich ymateb, Prif Weinidog. A, Llywydd, bydd y Prif Weinidog yn ymwybodol y cyhoeddwyd rhybudd du dim ond yr wythnos diwethaf ym mwrdd iechyd y gogledd gan nad oedd ysbytai yn gallu ymdopi â lefelau galw gŵyl y banc, ac, yn anffodus, mae hwn yn digwydd yn llawer rhy aml i'r trigolion yr wyf i'n eu cynrychioli yn y gogledd. A byddwch hefyd yn ymwybodol, wrth gwrs, ychydig cyn etholiad diwethaf y Senedd, eich bod chi'n teimlo ei bod hi'n briodol tynnu'r bwrdd iechyd hwnnw allan o fesurau arbennig, ac, yna, yn anochel, yn gyflym iawn ar ôl etholiadau'r Senedd, aeth y bwrdd iechyd yn syth yn ôl i fesurau arbennig.
Nawr, mae pethau mor wael ag y buon nhw erioed i'r trigolion yr wyf i'n eu cynrychioli yn y gogledd, a rhannais yn y Siambr hon yr wythnos diwethaf enghraifft un o'm trigolion sydd, yn anffodus, yn angheuol sâl â chanser, y bu'n rhaid iddo aros mwy na 24 awr mewn adran damweiniau ac achosion brys. Felly, Prif Weinidog, oherwydd rheoleidd-dra'r digwyddiadau hyn, ac oherwydd difrifoldeb y problemau y mae fy nhrigolion yn eu dioddef, oni fyddech chi'n meddwl mai nawr yw'r amser ar gyfer adolygiad annibynnol o'r bwrdd iechyd, fel y gall y bobl yr wyf i'n eu cynrychioli gael y gofal iechyd y maen nhw'n ei haeddu?
Thank you for the question. Before I deal with the substance of the points, there is a broader point that I want to make, that I hope will have support across the Chamber, because it's just over a week or so ago that there was a case of measles identified following someone who attended Wrexham Maelor. That actual 24-year-old was not vaccinated; they were visiting and actually attended from England to come to the hospital. There's a broader point here—and I think I made this in response to Peter Fox previously—about measles vaccination. It is a serious issue for people across all sides in this Chamber and beyond to encourage adults who are unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, as well as children, to get vaccinated, because there is a real issue with the scale of measles outbreaks across the country, and it shows that, whilst we have a better position on vaccination than England, we're not immune to the challenges that do exist.
On your questions about, in particular, unscheduled and emergency care, this is an area where we know there's further improvement that is required. I can't comment on individual waits, but I recognise, as indeed does the Cabinet Secretary, that there are too many people who have an experience of waiting too long in an emergency department, or, indeed, an experience that we would not wish for our own loved ones as well. That's why there's a range of improvement action that is taking place. There's some extra resource available. So, there's £2 million for the health board in the financial year that we're just entering, and, indeed, in January, the Cabinet Secretary announced money for the whole of Wales, and Betsi Cadwaladr got the largest share of that. There's quite a lot of work that is being done on trying to make sure that people get to the most appropriate point for their care—so, for example, the same-day emergency service that has been created since Eluned Morgan became the Cabinet Secretary and the additional roll-out of urgent primary care that has taken place across north Wales. Those are thousands of people who are getting seen in a more prompt manner because that is the right thing to do for them.
What we actually have is both the twin challenges of needing to transform our system whilst at the same time seeing demand increase. I think, in February this year, compared to a year before, there's been a 24 per cent increase in demand coming in through our emergency departments, and that's a huge additional wave of demand that we need to be able to see and cope with. What makes that much harder is that we're not able to get people out of hospital when they're medically fit for discharge. And the Member will know, as a former leader of a local authority, that this is joint work between health and local government, to make sure that when the hospital is no longer the right place for their care, those people can leave. In north Wales, there are regularly more than 300 people who are medically fit for discharge but can't leave. To give context to that, that's about two thirds of the entire bed space in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Now, it's in the interest of all of us to work together because, for that person who is in the wrong place, it's actually not a great experience for them, they're actually then subject to additional risks of decommissioning, and the Member will know this from his own time when he had a real job before politics, and actually thinking about the need to make sure that people are properly able to get around and about. So, this is a shared challenge for the two biggest sectors of the public sector, and, crucially, for those individuals as well. Those are the issues we face, and that is what we're going to carry on focusing on with our attention, together with partners and stakeholders.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Cyn i mi ymdrin â sylwedd y pwyntiau, mae pwynt ehangach yr wyf i eisiau ei wneud, yr wyf i'n gobeithio y bydd cefnogaeth iddo ar draws y Siambr, oherwydd ychydig dros wythnos yn ôl y nodwyd achos o'r frech goch yn dilyn rhywun a aeth i Maelor Wrecsam. Nid oedd yr unigolyn 24 oed penodol hwnnw wedi cael ei frechu; roedd yn ymweld a daeth o Loegr i ddod i'r ysbyty mewn gwirionedd. Ceir pwynt ehangach yma—ac rwy'n credu fy mod i wneud gwneud hwn mewn ymateb i Peter Fox yn flaenorol—am frechiad y frech goch. Mae'n fater difrifol i bobl ar draws pob ochr yn y Siambr hon a thu hwnt annog oedolion sydd heb eu brechu, neu nad ydyn nhw wedi'u brechu'n ddigonol, yn ogystal â phlant, i gael eu brechu, oherwydd mae problem wirioneddol gyda graddfa achosion o'r frech goch ledled y wlad, ac mae'n dangos, er bod gennym ni sefyllfa well o ran brechu na Lloegr, nad ydym ni'n ddiogel rhag yr heriau sy'n bodoli.
O ran eich cwestiynau am, yn benodol, gofal heb ei drefnu a brys, mae hwn yn faes lle'r ydym ni'n gwybod bod gwelliant pellach yn ofynnol. Ni allaf wneud sylwadau ar arosiadau unigol, ond rwy'n cydnabod, fel yn wir y mae'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, bod gormod o bobl sydd â phrofiad o aros yn rhy hir mewn adran achosion brys, neu, yn wir, profiad na fyddem ni'n ei ddymuno i'n hanwyliaid ein hunain hefyd. Dyna pam mae amrywiaeth o gamau gwella sy'n cael eu cymryd. Mae rhai adnoddau ychwanegol ar gael. Felly, ceir £2 filiwn ar gyfer y bwrdd iechyd yn y flwyddyn ariannol yr ydym ni newydd ei chychwyn, ac, yn wir, ym mis Ionawr, cyhoeddodd yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet arian ar gyfer Cymru gyfan, a chafodd Betsi Cadwaladr y gyfran fwyaf o hwnnw. Mae cryn dipyn o waith yn cael ei wneud ar geisio gwneud yn siŵr bod pobl yn cyrraedd y pwynt mwyaf priodol ar gyfer eu gofal—felly, er enghraifft, y gwasanaeth brys yr un diwrnod a grëwyd ers i Eluned Morgan ddod yn Ysgrifennydd Cabinet a'r gwaith ychwanegol o gyflwyno gofal sylfaenol brys sydd wedi digwydd ar draws y gogledd. Mae'r rheini'n filoedd o bobl sy'n cael eu gweld mewn modd mwy prydlon gan mai dyna'r peth iawn i'w wneud iddyn nhw.
Yr hyn sydd gennym ni mewn gwirionedd yw'r heriau deublyg o fod angen trawsnewid ein system tra ar yr un pryd gweld galw'n cynyddu. Rwy'n credu, ym mis Chwefror eleni, o'i gymharu â blwyddyn ynghynt, y bu cynnydd o 24 y cant i alw yn dod i mewn drwy ein hadrannau brys, ac mae honno'n don ychwanegol enfawr o alw y mae angen i ni allu ei gweld ac ymdopi â hi. Yr hyn sy'n gwneud hynny'n llawer anoddach yw nad ydym ni'n gallu cael pobl allan o'r ysbyty pan fyddan nhw'n feddygol barod i gael eu rhyddhau. A bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod, fel cyn-arweinydd awdurdod lleol, mai gwaith ar y cyd yw hwn rhwng maes iechyd a llywodraeth leol, i wneud yn siŵr y gall y bobl hynny adael pan nad yr ysbyty yw'r lle iawn ar gyfer eu gofal mwyach. Yn y gogledd, mae mwy na 300 o bobl yn rheolaidd sy'n feddygol barod i gael eu rhyddhau ond nad ydyn nhw'n gallu gadael. I roi cyd-destun i hynny, mae hynny tua dwy ran o dair o'r holl welyau yn Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Nawr, mae er budd pob un ohonom ni i weithio gyda'n gilydd oherwydd, i'r unigolyn hwnnw sydd yn y lle anghywir, nid yw'n brofiad gwych iddo mewn gwirionedd, mae wedyn yn agored i risgiau ychwanegol o ddatgomisiynu, a bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod hyn o'i amser ei hun pan oedd ganddo swydd go iawn cyn gwleidyddiaeth, a meddwl mewn gwirionedd am yr angen i wneud yn siŵr bod pobl yn gallu cael eu hunain o gwmpas yn iawn. Felly, mae hon yn her gyffredin i ddau sector mwyaf y sector cyhoeddus, ac, yn hollbwysig, i'r unigolion hynny hefyd. Dyna'r problemau sy'n ein hwynebu, a dyna'r hyn yr ydym ni'n mynd i barhau i ganolbwyntio arno gyda'n sylw, ynghyd â phartneriaid a rhanddeiliaid.
Un o'r problemau amlwg yn y ddarpariaeth gofal iechyd gennym ni yn y gogledd ydy'r rhestrau aros hirfaith. Cymerwch gleifion syndromau Ehlers-Danlos, er enghraifft. Dros y ffin yn Lloegr, mae cleifion yno yn cael eu cyfeirio yn syth at arbenigwyr, ond mae cleifion Ehlers-Danlos yng ngogledd Cymru yn gorfod gwneud cais am ariannu claf unigol, sydd, yn amlach na pheidio, yn cael ei wrthod, sydd felly, yn ei dro, yn golygu eu bod nhw’n mynd heb y gofal angenrheidiol ar gyfer cyflwr difrifol. Ydych chi, Brif Weinidog, yn credu ei bod hi'n iawn bod cleifion Ehlers-Danlos yn gorfod dioddef fel hyn yn y gogledd, ac a wnewch chi ymrwymo i sicrhau bod cleifion gogledd Cymru—a Chymru gyfan, yn wir—yn cael eu cyfeirio'n syth, heb orfod oedi a gwneud ceisiadau am ariannu unigol?
One of the most prominent issues we have in the healthcare provision in north Wales is the long waiting lists. Take Ehlers-Danlos syndromes patients, for example. Over the border in England, patients there are referred straight away to specialists, but Ehlers-Danlos patients in north Wales have to make an application for individual patient funding, which is, more often than not, rejected, which means, in turn, that they have to go without the vital care that they need for this serious condition. Do you, First Minister, believe that it's right that Ehlers-Danlos patients have to suffer in this way in north Wales, and will you commit to ensuring that patients in north Wales—and the whole of Wales, indeed—are referred directly, without having to wait and make applications for individual funding?
I'm not aware of the individual issue the Member raises. If he writes to me and the Cabinet Secretary for health, we'll happily look into that to see if there is a system-wide change that we could make. Actually, when it comes to access to new medication, we actually do better in Wales than in other parts of the UK. The new treatment fund, which I was proud that we introduced at the start of the last Senedd term, has made a real difference in getting new treatments available promptly and consistently across Wales. If that isn't the case in the area that the Member refers to, then I'd be interested in how we can look at that to understand if there is improvement action that we can take not just for north Wales, but across the whole country.
Nid wyf i'n ymwybodol o'r mater unigol y mae'r Aelod yn ei godi. Os gwnaiff ef ysgrifennu ataf i ac Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros iechyd, byddwn yn hapus i edrych i mewn i hynny i weld a oes newid ar draws y system gyfan y gallem ni ei wneud. A dweud y gwir, o ran mynediad at feddyginiaeth newydd, rydym ni'n gwneud yn well yng Nghymru nag mewn rhannau eraill o'r DU mewn gwirionedd. Mae'r gronfa triniaethau newydd, yr oeddwn i'n falch iawn i ni ei chyflwyno ar ddechrau tymor diwethaf y Senedd, wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol o ran sicrhau bod triniaethau newydd ar gael yn brydlon ac yn gyson ledled Cymru. Os nad yw hynny'n wir yn yr ardal y mae'r Aelod yn cyfeirio ati, yna byddai gen i ddiddordeb mewn sut y gallwn ni edrych ar hynny i ddeall a oes camau gwella y gallwn ni eu cymryd nid yn unig ar gyfer y gogledd, ond ledled y wlad gyfan.
There is a lot of positivity happening as well in the NHS—a lot of people are being seen, and I welcome investment in north Wales, with the new orthopaedic unit being built, well-being hubs, investment in community provision, and extended hours to minor injury units, which is making a difference. I also welcome the new medical school for north Wales, and the new medical training centre for nurses, paramedics and other allied health professionals in Wrexham. And there are training pathways for social healthcare learners at Coleg Llandrillo, which is really positive. Recruitment and retention is really important. I don't want to keep talking the NHS down. However, I am concerned about the retention of staff. I've heard that a dermatologist has recently left to work in the private sector, which we don't want to happen. Betsi employs 19,000 people, and it's really important to the local economy as well, as an employer. So, to improve retention, we need to look at working conditions—offering flexibility, through reduced hours, perhaps, and job shares, would be a good way forward, if possible. First Minister, do you agree that, by investing in people, we can grow both our healthcare workforce and our local economy? Thank you.
Mae llawer o bethau cadarnhaol yn digwydd hefyd yn y GIG—mae llawer o bobl yn cael eu gweld, ac rwy'n croesawu buddsoddiad yn y gogledd, gyda'r uned orthopedig newydd yn cael ei hadeiladu, canolfannau llesiant, buddsoddiad mewn darpariaeth gymunedol, ac oriau estynedig i unedau mân anafiadau, sy'n gwneud gwahaniaeth. Rwyf i hefyd yn croesawu'r ysgol feddygol newydd ar gyfer gogledd Cymru, a'r ganolfan hyfforddiant meddygol newydd ar gyfer nyrsys, parafeddygon a gweithwyr proffesiynol eraill perthynol i iechyd yn Wrecsam. Ac mae llwybrau hyfforddi ar gyfer dysgwyr gofal iechyd cymdeithasol yng Ngholeg Llandrillo, sy'n gadarnhaol iawn. Mae recriwtio a chadw yn bwysig iawn. Nid wyf i eisiau parhau i fychanu'r GIG. Fodd bynnag, rwy'n poeni am gadw staff. Rwyf i wedi clywed bod dermatolegydd wedi gadael yn ddiweddar i weithio yn y sector preifat, rhywbeth nad ydym ni eisiau iddo ddigwydd. Mae Betsi yn cyflogi 19,000 o bobl, ac mae'n bwysig iawn i'r economi leol hefyd, fel cyflogwr. Felly, er mwyn gwella cyfraddau cadw, mae angen i ni edrych ar amodau gwaith—byddai cynnig hyblygrwydd, drwy lai o oriau, efallai, a rhannu swyddi, yn ffordd dda ymlaen, os yw'n bosibl. Prif Weinidog, a ydych chi'n cytuno, trwy fuddsoddi mewn pobl, y gallwn ni dyfu ein gweithlu gofal iechyd a'n heconomi leol? Diolch.
Thank you for the question. I think it's important to reflect, as the Member does, that, whilst there are challenges on healthcare delivery in north Wales, which we acknowledge—that's why there's the special measures framework, and it's why the Cabinet Secretary spends a lot of her time poring over the detail of the improvements that are still required—for most people, they actually have a good experience of healthcare, and that is because of the fantastic work that our staff do, the dedication and the skill they have, and the continued transformation and improvement we're seeking to make.
I'm glad the Member made the point about the importance of the health board as an employer in the economy. Nearly 20,000 people being employed has a significant impact in local economies, right across the area. And I do think that's, therefore, about how you retain staff. It is about what we're doing to invest in the future—our current staff want to see investment in the future, for them to stay. I'm very proud of the steps that this Government has taken to help create a new medical school. We've worked with other partners in doing that in the past, in conversation with Plaid Cymru and others, but we are delivering a budget to make sure that that happens. And in the autumn of this year, the first intake to Bangor medical school will take place, the first direct students, and, by 2029, it will have reached its full capacity—doctors trained in Wales, for Wales. And that is important for our current medical and allied workforce as well, to see that investment taking place.
That goes alongside the point the Member finished on, about having a flexible approach to conditions. As our workforce shifts and trains, as our expectations have done—. It used to be the case that doctors expected to work punishingly long hours during their training. They accepted that as part of what happened, and yet, actually, none of us, I think, would now say that it's acceptable for doctors to work those extraordinary hours. And doctors are humans who want to have other relationships too. So, a flexible approach, where possible, to meet the needs of the patient and the person is what we do want our NHS to progressively undertake and deliver. It's a point well made. I hope the Member will see good examples of that in the health service across north Wales and beyond.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig myfyrio, fel y mae'r Aelod yn ei wneud, er bod heriau o ran y ddarpariaeth o ofal iechyd yn y gogledd, yr ydym ni'n eu cydnabod—dyna pam mae fframwaith mesurau arbennig, a dyna pam mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn treulio llawer o'i hamser yn pori dros fanylion y gwelliannau sydd eu hangen o hyd—i'r rhan fwyaf o bobl, mae ganddyn nhw brofiad da o ofal iechyd mewn gwirionedd, ac mae hynny oherwydd y gwaith ardderchog y mae ein staff yn ei wneud, yr ymroddiad a'r sgìl sydd ganddyn nhw, a'r trawsnewidiad a'r gwelliant parhaus yr ydym ni'n ceisio eu gwneud.
Rwy'n falch bod yr Aelod wedi gwneud y pwynt ynglŷn â phwysigrwydd y bwrdd iechyd fel cyflogwr yn yr economi. Mae cyflogi bron i 20,000 o bobl yn cael effaith sylweddol mewn economïau lleol, ar draws yr ardal gyfan. Ac rwy'n credu bod hynny, felly, yn ymwneud â sut rydych chi'n cadw staff. Mae'n ymwneud â'r hyn yr ydym ni'n ei wneud i fuddsoddi yn y dyfodol—mae ein staff presennol eisiau gweld buddsoddiad yn y dyfodol, iddyn nhw aros. Rwy'n falch iawn o'r camau y mae'r Llywodraeth hon wedi eu cymryd i helpu i greu ysgol feddygol newydd. Rydym ni wedi gweithio gyda phartneriaid eraill i wneud hynny yn y gorffennol, mewn sgwrs gyda Phlaid Cymru ac eraill, ond rydym ni'n darparu cyllideb i wneud yn siŵr bod hynny'n digwydd. Ac yn yr hydref eleni, bydd y garfan gyntaf yn cael ei derbyn i ysgol feddygol Bangor, y myfyrwyr uniongyrchol cyntaf, ac, erbyn 2029, bydd wedi cyrraedd ei gapasiti llawn—meddygon wedi'u hyfforddi yng Nghymru, ar gyfer Cymru. Ac mae hynny'n bwysig i'n gweithlu meddygol a perthynol i iechyd presennol hefyd, i weld y buddsoddiad hwnnw'n digwydd.
Mae hynny'n mynd ochr yn ochr â'r pwynt y gwnaeth yr Aelod gloi arno, ynglŷn â chael dull hyblyg o ymdrin ag amodau. Wrth i'n gweithlu newid a hyfforddi, fel y mae ein disgwyliadau wedi eu gwneud—. Roedd yn arfer bod yn wir bod meddygon yn disgwyl gweithio oriau eithriadol o hir yn ystod eu hyfforddiant. Roedden nhw'n derbyn hynny yn rhan o'r hyn a oedd yn digwydd, ac eto, mewn gwirionedd, ni fyddai'r un ohonom ni'n dweud bellach, rwy'n credu, ei bod hi'n dderbyniol i feddygon weithio'r oriau rhyfeddol hynny. Ac mae meddygon yn bobl sydd eisiau bod â pherthnasoedd eraill hefyd. Felly, dull hyblyg, pan fo'n bosibl, i ddiwallu anghenion y claf a'r unigolyn yw'r hyn yr ydym ni eisiau i'n GIG ymgymryd ag ef a'i ddarparu'n raddol. Mae'n bwynt wedi'i wneud yn dda. Rwy'n gobeithio y bydd yr Aelod yn gweld enghreifftiau da o hynny yn y gwasanaeth iechyd ar draws y gogledd a thu hwnt.
2. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i gynyddu nifer y plant oedran ysgol gynradd sy'n gallu nofio? OQ61121
2. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to increase the number of primary school children who are able to swim? OQ61121
Thank you for the question. Across the Welsh Government, officials are working closely with both Swim Wales and Water Safety Wales to raise the profile of swimming within the Curriculum for Wales and to support primary school learners with swimming skills and water safety education.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Ar draws Llywodraeth Cymru, mae swyddogion yn gweithio'n agos gyda Nofio Cymru a Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru i godi proffil nofio o fewn y Cwricwlwm i Gymru ac i gynorthwyo dysgwyr ysgol gynradd gyda sgiliau nofio ac addysg diogelwch dŵr.
First Minister, you may have seen the data from Swim Wales, which shows that only one in six or 16 per cent of children can swim. This is a really serious issue for my constituents, particularly up in Pentwyn, where we have a handy lake that children can drown in, but no swimming pool has been available to them since COVID. We still haven't seen the local authority commissioning the refurbishment of the pool, and the earliest it's going to reopen might be the summer of 2025. In the meantime, schools are having to shell out very large sums of money—up to £4,000—to ensure that children get their curriculum entitlement to learn how to swim. So, I wondered what you think the Government can do to accelerate the need to ensure that every child can swim, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas, where people are not being taken on holiday, because families, simply, don't have the money to go on holiday, and, in the summer, they are hugely at risk of water being available to drown in.
Prif Weinidog, efallai eich bod chi wedi gweld y data gan Nofio Cymru, sy'n dangos mai dim ond un o bob chwech neu 16 y cant o blant sy'n gallu nofio. Mae hwn yn fater difrifol iawn i'm hetholwyr, yn enwedig i fyny ym Mhen-twyn, lle mae gennym ni lyn defnyddiol y gall plant foddi ynddo, ond nid oes pwll nofio wedi bod ar gael iddyn nhw ers COVID. Dydyn ni byth wedi gweld yr awdurdod lleol yn comisiynu gwaith ailwampio'r pwll, a'r cynharaf y mae'n mynd i ailagor allai fod haf 2025. Yn y cyfamser, mae ysgolion yn gorfod talu symiau mawr iawn o arian—hyd at £4,000—er mwyn sicrhau bod plant yn cael eu hawl cwricwlwm i ddysgu sut i nofio. Felly, meddwl oeddwn i tybed beth ydych chi'n ei feddwl y gall y Llywodraeth ei wneud i gyflymu'r angen i sicrhau bod pob plentyn yn gallu nofio, yn enwedig yn yr ardaloedd mwyaf difreintiedig, lle nad yw pobl yn cael eu cymryd ar wyliau, gan nad oes gan deuluoedd, yn syml, yr arian i fynd ar wyliau, ac, yn yr haf, maen nhw mewn perygl enfawr o ddŵr sydd ar gael i foddi ynddo.
There's a serious point the Member raises. For many people, swimming is a leisure activity or is an activity for exercise. It's also a skill for life. So, I'm delighted that my own son has taken up the lessons that have been provided through his school. It's a real positive to see that skill for life that children learn early. And I particularly think about my own example. I learnt to swim as an adult. I was in my 30s when I learnt to swim, and I was concerned about the fact that, if I was in water that I could not stand up in, I could not move two or three metres to get myself to safety. So, I learnt to swim in the old Splott pool in Cardiff, which has now been refurbished. There's a new pool with a library and a hub of additional advice services around it. And my understanding is that's what Cardiff Council are looking to do with Pentwyn pool, where they're engaging with the public now on the design for not just a new pool, but the services to go around it. That's part of the answer, together with the work we are doing with schools across the country, including in Cardiff, to make sure that the statutory guidance for the new curriculum about making sure that children can be safe around water is taken up, together with the funding we do provide to local authorities to make sure that free swimming lessons are available. I think about six in 10 Cardiff primary schools do provide free swimming lessons, and I'd be interested in a conversation with the local authority about where those schools are and how that is rolled out to provide those opportunities progressively to a wider group of primary school-aged children. This a key lesson for life, and I would like to see other children take up that opportunity and not have to learn as an adult, as I did.
Ceir pwynt difrifol y mae'r Aelod yn ei godi. I lawer o bobl, mae nofio yn weithgaredd hamdden neu'n weithgaredd ar gyfer ymarfer corff. Mae hefyd yn sgìl am oes. Felly, rwy'n falch iawn bod fy mab fy hun wedi manteisio ar y gwersi a ddarparwyd drwy ei ysgol. Mae'n gadarnhaol iawn gweld y sgìl am oes hwnnw y mae plant yn ei ddysgu'n gynnar. Ac rwy'n meddwl yn benodol am fy enghraifft fy hun. Dysgais i nofio fel oedolyn. Roeddwn i yn fy 30au pan ddysgais sut i nofio, ac roeddwn i'n poeni am y ffaith, pe bawn i mewn dŵr na allwn i sefyll ar fy nhraed ynddo, na allwn i symud dau neu dri metr i gael fy hun i ddiogelwch. Felly, dysgais sut i nofio yn hen bwll Sblot yng Nghaerdydd, sydd bellach wedi cael ei ailwampio. Ceir pwll newydd â llyfrgell a chanolfan o wasanaethau cyngor ychwanegol o gwmpas. Ac fy nealltwriaeth i yw mai dyna y mae Cyngor Caerdydd yn bwriadu ei wneud gyda phwll Pen-twyn, lle maen nhw'n ymgysylltu â'r cyhoedd nawr ar y dyluniad ar gyfer nid yn unig pwll newydd, ond y gwasanaethau i fynd o'i gwmpas. Mae hynny'n rhan o'r ateb, ynghyd â'r gwaith yr ydym ni'n ei wneud gydag ysgolion ledled y wlad, gan gynnwys yng Nghaerdydd, i wneud yn siŵr bod y canllawiau statudol ar gyfer y cwricwlwm newydd ynghylch gwneud yn siŵr y gall plant fod yn ddiogel o gwmpas dŵr yn cael eu mabwysiadu, ynghyd â'r cyllid yr ydym ni'n ei ddarparu i awdurdodau lleol i wneud yn siŵr bod gwersi nofio am ddim ar gael. Rwy'n credu bod tua chwech o bob 10 ysgol gynradd yng Nghaerdydd yn darparu gwersi nofio am ddim, a byddai gen i ddiddordeb mewn cael sgwrs gyda'r awdurdod lleol ynghylch ble mae'r ysgolion hynny a sut mae hynny'n cael ei gyflwyno i ddarparu'r cyfleoedd hynny yn raddol i grŵp ehangach o blant oedran cynradd. Mae hon yn wers allweddol am oes, a hoffwn weld plant eraill yn manteisio ar y cyfle hwnnw a pheidio gorfod dysgu fel oedolyn, fel y bu'n rhaid i mi.
First Minister, as Jenny Rathbone highlighted, the low proficiency amongst children swimming in Wales is, I think, dangerously low. And we do see and hear on the media of young people who lose their lives unnecessarily because they can't swim, or they don't know any safety techniques when they do fall into water and then they get into trouble, and unfortunately they drown. So, First Minister, what plans does the Welsh Government have to make swimming mandatory within the curriculum to make sure that our young people are educated about how to swim, and to make sure that no young person dies unnecessarily in water because they have not got any techniques to make them able to save their own life?
Prif Weinidog, fel yr amlygodd Jenny Rathbone, mae'r hyfedredd isel ymhlith plant sy'n nofio yng Nghymru, rwy'n credu, yn beryglus o isel. Ac rydym ni'n gweld ac yn clywed yn y cyfryngau am bobl ifanc sy'n colli eu bywydau yn ddiangen gan nad ydyn nhw'n gallu nofio, neu nad ydyn nhw'n gwybod unrhyw dechnegau diogelwch pan fyddan nhw'n syrthio i mewn i ddŵr ac yna maen nhw'n mynd i drafferthion, ac yn anffodus maen nhw'n boddi. Felly, Prif Weinidog, pa gynlluniau sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru i wneud nofio yn orfodol o fewn y cwricwlwm i wneud yn siŵr bod ein pobl ifanc yn cael eu haddysgu sut i nofio, ac i wneud yn siŵr nad oes yr un person ifanc yn marw yn ddiangen mewn dŵr oherwydd nad oes ganddo unrhyw dechnegau i roi'r gallu iddo achub ei fywyd ei hun?
I think there are two slightly different things here. The first is, as I said in response to the Member for Cardiff Central, that, actually, we do have clear guidance in the national curriculum about making this available. The challenge is making sure that's taken up progressively—so, we do provide money to support that—and then having the facility that's available to nearby communities, because, practically, if you need to travel a significant amount of time—. I think time more than distance is the issue, because you can move a short distance as the crow flies in our cities but it can actually take a long time to travel. So, the redevelopment of Pentwyn is really important for that section of Jenny Rathbone's constituency. It's one of the least advantaged communities in the capital city. So, the practical access is part of that.
I think the second point is a point that the Member raises quite correctly, and that's not just about access to swimming lessons; it's about water safety and, in particular, understanding when water isn't safe to enter, even if you are a competent swimmer—that's both what's underneath the water as well as the fact that going into cold water can be dangerous for people of all ages. So, that's the point about not just working with Swim Wales, but also Water Safety Wales, to try to educate our children and young people to understand what being safe around water really does mean, as well as the joy of learning the life skill of being able to swim.
Rwy'n credu bod dau beth ychydig yn wahanol yma. Y cyntaf, fel y dywedais i mewn ymateb i'r Aelod dros Ganol Caerdydd, yw bod gennym ni ganllawiau eglur yn y cwricwlwm cenedlaethol mewn gwirionedd ynghylch gwneud hyn ar gael. Yr her yw gwneud yn siŵr bod hynny'n cael ei fabwysiadu yn raddol—felly, rydym ni'n darparu arian i gefnogi hynny—ac yna bod â'r cyfleuster sydd ar gael i gymunedau cyfagos, oherwydd, yn ymarferol, os bydd angen i chi deithio cryn dipyn o amser—. Rwy'n credu mai amser mwy na phellter yw'r broblem, oherwydd gallwch symud pellter byr fel mae'r frân yn hedfan yn ein dinasoedd ond gall gymryd amser hir i deithio. Felly, mae ailddatblygu Pen-twyn yn bwysig iawn i'r rhan honno o etholaeth Jenny Rathbone. Mae'n un o'r cymunedau lleiaf breintiedig yn y brifddinas. Felly, mae'r mynediad ymarferol yn rhan o hynny.
Rwy'n credu bod yr ail bwynt yn bwynt y mae'r Aelod yn ei godi'n eithaf cywir, ac nid yw hwnnw'n ymwneud â mynediad at wersi nofio yn unig; mae'n ymwneud â diogelwch dŵr ac, yn benodol, deall pan nad yw'n ddiogel mynd i mewn i ddŵr, hyd yn oed os ydych chi'n nofiwr cymwys—mae hynny'n fater o'r hyn sydd o dan y dŵr yn ogystal â'r ffaith y gall mynd i mewn i ddŵr oer fod yn beryglus i bobl o bob oed. Felly, dyna'r pwynt nid yn unig am weithio gyda Nofio Cymru, ond hefyd Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru, i geisio addysgu ein plant a'n pobl ifanc i ddeall yr hyn y mae bod yn ddiogel o gwmpas dŵr yn ei olygu mewn gwirionedd, yn ogystal â'r llawenydd o ddysgu'r sgìl bywyd o allu nofio.
Prif Weinidog, you've recognised this afternoon the importance of swimming and swimming lessons for all ages, but you will be aware that a number of pools in communities across Wales have closed, either due to revenue costs or because of their physical condition. This really is a question of access, I think. Pontardawe swimming pool in Neath Port Talbot is due to close in August because its life has expired after 50 years and its condition has deteriorated to the extent where it would be dangerous to continue operating. I'm glad that Neath Port Talbot council will be commissioning a feasibility study into building a replacement pool—refurbishment isn't an option. Will the First Minister state what existing funding support is available for the provision of swimming pools by local authorities and leisure trusts in Wales? What new capital funding can be made available to support the building of new and environmentally sustainable pools, which are essential for the health and well-being and safety, as you pointed out, of communities like those of Pontardawe and the Swansea and Aman valleys?
Prif Weinidog, rydych chi wedi cydnabod y prynhawn yma bwysigrwydd nofio a gwersi nofio ar gyfer pob oedran, ond byddwch yn ymwybodol bod nifer o byllau mewn cymunedau ledled Cymru wedi cau, naill ai oherwydd costau refeniw neu oherwydd eu cyflwr ffisegol. Mae hwn yn gwestiwn o fynediad mewn gwirionedd, rwy'n credu. Disgwylir i bwll nofio Pontardawe yng Nghastell-nedd Port Talbot gau ym mis Awst oherwydd bod ei oes wedi dod i ben ar ôl 50 mlynedd ac mae ei gyflwr wedi dirywio i'r graddau y byddai'n beryglus parhau i weithredu. Rwy'n falch y bydd cyngor Castell-nedd Port Talbot yn comisiynu astudiaeth ddichonoldeb i adeiladu pwll newydd—nid yw ailwampio yn opsiwn. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog nodi pa gymorth ariannol presennol sydd ar gael i awdurdodau lleol ac ymddiriedolaethau hamdden yng Nghymru ddarparu pyllau nofio? Pa gyllid cyfalaf newydd ellir ei wneud ar gael i gynorthwyo adeiladu pyllau newydd sy'n amgylcheddol gynaliadwy, sy'n hanfodol ar gyfer iechyd a llesiant a diogelwch, fel y nodwyd gennych, cymunedau fel rhai Pontardawe a chwm Tawe a dyffryn Aman?
We do provide capital support through Sport Wales to help with some of this. Our challenge, though, is the scale of the capital we have available to us and the scale of the challenge we face. Because the Member is right: a number of the assets that communities have been used to using are coming to the end of their lives, and there is therefore a need to think about the capital investment that's required and the point the Member makes around the sustainability of those buildings. The buildings we'd build today would be quite different to the buildings of 50 years ago and how they're made generally sustainable. There is, of course, lots of innovation taking place around local authorities—Rhondda Cynon Taf, for example, is having open-water pools available. It's not something that I'd choose to do, but there are others who want to do it. It's about the access to the opportunity. Our work with local authorities would have to be bound by the realities of their budgets. Every Member in this room knows that we don't have the resource in terms of revenue or capital that we'd like to have, so this will require sustained investment over a longer period of time, it will require a different settlement on what we're able to generate in capital terms to support local government and communities with the aspirations that I know that they do have.
Rydym ni'n darparu cymorth cyfalaf drwy Chwaraeon Cymru i helpu gyda rhywfaint o hyn. Ein her, fodd bynnag, yw maint y cyfalaf sydd gennym ni ar gael i ni a maint yr her sy'n ein hwynebu. Oherwydd mae'r Aelod yn iawn: mae nifer o'r asedau y mae cymunedau wedi dod i arfer eu defnyddio yn cyrraedd diwedd eu hoes, ac felly mae angen meddwl am y buddsoddiad cyfalaf sydd ei angen a'r pwynt y mae'r Aelod yn ei wneud ynghylch cynaliadwyedd yr adeiladau hynny. Byddai'r adeiladau y byddem ni'n eu hadeiladu heddiw yn dra gwahanol i adeiladau 50 mlynedd yn ôl a sut maen nhw'n cael eu gwneud yn gyffredinol gynaliadwy. Wrth gwrs, mae llawer o arloesi yn digwydd ynghylch awdurdodau lleol—mae gan Rondda Cynon Taf, er enghraifft, byllau dŵr agored ar gael. Nid yw'n rhywbeth y byddwn i'n dewis ei wneud, ond mae eraill sydd eisiau ei wneud. Mae'n ymwneud â'r mynediad at y cyfle. Byddai'n rhaid i'n gwaith gydag awdurdodau lleol gael ei rwymo gan realiti eu cyllidebau. Mae pob Aelod yn yr ystafell hon yn gwybod nad oes gennym ni'r adnodd o ran refeniw neu gyfalaf yr hoffem ni feddu arno, felly bydd hyn yn gofyn am fuddsoddiad parhaus dros gyfnod hwy o amser, bydd yn gofyn am wahanol setliad ar yr hyn y gallwn ni ei gynhyrchu mewn termau cyfalaf i gynorthwyo llywodraeth leol a chymunedau gyda'r dyheadau y gwn sydd ganddyn nhw.
Cwestiynau nawr gan arweinwyr y pleidiau. Arweinydd y Ceidwadwyr, Andrew R.T. Davies.
Questions now from the party leaders. Leader of the Conservatives, Andrew R.T. Davies.
Thank you, Presiding Officer. Could I first of all identify with your opening remarks about Owen John Thomas and his commitment to this Welsh Parliament, and obviously to public service throughout his whole life? I extend the Conservatives' condolences to his family at this very difficult time for them as well.
First Minister, the residents around the landfill site at Withyhedge are really having a nightmare of a situation inflicted on them. The smells, the odours, are unbearable for residents in this part of west Wales. They've now had two public health warnings, one in March and one as recently as Friday, about the stench and the impact that could have on public health in the area. It's not unreasonable to ask the question, as many residents have, and as my colleague for the constituency Paul Davies has: why are they having to put up with this awful situation that seems to be going on for ever and a day? Can you answer that simple question, so that they can have confidence that there will be action taken to address the appalling environment that they're having to bring their children up in and live and breathe every day?
Diolch, Llywydd. A gaf i yn gyntaf uniaethu â'ch sylwadau agoriadol am Owen John Thomas a'i ymrwymiad i'r Senedd Cymru hon, ac yn amlwg i wasanaeth cyhoeddus drwy gydol ei oes? Rwy'n estyn cydymdeimlad y Ceidwadwyr i'w deulu ar yr adeg anodd iawn hon iddyn nhw hefyd.
Prif Weinidog, mae'r trigolion o amgylch y safle tirlenwi yn Withyhedge wir yn cael hunllef o sefyllfa wedi'i gwthio arnyn nhw. Mae'r arogleuon yn annioddefol i drigolion yn y rhan hon o orllewin Cymru. Maen nhw wedi cael dau rybudd iechyd cyhoeddus erbyn hyn, un ym mis Mawrth ac un mor ddiweddar â dydd Gwener, am y drewdod a'r effaith y gallai hwnnw ei chael ar iechyd y cyhoedd yn yr ardal. Nid yw'n afresymol gofyn y cwestiwn, fel y mae llawer o drigolion wedi ei wneud, ac fel y mae fy nghyd-Aelod dros yr etholaeth Paul Davies wedi ei wneud: pam maen nhw'n gorfod goddef y sefyllfa ofnadwy hon sy'n ymddangos fel pe bai'n para am byth? A allwch chi ateb y cwestiwn syml hwnnw, fel y gallan nhw fod yn hyderus y bydd camau yn cael eu cymryd i fynd i'r afael â'r amgylchedd echrydus y maen nhw'n gorfod magu eu plant ynddo a'i fyw a'i anadlu bob dydd?
I think it's important that improvement action is taken to resolve the issue. I've had the same conversations with regional Members in my own group about making sure that action is taken, indeed, the issues that Paul Davies will have raised as well.
So, the advice from Public Health Wales that was issued in March is the same as has been recently issued about how to take measures whilst the issue is still unresolved. My understanding is that NRW are taking action to both monitor and to require improvement, and the key point here is that the operator meets those requirements. Equally, I understand they've installed monitoring equipment that NRW then take the readings from to see if they're actually taking the steps they're required to do. So, it's what I'd expect of any operator. The regulatory requirements are there, in place, for exactly this reason, and that's why NRW need to keep on making sure that action is taken and that they then communicate with the public about whether that action has been met.
Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig bod camau gwella yn cael eu cymryd i ddatrys y mater. Rwyf i wedi cael yr un sgyrsiau gydag Aelodau rhanbarthol yn fy ngrŵp fy hun ynglŷn â gwneud yn siŵr bod camau'n cael eu cymryd, yn wir, y materion y bydd Paul Davies wedi'u codi hefyd.
Felly, mae'r cyngor gan Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru a gyhoeddwyd ym mis Mawrth yr un fath ag a gyhoeddwyd yn ddiweddar ynglŷn â sut i gymryd mesurau tra nad yw'r mater wedi'i ddatrys o hyd. Fy nealltwriaeth i yw bod Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru yn cymryd camau i fonitro ac i wneud gwelliant yn ofynnol, a'r pwynt allweddol yma yw bod y gweithredwr yn bodloni'r gofynion hynny. Yn yr un modd, rwy'n deall eu bod nhw wedi gosod offer monitro y mae Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru wedyn yn cymryd y darlleniadau ohono i weld a ydyn nhw'n cymryd y camau y mae'n ofynnol iddyn nhw eu cymryd mewn gwirionedd. Felly, dyna y byddwn i'n ei ddisgwyl gan unrhyw weithredwr. Mae'r gofynion rheoleiddio yno, ar waith, am yr union reswm hwn, a dyna pam mae angen i Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru barhau i wneud yn siŵr bod camau'n cael eu cymryd a'u bod wedyn yn cyfathrebu â'r cyhoedd ynghylch a yw'r camau hynny wedi cael eu cymryd.
I'm sure you'll want to put it on the record, First Minister, that you do have a conflict of interest, because the owner of this landfill site is David Neal of Dauson Environmental Group. And that is the issue here. It is all well and good putting monitoring services in there, but two deadlines, as I said in my opening remarks, have been missed; today is another deadline, as I understand it, that has been set to see improvement in that particular area.
Regrettably, I have spoken to people over the last 10 days, and one individual said that, at 6.30 in the morning, the smell was so strong, they were on all fours throwing their guts up. Those were their words. And last Friday, I was talking to another resident of the area who said that he's actually had people not come in to work, to work on his farm, because the smell is so atrocious there. Now, it's all well and good you saying that monitoring measures have been put in place, but this has been going on now for many months, and it looks as if it could continue for many months more. That isn't acceptable. Would you want that on your doorstep in Penarth, because if it's not good enough for you, why is it good enough for the people in west Wales to have to put up with?
Rwy'n siŵr y byddwch chi eisiau ei roi ar y cofnod, Prif Weinidog, bod gennych chi achos o wrthdaro buddiannau, gan mai perchennog y safle tirlenwi hwn yw David Neal o Dauson Environmental Group. A dyna'r broblem yma. Mae'n iawn gosod gwasanaethau monitro yno, ond methwyd dau ddyddiad cau, fel y dywedais i yn fy sylwadau agoriadol; mae heddiw yn ddyddiad cau arall, fel yr wyf i'n ei deall, a bennwyd i weld gwelliant yn yr ardal benodol honno.
Yn anffodus, rwyf i wedi siarad â phobl dros y 10 diwrnod diwethaf, a dywedodd un unigolyn, am 6.30 yn y bore, bod yr arogl mor gryf, ei fod ar ei bedwar yn taflu i fyny. Dyna oedd ei eiriau. A dydd Gwener diwethaf, roeddwn i'n siarad ag un o drigolion eraill yr ardal a ddywedodd ei fod wedi cael pobl ddim yn dod i mewn i'r gwaith, i weithio ar ei fferm, gan fod yr arogl mor erchyll yno. Nawr, mae'n iawn i chi ddweud bod mesurau monitro wedi cael eu rhoi ar waith, ond mae hyn wedi bod yn digwydd ers misoedd lawer bellach, ac mae'n edrych fel pe gallai barhau am fisoedd lawer eto. Nid yw hynny'n dderbyniol. A fyddech chi eisiau hynny ar garreg eich drws ym Mhenarth, oherwydd os nad yw'n ddigon da i chi, pam mae'n ddigon da i bobl y gorllewin orfod ei oddef?
I think there are a number of different points that are being made there. I've been clear about where I can and can't act and where there's a conflict of interest. I haven't taken any action in this instance. I was responding to the Member's question about what's happening by making it very clear that NRW, as the regulator, need to take the required action. I'm not aware that a single member of the Government has attempted to influence the action of NRW; it is for them to undertake the required action to ensure that improvement is delivered, and that's the very clear position of the whole Government.
I wouldn't expect any community to simply tolerate what is happening. That's why action needs to be taken. That's why it needs to be led by the regulator, to be clear about when requirement is undertaken and what will happen, whether that required action is undertaken to time or not. That's the important point here. There's no moving away from required improvement, and I expect the regulator to act as it should do in this and any other instance, regardless of the operator.
Rwy'n credu bod nifer o wahanol bwyntiau sy'n cael eu gwneud yn y fan yna. Rwyf i wedi bod yn eglur ynghylch lle y gallaf ac na allaf weithredu a lle mae gwrthdaro buddiannau. Nid wyf i wedi cymryd unrhyw gamau yn yr achos hwn. Roeddwn i'n ymateb i gwestiwn yr Aelod am yr hyn sy'n digwydd trwy ei gwneud yn eglur iawn bod angen i Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, fel y rheoleiddiwr, gymryd y camau gofynnol. Nid wyf i'n ymwybodol bod yr un aelod o'r Llywodraeth wedi ceisio dylanwadu ar weithredoedd Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru; mater iddyn nhw yw cymryd y camau gofynnol i sicrhau bod gwelliant yn cael ei gyflawni, a dyna safbwynt eglur iawn y Llywodraeth gyfan.
Ni fyddwn yn disgwyl i unrhyw gymuned oddef yr hyn sy'n digwydd. Dyna pam mae angen i gamau gael eu cymryd. Dyna pam mae angen i'r rheoleiddiwr eu harwain, i fod yn eglur ynghylch pryd y bydd gofynion yn cael eu bodloni a'r hyn a fydd yn digwydd, pa un a yw'r camau gofynnol hynny'n cael eu cymryd yn brydlon ai peidio. Dyna'r pwynt pwysig yma. Nid oes unrhyw symud i ffwrdd o welliant gofynnol, ac rwy'n disgwyl i'r rheoleiddiwr weithredu fel y dylai wneud yn yr achos hwn ac mewn unrhyw achos arall, waeth pwy yw'r gweithredwr.
No declaration, First Minister. Any other Member would have to make that declaration. On the third question, in your answer, I hope you will make that declaration, because that's going to the core of what many people in the locality perceive as influence and making sure that things aren't remediated as quickly as possible. That tip needs to shut. It has been run very badly, and residents are being affected in their everyday lives. That is just not good enough. I wouldn't tolerate it on my doorstep, and I certainly wouldn't tolerate it in my electoral area, and I'd be putting in all the possible support I could for residents to try to make sure that they had this situation addressed.
Will you send a clear message that the Welsh Government will deal with this, will work with the regulator and the local authority to make sure that this is brought to a conclusion in a timely manner, and that residents will not feel as if they're in some environmental vortex that is dragging them down and making their lives a misery? Give that commitment and send that message if you would today, so that the residents can have hope.
Dim datganiad, Prif Weinidog. Byddai'n rhaid i unrhyw Aelod arall wneud y datganiad hwnnw. O ran y trydydd cwestiwn, yn eich ateb, rwy'n gobeithio y byddwch chi'n gwneud y datganiad hwnnw, oherwydd mae hynny'n mynd at graidd yr hyn y mae llawer o bobl yn yr ardal yn ei ystyried fel dylanwad a gwneud yn siŵr nad yw pethau'n cael eu datrys cyn gynted â phosibl. Mae angen cau'r tip hwnnw. Mae wedi cael ei redeg yn wael iawn, ac mae trigolion yn cael eu heffeithio yn eu bywydau bob dydd. Nid yw hynny'n ddigon da. Ni fyddwn yn ei oddef ar garreg fy nrws i, ac yn sicr ni fyddwn yn ei oddef yn fy ardal etholiadol, a byddwn yn rhoi'r holl gefnogaeth bosibl y gallwn i drigolion geisio gwneud yn siŵr bod sylw'n cael ei roi i'r sefyllfa hon.
A wnewch chi anfon neges eglur y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn ymdrin â hyn, yn gweithio gyda'r rheoleiddiwr a'r awdurdod lleol i wneud yn siŵr bod hyn yn cael ei ddirwyn i ben yn brydlon, ac na fydd trigolion yn teimlo fel pe baen nhw mewn rhyw fortecs amgylcheddol sy'n eu llusgo nhw i lawr ac yn gwneud eu bywydau yn ofnadwy? Rhowch yr ymrwymiad hwnnw ac anfonwch y neges honno os gwnewch chi heddiw, fel y gellir rhoi gobaith i'r trigolion.
I think it's important to address the two points. The first is that, if I'm conflicted out, then I can't answer the question. And, actually, my record, which has been updated and is available, from Dauson, that's clear and it's on the public record. There's no lack of clarity or honesty about that.
The second point, after being clear about the declaration, is that I don't think that it does prevent me from setting out that the Government's position is that the issue needs to be resolved properly in accordance with the requirements of the regulator, and of course as soon as possible. As I said in answer to your second question, it would not be acceptable in any community in the country for the issue not to be resolved, whether it's in my constituency or a different part of the country. That's why I say again that the regulator, NRW, needs to act to make sure that improvement is undertaken and that they have the assurance that that has been completed. That's my very clear expectation.
If the regulator wants to talk to the Government, they can of course speak to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, but they would not need to come to me, and if they did, I would have to tell them that I cannot undertake any action in this matter. But I can set out the overall position on what the Government expects in any instance where action is required by NRW or any other regulator.
Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig rhoi sylw i'r ddau bwynt. Y cyntaf yw, os wyf i'n destun gwrthdaro buddiannau, yna ni allaf ateb y cwestiwn. Ac, mewn gwirionedd, mae fy nghofnod i, sydd wedi cael ei ddiweddaru ac sydd ar gael, gan Dauson, mae honno'n eglur ac mae ar y cofnod cyhoeddus. Nid oes unrhyw ddiffyg eglurder na gonestrwydd ynglŷn â hynny.
Yr ail bwynt, ar ôl bod yn eglur ynglŷn â'r datganiad, yw nad wyf i'n credu ei fod yn fy atal rhag nodi mai safbwynt y Llywodraeth yw bod angen datrys y broblem yn briodol yn unol â gofynion y rheoleiddiwr, a chyn gynted â phosibl, wrth gwrs. Fel y dywedais i wrth ateb eich ail gwestiwn, ni fyddai'n dderbyniol mewn unrhyw gymuned yn y wlad i'r broblem beidio â chael ei datrys, boed hynny yn fy etholaeth i neu mewn rhan wahanol o'r wlad. Dyna pam rwy'n dweud eto bod angen i'r rheoleiddiwr, Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, weithredu i wneud yn siŵr bod gwelliant yn cael ei wneud a bod ganddyn nhw'r sicrwydd bod hynny wedi'i gwblhau. Dyna fy nisgwyliad eglur iawn.
Os yw'r rheoleiddiwr eisiau siarad â'r Llywodraeth, gall wrth gwrs siarad ag Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd a Materion Gwledig, ond ni fyddai angen iddyn nhw ddod ataf i, a phe baen nhw, byddai'n rhaid i mi ddweud wrthyn nhw na allaf i gymryd unrhyw gamau yn y mater hwn. Ond gallaf nodi'r safbwynt cyffredinol o ran yr hyn y mae'r Llywodraeth yn ei ddisgwyl mewn unrhyw achos lle mae camau yn ofynnol gan Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru neu unrhyw reoleiddiwr arall.
Arweinydd Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Diolch, ac rwyf innau'n ategu geiriau’r Llywydd wrth dalu teyrnged i Owen John Thomas, cymwynaswr ac ymgyrchydd mor frwd dros ei gymuned a dros y Gymraeg a Chymreictod yn y brifddinas. Ac wrth inni gydymdeimlo efo'i anwyliaid a'i deulu heddiw, rydyn ni'n cofio ei gyfraniad at Blaid Cymru ac at ddyfodol Cymru.
Mae yna ddywediad yn y Gymraeg, onid oes, 'gorau arf, arf dysg', ac mae o mor wir, onid ydy, fod codi safonau addysg yn gorfod bod yn un o brif arfau Cymru wrth drio dod â mwy o lewyrch i'n gwlad ni. Ond rydyn ni'n gweld yn y dyddiau diwethaf yma gymaint o'r min sydd wedi cael ei golli oddi ar allu'r sector addysg uwch i fod ar flaen y gad yn hynny o beth: Aberystwyth yn wynebu colli cymaint â 200 o swyddi wrth drio gwneud arbedion o £15 miliwn; is-ganghellor Caerdydd yn sôn am £35 miliwn o ddiffyg yn ei chyllideb eleni. Mae’n sefyllfa argyfyngus, a ni ydy'r unig genedl yn y Deyrnas Unedig sy’n mynd am yn ôl o ran cyfranogiad ein myfyrwyr ni yn ein sector addysg uwch. Mae cannoedd o swyddi dan fygythiad, ein heconomi o dan fygythiad. A all y Prif Weinidog ddweud wrthym ni pa drafodaethau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cael o ran ailflaenoriaethu adnoddau er mwyn gallu cynnig pecyn i ni gael ein prifysgolion ni drwy’r storm yma?
Thank you, and I echo the words of the Presiding Officer in paying tribute to Owen John Thomas, a real friend and campaigner for his community and for Welshness and the Welsh language in the capital city. And as we extend our sympathies to his loved ones and family today, we remember his contribution to Plaid Cymru and to the future of Wales.
There is a saying in Welsh, 'gorau arf, arf dysg'—an education is the best weapon—and it’s so true that raising educational standards has to be one of the main tools used in Wales as we try to bring more prosperity to our nation. And we see in recent days how much the higher education sector has lost the ability to be in the vanguard in that regard: Aberystwyth is facing losing up to 200 jobs in trying to make savings of £15 million; the vice chancellor in Cardiff is talking about a £35 million deficit in the budget for this year. It’s a critical situation, and we’re the only nation in the UK that is moving backwards in terms of student participation in higher education. There are hundreds of jobs under threat, our economy is under threat. Can the First Minister tell us what discussions the Welsh Government is having in terms of reprioritising resources in order to offer a package to get our universities through this particular storm?
I want to start by just noting Owen John Thomas’s contribution—O.J., as I knew him when I was a researcher in the first year of the National Assembly, as it then was. I always found him kind and courteous in my dealings with him, and I wish him and his family well.
On your point around higher education, we have of course taken a range of steps in the last budget around funding, and there’s a separate point about that that I think is beyond funding, because I don’t think that participation is simply about the level of fees. However, we have taken the difficult decision to actually permit higher education to undertake fee increases to try to generate further income for the sector. There is a need to consider the amount of resource that can go into higher education, together with every other part of our public realm.
HE institutions are independent institutions, but they do receive funding from the public purse because of the wider impact of what they provide. They’re also, of course, coping with the reality that they’ve lost a significant chunk of income in the way that former EU funds were then repurposed and centralised in the UK Government, and higher education was deliberately designed out of access to those funds. That has meant, as we’ve discussed before, that high-quality research jobs have been lost to Welsh institutions, and that is part of the financial challenge that they now face.
You’ll be hearing later on this afternoon from the education Secretary about priorities for education, and I know that post-16 participation is something that we are keen to see further progress made on, and that is in all forms of post-16 participation, higher and further education, as well as people going into the world of work. To get that right, we’ve actually got to look further into the system and earlier on. It is both the change that takes place at the top of primary school and also what people’s aspirations are for the future, and whether we're getting more of our young people to undertake post-16 education, with all of the opportunities it can provide for them and indeed the country.
Our economic mission and the opportunities we have from renewable energy and the new economy that we can create will rely on the skills that people will need, which they will need to acquire from both further and higher education. So, we're clear that we do want to see participation rates turned around and increase. You'll hear more, not just today, but in the next two years and beyond about how we will seek to do that.
Hoffwn ddechrau drwy nodi cyfraniad Owen John Thomas—O.J., fel yr oeddwn i'n ei adnabod pan oeddwn i'n ymchwilydd ym mlwyddyn gyntaf y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, fel yr oedd bryd hynny. Roedd bob amser yn garedig a chwrtais yn fy nghysylltiadau ag ef, ac rwy'n dymuno'n dda iddo ef a'i deulu.
O ran eich pwynt ar addysg uwch, rydym ni, wrth gwrs, wedi cymryd amrywiaeth o gamau yn y gyllideb ddiwethaf o ran cyllid, ac mae pwynt ar wahân ynglŷn â hynny rwy'n credu sydd y tu hwnt i gyllid, oherwydd nid wyf i'n credu bod cyfranogiad yn ymwneud â lefel ffioedd yn unig. Fodd bynnag, rydym ni wedi gwneud y penderfyniad anodd i ganiatáu i addysg uwch gynyddu ffioedd i geisio cynhyrchu incwm pellach i'r sector. Mae angen ystyried faint o adnoddau y gellir eu rhoi i addysg uwch, ynghyd â phob rhan arall o'n byd cyhoeddus.
Mae sefydliadau addysg uwch yn sefydliadau annibynnol, ond maen nhw'n derbyn arian o bwrs y wlad oherwydd effaith ehangach yr hyn y maen nhw'n ei ddarparu. Maen nhw hefyd, wrth gwrs, yn ymdopi â'r realiti eu bod nhw wedi colli talp sylweddol o incwm yn y ffordd y cafodd cyn-gronfeydd yr UE eu haddasu at wahanol ddibenion a'u canoli yn Llywodraeth y DU, a dyluniwyd addysg uwch allan o fynediad at y cronfeydd hynny yn fwriadol. Mae hynny wedi golygu, fel yr ydym ni wedi trafod o'r blaen, bod swyddi ymchwil o ansawdd uchel wedi cael eu colli i sefydliadau Cymru, ac mae hynny'n rhan o'r her ariannol y maen nhw'n yn ei hwynebu bellach.
Byddwch yn clywed yn ddiweddarach y prynhawn yma gan yr Ysgrifennydd addysg am flaenoriaethau ar gyfer addysg, a gwn fod cyfranogiad ôl-16 yn rhywbeth yr ydym ni'n awyddus i weld cynnydd pellach yn cael ei wneud yn ei gylch, ac mae hynny ym mhob math o gyfranogiad ôl-16, addysg uwch ac addysg bellach, yn ogystal â phobl sy'n mynd i fyd gwaith. Er mwyn cael hynny'n iawn, mae'n rhaid i ni edrych ymhellach i'r system ac yn gynharach. Mae'n fater o'r newid sy'n digwydd ar frig yr ysgol gynradd a hefyd beth yw dyheadau pobl ar gyfer y dyfodol, a pha un a ydym ni'n cael mwy o'n pobl ifanc i ymgymryd ag addysg ôl-16, gyda'r holl gyfleoedd y gall eu darparu iddyn nhw ac i'r wlad, yn wir.
Bydd ein cenhadaeth economaidd a'r cyfleoedd sydd gennym ni o ynni adnewyddadwy a'r economi newydd y gallwn ni ei chreu yn dibynnu ar y sgiliau y bydd eu hangen ar bobl, y bydd angen iddyn nhw eu caffael o addysg bellach ac uwch. Felly, rydym ni'n eglur ein bod ni eisiau gweld cyfraddau cyfranogiad yn cael eu gweddnewid ac yn cynyddu. Byddwch yn clywed mwy, nid yn unig heddiw, ond yn ystod y ddwy flynedd nesaf a thu hwnt am sut y byddwn ni'n ceisio gwneud hynny.
I agree with much of that description of the situation, though I would expect more of an urgent response to the crisis that we are facing. One element that the First Minister referred to, falling numbers of international students, certainly has had a significant impact on university finances, and a further threat comes from the Tories' attitude towards immigration. But despite myths peddled by the Tory right, the Migration Advisory Committee concluded today that there is no evidence of widespread abuse of the UK's graduate visa route. They think the graduate visa entitlement allowing international students to work for two or three years after graduating should remain in place. Obviously, that was welcomed by the sector today, as abolishing the graduate visa would spell financial disaster for Welsh universities. But the sector remains concerned that the Tories will cherry-pick elements of the report to satisfy the appetite of its right wing. Can the First Minister assure the Senedd that he will demand a guarantee from his party leader that any move by the Tories to end the graduate visa scheme would be reversed by Labour if it forms a Government, or better still, can he give a guarantee today?
Rwy'n cytuno â llawer o'r disgrifiad hwnnw o'r sefyllfa, er y byddwn i'n disgwyl mwy o ymateb brys i'r argyfwng yr ydym ni'n ei wynebu. Mae un elfen y cyfeiriodd y Prif Weinidog ati, niferoedd gostyngol o fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol, yn sicr wedi cael effaith sylweddol ar gyllid prifysgolion, a daw bygythiad pellach o agwedd y Torïaid at fewnfudo. Ond er gwaethaf anwireddau sy'n cael eu hyrwyddo gan y dde Dorïaidd, daeth y Pwyllgor Cynghori ar Fudo i'r casgliad heddiw nad oes unrhyw dystiolaeth o gamddefnydd eang o lwybr fisa graddedigion y DU. Maen nhw'n credu y dylai'r hawl i fisa graddedigion sy'n caniatáu i fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol weithio am ddwy neu dair blynedd ar ôl graddio aros yn weithredol. Yn amlwg, croesawyd hynny gan y sector heddiw, gan y byddai diddymu'r fisa graddedigion yn drychineb ariannol i brifysgolion Cymru. Ond mae'r sector yn parhau i bryderu y bydd y Torïaid yn dewis elfennau o'r adroddiad i fodloni archwaeth eu hadain dde. A all y Prif Weinidog sicrhau'r Senedd y bydd yn mynnu sicrwydd gan arweinydd ei blaid y byddai unrhyw gamau gan y Torïaid i ddod â'r cynllun fisa graddedigion i ben yn cael eu gwrthdroi gan Lafur os yw'n ffurfio Llywodraeth, neu'n well byth, a all roi sicrwydd heddiw?
I just want to go back to the starting point on action to be taken. The education Secretary has a statement to this Chamber later today, and I expect there'll be not just comments but questions around post-16 participation, so I'm not here to spike the statement that is about to be delivered this afternoon. I'm sure the education Secretary wouldn't thank me if I attempted to do so.
On your broader point, though, about graduate visas, I think it is good news that there is evidence today, clear evidence, that there is no real picture of graduate visas being abused. I would like to see the UK Government taking account of that evidence and moving back from the path that it has set out upon. This is both an issue about the financial picture for higher education across the UK, not just in here in Wales, but the model that actually is undercutting how institutions are able to run, to balance their books. But, more than that, I go back to my own experience as an Aberystwyth alumni—it's where, of course, I met the Llywydd when I was still a member of the Aberystwyth higher education community. It's not just the money; I went to university with 80 different nationalities. It is part of the learning experience, not just what takes place in a lecture hall or a seminar room. Meeting and greeting and being part of a community within an international sphere is part of that learning experience we should not surrender. So, yes, I of course want to see that carry on. I expect you'll see positive news on this and a number of other fronts in the future UK Labour manifesto. I'm very clear that the evidence there is no abuse should lead to a change in Government policy. And finally, with regard to what Esther McVey says, this is an example of where real common sense would lead to a welcome change in Government policy.
Hoffwn ddychwelyd i'r man cychwyn ar gamau i'w cymryd. Mae gan yr Ysgrifennydd addysg ddatganiad i'r Siambr hon yn ddiweddarach heddiw, ac rwy'n disgwyl y bydd nid yn unig sylwadau ond cwestiynau am gyfranogiad ôl-16, felly nid wyf i'n bwriadu difetha'r datganiad sydd ar fin cael ei gyflwyno y prynhawn yma. Rwy'n siŵr na fyddai'r Ysgrifennydd addysg yn diolch i mi pe bawn i'n ceisio gwneud hynny.
O ran eich pwynt ehangach, fodd bynnag, am fisâu graddedigion, rwy'n credu ei fod yn newyddion da bod tystiolaeth heddiw, tystiolaeth eglur, nad oes unrhyw ddarlun gwirioneddol o fisâu graddedig yn cael eu camddefnyddio. Hoffwn weld Llywodraeth y DU yn cymryd y dystiolaeth honno i ystyriaeth ac yn symud yn ôl o'r llwybr y mae wedi cychwyn arno. Mae hyn yn fater o'r darlun ariannol ar gyfer addysg uwch ledled y DU, nid yn unig yma yng Nghymru, ond hefyd y model sydd mewn gwirionedd yn tanseilio sut mae sefydliadau'n gallu rhedeg, i fantoli eu cyfrifon. Ond, yn fwy na hynny, rwy'n dychwelyd at fy mhrofiad fy hun fel cyn-fyfyriwr yn Aberystwyth—dyna lle, wrth gwrs, y cwrddais â'r Llywydd pan oeddwn i'n dal i fod yn aelod o gymuned addysg uwch Aberystwyth. Nid mater o'r arian yn unig yw hyn; es i i'r brifysgol gyda phobl o 80 o wahanol wledydd. Mae'n rhan o'r profiad dysgu, nid yr hyn sy'n digwydd mewn neuadd ddarlithio neu ystafell seminar yn unig. Mae cyfarfod a chyfarch a bod yn rhan o gymuned o fewn amgylchedd rhyngwladol yn rhan o'r profiad dysgu hwnnw na ddylem ni ei ildio. Felly, ydw, wrth gwrs, rwyf i eisiau gweld hynny'n parhau. Rwy'n disgwyl y byddwch chi'n gweld newyddion cadarnhaol am hyn a nifer o feysydd eraill ym maniffesto Llafur y DU yn y dyfodol. Rwy'n eglur iawn y dylai'r dystiolaeth nad oes unrhyw gamddefnydd arwain at newid i bolisi'r Llywodraeth. Ac yn olaf, o ran yr hyn y mae Esther McVey yn ei ddweud, mae hon yn enghraifft o le byddai synnwyr cyffredin go iawn yn arwain at newid i'w groesawu i bolisi'r Llywodraeth.
So, it's crossing fingers and hoping for the best. The bottom line is we can't allow the future of higher education in Wales to be at the mercy of Westminster, be that a Tory Government or, dare I say it, a Labour Government with Natalie Elphicke so warmly welcomed into its ranks. Professor Paul Boyle, chair of Universities Wales, warned the Welsh Affairs Committee last month that
'the impact of any changes to the Graduate Route will be magnified in Wales, as international student growth in Wales has not matched that of the UK'.
Our late colleague Steffan Lewis was always a champion of promoting Wales to the world, and he said back in 2017 that it's a matter of great regret that Westminister policies have damaged our reputation here as a destination for international students. He was reflecting then on the recommendations by an all-party group at Westminster that there'd be real benefits to devolving elements of immigration policy. I agree with Steffan that devolving student visas could benefit Welsh universities and our economy. Goodness knows we need a boost now. So, does the First Minister agree with Steffan and myself, or would he rather let the Tories in Westminster decide?
Felly, mae'n fater o groesi bysedd a gobeithio am y gorau. Diwedd y gân yw na allwn ni ganiatáu i ddyfodol addysg uwch yng Nghymru fod ar drugaredd San Steffan, boed hynny'n Llywodraeth Dorïaidd neu, feiddiaf ei ddweud, Llywodraeth Lafur â Natalie Elphicke yn cael croeso mor gynnes i'w rhengoedd. Rhybuddiodd yr Athro Paul Boyle, cadeirydd Prifysgolion Cymru, y Pwyllgor Materion Cymreig fis diwethaf
'bydd effaith unrhyw newidiadau i'r Llwybr Graddedigion yn cael ei chwyddo yng Nghymru, gan nad yw twf myfyrwyr rhyngwladol yng Nghymru wedi cyd-fynd â'r twf ar lefel y DU'.
Roedd ein diweddar gyd-Aelod Steffan Lewis bob amser yn barod i hyrwyddo Cymru i'r byd, a dywedodd yn ôl yn 2017 ei bod yn destun edifeirwch mawr bod polisïau'r San Steffan wedi niweidio ein henw da yma fel cyrchfan i fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol. Roedd yn myfyrio bryd hynny ar argymhellion gan grŵp hollbleidiol yn San Steffan y byddai manteision gwirioneddol o ddatganoli elfennau o bolisi mewnfudo. Rwy'n cytuno â Steffan y gallai datganoli fisâu myfyrwyr fod o fudd i brifysgolion Cymru a'n heconomi. Dyn a ŵyr bod angen hwb arnom ni nawr. Felly, a yw'r Prif Weinidog yn cytuno â Steffan a minnau, neu a fyddai'n well ganddo adael i'r Torïaid yn San Steffan benderfynu?
I think whenever you talk about devolution, you need to be clear about the financial consequences. We've had painful experience of Tory Governments devolving responsibilities and reducing budgets. The council tax benefit scheme was a perfect example: devolution with a 10 per cent budget cut and the pressure that put on the rest of our services and our ability to support the economy. So, I'm always interested in a conversation about where powers best lie and to make sure we have the resource to be able to exercise those powers effectively.
I think the broader point here is that there could and should be a positive offer from the UK for international higher education, but also for home-grown students as well: the learning environment that they go into, how it's funded and the opportunities in the wider world of work that it provides. That's what I'm interested in, and I'm very proud of the work that I have done, and other Ministers have done, in promoting Wales in the wider world. Our higher and further education is a big part of that. When I was in India recently, I was on the cusp of a trade mission, and we actually had one of our larger further education colleges there. It's still a high-value offer, and, in fact, Indian students are the highest-by-proportion group of students that come into higher and further education in Wales. So, it is still a real success story.
I believe we can have a Government in the UK that doesn't seek to trash our reputation, that keeps its word and wants to have a different set of relationships with the wider world that will benefit Wales and Britain. We already do that, and I see that work myself. I believe that in the future we can persuade the people of Wales to vote for that as well. I believe two Labour Governments working together for Wales and Britain will improve life here and give us the tools to do the job and have real and reliable partners in the UK Government. I'll be proud to go out and make that case to the people of Wales in the coming months whenever that election comes.
Rwy'n credu pryd bynnag y byddwch chi'n siarad am ddatganoli, bod angen i chi fod yn eglur am y canlyniadau ariannol. Rydym ni wedi cael profiad poenus o Lywodraethau Torïaidd yn datganoli cyfrifoldebau ac yn lleihau cyllidebau. Roedd y cynllun budd-dal treth gyngor yn enghraifft berffaith: datganoli gyda thoriad o 10 y cant i'r gyllideb a'r pwysau a roddodd hynny ar weddill ein gwasanaethau a'n gallu i gefnogi'r economi. Felly, mae gen i ddiddordeb bob amser mewn sgwrs ynglŷn â'r man gorau ar gyfer pwerau ac i wneud yn siŵr bod yr adnoddau gennym ni i allu arfer y pwerau hynny'n effeithiol.
Rwy'n credu mai'r pwynt ehangach yma yw y gallai ac y dylai fod cynnig cadarnhaol gan y DU ar gyfer addysg uwch ryngwladol, ond hefyd i fyfyrwyr cartref: yr amgylchedd dysgu y maen nhw'n mynd iddo, sut mae'n cael ei ariannu a'r cyfleoedd yn y byd gwaith ehangach y mae'n eu cynnig. Dyna sydd o ddiddordeb i mi, ac rwy'n falch iawn o'r gwaith yr wyf i wedi ei wneud, ac mae Gweinidogion eraill wedi ei wneud, i hyrwyddo Cymru yn y byd ehangach. Mae ein haddysg uwch a phellach yn rhan fawr o hyn. Pan oeddwn i yn India yn ddiweddar, roeddwn i ar drothwy cenhadaeth fasnach, ac roedd gennym ni un o'n colegau addysg bellach mwy yno. Mae'n dal i fod yn gynnig gwerth uchel, ac, a dweud y gwir, myfyrwyr o India yw'r grŵp mwyaf yn ôl cyfran o fyfyrwyr sy'n dod i addysg uwch a phellach yng Nghymru. Felly, mae'n dal i fod yn hanes o lwyddiant go iawn.
Rwy'n credu y gallwn ni gael Llywodraeth yn y DU nad yw'n ceisio pardduo ein henw da, sy'n cadw ei gair ac eisiau fod â gwahanol gyfres o berthnasoedd gyda'r byd ehangach a fydd o fudd i Gymru a Phrydain. Rydym ni eisoes yn gwneud hynny, ac rwy'n gweld y gwaith hwnnw fy hun. Rwy'n credu yn y dyfodol y gallwn ni berswadio pobl Cymru i bleidleisio dros hynny hefyd. Rwy'n credu y bydd dwy Lywodraeth Lafur yn cydweithio dros Gymru a Phrydain yn gwella bywyd yma ac yn rhoi'r arfau i ni wneud y gwaith a bod â phartneriaid gwirioneddol a dibynadwy yn Llywodraeth y DU. Byddaf yn falch o fynd allan a gwneud y ddadl honno i bobl Cymru yn ystod y misoedd nesaf pryd bynnag y daw'r etholiad hwnnw.
3. Beth yw polisi'r Llywodraeth ar bwerdai nwy newydd yn Arfon? OQ61090
3. What is the Government's policy on new gas-fired power plants in Arfon? OQ61090
I can't comment on any specific application. However, our general policy does not support the construction of new fossil fuel power plants as they are a source of additional greenhouse gas emissions.
Ni allaf wneud sylwadau ar unrhyw gais penodol. Fodd bynnag, nid yw ein polisi cyffredinol yn cefnogi adeiladu gweithfeydd pŵer tanwydd ffosil newydd gan eu bod yn ffynhonnell o allyriadau nwyon tŷ gwydr ychwanegol.
Mae yna bryder yn lleol y bydd cais yn cael ei gyflwyno ar gyfer gorsaf drydan yn cael ei bweru gan nwy mewn hen chwarel yng Nghaernarfon. Fel rydych chi'n ei ddweud, fedrwch chi ddim trafod cynlluniau unigol, ond mi fuaswn i'n hoffi gwybod beth yn union ydy safbwynt polisi'r Llywodraeth ar ddatblygiadau o'r math. Roedd safbwynt y cyn Brif Weinidog yn ddiamwys yn erbyn pan wnes i godi'r mater efo fo'n ddiweddar. Wrth ateb cwestiwn gen i ar lawr y Senedd, fe ddyfynodd y cyn Weinidog Newid Hinsawdd, a oedd yn dweud hyn:
'Lle bo galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i benderfynu ar gynigion yn y dyfodol i adeiladu gorsafoedd cynhyrchu ynni...yng Nghymru, bwriad Gweinidogion Cymru yw cadw rhagdybiaeth gref yn erbyn gorsafoedd ynni tanwydd ffosil newydd...Bydd gan y rhagdybiaeth hon hefyd effaith ar annog penderfynwyr lleol i beidio â chydsynio i orsafoedd tanwydd ffosil newydd ar raddfa fach.'
Mi fyddwn i'n hoffi cael eich safbwynt chi yn glir ar y cofnod, i glywed eich bod chi'n parhau i arddel y safbwynt yna yr un mor ddiamwys ag oedd yr arweinyddiaeth o'ch blaen chi.
There is concern locally that an application will be submitted for a gas-fired electricity generating plant in a former quarry in Caernarfon. As you say, you can't discuss individual plans, but I would like to know what exactly the Government's policy stance is on developments of this kind. The former First Minister's stance was unequivocally against this issue when I raised the matter with him. In response to a question from me on the floor of the Senedd, he quoted the former Minister for Climate Change, who said this:
'Where the Welsh Government is called to decide on future proposals to build...power generation in Wales, it is the intention of Welsh Ministers to maintain a strong presumption against new fossil fuelled power plant...This presumption will also have the effect of discouraging local decision makers from consenting new small-scale fossil fuel plant.'
I'd like to hear your stance clearly on the record, to hear that you are continuing to be of that view, just as unequivocally as the previous leadership.
The starting position is a presumption against the development of new fossil fuelled power plants. The challenge will be that, of course, Ministers have to judge everything on its merits. I don't want to get drawn into the individual application. It's worth, though, reflecting that there are 36 weeks for making a decision on developments of national significance, which is why I won't get drawn into the individual applications beyond restating Government policy on this matter. So, it's a live acceptance of a valid application and we will need to understand the total proposals for a Minister to then determine. Julie James is the planning Minister, but we need to understand that Welsh Ministers should not go on the record and comment in any way that could be seen as making individual comments around the application. But I'm happy to restate the policy position of the Government.
Y safbwynt agoriadol yw rhagdybiaeth yn erbyn datblygu gweithfeydd pŵer newydd tanwydd ffosil. Yr her, wrth gwrs, fydd bod yn rhaid i Weinidogion farnu popeth ar sail ei rinweddau. Nid wyf i eisiau cael fy nhynnu i mewn i'r cais unigol. Fodd bynnag, mae'n werth myfyrio bod 36 wythnos i wneud penderfyniad ar ddatblygiadau o arwyddocâd cenedlaethol, a dyna pam na fyddaf yn cael fy nhynnu i'r ceisiadau unigol y tu hwnt i ailddatgan polisi'r Llywodraeth ar y mater hwn. Felly, mae'n dderbyniad byw o gais dilys a bydd angen i ni ddeall cyfanswm y cynigion i Weinidog wneud penderfyniad arnyn nhw wedyn. Julie James yw'r Gweinidog cynllunio, ond mae angen i ni ddeall na ddylai Gweinidogion Cymru fynd ar y cofnod a gwneud sylwadau mewn unrhyw ffordd y gellid ei ystyried fel gwneud sylwadau unigol ynghylch y cais. Ond rwy'n hapus i ailddatgan safbwynt polisi'r Llywodraeth.
Plans to create gas-fired plants in Arfon have referred to the need to shift away from a dependency on fossil fuels to generate energy. The International Energy Agency defines energy security as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. Current levels of energy technology and infrastructure necessitate back-up for intermittent renewable energy, which remains dependent upon fossil fuels, primarily gas. This is likely to remain the case for much of the transition period to a carbon-neutral future, and it would be a disservice to the public to pretend otherwise.
It's understood that the proposed gas-fired power plant on Caernarfon's former Seiont Brickworks quarry site would be a short-term operating reserved plant or peaking plant. This would provide rapid response and balanced demand, particularly when wind and solar outputs are low. How does the Welsh Government propose to ensure energy security during the years of transition to a carbon-neutral future in order to ensure that people can stay warm, fed and hydrated without interruption?
Mae cynlluniau i greu gweithfeydd nwy yn Arfon wedi cyfeirio at yr angen i symud oddi wrth ddibyniaeth ar danwyddau ffosil i gynhyrchu ynni. Mae'r Asiantaeth Ynni Ryngwladol yn diffinio diogelwch ynni fel ffynonellau ynni di-dor sydd ar gael am bris fforddiadwy. Mae'r lefelau presennol o dechnoleg a seilwaith ynni yn gofyn am opsiwn wrth gefn ar gyfer ynni adnewyddadwy ysbeidiol, sy'n dal i fod yn ddibynnol ar danwyddau ffosil, nwy yn bennaf. Mae hyn yn debygol o barhau i fod yn wir am lawer o'r cyfnod pontio i ddyfodol carbon niwtral, a byddai'n dro gwael â'r cyhoedd esgus fel arall.
Deellir y byddai'r pwerdy nwy arfaethedig ar hen safle chwarel Seiont yng Nghaernarfon yn waith neilltuol neu'n waith adegau brig sy'n gweithredu ar sail fyrdymor. Byddai hyn yn darparu ymateb cyflym a galw cytbwys, yn enwedig pan fo allbynnau gwynt a solar yn isel. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu sicrhau diogelwch ynni yn ystod y blynyddoedd o bontio i ddyfodol carbon niwtral er mwyn sicrhau y gall pobl gadw'n gynnes, ac wedi'u bwydo a'u hydradu heb ymyrraeth?
As the Member knows, I can't and won't comment on the individual application. I recognise the fact that he's talked about it in some detail, and I won't respond to any of that. Gas is the predominant peaking technology; hydro and battery storage are also in use as well. That is a fact and a reality. None of that moves away from the position I've set out that there is a presumption against new fossil-fuel-powered production in Wales. Each application must be considered on its merits, which is exactly what will happen with any application the Member has raised today or may do in the future. I do not want to commit myself to any form or indication of support or otherwise for the application the Member has mentioned at some length.
Fel y mae'r Aelod yn gwybod, ni allaf ac ni fyddaf yn gwneud sylwadau ar y cais unigol. Rwy'n cydnabod y ffaith ei fod wedi siarad amdano mewn cryn fanylder, ac ni wnaf i ymateb i ddim o hynny. Nwy yw'r brif dechnoleg adegau brig; defnyddir storio hydro a batri hefyd. Mae hynny'n ffaith ac yn realiti. Nid oes dim o hynny yn symud oddi wrth y sefyllfa yr wyf i wedi ei nodi bod rhagdybiaeth yn erbyn cynhyrchu wedi'i danio gan danwyddau ffosil newydd yng Nghymru. Mae'n rhaid ystyried pob cais ar sail ei rinweddau, sef yr union beth a fydd yn digwydd gydag unrhyw gais y mae'r Aelod wedi ei godi heddiw neu y gallai ei godi yn y dyfodol. Nid wyf i eisiau ymrwymo fy hun i unrhyw fath neu arwydd o gefnogaeth neu fel arall i'r cais y mae'r Aelod wedi sôn amdano mewn cryn fanylder.
4. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog amlinellu'r rhesymau pam nad oes Gweinidog penodol ar gyfer babanod, plant a phobl ifanc yn Llywodraeth Cymru ar hyn o bryd? OQ61109
4. Will the First Minister outline the reasons why there is currently no dedicated Minister for babies, children and young people in the Welsh Government? OQ61109
Thank you for the question. I have appointed a Minister for Mental Health and Early Years, and I should note that it is Mental Health Awareness Week this week. Jayne Bryant's portfolio also covers areas related to children, young people and families. However, the duties set out in the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011 apply to, and are the responsibility of, all Welsh Ministers.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Rwyf i wedi penodi Gweinidog Iechyd Meddwl a'r Blynyddoedd Cynnar, a dylwn nodi ei bod hi'n Wythnos Ymwybyddiaeth Iechyd Meddwl yr wythnos hon. Mae portffolio Jayne Bryant hefyd yn cynnwys meysydd sy'n ymwneud â phlant, pobl ifanc a theuluoedd. Fodd bynnag, mae'r dyletswyddau a nodir ym Mesur Hawliau Plant a Phobl Ifanc (Cymru) 2011 yn berthnasol i holl Weinidogion Cymru ac yn gyfrifoldeb i bob un ohonyn nhw.
Thank you for your response. I would also like to associate myself, on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, with extending our sympathies to the family of Owen John Thomas as well. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I am very clear that the appointment of Jayne Bryant in the role of dedicated Minister for Mental Health and Early Years is really positive. But it isn't the same as having a dedicated Minister for babies, children and young people. I was encouraged to hear you say that the Government is dedicated to the eradication of child poverty, but we are frustrated that there is no Minister totally responsible for overseeing this aim in your Government. The Equality and Social Justice Committee, in its report 'Calling time on child poverty: how Wales can do better', noted that our current efforts in Wales in tackling child poverty lack strategic cohesion, focused leadership and clear accountability. So, let's learn from other countries, perhaps.
If we look at New Zealand, Ireland and Norway, each has a dedicated Minister leading child poverty strategy. And, crucially, they outperform Wales in terms of the numbers of children living in poverty: in Ireland, 14 per cent; in New Zealand, 12 per cent; and in Norway, we have 11 per cent. And that's compared to the shocking 29 per cent that it's operating at here in Wales. We know that Wales does not have total powers to eradicate child poverty, but it does have some. So, I would like to hear from you why we can't be as good as the other countries, and why we need to put up with child poverty in Wales being at 29 per cent. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch am eich ymateb. Hoffwn innau hefyd gysylltu fy hun, ar ran Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru, ag estyn ein cydymdeimlad i deulu Owen John Thomas hefyd. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Rwy'n eglur iawn bod penodiad Jayne Bryant i swydd Gweinidog Iechyd Meddwl a'r Blynyddoedd Cynnar penodol yn gadarnhaol iawn. Ond nid yw'r un peth â bod â Gweinidog penodol dros fabanod, plant a phobl ifanc. Cefais fy nghalonogi o'ch clywed chi'n dweud bod y Llywodraeth yn ymroddedig i ddileu tlodi plant, ond rydym ni'n rhwystredig nad oes unrhyw Weinidog yn llwyr gyfrifol am oruchwylio'r nod hwn yn eich Llywodraeth. Nododd y Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, yn ei adroddiad 'Amser rhoi diwedd ar dlodi plant: sut y gall Cymru wneud yn well', bod diffyg cydlyniant strategol, arweinyddiaeth â phwyslais ac atebolrwydd eglur yn ein hymdrechion presennol yng Nghymru i fynd i'r afael â thlodi plant. Felly, gadewch i ni ddysgu gan wledydd eraill, efallai.
Os edrychwn ni ar Seland Newydd, Iwerddon a Norwy, mae gan bob un ohonyn nhw Weinidog penodol sy'n arwain strategaeth tlodi plant. Ac, yn hollbwysig, maen nhw'n perfformio'n well na Chymru o ran nifer y plant sy'n byw mewn tlodi: yn Iwerddon, 14 y cant; yn Seland Newydd, 12 y cant; ac yn Norwy, mae gennym ni 11 y cant. Ac mae hynny o'i gymharu â'r 29 y cant ofnadwy sydd gennym ni yma yng Nghymru. Rydym ni'n gwybod nad oes gan Gymru bwerau llwyr i ddileu tlodi plant, ond mae ganddi rai. Felly, hoffwn glywed gennych chi pam na allwn ni fod cystal â'r gwledydd eraill, a pham mae angen i ni ddioddef tlodi plant yng Nghymru ar lefel o 29 y cant. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Thank you for the question. With respect, I don't agree that the design of Government and the titles of Ministers will resolve all of this as an issue. The lead Minister in the Government is Lesley Griffiths, as the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice. This is an area where more than one portfolio needs to make a contribution to have the sort of impact that everyone, I think, in this Chamber would want to have.
It is about marshalling the range of different contributions that we make in different portfolios, from what we are doing on Flying Start—a real success story compared to the disinvestment in Sure Start that has taken place since 2010 in England, a genuine Welsh success story with really positive outcomes—to the pupil development grant that we provide. There's the work that we have done, and that I'm proud that we have done, on making free school meals free for every child in primary school, and the additional support that we provide to help people with school uniforms and additional items around the school day. These are practical measures that we take within our powers.
The Member will know that not all of the levers are in our hands, and I'm glad that she mentioned that. She will have seen this up close during her time in Westminster, when Conservatives continued to make tax and benefit changes that they knew full well would worsen the picture on child poverty. I am proud that she was on the right side of that argument then, and still is today. It is why we both need to see the action that we can take here in Wales, alongside a future UK administration that is prepared to look again at deliberate choices that made more of our children poor—to grow up in a life of poverty; more working-age adults in poverty; more children with an adult in their home who is living in poverty as well.
Our economic future is a part of this, together with the changes that I belive are necessary for tax and benefits. I look forward to working with what I hope will be a much more enlightened UK Government, which has a real commitment to making progress on child poverty, as we did in the first decade of devolution, when two Governments that were committed to taking action on this made real steps to lift hundreds of thousands of children across the UK, and thousands of children here in Wales, out of child poverty. I believe that we can do that again.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Gyda pharch, nid wyf i'n cytuno y bydd dyluniad y Llywodraeth a theitlau Gweinidogion yn datrys hyn i gyd fel problem. Lesley Griffiths, fel Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, yw'r Gweinidog arweiniol yn y Llywodraeth. Mae hwn yn faes lle mae angen i fwy nag un portffolio wneud cyfraniad at gael y math o effaith y byddai pawb, rwy'n credu, yn y Siambr hon eisiau ei chael.
Mae'n golygu trefnu'r amrywiaeth o wahanol gyfraniadau yr ydym ni'n eu gwneud mewn gwahanol bortffolios, o'r hyn yr ydym ni'n ei wneud ar Dechrau'n Deg—hanes gwirioneddol o lwyddiant o'i gymharu â'r dadfuddsoddi mewn Sure Start sydd wedi digwydd ers 2010 yn Lloegr, hanes gwirioneddol o lwyddiant yng Nghymru â chanlyniadau cadarnhaol iawn—i'r grant datblygu disgyblion yr ydym ni'n ei ddarparu. Ceir y gwaith yr ydym ni wedi ei wneud, ac rwy'n falch ein bod ni wedi ei wneud, ar wneud prydau ysgol am ddim ar gael i bob plentyn yn yr ysgol gynradd, a'r cymorth ychwanegol yr ydym ni'n ei ddarparu i helpu pobl gyda gwisg ysgol ac eitemau ychwanegol o amgylch y diwrnod ysgol. Mae'r rhain yn fesurau ymarferol yr ydym ni'n eu cymryd o fewn ein pwerau.
Bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod nad yw pob un o'r ysgogiadau yn ein dwylo ni, ac rwy'n falch ei bod wedi cyfeirio at hynny. Bydd wedi gweld hyn yn bersonol yn ystod ei chyfnod yn San Steffan, pan barhaodd y Ceidwadwyr i wneud newidiadau i dreth a budd-daliadau yr oedden nhw'n gwybod yn iawn fyddai'n gwaethygu'r darlun o ran tlodi plant. Rwy'n falch ei bod hi ar ochr iawn y ddadl honno bryd hynny, a'i bod hi o hyd heddiw. Dyna pam y mae angen i'r ddau ohonom ni weld y camau y gallwn ni eu cymryd yma yng Nghymru, ochr yn ochr â gweinyddiaeth yn y DU yn y dyfodol sy'n barod i edrych eto ar ddewisiadau bwriadol a wnaeth fwy o'n plant yn dlawd—i dyfu i fyny mewn bywyd o dlodi; mwy o oedolion oedran gweithio mewn tlodi; mwy o blant ag oedolyn yn eu cartref sy'n byw mewn tlodi hefyd.
Mae ein dyfodol economaidd yn rhan o hyn, ynghyd â'r newidiadau yr wyf i'n credu eu bod nhw'n angenrheidiol ar gyfer treth a budd-daliadau. Rwy'n edrych ymlaen at weithio gyda'r hyn yr wyf i'n ei obeithio fydd yn Llywodraeth y DU llawer mwy goleuedig, sydd ag ymrwymiad gwirioneddol i wneud cynnydd o ran tlodi plant, fel y gwnaethom ni yn ystod degawd cyntaf datganoli, pan wnaeth dwy Lywodraeth a oedd wedi ymrwymo i weithredu ar hyn gymryd camau gwirioneddol i godi cannoedd o filoedd o blant ledled y DU, a miloedd o blant yma yng Nghymru, allan o dlodi plant. Rwy'n credu y gallwn ni wneud hynny eto.
It's an interesting question that Jane Dodds raises today. But since we don't have a Minister for babies and young people, I would like to know what work the Welsh Government is doing to help parents of infants that have been discharged from special care baby units. I would also like to put on record my admiration and gratitude for the incredible work that doctors and nurses carry out in these units, such as the state-of-the-art sub-regional neonatal intensive care centre at Glan Clwyd Hospital in my constituency.
I'm sure that the First Minister will share these sentiments, and it's great to see that investment paying dividends for north Wales. But I would like to know how the Welsh Government is supporting parents of newborns that have recently been discharged from a special care baby unit. Motherhood and fatherhood is hard enough as it is, but for mothers and fathers of more vulnerable infants, this can be a particularly overwhelming experience. Thank you.
Mae'n gwestiwn diddorol y mae Jane Dodds yn ei godi heddiw. Ond gan nad oes gennym ni Weinidog dros fabanod a phobl ifanc, hoffwn wybod pa waith y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i helpu rhieni babanod sydd wedi cael eu rhyddhau o unedau gofal arbennig i fabanod. Hoffwn hefyd gofnodi fy edmygedd a'm diolch am y gwaith anhygoel y mae meddygon a nyrsys yn ei wneud yn yr unedau hyn, fel y ganolfan gofal dwys newyddenedigol is-ranbarthol fodern yn Ysbyty Glan Clwyd yn fy etholaeth i.
Rwy'n siŵr y bydd y Prif Weinidog yn rhannu'r teimladau hyn, ac mae'n wych gweld y buddsoddiad hwnnw yn talu ar ei ganfed i'r gogledd. Ond hoffwn wybod sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi rhieni babanod newydd-anedig sydd wedi cael eu rhyddhau'n ddiweddar o uned gofal arbennig i fabanod. Mae bod yn fam ac yn dad yn ddigon anodd fel y mae, ond i famau a thadau babanod mwy agored i niwed, gall hwn fod yn brofiad arbennig o llethol. Diolch.
Well, I welcome the Member's recognition of the investment that previous Welsh Labour Governments made in delivering the SuRNICC unit, not just the physical infrastructure, but the people required to staff that unit and to the quality—. It's a welcome recognition of the point that Carolyn Thomas was making about the fact that there are regular instances of high-quality care right across our NHS, including in north Wales, of course.
The support that is provided comes from what we look to do with our teams of midwives and, indeed, the additional support that can be provided through our community nursing team as well. I know that the support that we had from the health visitor was really important for us, and when you have additional need in the child you bring home, you expect there to be additional support, which is what that health service aims to provide. That's what I expect in every part of the country.
The Member has a different experience, and he's welcome to raise that with Ministers across the health department field, but I hope the constituents in north Wales and every part of the country do have a level of care and expertise from the midwifery and health visitor family that tries to help them with the most difficult but also the most exciting steps in your journey as a parent.
Wel, rwy'n croesawu cydnabyddiaeth yr Aelod o'r buddsoddiad a wnaeth Llywodraethau Llafur blaenorol Cymru wrth gyflawni uned SuRNICC, nid dim ond y seilwaith ffisegol, ond y bobl sydd eu hangen i staffio'r uned honno ac i'r ansawdd—. Mae'n gydnabyddiaeth i'w groesawu o'r pwynt yr oedd Carolyn Thomas yn ei wneud am y ffaith bod achosion rheolaidd o ofal o ansawdd uchel ar draws ein GIG, gan gynnwys yn y gogledd, wrth gwrs.
Daw'r gefnogaeth a ddarperir o'r hyn rydym yn gobeithio ei wneud gyda'n timau o fydwragedd ac, yn wir, y cymorth ychwanegol y gellir ei ddarparu trwy ein tîm nyrsio cymunedol hefyd. Rwy'n gwybod bod y gefnogaeth a gawsom gan yr ymwelydd iechyd yn bwysig iawn i ni, a phan fydd gennych angen ychwanegol yn y plentyn y byddwch yn dod ag ef adref, rydych chi'n disgwyl y bydd cymorth ychwanegol, sef yr hyn y mae'r gwasanaeth iechyd hwnnw'n bwriadu ei ddarparu. Dyna beth rydw i'n ei ddisgwyl ym mhob rhan o'r wlad.
Mae gan yr Aelod brofiad gwahanol, ac mae croeso iddo godi hynny gyda Gweinidogion ar draws maes yr adran iechyd, ond rwy'n gobeithio y bydd gan etholwyr y gogledd a phob rhan o'r wlad lefel o ofal ac arbenigedd gan y teulu bydwreigiaeth ac ymwelwyr iechyd sy'n ceisio eu helpu gyda'r camau anoddaf ond hefyd y camau mwyaf cyffrous yn eich taith fel rhiant.
5. Pa effaith y mae'r Prif Weinidog yn disgwyl i Fil Senedd Cymru (Aelodau ac Etholiadau) ei chael o ran meithrin ymddiriedaeth mewn gwleidyddiaeth a gwleidyddion? OQ61106
5. What impact does the First Minister expect the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill will have on building trust in politics and politicians? OQ61106
The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill will significantly enhance the scrutiny capacity of the Senedd. The public placed their trust in all Members upon election, including those who hold ministerial office, and those who will hold Ministers to account even more effectively through scrutiny of policy choices, legislation and spending plans, with a larger and fit-for-purpose Senedd.
Bydd Bil Senedd Cymru (Aelodau ac Etholiadau) yn gwella gallu craffu'r Senedd yn sylweddol. Gosododd y cyhoedd eu hymddiriedaeth ym mhob Aelod wrth gael eu hethol, gan gynnwys y rhai sy'n dal swydd weinidogol, a'r rhai a fydd yn dwyn Gweinidogion i gyfrif hyd yn oed yn fwy effeithiol trwy graffu ar ddewisiadau polisi, deddfwriaeth a chynlluniau gwariant, gyda Senedd fwy ac addas i'r diben.
Thank you, First Minister. Last week the Llywydd noted that, on marking 25 years of devolution, this was a people's Senedd and not a politicians' Parliament. In fact, she said it wasn't Sam Kurtz's Parliament, and I do agree with that. [Laughter.] Now, many people who have raised issues around this Bill with me have mentioned not only, obviously, the increase in the number of politicians, but a number of changes they feel takes that, if you like, sentiment away from the people of Wales and makes it less like the people's Parliament that it should be, whether it's the change to the voting system, whether it's enacting the changes without a referendum, or, indeed, the various amendments that were not supported by the Government to introduce a system of recall for Members where electors feel that their mandate should not continue. Now, I understand from what the Counsel General said last week that there does appear to be a degree of cross-party support for the system of a recall. Can you assure the Senedd that that will be in place ahead of the next Senedd elections in 2026?
Diolch yn fawr, Prif Weinidog. Yr wythnos diwethaf, nododd y Llywydd, ar ôl nodi 25 mlynedd o ddatganoli, mai Senedd y bobl oedd hon ac nid Senedd i wleidyddion. Yn wir, dywedodd hi nad Senedd Sam Kurtz oedd hi, ac rwy'n cytuno â hynny. [Chwerthin.] Nawr, mae llawer o bobl sydd wedi codi materion yn ymwneud â'r Bil hwn gyda mi wedi sôn nid yn unig, yn amlwg, am y cynnydd yn nifer y gwleidyddion, ond nifer o newidiadau y maen nhw'n teimlo sy'n cymryd, os mynnwch chi, y teimlad hwnnw i ffwrdd oddi wrth bobl Cymru ac yn ei gwneud hi'n llai tebyg i Senedd y bobl y dylai fod, p'un a yw'n newid i'r system bleidleisio, a yw'n gweithredu'r newidiadau heb refferendwm, neu, yn wir, y gwahanol welliannau na chawsant eu cefnogi gan y Llywodraeth i gyflwyno system adalw ar gyfer Aelodau lle mae etholwyr yn teimlo na ddylai eu mandad barhau. Nawr, rwy'n deall o'r hyn a ddywedodd y Cwnsler Cyffredinol yr wythnos diwethaf ei bod yn ymddangos bod rhywfaint o gefnogaeth drawsbleidiol i'r system adalw. A allwch chi sicrhau'r Senedd y bydd hynny ar waith cyn etholiadau nesaf y Senedd yn 2026?
Well, the starting point is that I disagree with the Member's claim that the Bill that we have passed to reform this Senedd will take our Parliament away from the people. I believe absolutely that people will still see a Parliament that works for them and with them. It is about the job that we do as elected Members to ensure that people feel welcome in what will happen. And if you look around the gallery, you see many people from parts of Wales who have come here to see these proceedings directly themselves—exactly what you would wish. And, actually, our colleagues in Westminster are kept further apart from people in the way that that Parliament operates. We're a much more open institution, and I hope we can keep that in the future as we expand and deliver on the mandate that came in multiple manifestos from the last election.
On your broader point around recall, the Government will work constructively with all parties and, indeed, the standards commission, on the work that they are doing, taking account, of course, of the comments made in Adam Price's amendments, which I'm pleased he didn't move to a vote, because I want to work with people, around the points on deception and honesty. Those have to be things, I think, that take account of the standards process. It may well not be Government legislation that delivers a change, but we are committed to working constructively with all parties to try to have this issue resolved before the next Senedd election, so it is in place so people understand the measures that would bite if Members fell significantly below the standards of conduct that we all should expect of each other.
Wel, y man cychwyn yw fy mod yn anghytuno â honiad yr Aelod y bydd y Bil yr ydym wedi'i basio i ddiwygio'r Senedd hon yn tynnu ein Senedd oddi ar y bobl. Rwy'n credu'n sicr y bydd pobl yn dal i weld Senedd sy'n gweithio iddyn nhw a gyda nhw. Mae'n ymwneud â'r gwaith a wnawn fel Aelodau etholedig i sicrhau bod pobl yn teimlo bod croeso iddyn nhw yn yr hyn a fydd yn digwydd. Ac os edrychwch chi o gwmpas yr oriel, rydych chi'n gweld llawer o bobl o rannau o Gymru sydd wedi dod yma i weld y trafodion hyn yn uniongyrchol eu hunain—yn union beth fyddech chi'n ei ddymuno. Ac, mewn gwirionedd, mae ein cydweithwyr yn San Steffan yn cael eu cadw ymhellach ar wahân i bobl yn y ffordd y mae'r Senedd honno'n gweithredu. Rydyn ni'n sefydliad llawer mwy agored, ac rwy'n gobeithio y gallwn ni gynnal hynny yn y dyfodol wrth i ni ehangu a chyflawni'r mandad a ddaeth mewn sawl maniffesto o'r etholiad diwethaf.
O ran eich pwynt ehangach am adalw, bydd y Llywodraeth yn gweithio'n adeiladol gyda phob plaid ac, yn wir, y comisiwn safonau, ar y gwaith y maen nhw'n ei wneud, gan ystyried, wrth gwrs, y sylwadau a wnaed yng ngwelliannau Adam Price, ac rwy'n falch na symudodd i bleidlais, oherwydd rwyf am weithio gyda phobl, ynghylch y pwyntiau ar ddichell a gonestrwydd. Mae'n rhaid i'r rheini fod yn bethau sy'n cymryd i ystyriaeth y broses safonau, rwy'n credu. Mae'n ddigon posibl nad deddfwriaeth y Llywodraeth sy'n sicrhau newid, ond rydym wedi ymrwymo i weithio'n adeiladol gyda phob plaid i geisio datrys y mater hwn cyn etholiad nesaf y Senedd, felly mae ar waith fel bod pobl yn deall y mesurau a fyddai'n weithredol pe bai'r Aelodau'n disgyn yn sylweddol is na'r safonau ymddygiad y dylem ni i gyd eu disgwyl gan ein gilydd.
Collapsing trust in politics is a problem for Parliaments in many parts of the world, but I think it's important to acknowledge that we are by no means immune from those questions of integrity, of credibility and accountability in this Chamber. If the First Minister accepts that, isn't it, I think, the urgent task of not just maintaining, but restoring trust in politics? It's not something, surely, that we can defer, or, indeed, delegate to a future Senedd. We have to show leadership and take responsibility in getting it right in this Senedd. So, the question to the First Minister is this: is he prepared to commit to bringing forward or facilitating legislation to address the primary legislative changes that are needed in relation to recall and deliberate deception, not in a future Senedd, but in this one?
Mae ymddiriedaeth mewn gwleidyddiaeth sy'n gostwng yn sylweddol yn broblem i Seneddau mewn sawl rhan o'r byd, ond rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig cydnabod nad ydym yn ddiogel o bell ffordd rhag y cwestiynau hynny o onestrwydd, hygrededd ac atebolrwydd yn y Siambr hon. Os yw'r Prif Weinidog yn derbyn hynny, yn fy marn i, onid y dasg frys yw nid yn unig cynnal, ond adfer ymddiriedaeth mewn gwleidyddiaeth? Nid yw'n rhywbeth, siawns, y gallwn ni ei ohirio, neu, yn wir, ei ddirprwyo i Senedd yn y dyfodol. Mae'n rhaid i ni ddangos arweinyddiaeth a chymryd cyfrifoldeb am wneud pethau'n iawn yn y Senedd hon. Felly, y cwestiwn i'r Prif Weinidog yw hyn: a yw'n barod i ymrwymo i gyflwyno neu hwyluso deddfwriaeth i fynd i'r afael â'r prif newidiadau deddfwriaethol sydd eu hangen mewn perthynas ag adalw a dichell fwriadol, nid mewn Senedd yn y dyfodol, ond yn hon?
I believe that's what I said, and I'm happy to restate: we will work with all parties in this place to try to have a workable answer that we can actually use and implement. I think it’s more likely, on this issue, that it should be a committee Bill rather than a Government Bill, but we will work alongside people to try to make sure that is delivered, delivered properly and delivered in this Senedd to apply to the next Senedd. I want this in place before people go to the polls, so everyone understands the rules that are in place and the expectations that people have to meet. This is a package, I believe, that will go alongside Senedd reform. So, yes, I want it done within this Senedd, I want it done properly, and I want it to be done a basis where there’s genuine cross-party support for the measures that I believe we will put in place. And I hope, as I say, for the support of Members of all parties to do so.
Rwy'n credu mai dyna ddywedais i, ac rwy'n hapus i'w ailddatgan: byddwn yn gweithio gyda phob plaid yn y lle hwn i geisio cael ateb ymarferol y gallwn ni ei ddefnyddio a'i weithredu. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn fwy tebygol, ar y mater hwn, y dylai fod yn Fil pwyllgor yn hytrach na Bil Llywodraeth, ond byddwn yn gweithio ochr yn ochr â phobl i geisio sicrhau bod hynny'n cael ei gyflawni, ei gyflawni'n briodol a'i gyflawni yn y Senedd hon a'i weithredu yn y Senedd nesaf. Rwyf eisiau hyn ar waith cyn i bobl fynd i bleidleisio, fel bod pawb yn deall y rheolau sydd ar waith a'r disgwyliadau mae'n rhaid i bobl eu bodloni. Pecyn yw hwn, rwy'n credu, a fydd yn cyd-fynd â diwygio'r Senedd. Felly, ydw, rwyf eisiau iddo gael ei wneud yn y Senedd hon, rwyf eisiau iddo gael ei wneud yn iawn, ac rwyf eisiau iddo gael ei wneud ar sail lle mae cefnogaeth drawsbleidiol wirioneddol i'r mesurau y credwn y byddwn yn eu rhoi ar waith. Ac rwy'n gobeithio, fel y dywedais i, cael cefnogaeth Aelodau o bob plaid i wneud hynny.
6. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog ddatganiad am y defnydd o unedau cyfeirio disgyblion yng Nghymru? OQ61114
6. Will the First Minister make a statement on the use of pupil referral units in Wales? OQ61114
Thank you for the question. Pupil referral units are crucial in ensuring that all children receive the education they are entitled to as they can provide more one-to-one learning and a more focused approach to support the needs of the child or young person in question.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Mae unedau cyfeirio disgyblion yn hanfodol i sicrhau bod pob plentyn yn cael yr addysg y mae ganddo hawl iddi gan y gallan nhw ddarparu mwy o ddysgu unigol a dull mwy penodol i gefnogi anghenion y plentyn neu'r person ifanc dan sylw.
Diolch. Only last week we were talking about the huge number of school absences in Wales, which is frankly quite shocking. Now, according to Estyn’s latest annual report, there are 22 pupil referral units in Wales providing support to 969 students. During the 2022-23 academic year, 2,396 pupils accessed some kind of education otherwise than at school provision. The most commonly used settings were PRUs, having nearly 50 per cent of all enrolments. According to Estyn, too, since the pandemic local authorities have reported increases in referral rates. However, in Aberconwy, we have reached the point now where all provision is full. I know of a school where the local authority is unable to provide any waiting times; it’s indefinite if you have a child that needs to go to a pupil referral unit. The head himself, now, is trying to look at establishing their own PRU, and I’ll be writing to the education Minister to support this. First Minister, there is an urgent need to create more capacity in our PRUs, not just serving Aberconwy, but across Wales. How will you work with schools and the local authorities to ensure that children and young people are not left feeling disenfranchised from the Welsh education system, and make sure that, where those children need a pupil referral unit, to help them to get the basic knowledge and learning that they require, they can do so in Wales? Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch. Dim ond yr wythnos diwethaf roeddem yn sôn am y nifer enfawr o absenoldebau ysgol yng Nghymru, sydd yn eithaf brawychus a dweud y gwir. Nawr, yn ôl adroddiad blynyddol diweddaraf Estyn, mae 22 o unedau cyfeirio disgyblion yng Nghymru yn darparu cefnogaeth i 969 o fyfyrwyr. Yn ystod blwyddyn academaidd 2022-23, manteisiodd 2,396 o ddisgyblion ar ryw fath o addysg heblaw am ddarpariaeth mewn ysgol. Y lleoliadau a ddefnyddir amlaf oedd unedau cyfeirio disgyblion, gyda bron i 50 y cant o'r holl gofrestriadau. Yn ôl Estyn, hefyd, ers y pandemig mae awdurdodau lleol wedi nodi cynnydd mewn cyfraddau cyfeirio. Fodd bynnag, yn Aberconwy, rydym wedi cyrraedd y pwynt nawr lle mae'r holl ddarpariaeth yn llawn. Rwy'n gwybod am ysgol lle nad yw'r awdurdod lleol yn gallu darparu unrhyw amseroedd aros; mae'n amhenodol os oes gennych blentyn sydd angen mynd i uned cyfeirio disgyblion. Mae'r pennaeth ei hun, nawr, yn ceisio edrych ar sefydlu ei uned cyfeirio disgyblion ei hun, a byddaf yn ysgrifennu at y Gweinidog addysg i gefnogi hyn. Prif Weinidog, mae angen creu mwy o gapasiti yn ein hunedau cyfeirio disgyblion ar frys, nid yn unig yn gwasanaethu Aberconwy, ond ledled Cymru. Sut y byddwch chi'n gweithio gydag ysgolion a'r awdurdodau lleol i sicrhau nad yw plant a phobl ifanc yn cael eu gadael yn teimlo eu bod wedi'u difreinio o system addysg Cymru, a sicrhau, pan fo angen uned cyfeirio disgyblion ar y plant hynny, i'w helpu i gael yr wybodaeth a'r dysgu sylfaenol sydd eu hangen arnyn nhw, y gallan nhw wneud hynny yng Nghymru? Diolch yn fawr.
The Member raises a genuinely serious issue, and I do recognise it. I'm sure that Members in their regions and constituencies will recognise the additional challenges that our schools are facing. There are a significant number of societal challenges that you see within schools at primary and secondary. Some of that is from the pandemic, some of that comes from other sources, too, but you see them in all of our schools. It's an additional challenge for staff in schools and, indeed, for the learning environment. That's why, when the education Secretary sets out reforms, you'll see a focus on the things that we need to do to help improve outcomes for all of our learners and how health and well-being underpin all of that.
There is, though—. I think the Member mentioned attendance. We're making some progress on attendance. We're now over 90 per cent. The challenge, though, is that, actually, for some of our learners, likely to be our least advantaged learners, we still haven't made the same progress. There's more to do on this, and this is work that the Government needs to do alongside local authorities. It isn't an area to wave a big stick; it is an area where we need to work alongside them, because every local authority will understand the pressures they face. Regardless of the political leadership, members in every ward will have the same challenges and want to see action taken. So, for those children and young people where the school isn't the right environment for them, they can be properly supported to have the best possible educational outcomes to make sure they have a proper platform for life outside of school. So, that's the work we'll be doing alongside them.
Mae'r Aelod yn codi mater gwirioneddol ddifrifol, ac rwy'n cydnabod hynny. Rwy'n siŵr y bydd Aelodau yn eu rhanbarthau a'u hetholaethau yn cydnabod yr heriau ychwanegol y mae ein hysgolion yn eu hwynebu. Mae nifer sylweddol o heriau cymdeithasol rydych chi'n eu gweld mewn ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd. Daw rhywfaint o hynny o'r pandemig, daw rhywfaint o hynny o ffynonellau eraill hefyd, ond rydych chi'n eu gweld ym mhob un o'n hysgolion. Mae'n her ychwanegol i staff mewn ysgolion ac, yn wir, i'r amgylchedd dysgu. Dyna pam, pan fydd yr Ysgrifennydd addysg yn nodi diwygiadau, y byddwch yn gweld pwyslais ar y pethau y mae angen i ni eu gwneud i helpu i wella canlyniadau i'n holl ddysgwyr a sut mae iechyd a llesiant yn sail i hynny i gyd.
Fodd bynnag, mae yna—. Rwy'n credu bod yr Aelod wedi sôn am bresenoldeb. Rydym yn gwneud rhywfaint o gynnydd ar bresenoldeb. Erbyn hyn rydym dros 90 y cant. Yr her, fodd bynnag, yw, mewn gwirionedd, i rai o'n dysgwyr, sy'n debygol o fod ein dysgwyr lleiaf breintiedig, nad ydym wedi gwneud yr un cynnydd o hyd. Mae mwy i'w wneud ar hyn, ac mae hyn yn waith y mae angen i'r Llywodraeth ei wneud ochr yn ochr ag awdurdodau lleol. Nid yw'n faes i chwifio ffon fawr; mae'n faes lle mae angen i ni weithio ochr yn ochr â nhw, oherwydd bydd pob awdurdod lleol yn deall y pwysau maen nhw'n eu hwynebu. Beth bynnag yw'r arweinyddiaeth wleidyddol, bydd gan aelodau ym mhob ward yr un heriau ac maen nhw eisiau gweld camau gweithredu'n cael eu cymryd. Felly, i'r plant a'r bobl ifanc hynny lle nad yw'r ysgol yn amgylchedd priodol iddyn nhw, gellir eu cefnogi'n briodol i gael y canlyniadau addysgol gorau posibl i sicrhau bod ganddyn nhw gyfrwng priodol ar gyfer bywyd y tu allan i'r ysgol. Felly, dyna'r gwaith y byddwn yn ei wneud ochr yn ochr â nhw.
7. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am gynlluniau Llywodraeth Cymru i gyflwyno gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol? OQ61089
7. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government’s plans to implement a national care service? OQ61089
Thank you for the question. A number of key activity areas within stage 1 of our initial implementation plan have already progressed at pace through our 'Rebalancing Care and Support' programme. That includes establishing a national office for care and support. Research activities and, indeed, the question of the future funding of social care are planned to commence. And, of course, we may have more funding available to us in the nearer term depending on the budgets available to this institution.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Mae nifer o feysydd gweithgaredd allweddol yng ngham 1 ein cynllun gweithredu cychwynnol eisoes wedi symud ymlaen yn gyflym drwy ein rhaglen 'Ailgydbwyso Gofal a Chymorth'. Mae hynny'n cynnwys sefydlu swyddfa genedlaethol ar gyfer gofal a chymorth. Mae gweithgareddau ymchwil ac, yn wir, y cwestiwn o ariannu gofal cymdeithasol yn y dyfodol wedi'u cynllunio i gychwyn. Ac, wrth gwrs, efallai y bydd gennym fwy o gyllid ar gael i ni yn y tymor agosach, yn dibynnu ar y cyllidebau sydd ar gael i'r sefydliad hwn.
And you're absolutely right to say that the important first step to that national care service for Wales was the launch of the new national office for care and support. That important service will play an important role in supporting the chief social care officer to deliver on the national care service for Wales. And from what I understand, it will also play a key role in implementing the national commissioning framework for care and support in Wales. First Minister, do you agree that we maintain the action that is under way to direct resources where they're needed the most in order to provide outcomes and meet the needs of our older population?
Ac rydych chi yn llygad eich lle i ddweud mai'r cam cyntaf pwysig i'r gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol hwnnw i Gymru oedd lansio'r swyddfa gofal a chymorth genedlaethol newydd. Bydd y gwasanaeth pwysig hwnnw'n chwarae rhan bwysig wrth gefnogi'r prif swyddog gofal cymdeithasol i ddarparu gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol Cymru. Ac o'r hyn rwy'n ei ddeall, bydd hefyd yn chwarae rhan allweddol wrth weithredu'r fframwaith comisiynu cenedlaethol ar gyfer gofal a chymorth yng Nghymru. Prif Weinidog, a ydych yn cytuno ein bod yn cynnal y camau sydd ar y gweill i gyfeirio adnoddau lle mae eu hangen fwyaf er mwyn darparu canlyniadau a diwallu anghenion ein poblogaeth hŷn?
Thank you for the question. I want to start by recognising and paying tribute to the work that Julie Morgan did when she was a member of the Government on taking forward this reform and improvement area. Dawn Bowden will now lead on the work that still needs to be done to deliver a national care service, and I believe it will make a big difference for older adults, but also, alongside the reforms that will be commencing, more of that will take place next week for children and young people that will also access the social care system. We know that the system we have at the moment needs significant improvement and transformation.
I believe a national care service with national standards—clarity on what the requirements are to look after our staff, clarity on the service that people could and should expect—will make a significant difference in both making better use of money but also a better experience and better outcomes for people regardless of what stage of their life they're at. I would like to see that significant transformation, the change in the resources required, continue to take place. We're getting ready to do so.
I believe that's another good reason to want to have a change in Government at a UK level. We'd be much better off in being able to undertake this reform if we could take account of the interaction with the tax and benefit system that affects people of all ages. Having a UK Government prepared to come along with us on this transformation and reform journey would, I believe, have a longer lasting approach to this so that we could actually take steps and much more rapidly too.
Diolch am y cwestiwn. Rwyf am ddechrau drwy gydnabod a thalu teyrnged i'r gwaith a wnaeth Julie Morgan pan oedd hi'n aelod o'r Llywodraeth ar fwrw ymlaen â'r maes diwygio a gwella hwn. Bydd Dawn Bowden nawr yn arwain ar y gwaith sydd angen ei wneud o hyd i ddarparu gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol, ac rwy'n credu y bydd yn gwneud gwahaniaeth mawr i oedolion hŷn, ond hefyd, ochr yn ochr â'r diwygiadau a fydd yn cael eu cymeradwyo, bydd mwy o hynny'n digwydd yr wythnos nesaf i blant a phobl ifanc a fydd hefyd yn defnyddio'r system gofal cymdeithasol. Rydym yn gwybod bod angen gwella a gweddnewid yn sylweddol y system sydd gennym ar hyn o bryd.
Rwy'n credu y bydd gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol sydd â safonau cenedlaethol— eglurder ynghylch y gofynion i ofalu am ein staff, eglurder ynghylch y gwasanaeth y gallai ac y dylai pobl ei ddisgwyl—yn gwneud gwahaniaeth sylweddol o ran gwneud gwell defnydd o arian ond hefyd gwell profiad a chanlyniadau gwell i bobl, ni waeth pa gam o'u bywyd y maen nhw ynddo. Hoffwn weld bod gweddnewidiad sylweddol, y newid yn yr adnoddau sydd eu hangen, yn parhau i ddigwydd. Rydym yn barod i wneud hynny.
Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n rheswm da arall dros fod eisiau newid yn y Llywodraeth ar lefel y DU. Byddem yn llawer gwell ein byd o allu ymgymryd â'r diwygiad hwn pe gallem ystyried y rhyngweithio â'r system dreth a budd-daliadau sy'n effeithio ar bobl o bob oed. Byddai bod â Llywodraeth y DU sydd yn barod i ddod gyda ni ar y daith weddnewid a diwygio hon, rwy'n credu, â dull fyddai'n para'n hirach o weithredu fel y gallem ni gymryd camau ac yn llawer cyflymach hefyd.
Yn olaf, cwestiwn 8, Luke Fletcher.
Finally, question 8, Luke Fletcher.
8. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ganlyniadau ei gyfarfod â Tata ym Mumbai? OQ61118
8. Will the First Minister provide an update on the outcomes of his meeting with Tata in Mumbai? OQ61118
I had a pragmatic and candid meeting with the chief executive and managing director and the chief financial officer from Tata Steel in Mumbai on Friday last week. I will be making an oral statement about the visit later today.
Cefais gyfarfod pragmatig a gonest gyda phrif weithredwr a rheolwr-gyfarwyddwr a phrif swyddog ariannol Tata Steel ym Mumbai ddydd Gwener yr wythnos diwethaf. Byddaf yn gwneud datganiad llafar am yr ymweliad yn ddiweddarach heddiw.
Diolch am yr ateb.
Thank you for that response.
And I'll declare, Llywydd, that I'm a member of the Port Talbot transition board before asking my question, because it does revolve around some of the work of that transition board. Now, prior to the First Minister's visit to Mumbai, the Government and the further education sector were none the wiser as to who exactly would be at risk if Tata were to go ahead with their proposals. Now, if the transition board is to do its work properly, we need all the information on the table so that we can then plan for any potential outcome that may come from any Tata announcement. So, has that position changed and has Tata provided that information to the Government, and will, then, the Government provide that to the transition board so that it may do its work?
Ac rwyf am ddatgan, Llywydd, fy mod yn aelod o fwrdd pontio Port Talbot cyn gofyn fy nghwestiwn oherwydd ei fod yn ymwneud â pheth o waith y bwrdd pontio hwnnw. Nawr, cyn ymweliad y Prif Weinidog â Mumbai, nid oedd y Llywodraeth a'r sector addysg bellach yn gwybod pwy yn union fyddai mewn perygl pe byddai Tata yn bwrw ymlaen â'u cynigion. Nawr, os yw'r bwrdd pontio i wneud ei waith yn iawn, mae angen yr holl wybodaeth arnom ar y bwrdd fel y gallwn wedyn gynllunio ar gyfer unrhyw ganlyniad posibl a allai ddod o unrhyw gyhoeddiad gan Tata. Felly, a yw'r sefyllfa honno wedi newid ac a yw Tata wedi rhoi'r wybodaeth honno i'r Llywodraeth, ac a fydd, wedyn, y Llywodraeth yn ei rhoi i'r bwrdd pontio er mwyn iddo allu gwneud ei waith?
There's plainly more to do. I was very clear about the need to have information about the direct workforce and, indeed, contractors as well. I know we'll go through this in more detail later on today. There is a question, though, not just about information but about how the transition board is constructed and whether it's the right vehicle to do the work that is required to support workers who could find themselves out of a job. And as we know, the outline plans that are in public would see significant job losses before the end of this calendar year. It's a matter of real concern to Members across the Chamber, real concern to myself and the economy and energy Cabinet Secretary who met trade unions last week. But much more so—and we should never forget this—it's a matter of real concern to thousands of workers and their families as we speak today.
Mae'n amlwg bod mwy i'w wneud. Roeddwn i'n glir iawn ynghylch yr angen i gael gwybodaeth am y gweithlu uniongyrchol ac, yn wir, contractwyr hefyd. Rwy'n gwybod y byddwn ni'n mynd trwy hyn yn fanylach yn nes ymlaen heddiw. Fodd bynnag, mae yna gwestiwn nid yn unig am wybodaeth ond am sut mae'r bwrdd pontio yn cael ei ffurfio ac ai dyma'r cyfrwng cywir i wneud y gwaith sydd ei angen i gefnogi gweithwyr a allai gael eu hunain yn ddi-waith. Ac fel y gwyddom, byddai'r cynlluniau amlinellol sydd yn gyhoeddus yn gweld colli swyddi sylweddol cyn diwedd y flwyddyn galendr hon. Mae'n destun pryder gwirioneddol i Aelodau ar draws y Siambr, pryder gwirioneddol i mi ac Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr economi ac ynni a gyfarfu ag undebau llafur yr wythnos diwethaf. Ond llawer mwy felly—ac ni ddylem fyth anghofio hyn—mae'n fater o bryder gwirioneddol i filoedd o weithwyr a'u teuluoedd wrth i ni siarad heddiw.
Diolch i'r Prif Weinidog.
I thank the First Minister.
Yr eitem nesaf fydd y datganiad busnes, a dwi'n galw ar y Trefnydd i wneud y datganiad hynny. Jane Hutt.
The next item will be the business statement, and I call on the Trefnydd to make that statement. Jane Hutt.
Diolch, Llywydd. Mae un newid i fusnes yr wythnos hon. Yn nes ymlaen y prynhawn yma, bydd y Prif Weinidog yn gwneud datganiad ar Tata Steel. Mae busnes drafft y tair wythnos nesaf wedi'i nodi yn y datganiad a chyhoeddiad busnes, sydd ar gael i Aelodau yn electronig.
Thank you, Llywydd. There is one change to this week's business. Later this afternoon, the First Minister will make a statement on Tata Steel. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out on the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
Trefnydd, can I call for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for climate change, please, in order that we can receive an update on the Welsh Government's approach to recycling? You'll be aware that the UK Government announced last week its simpler recycling plan, which will enable local authorities and others to take a different approach to recycling, which enables all of the dry recyclables to be co-mingled. Now, this is something that happens still in Denbighshire—part of my constituency—where all of the dry recyclables can go into one bin. It's very simple, it's easy for the public to understand, and it stops all of the bin clutter that we see outside many people's homes, on many streets, and particularly in areas where you've got high densities of population in flats. In addition to that, they're extending the opportunity for businesses to follow that route, as many businesses already do in Wales. Now, Denbighshire had recycling rates—using that system—of 66 per cent in the year 2022-23. That's higher than Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, Wrexham, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and a whole host of other local authorities that are required to separate their recycling at the kerbside. So, will the Welsh Government consider trying to simplify the recycling system across Wales, so that homes and businesses can co-mingle their dry recyclable waste, still achieve very high recycling rates across the country, but in a much simpler way for them to be able to deploy?
Trefnydd, a gaf i alw am ddatganiad gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros newid hinsawdd, os gwelwch yn dda, er mwyn i ni gael yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ddull Llywodraeth Cymru o ailgylchu? Byddwch yn ymwybodol bod Llywodraeth y DU wedi cyhoeddi ei chynllun ailgylchu symlach yr wythnos diwethaf, a fydd yn galluogi awdurdodau lleol ac eraill i gymryd agwedd wahanol tuag at ailgylchu, sy'n galluogi i'r holl wastraff ailgylchadwy sych gael eu cymysgu. Nawr, mae hyn yn rhywbeth sy'n digwydd o hyd yn sir Ddinbych—rhan o fy etholaeth i—lle gall yr holl wastraff ailgylchadwy sych fynd i mewn i un bin. Mae'n syml iawn, mae'n hawdd i'r cyhoedd ei ddeall, ac mae'n atal yr holl finiau anniben a welwn y tu allan i gartrefi llawer o bobl, ar lawer o strydoedd, ac yn enwedig mewn ardaloedd lle mae gennych ddwysedd uchel o boblogaeth mewn fflatiau. Yn ogystal â hynny, maent yn ymestyn y cyfle i fusnesau ddilyn y llwybr hwnnw, fel y mae llawer o fusnesau eisoes yn ei wneud yng Nghymru. Nawr, roedd gan sir Ddinbych gyfraddau ailgylchu—gan ddefnyddio'r system honno—o 66 y cant yn y flwyddyn 2022-23. Mae hynny'n uwch na Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, Wrecsam, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerffili, Merthyr Tudful a llu o awdurdodau lleol eraill y mae'n ofynnol iddynt wahanu eu hailgylchu wrth ymyl y ffordd. Felly, a wnaiff Llywodraeth Cymru ystyried ceisio symleiddio'r system ailgylchu ledled Cymru, fel y gall cartrefi a busnesau gymysgu eu gwastraff ailgylchadwy sych, gan ddal i gyflawni cyfraddau ailgylchu uchel iawn ledled y wlad, ond mewn ffordd llawer symlach iddynt allu ei defnyddio?
Well, thank you for that important question. This is a question where I'm really pleased to acknowledge—and I'm sure you will do, as you have, Darren—the huge success of Wales, of course, led by the Welsh Government, but as a result of all the partnership working with our local authorities, and, indeed, our communities and citizens. So, we are right at the top of the world league in terms of recycling rates. And, yes, of course, that has meant local authorities learning from each other and taking pace. In my constituency, we don't have co-mingling, and it all works extremely well and very effectively as well. But it is important that we recognise that we have made not just great progress—we've been leaders in terms of recycling in Wales—but also, obviously, others have learnt from us, and that's where we can learn from any developments, but I think learning from us is the way it's happened with recycling.
Diolch am y cwestiwn pwysig yna. Mae hwn yn gwestiwn lle rwy'n falch iawn o gydnabod—ac rwy'n siŵr y byddwch chi'n gwneud, fel yr ydych wedi ei wneud, Darren—llwyddiant ysgubol Cymru, wrth gwrs, dan arweiniad Llywodraeth Cymru, ond o ganlyniad i'r holl waith partneriaeth gyda'n hawdurdodau lleol, ac, yn wir, ein cymunedau a'n dinasyddion. Felly, rydym ar frig cynghrair y byd o ran cyfraddau ailgylchu. Ac, wrth gwrs, mae hynny wedi golygu bod awdurdodau lleol yn dysgu oddi wrth ei gilydd ac yn cymryd camau gweithredu. Yn fy etholaeth i, nid ydym yn cymysgu'r gwastraff ailgylchadwy, ac mae'r cyfan yn gweithio'n dda iawn ac yn effeithiol iawn hefyd. Ond mae'n bwysig ein bod ni'n cydnabod ein bod ni wedi gwneud nid yn unig cynnydd gwych—rydyn ni wedi bod yn arweinwyr o ran ailgylchu yng Nghymru—ond hefyd, yn amlwg, mae eraill wedi dysgu gennym ni, a dyna lle gallwn ni ddysgu o unrhyw ddatblygiadau, ond rwy'n credu mai dysgu oddi wrthym ni yw'r ffordd mae wedi digwydd gydag ailgylchu.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd (David Rees) i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer (David Rees) took the Chair.
Trefnydd, mae nifer o etholwyr wedi cysylltu gyda mi yn sgil y cyhoeddiad gan Goleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru fod ei rhaglen gwersi actio a cherddoriaeth ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc yn debygol o ddod i ben oherwydd y sefyllfa gyllidol yn y coleg. Mae sôn yn y datganiad gan y coleg am gydweithio â Gwasanaeth Cerdd Cenedlaethol Cymru ar gynlluniau amgen, ond does dim manylion pellach o ran hynny.
Hoffwn ofyn, felly, am ddatganiad llafar neu ysgrifenedig gan yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol o ran y cyhoeddiad hwn, ac unrhyw drafodaethau mae hi wedi eu cael gyda'r coleg. Gyda chymaint o blant a phobl ifanc wedi'u heffeithio—nifer ohonyn nhw'n derbyn bwrsariaeth—mae hyn yn rhywbeth a allai gael effaith andwyol arnyn nhw a'u datblygiad fel cerddorion ac actorion i'r dyfodol.
Trefnydd, a number of constituents have contacted me as a result of the announcement by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama that the programme of music, drama and acting lessons for children and young people is likely to come to an end because of the budgetary situation within the college. There is mention in the statement from the college of collaboration with National Music Service Wales on alternative offers, but there is no further detail on that.
I would like to ask, therefore, for an oral or written statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice in terms of this announcement, and for an update on any discussions she's had with the college. With so many children and young people having been affected—many of them in receipt of bursaries—this is something that could have a detrimental impact on them and their development as musicians and actors for the future.
Diolch yn fawr, Heledd Fychan, and I'm very aware of this recent announcement and the consultation on proposals to end some of the provision from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in terms of working with young people, which could impact on Saturday music class provision, and also just to recognise that we need to look at this in the context of our national plan for music education. The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama has stated that it remains fully committed to providing opportunities in music for young people and to creating pathways into professional training, and it will be continuing to deliver a number of areas of project work, including weekend immersive workshops in music, the national open youth orchestra residency and holiday courses.
But I think, as I said, it's also recognising that it has to align with our national plan for music education, particularly for learners who want to progress in playing an instrument. And it's a key partner organisation for our national music service, in terms of the national music service's model, and, of course, the college principal is chair of the advisory board to the service. So, obviously, it's an autonomous, independent body, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and it does take its own decisions, but, of course, we then work together to see ways in which they can focus on those links with the national plan for music education and the national music service.
Diolch yn fawr, Heledd Fychan, ac rwy'n ymwybodol iawn o'r cyhoeddiad diweddar hwn a'r ymgynghoriad ar gynigion i roi terfyn ar rywfaint o'r ddarpariaeth gan Goleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru o ran gweithio gyda phobl ifanc, a allai effeithio ar ddarpariaeth dosbarthiadau cerdd dydd Sadwrn, a hefyd i gydnabod bod angen i ni edrych ar hyn yng nghyd-destun ein cynllun cenedlaethol ar gyfer addysg cerddoriaeth. Mae Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru wedi datgan ei fod yn parhau i fod yn gwbl ymrwymedig i ddarparu cyfleoedd mewn cerddoriaeth i bobl ifanc ac i greu llwybrau i hyfforddiant proffesiynol, a bydd yn parhau i ddarparu nifer o feysydd gwaith prosiect, gan gynnwys gweithdai ymgolli ar benwythnosau mewn cerddoriaeth, preswylfa Cerddorfa Ieuenctid Agored a chyrsiau gwyliau.
Ond rwy'n credu, fel y dywedais i, ei fod hefyd yn cydnabod bod yn rhaid iddo gyd-fynd â'n cynllun cenedlaethol ar gyfer addysg cerddoriaeth, yn enwedig ar gyfer dysgwyr sydd eisiau symud ymlaen i chwarae offeryn. Ac mae'n sefydliad partner allweddol ar gyfer ein gwasanaeth cerddoriaeth cenedlaethol, o ran model y gwasanaeth cerddoriaeth cenedlaethol, ac, wrth gwrs, pennaeth y coleg yw cadeirydd bwrdd cynghori'r gwasanaeth. Felly, yn amlwg, mae'n gorff ymreolaethol, annibynnol, Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru, ac mae'n gwneud ei benderfyniadau ei hun, ond, wrth gwrs, rydym wedyn yn gweithio gyda'n gilydd i weld ffyrdd y gallant ganolbwyntio ar y cysylltiadau hynny â'r cynllun cenedlaethol ar gyfer addysg gerddorol a'r gwasanaeth cerddoriaeth cenedlaethol.
Trefnydd, I'm once again requesting an urgent statement, but, this time, from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, regarding the ongoing situation at Withyhedge landfill site. Now, I heard the First Minister's response to the leader of the opposition earlier, and his replies did not fill me with confidence at all. Now, on Friday afternoon, Public Health Wales issued a statement, saying that odours and emissions from the site could be harmful to people's health and advising people to seek medical advice, which is something my constituents and I have suspected all along. Where has Public Health Wales been until now? There has been a problem at Withyhedge landfill site for months, and now it's looking increasingly likely that the community has been subject to toxic emissions. I've stood up in this Chamber week after week to raise this on behalf of my constituents, and there has been little support from this Government. Well, enough is enough. Welsh Government Cabinet Secretaries cannot stand back and wash their hands of this. There must be an urgent statement outlining exactly what the Welsh Government is going to do to support the community and stop this dangerous operator from harming people even further.
Trefnydd, rwy'n gofyn unwaith eto am ddatganiad brys, ond, y tro hwn, gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol, ynghylch y sefyllfa barhaus ar safle tirlenwi Withyhedge. Nawr, clywais ymateb y Prif Weinidog i arweinydd yr wrthblaid yn gynharach, ac ni wnaeth ei atebion fy llenwi â hyder o gwbl. Nawr, brynhawn Gwener, cyhoeddodd Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru ddatganiad, gan ddweud y gallai arogleuon ac allyriadau o'r safle fod yn niweidiol i iechyd pobl gan gynghori pobl i ofyn am gyngor meddygol, sy'n rhywbeth y mae fy etholwyr a minnau wedi ei amau ar hyd yr amser. Lle mae Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru wedi bod hyd yn hyn? Mae problem wedi bod ar safle tirlenwi Withyhedge ers misoedd, a nawr mae'n edrych yn fwyfwy tebygol bod y gymuned wedi bod yn agored i allyriadau gwenwynig. Rwyf wedi sefyll i fyny yn y Siambr hon wythnos ar ôl wythnos i godi hyn ar ran fy etholwyr, ac ychydig iawn o gefnogaeth a gafwyd gan y Llywodraeth hon. Wel, digon yw digon. Ni all Ysgrifenyddion Cabinet Llywodraeth Cymru sefyll yn ôl a golchi eu dwylo o hyn. Rhaid cael datganiad brys yn amlinellu'n union beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn mynd i'w wneud i gefnogi'r gymuned ac atal y gweithredwr peryglus hwn rhag niweidio pobl hyd yn oed ymhellach.
Diolch yn fawr, Paul Davies. You have raised this issue on a number of occasions at the business statement, and, indeed, the First Minister responded in full to the leader of the opposition. We recognise Public Health Wales's response and its statement last week, and, most importantly, recognise the concern amongst the local community and the need for that swift action, because, and it's been described vividly, of what that means for that community and people living alongside it. Now, you will be aware that Natural Resources Wales have increased their presence on site; they are continuing to update the community via their website as activities progress. Enforcement notices have been served on the landfill operator, who has to cover all exposed waste and complete landfill engineering work to contain and collect landfill gas. That's the important outcome we are seeking. And if the landfill operator fails to comply with the final deadline of the notice, NRW will take appropriate enforcement action, in line with their enforcement and prosecution policy. So, again, I can assure the Member, and the Chamber, that NRW is responding, as a priority, to resolve the issue, and we do encourage residents, and, indeed, elected representatives, to continue to report any incidences of odour to them, because that, actually, helps inform the effectiveness of tackling this issue of onsite activity by NRW.
Diolch yn fawr, Paul Davies. Rydych chi wedi codi'r mater hwn sawl gwaith yn y datganiad busnes, ac, yn wir, ymatebodd y Prif Weinidog yn llawn i arweinydd yr wrthblaid. Rydym yn cydnabod ymateb Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru a'i ddatganiad yr wythnos diwethaf, ac, yn bwysicaf oll, yn cydnabod y pryder ymhlith y gymuned leol a'r angen am y gweithredu cyflym hwnnw, oherwydd, ac fe'i disgrifiwyd yn fanwl, yr hyn y mae hynny'n ei olygu i'r gymuned honno a'r bobl sy'n byw wrth ei ymyl. Nawr, byddwch yn ymwybodol bod Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru wedi cynyddu eu presenoldeb ar y safle; maen nhw'n parhau i ddiweddaru'r gymuned trwy eu gwefan wrth i weithgareddau fynd yn eu blaen. Cyflwynwyd hysbysiadau gorfodi i'r gweithredwr tirlenwi, sy'n gorfod gorchuddio yr holl wastraff agored a chwblhau gwaith peirianyddol tirlenwi i gynnwys a chasglu nwy tirlenwi. Dyna'r canlyniad pwysig yr ydym yn chwilio amdano. Ac os bydd y gweithredwr tirlenwi yn methu â chydymffurfio â dyddiad cau terfynol yr hysbysiad, bydd CNC yn cymryd camau gorfodi priodol, yn unol â'u polisi gorfodi ac erlyn. Felly, unwaith eto, gallaf sicrhau'r Aelod, a'r Siambr, fod CNC yn ymateb, fel blaenoriaeth, i ddatrys y mater, ac rydym yn annog trigolion, ac, yn wir, cynrychiolwyr etholedig, i barhau i adrodd am unrhyw achosion o arogleuon iddynt, oherwydd bod hynny, mewn gwirionedd, yn helpu i lywio effeithiolrwydd y camau i fynd i'r afael â'r mater hwn o weithgarwch ar y safle gan CNC.
Good afternoon, Trefnydd. I'd like to request, please, a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care regarding the concerning state of dentistry waiting lists across Wales. Some good news from Powys Teaching Health Board in terms of children waiting for an NHS dentist: there has been a significant improvement. The figures now stand at 84 children only waiting for an NHS dentist, but we must remember that that is still 84 children. But the number of adults in Powys waiting for an NHS dentist stands at 4,200, which is a staggering number. One of the issues is this lack of centralised data and a central Wales waiting list. When I raised this issue first with the First Minister, he conceded that there had been delays in rolling out this national unified waiting list, but provided no timeline. So, I was just wondering if I could have an indication from the Cabinet Secretary of when we would have a centralised waiting list for NHS dentists in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Prynhawn da, Trefnydd. Hoffwn ofyn am ddatganiad gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol ynghylch cyflwr pryderus rhestrau aros deintyddiaeth ledled Cymru. Newyddion da gan Fwrdd Iechyd Addysgu Powys o ran plant sy'n aros am ddeintydd GIG: bu gwelliant sylweddol. Mae'r ffigurau bellach yn 84 o blant yn aros am ddeintydd GIG yn unig, ond mae'n rhaid i ni gofio bod hynny'n dal i fod yn 84 o blant. Ond mae nifer yr oedolion ym Mhowys sy'n aros am ddeintydd GIG yn 4,200, sy'n nifer syfrdanol. Un o'r problemau yw'r diffyg data canolog hwn a rhestr aros ganolog yng Nghymru. Pan godais y mater hwn yn gyntaf gyda'r Prif Weinidog, cyfaddefodd y bu oedi cyn cyflwyno'r rhestr aros gyfunol genedlaethol hon, ond heb ddarparu unrhyw amserlen. Felly, meddwl oeddwn i tybed a gawn ni syniad gan yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet ynghylch pryd y byddai gennym restr aros ganolog ar gyfer deintyddion y GIG yng Nghymru. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Diolch yn fawr, Jane Dodds, am eich cwestiwn pwysig iawn.
Thank you very much, Jane Dodds, for your very important question.
This is important, and it's helpful that you have acknowledged that there has been action taken, and we see dental services being available to children, reducing those waiting lists, which is where we know the priority will be in terms of meeting children's needs. But, of course, there are adults as well. We have to make sure that we get consistency across Wales in terms of developing dental services. So, you will be aware that the Cabinet Secretary has commissioned Digital Health and Care Wales to develop an all-Wales digital solution, and this leads us to this prospect in terms of centralised waiting lists, an all-Wales solution, and it will provide people wishing to access routine dental care with a single and consistent way to register their interest. The system prototype was due to be completed by the end of the last financial year. I can confirm that the system now is due to be tested from mid July by Powys teaching health board, in your region. So, it will roll out across Wales, once the test has been completed and lessons learned from that process have been implemented. But this is a really positive step forward and, of course, it will benefit—. It's being tested in Powys, but will benefit the whole of Wales in terms of access to dental services.
Mae hyn yn bwysig, ac mae'n ddefnyddiol eich bod wedi cydnabod bod camau wedi'u cymryd, ac rydym yn gweld gwasanaethau deintyddol ar gael i blant, gan leihau'r rhestrau aros hynny, a dyna lle rydym yn gwybod y bydd y flaenoriaeth o ran diwallu anghenion plant. Ond, wrth gwrs, mae yna oedolion hefyd. Mae'n rhaid i ni sicrhau ein bod yn cael cysondeb ledled Cymru o ran datblygu gwasanaethau deintyddol. Felly, byddwch yn ymwybodol bod yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet wedi comisiynu Iechyd a Gofal Digidol Cymru i ddatblygu datrysiad digidol Cymru gyfan, ac mae hyn yn ein harwain at y gobaith hwn o ran rhestrau aros canolog, datrysiad i Gymru gyfan, a bydd yn darparu un ffordd gyson i bobl sy'n dymuno cael mynediad at ofal deintyddol arferol gofrestru eu diddordeb. Roedd prototeip y system i fod i gael ei gwblhau erbyn diwedd y flwyddyn ariannol ddiwethaf. Gallaf gadarnhau bod y system nawr i fod i gael ei phrofi o ganol Gorffennaf gan Fwrdd Iechyd Addysgu Powys, yn eich rhanbarth chi. Felly, bydd yn cael ei gyflwyno ledled Cymru, unwaith y bydd y prawf wedi'i gwblhau a gwersi a ddysgwyd o'r broses honno wedi'u gweithredu. Ond mae hwn yn gam cadarnhaol iawn ymlaen ac, wrth gwrs, bydd o fudd—. Mae'n cael ei brofi ym Mhowys, ond bydd o fudd i Gymru gyfan o ran mynediad at wasanaethau deintyddol.
I would like a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice regarding a segment produced by S4C on Rhyl in my constituency that aired back in April. The segment was from a television programme called Hansh, and was intended for viewers to be given an insight into, quote, 'the wild world of strippers', unquote. The segment started with a montage of selectively edited vox pops, with people using obscene language to denigrate and traduce Rhyl. And I'm no Mary Whitehouse by any stretch and by no means a prude, and I have no issue with the subject of the episode; indeed, every industry deserves representation. But I do think it's disappointing that a public service broadcaster would choose to portray my constituency as seedy, playing into harmful stereotypes about the town that we are working hard to change. I know that S4C is an independent public body, appointed by the UK Government, but, as a Welsh language public service broadcaster, we should have some say over its content and running, particularly when the content insults the people it's attempting to entertain or educate. [Interruption.] So, could the Cabinet Secretary outline the view of the Welsh Government on this particular S4C programme, and outline what representations are made to the channel regarding its content?
Hoffwn gael datganiad gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ynghylch darn a gynhyrchwyd gan S4C ar Y Rhyl yn fy etholaeth i a ddarlledwyd yn ôl ym mis Ebrill. Roedd y darn o raglen deledu o'r enw Hansh, a'r bwriad oedd i wylwyr gael golwg ar, rwy'n dyfynnu, 'byd gwyllt stripwyr', diwedd y dyfyniad. Dechreuodd y darn gyda montage o vox pops wedi'u golygu'n ddetholus, a phobl yn defnyddio iaith anweddus i bardduo a thramwyo'r Rhyl. A dydw i ddim yn Mary Whitehouse o unrhyw fath ac nid wyf yn orlednais o bell ffordd, a does gen i ddim problem gyda phwnc y bennod; yn wir, mae pob diwydiant yn haeddu cynrychiolaeth. Ond rwy'n credu ei bod yn siomedig y byddai darlledwr gwasanaeth cyhoeddus yn dewis portreadu fy etholaeth i fel lle gwael, gan ategu ystrydebau niweidiol am y dref yr ydym ni'n gweithio'n galed i'w newid. Rwy'n gwybod bod S4C yn gorff cyhoeddus annibynnol, wedi'i benodi gan Lywodraeth y DU, ond, fel darlledwr gwasanaeth cyhoeddus Cymraeg, dylem fod â rhywfaint o lais dros y cynnwys a'r modd y caiff ei redeg, yn enwedig pan fydd y cynnwys yn sarhau'r bobl y mae'n ceisio eu difyrru neu eu haddysgu. [Torri ar draws.] Felly, a allai'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet amlinellu barn Llywodraeth Cymru ar y rhaglen benodol hon ar S4C, ac amlinellu pa sylwadau a wneir i'r sianel ynglŷn â'i chynnwys?
Well, I do think that has been echoed around the Chamber, and, as you said, S4C is an independent public broadcaster. I think you've made your views known, and presumably you've conveyed your views to the public broadcaster, and I think that's the appropriate route to take.
Wel, rwy'n credu ei fod wedi ei adleisio o amgylch y Siambr, ac, fel y dywedoch chi, mae S4C yn ddarlledwr cyhoeddus annibynnol. Rwy'n credu eich bod wedi mynegi eich barn, ac mae'n debyg eich bod wedi cyfleu eich barn i'r darlledwr cyhoeddus, ac rwy'n credu mai dyna'r llwybr priodol i'w gymryd.
The Redhouse building in Merthyr Tydfil has been forced to close its doors. I'd appreciate a statement setting out the importance of keeping venues like this open. The building is vitally important for residents. It was the town hall, more recently it's been an arts centre, but it's also proof of the area's past. It was built at a time when Merthyr was at the centre of world industry, and the area in front of it was the scene of the Merthyr Rising. Surely, there's an intervention that the Government can make here. The venue is owned by a local housing association, but the arts centre it houses is run by a leisure trust. Transferring the business has apparently been stalled because of questions over financial viability. The reason I'd like a Government statement is that something similar happened recently with the Aberfan community centre. Now, that venue's future now looks more secure, in part, I think, because of public anger. But the people of these valleys keep getting things taken from them: their services, their assets, their jobs. There are jobs at the Redhouse at risk right now. So, can a statement, please, acknowledge the importance of keeping these buildings in use for the community, so that they don't turn into relics, they aren't just testament to what we used to be, but that they are protected for our future?
Mae adeilad y Redhouse ym Merthyr Tudful wedi cael ei orfodi i gau ei ddrysau. Byddwn i'n gwerthfawrogi datganiad yn nodi pwysigrwydd cadw lleoliadau fel hyn ar agor. Mae'r adeilad yn hanfodol bwysig i breswylwyr. Neuadd y dref oedd hi, yn fwy diweddar mae wedi bod yn ganolfan gelfyddydol, ond mae hefyd yn dystiolaeth o orffennol yr ardal. Cafodd ei hadeiladu ar adeg pan oedd Merthyr yn ganolbwynt i ddiwydiant y byd, a'r ardal o'i blaen oedd lleoliad Gwrthryfel Merthyr. Siawns nad oes yna ymyrraeth y gall y Llywodraeth ei wneud yn y fan yma. Cymdeithas dai leol sy'n berchen ar y lleoliad, ond ymddiriedolaeth hamdden sy'n rhedeg y ganolfan gelfyddydau y mae'n ei chartrefu. Mae'n debyg bod oedi wrth drosglwyddo'r busnes oherwydd cwestiynau ynghylch hyfywedd ariannol. Y rheswm yr hoffwn i gael datganiad gan y Llywodraeth yw bod rhywbeth tebyg wedi digwydd yn ddiweddar gyda chanolfan gymunedol Aberfan. Nawr, mae dyfodol y lleoliad hwnnw bellach yn edrych yn fwy diogel, yn rhannol, rwy'n credu, oherwydd dicter y cyhoedd. Ond mae pobl y cymoedd hyn yn dal i gael pethau wedi'u cymryd oddi arnyn nhw: eu gwasanaethau, eu hasedau, eu swyddi. Mae swyddi yn y Redhouse mewn perygl ar hyn o bryd. Felly, a all datganiad, os gwelwch yn dda, gydnabod pwysigrwydd cadw'r adeiladau hyn mewn defnydd ar gyfer y gymuned, fel nad ydynt yn troi'n greiriau, nad ydynt ond yn dyst i'r hyn yr oeddem ni'n arfer bod, ond eu bod yn cael eu diogelu ar gyfer ein dyfodol?
Diolch yn fawr am eich cwestiwn.
Thank you for your question.
These are buildings of our heritage, aren't they? And indeed, I'm not sure about that particular building, but I suspect it has over the years benefited from not only public funding via the local authority and, indeed, Welsh Government, but also from European funding, for which there was a huge programme for regenerating and preserving and refurbishing these buildings. And, of course, when they do provide those services and those facilities, like the arts facility that you describe, that is where community use and access to those services must be protected, if at all possible, but we are in such difficult financial times in terms of public finances. But, of course, there are community asset transfer options. I don't know how much the community and, indeed, management and trustees have accessed services from, for example, the local council for voluntary services, but I think it would be good if you could certainly write to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, so that all avenues could be explored on behalf of that facility in your constituency, in your region.
Adeiladau ein treftadaeth ni yw'r rhain, onid ydyn nhw? Ac yn wir, dydw i ddim yn siŵr am yr adeilad penodol hwnnw, ond rwy'n amau ei fod dros y blynyddoedd wedi elwa nid yn unig ar gyllid cyhoeddus drwy'r awdurdod lleol ac, yn wir, Llywodraeth Cymru, ond hefyd ar gyllid Ewropeaidd, yr oedd rhaglen enfawr ar ei chyfer ar gyfer adfywio a gwarchod ac adnewyddu'r adeiladau hyn. Ac, wrth gwrs, pan fyddant yn darparu'r gwasanaethau hynny a'r cyfleusterau hynny, fel y cyfleuster celfyddydau yr ydych yn ei ddisgrifio, dyna lle mae'n rhaid diogelu defnydd cymunedol a mynediad at y gwasanaethau hynny, os yw'n bosibl, ond rydym mewn cyfnod ariannol mor anodd o ran cyllid cyhoeddus. Ond, wrth gwrs, mae yna opsiynau trosglwyddo asedau cymunedol. Dydw i ddim yn gwybod faint y mae'r gymuned ac, yn wir, rheolwyr ac ymddiriedolwyr wedi cael gafael ar wasanaethau gan, er enghraifft, y cyngor lleol ar gyfer gwasanaethau gwirfoddol, ond rwy'n credu y byddai'n dda pe gallech chi ysgrifennu at Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, fel y gellid archwilio pob llwybr ar ran y cyfleuster hwnnw yn eich etholaeth, yn eich rhanbarth.
Trefnydd, I would like to request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, please. Welsh National Opera is currently engulfed in a crisis that threatens its future as our flagship arts organisation and only full-time opera company here in Wales. Welsh National Opera is the jewel in Wales's crown. It is the largest arts employer, created in the 1940s by a group of doctors, miners and teachers who wished to build a performing ensemble that would live up to our reputation as the land of song. Welsh National Opera currently stands on a precipice, having received cuts from both the arts councils of Wales and England that amount to 25 per cent of its yearly budget. This is clearly completely untenable. Unless further financial help can be found, WNO is going to be forced to make its orchestra and chorus, the beating heart of the company, part time. It's scaling back its touring venues and has already offered voluntary redundancy to the rest of the company. This will result in a loss of vital skills across the organisation. Without increased funding in the short term, WNO will be unable to continue to deliver a substantial offer of opera education and engagement in wellness programmes, providing artistic, community, educational and health benefits across our communities the length and breadth of Wales. The quality and output of Wales's flagship arts organisation will be severely diluted in the UK and beyond. It is crucial that the Cabinet Secretary comes to the Chamber with a statement that informs us of her recent discussions with the UK Government and also eases the current fears and ensures that the long-term future of Welsh National Opera is no longer in doubt. Diolch.
Trefnydd, hoffwn ofyn am ddatganiad gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, os gwelwch yn dda. Ar hyn o bryd mae Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru yng nghanol argyfwng sy'n bygwth ei ddyfodol fel ein sefydliad celfyddydol blaenllaw a'r unig gwmni opera llawn amser yma yng Nghymru. Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru yw'r em yng nghoron Cymru. Dyma'r cyflogwr celfyddydau mwyaf, a grëwyd yn y 1940au gan grŵp o feddygon, glowyr ac athrawon a oedd yn dymuno creu ensemble perfformio a fyddai'n gwireddu ein henw da fel gwlad y gân. Ar hyn o bryd mae Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru yn sefyll ar yr ymyl, ar ôl cael toriadau gan gynghorau celfyddydau Cymru a Lloegr sy'n cyfateb i 25 y cant o'i chyllideb flynyddol. Mae hyn yn amlwg yn gwbl anghynaladwy. Oni bai y gellir dod o hyd i ragor o gymorth ariannol, mae Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru yn mynd i gael ei orfodi i wneud ei cherddorfa a'i chorws, calon y cwmni, yn rhan-amser. Mae'n lleihau ei lleoliadau teithiol ac mae eisoes wedi cynnig diswyddo gwirfoddol i weddill y cwmni. Bydd hyn yn arwain at golli sgiliau hanfodol ar draws y sefydliad. Heb fwy o gyllid yn y tymor byr, ni fydd Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru yn gallu parhau i ddarparu cynnig sylweddol o addysg opera ac ymgysylltu â rhaglenni lles, gan ddarparu buddion artistig, cymunedol, addysgol ac iechyd ar draws ein cymunedau ledled Cymru. Bydd ansawdd ac allbwn sefydliad celfyddydau blaenllaw Cymru yn cael eu gwanhau'n ddifrifol yn y DU a thu hwnt. Mae'n hanfodol bod yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet yn dod i'r Siambr gyda datganiad sy'n ein hysbysu o'i thrafodaethau diweddar gyda Llywodraeth y DU ac sydd hefyd yn lleddfu'r ofnau presennol ac yn sicrhau nad oes amheuaeth bellach ynghylch dyfodol hirdymor Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru. Diolch.
Diolch, Laura Anne Jones. This was raised in the business statement, certainly, last week as well. Obviously, there have been high-profile, public questions and concerns raised about Welsh National Opera, which we dearly, dearly treasure. Wales's culture and sport sectors are an integral part of our society and well-being, and they enrich our communities and inspire future generations. We do recognise as a Welsh Government the social, cultural and economic value of the arts sector in Wales, including opera. But, of course, as you know, Welsh Government funding for the arts is channelled through the Arts Council of Wales. With our arm's-length funding principle, the investment review, of course, was an issue for the Arts Council of Wales. We don't interfere with the Arts Council of Wales's funding decisions. So, that's led to very difficult decisions when it comes to funding, but I note that opera is receiving 71 per cent of the total spend on the music sector for 2024-25. But, of course, as you've said and as has been acknowledged, the budget cut from Arts Council England has had an adverse impact as well, and, of course, that has an impact in terms of touring opportunities for Welsh National Opera. I think this is something where we need to take account of what is emerging. Of course, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice is engaging in her role, and recognising that this is something where we need to look at the really dire situation we are in in terms of funding—up to £700 million less in Wales in real terms, of our budget, as a result of UK Government cuts has meant these extremely difficult decisions have emanated.
Diolch yn fawr, Laura Anne Jones. Codwyd hyn yn y datganiad busnes, yn sicr, yr wythnos diwethaf hefyd. Yn amlwg, codwyd cwestiynau a phryderon cyhoeddus proffil uchel am Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru, rhywbeth yr ydym yn ei drysori'n fawr iawn. Mae sectorau diwylliant a chwaraeon Cymru yn rhan annatod o'n cymdeithas a'n llesiant, ac maen nhw'n cyfoethogi ein cymunedau ac yn ysbrydoli cenedlaethau'r dyfodol. Rydym yn cydnabod, fel Llywodraeth Cymru, werth cymdeithasol, diwylliannol ac economaidd sector y celfyddydau yng Nghymru, gan gynnwys opera. Ond, wrth gwrs, fel y gwyddoch chi, mae cyllid Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer y celfyddydau yn cael ei sianelu drwy Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru. Gydag egwyddor ariannu hyd braich, roedd yr adolygiad buddsoddi, wrth gwrs, yn fater i Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru. Nid ydym yn ymyrryd â phenderfyniadau ariannu Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru. Felly, mae hynny wedi arwain at benderfyniadau anodd iawn o ran cyllid, ond rwy'n nodi bod opera yn derbyn 71 y cant o gyfanswm y gwariant ar y sector cerddoriaeth ar gyfer 2024-25. Ond, wrth gwrs, fel rydych chi wedi'i ddweud, ac fel y cydnabuwyd, mae'r toriad yn y gyllideb gan Gyngor Celfyddydau Lloegr wedi cael effaith andwyol hefyd, ac, wrth gwrs, mae hynny'n cael effaith o ran cyfleoedd teithiol i Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru. Rwy'n credu bod hyn yn rhywbeth lle mae angen i ni ystyried yr hyn sy'n dod i'r amlwg. Wrth gwrs, mae'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol yn ymgysylltu â'i rôl, ac yn cydnabod bod hyn yn rhywbeth lle mae angen i ni edrych ar y sefyllfa wirioneddol enbyd yr ydym ynddi o ran cyllid—hyd at £700 miliwn yn llai yng Nghymru mewn termau real, yn ein cyllideb, o ganlyniad i doriadau Llywodraeth y DU sydd wedi golygu bod y penderfyniadau anodd iawn hyn wedi digwydd.
Ac yn olaf, Sam Rowlands.
Finally, Sam Rowlands.
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Trefnydd, I'd like to call for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for health outlining actions to deal with the recent increase in cases of whooping cough. Currently, we're experiencing a peak year for the infection, with some of the highest rates causing concern in babies under three months old, who are a particularly vulnerable group, and five of those babies have sadly died as a result of the infection so far this year. Recent data published by the UK Health Security Agency showed over 1,300 cases confirmed in March alone, which is deeply concerning. We know some of this cause is linked to fewer children receiving their vaccines. Indeed, around only 93 per cent of children have received their six-in-one vaccinations up until now. I think it would be important for this Senedd to receive an update from the Cabinet Secretary on whooping cough numbers and how the Welsh Government is working to bring down any increases in those numbers and make sure that preventative measures are in place in order to protect people, and in particular babies, here in Wales.
Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd. Trefnydd, hoffwn alw am ddatganiad gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros iechyd yn amlinellu camau i ymdrin â'r cynnydd diweddar mewn achosion o'r pas. Ar hyn o bryd, rydym yn profi blwyddyn frig ar gyfer yr haint, a rhai o'r cyfraddau uchaf yn achosi pryder mewn babanod o dan dri mis oed, sy'n grŵp arbennig o agored i niwed, ac yn anffodus mae pump o'r babanod hynny wedi marw o ganlyniad i'r haint hyd yma eleni. Dangosodd data diweddar a gyhoeddwyd gan Asiantaeth Diogelwch Iechyd y DU fod dros 1,300 o achosion wedi'u cadarnhau ym mis Mawrth yn unig, sy'n peri pryder mawr. Gwyddom fod rhai o'r achosion hyn yn gysylltiedig â llai o blant yn derbyn eu brechlynnau. Yn wir, dim ond 93 y cant o blant sydd wedi derbyn eu brechiadau 6-mewn-1 hyd yn hyn. Rwy'n credu y byddai'n bwysig i'r Senedd hon dderbyn diweddariad gan yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet ar niferoedd y pas a sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio i ostwng unrhyw gynnydd yn y niferoedd hynny a sicrhau bod mesurau ataliol ar waith er mwyn amddiffyn pobl, ac yn enwedig babanod, yma yng Nghymru.
Well, thank you very much for that question, because it is really important, as the First Minister said earlier on, that we encourage the uptake of vaccination. And, in fact, you've done that very ably this afternoon. He was referring to the measles outbreak in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and that single case in north Wales, which shows that we have got to increase the awareness and uptake of vaccination. And, on whooping cough, I haven't got any details about the prevalence or emergence of whooping cough as an issue in terms of numbers of cases, but I will certainly draw this to the attention of the Cabinet Secretary. But, again, thank you for raising awareness this afternoon in raising this question.
Wel, diolch yn fawr iawn i chi am y cwestiwn yna, oherwydd mae hynny'n bwysig iawn, fel dywedodd y Prif Weinidog yn gynharach, sef ein bod ni'n annog pobl i gael eu brechu. Ac mewn gwirionedd, rydych chi wedi gwneud hynny'n effeithiol iawn y prynhawn yma. Fe gyfeiriodd ef at yr achosion o'r frech goch ym Mwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan a'r achos unigol hwnnw yn y gogledd, sy'n amlygu bod rhaid i ni feithrin ymwybyddiaeth a chynyddu'r niferoedd sy'n cael eu brechiadau. Ac, o ran y pas, nid oes unrhyw fanylion gennyf i ynglŷn â chyffredinrwydd nac ymddangosiad y pas o ran niferoedd yr achosion, ond yn sicr fe fyddaf i'n dwyn hynny i sylw'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet. Ond, unwaith eto, diolch i chi am godi ymwybyddiaeth y prynhawn yma wrth godi'r cwestiwn hwn.
Diolch i'r Trefnydd.
I thank the Trefnydd.
Eitem 3 heddiw yw'r datganiad gan Ysgrifenydd y Cabinet dros Addysg: ein cenhadaeth genedlaethol—cyflawni blaenoriaethau addysg Cymru. Galwaf ar Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg, Lynne Neagle.
Item 3 today is a statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education: our national mission—delivering on Wales’s education priorities. I call on the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. It's a privilege for me to have been asked by the First Minister to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Education, a role that comes with unique opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people across Wales, especially children and young people. I am clear that I do not underestimate the profound responsibilities that come with this role, and I am in no way complacent about the scale of the challenge.
We have embarked on a significant package of reforms to transform the lives and opportunities of young people, but, at the same time, we must still focus on helping learners and staff to overcome the impact of the pandemic. There is excellence in every part of our system, but I am absolutely clear that we need to aim higher. In particular, we need to raise levels of attainment and close the gap for the poorest children in Wales. And the amazing staff in our schools, colleges and universities want a system that is more joined up and fit to help them face the future challenges of education.
I hope Members will know me well enough to know that my starting point will always be the best interests of our learners, and in particular our children and young people. I will lead an education system that puts them first. When I accepted this job, the First Minister was clear that he wanted a system that was focused on delivering sustained improvement in educational attainment so that every learner could fulfil their potential. Today, I want to set out some of the steps I will take to meet this challenge. I know we can’t do everything overnight, so it is important that, as the Cabinet Secretary, I am clear about the priorities for the immediate future.
My first message is that good mental health will be the platform on which our education system will be built. In my previous role as Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being, I was pleased to work with my predecessor, Jeremy Miles, to introduce the whole-school approach to mental health, which I will continue to champion in my new role. It is fundamental to tackling the issues we have with attainment and attendance. It will continue to be a top priority for the Welsh Government. While I know the importance of good mental health and well-being for learners and staff, I also know that no single issue can be looked at in isolation. Reform and improvement must be aimed at creating a whole system that works for all learners. My job will be to make the whole system work together.
I want to be clear that I remain completely committed to the progress of Curriculum for Wales. I have seen first hand the outstanding work already happening in our schools through embracing the opportunities of the new curriculum. But, I have also heard clearly that schools want more support to make sure everyone is equipped to get it right. I will prioritise support on curriculum design, progression and assessment. I will work with teachers to ensure the right support reaches their classrooms and that they have the knowledge, resources and confidence to ensure that every learner and every part of Wales feels the benefit of the curriculum.
Last week, I gave evidence to the Children, Young People and Education Committee and participated in a Petitions Committee debate, both on additional learning needs reform, a vitally important but complex strand of work. It is vital we all work together to implement a system of ALN support that delivers for learners and which both parents and school staff can navigate. As I set out last week, a focus on ALN reform has been among my first priorities. I want to ensure firm legislative foundations are in place, and I want to strengthen implementation by improving the consistency of the approach being taken.
Collaboration, challenge and partnership working are key to driving forward improvement. I want the whole system working together to improve standards and to raise attainment, and to be ambitious for every single learner. Alongside overall improvements in attainment, it is vital that we close the attainment gap faced by our most disadvantaged learners. I will never accept that children from poorer backgrounds should settle for worse outcomes than their peers or learners elsewhere. I am committed to enhancing our understanding of the attainment gap and identifying where interventions can be best targeted to have maximum impact. I remain committed to the school improvement partnership programme, which is taking forward the findings of the strategic review of education partners in Wales. We are working with all of our partners to take the next step towards a self-improving system, focused on improving learning outcomes in Wales through a more collaborative and partnership-based approach. To be successful, we need to accelerate progress in some key areas: firstly, a strong professional learning offer that supports teachers and is focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning; secondly, a strengthening of school leadership to ensure every school sets the right culture for learners and staff; and maximising impact by getting the basics right, with a continued focus on improving literacy, numeracy and digital skills, including through the mathematics and numeracy plan. I expect every part of the system to be working towards the common goal of improving attainment, particularly within the poorest communities.
Of course, no amount of reform or improvement in our schools can be achieved without the dedicated and talented school workforce. I am committed to listening and working in partnership with the workforce, as we move forward with this programme of work. Our conversations will not always be easy, but I know that we share the same goal: delivering the best possible outcomes for children and young people. And the Welsh language continues to be a priority for this Government, and we will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that all young people achieve Welsh language skills required for life and work.
The consultation on reform of the school year recently closed, with one of the largest-ever responses to a Welsh Government consultation. It is important these responses are fully considered, and I will update the Senedd on the next steps in due course.
But I want to be clear that post-16 education is also a priority for me, and it is vital that we raise participation levels across further and higher education, including vocational education and training. The new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research will be a vital partner in achieving our ambitions for a more connected and co-ordinated tertiary sector, with high-quality education and world-leading research at its heart. I will focus on improving routes into vocational education and training, including ensuring parity of esteem, creating a clear 14-19 pathway for learners and raising participation across all areas.
I also want to recognise the pressures our colleges and universities are currently facing. Many of these pressures are not unique to Wales and represent a wider set of challenges. I want us to work together, including hearing the voices of students, in responding to these challenges. It has often been said in recent years that education in Wales is on a journey. I commit to always doing my best to steer education in the right direction and get us on track. Diolch.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Mae hi'n fraint i mi gael fy ngwahodd gan y Prif Weinidog i fod yn Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg, swydd sy'n dod â chyfleoedd unigryw i wneud gwahaniaeth ym mywydau pobl ledled Cymru, yn enwedig bywydau plant a phobl ifanc. Rwy'n dweud yn eglur nad wyf i'n tanbrisio'r cyfrifoldebau dwys sy'n gysylltiedig â'r swydd hon, ac nid wyf i mewn unrhyw fodd yn hunanfodlon ynghylch maint yr her.
Rydym ni wedi cychwyn ar becyn sylweddol o ddiwygiadau i drawsnewid bywydau a chyfleoedd i bobl ifanc, ond, ar yr un pryd, mae'n rhaid i ni ddal ati i ganolbwyntio ar helpu dysgwyr a staff i oresgyn effaith y pandemig. Mae yna ragoriaeth i'w gael ym mhob rhan o'r system, ond rwy'n gwbl eglur ynglŷn â'r angen i ni anelu yn uwch. Yn benodol, mae angen i ni godi cyfraddau cyrhaeddiad a chau'r bwlch er mwyn y plant tlotaf yng Nghymru. Ac mae'r staff anhygoel yn ein hysgolion, colegau a phrifysgolion yn dymuno gweld cyfundrefn sy'n fwy cydgysylltiedig ac addas i'w helpu i wynebu heriau addysg i'r dyfodol.
Rwy'n gobeithio y bydd yr Aelodau sy'n gwybod digon amdanaf i'n deall mai fy man cychwyn i bob amser fydd lles mwyaf ein dysgwyr, ac yn enwedig ein plant a'n pobl ifanc. Rwy'n bwriadu arwain system addysg sy'n eu rhoi nhw yn gyntaf. Pan dderbyniais i'r swydd hon, roedd y Prif Weinidog yn eglur am ei ddyhead i fod â system sy'n canolbwyntio ar sicrhau gwelliant parhaus o ran cyrhaeddiad addysgol er mwyn i bob dysgwr gyflawni ei botensial. Heddiw, fe hoffwn i nodi rhai o'r camau yr wyf i am eu cymryd i gyflawni'r her hon. Rwy'n gwybod na allwn ni wneud popeth dros nos, felly mae hi'n bwysig, a minnau'n Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, i mi fod yn eglur ynghylch y blaenoriaethau i'r dyfodol agos.
Fy nghenadwri gyntaf yw mai iechyd meddwl da yw'r sail y bydd ein system addysg yn cael ei hadeiladu arni. Yn fy swydd flaenorol yn Ddirprwy Weinidog Iechyd Meddwl a Llesiant, roeddwn i'n falch o weithio gyda fy rhagflaenydd, Jeremy Miles, i gyflwyno'r dull ysgol gyfan o ymdrin ag iechyd meddwl, y byddaf i'n parhau i'w hyrwyddo yn fy swydd newydd. Mae hi'n hanfodol mynd i'r afael â'r materion sy'n ein hwynebu o ran cyrhaeddiad a phresenoldeb. Fe fydd hynny'n parhau i fod yn brif flaenoriaeth i Lywodraeth Cymru. Er fy mod i'n gwybod pa mor bwysig yw iechyd meddwl a llesiant da i ddysgwyr a staff, fe wn i hefyd na ellir ystyried unrhyw fater unigol yn gwbl ar wahân i'r lleill. Mae'n rhaid i ddiwygio a gwelliant gael ei anelu at greu system gyfan sy'n gweithio i bob dysgwr. Fy ngwaith i fydd gwneud i'r system gyfan weithio gyda'i gilydd.
Fe hoffwn i egluro fy mod i'n dal i fod yn gwbl ymrwymedig i gynnydd Cwricwlwm i Gymru. Rwyf i wedi gweld y gwaith rhagorol drosof fy hun sy'n digwydd eisoes yn ein hysgolion ni drwy anwesu'r cyfleoedd yn y cwricwlwm newydd. Ond, fe glywais i'n hyglyw iawn hefyd fod yr ysgolion yn awyddus i fod â rhagor o gefnogaeth ar gyfer sicrhau y bydd yr offer priodol gan bawb i wneud hyn yn iawn. Fe fyddaf i'n blaenoriaethu cymorth ar ddyluniad y cwricwlwm, y cynnydd a wneir ac asesiad ohono. Fe fyddaf i'n gweithio gydag athrawon i sicrhau bod y gefnogaeth gywir yn cyrraedd eu hystafelloedd dosbarth a bod yr wybodaeth, yr adnoddau a'r hyder ganddyn nhw i sicrhau y bydd pob dysgwr a phob cwr o Gymru yn teimlo budd o'r cwricwlwm.
Yr wythnos diwethaf, fe roddais i dystiolaeth i'r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg wrth i mi gymryd rhan mewn dadl Pwyllgor Deisebau, ynglŷn â diwygio anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, edefyn hanfodol bwysig o waith ond sy'n gymhleth hefyd. Mae hi'n hanfodol ein bod i gyd yn gweithio gyda'n gilydd i weithredu system o gymorth ADY sy'n darparu ar gyfer dysgwyr y gall rhieni a staff ysgol ei llywio hi. Fel soniais i'r wythnos diwethaf, mae canolbwyntio ar ddiwygio ADY wedi bod ymhlith y blaenoriaethau cyntaf sydd gennyf i. Rwyf i'n awyddus y bydd sylfeini deddfwriaethol cadarn ar waith, ac rwy'n awyddus i gryfhau gweithredu trwy wella cysondeb yr ymagwedd a gymerir.
Mae cydweithio, herio a gweithio mewn partneriaeth yn allweddol i ysgogi gwelliant i'r dyfodol. Rwy'n awyddus i'r system gyfan weithio gyda'i gilydd i wella safonau a chyrhaeddiad, a bod yn uchelgeisiol er mwyn pob dysgwr unigol. Ochr yn ochr â gwelliannau cyffredinol o ran cyrhaeddiad, mae hi'n hanfodol ein bod yn cau'r bwlch cyrhaeddiad sy'n wynebu ein dysgwyr mwyaf difreintiedig. Ni wnaf i fyth â derbyn y dylai plant o gefndiroedd tlotach fodloni ar ganlyniadau gwaeth na'u cyfoedion neu ddysgwyr mewn mannau eraill. Rwyf i wedi ymrwymo i wella ein dealltwriaeth ni o'r bwlch cyrhaeddiad a nodi'r mannau gorau i anelu ymyraethau er mwyn cael y dylanwad mwyaf. Rwy'n parhau i fod yn ymrwymedig i'r rhaglen partneriaeth gwella ysgolion, sy'n bwrw ymlaen â chanfyddiadau'r adolygiad strategol o bartneriaid addysg yng Nghymru. Rydym ni'n gweithio gyda'n partneriaid i gyd i gymryd y cam nesaf tuag at system o hunanwella, sy'n canolbwyntio ar wella canlyniadau dysgu yng Nghymru trwy ddull mwy cydweithredol a seiliedig ar bartneriaeth. I fod yn llwyddiannus, mae angen i ni gyflymu cynnydd mewn rhai meysydd allweddol: yn gyntaf, wrth gynnig dysgu proffesiynol cadarn sy'n cefnogi athrawon ac sy'n canolbwyntio ar wella ansawdd yr addysgu a'r dysgu; yn ail, wrth gryfhau arweinyddiaeth ysgolion i sicrhau bod pob ysgol yn sefydlu'r diwylliant priodol ar gyfer dysgwyr a staff; a sicrhau'r effaith fwyaf posibl drwy wneud y pethau sylfaenol yn iawn, gyda chanolbwynt parhaus ar wella llythrennedd, rhifedd a sgiliau digidol, gan gynnwys drwy'r cynllun mathemateg a rhifedd. Rwy'n disgwyl i bob rhan o'r system fod yn gweithio tuag at y nod cyffredin o wella cyrhaeddiad, yn arbennig felly yn y cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig.
Wrth gwrs, ni ellir cyflawni unrhyw ddiwygiad na gwelliant yn ein hysgolion heb weithlu ysgol ymroddedig a thalentog. Rwyf i wedi ymrwymo i wrando a gweithio mewn partneriaeth â'r gweithlu, wrth i ni symud ymlaen gyda'r rhaglen hon o waith. Ni fydd y sgyrsiau rhyngom ni'n hawdd bob amser, ond fe wn fod ein nod yn un cyffredin: sef cyflawni'r canlyniadau gorau posibl i blant a phobl ifanc. Ac mae'r Gymraeg yn parhau i fod yn flaenoriaeth i'r Llywodraeth hon, ac fe fyddwn ni'n parhau i weithio yn agos gyda phartneriaid i sicrhau y bydd pob unigolyn ifanc yn dysgu medrau iaith Gymraeg sy'n ofynnol ar gyfer bywyd a gwaith.
Fe ddaeth yr ymgynghoriad ar ddiwygio'r flwyddyn ysgol i ben yn ddiweddar, gydag un o'r ymatebion mwyaf cynhwysfawr erioed i ymgynghoriad gan Lywodraeth Cymru. Mae hi'n bwysig fod yr ymatebion hyn yn cael eu hystyried yn llawn, ac fe fyddaf i'n diweddaru'r Senedd ar y camau nesaf maes o law.
Ond fe hoffwn i fod yn eglur bod addysg ôl-16 yn flaenoriaeth i mi hefyd, ac mae hi'n hanfodol ein bod ni'n codi cyfraddau cyfranogiad ar draws addysg bellach ac uwch, gan gynnwys addysg a hyfforddiant galwedigaethol. Bydd y Comisiwn Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil newydd yn bartner hanfodol wrth gyflawni ein huchelgeisiau ar gyfer sector trydyddol sy'n fwy cysylltiedig a chydlynol, gydag addysg o ansawdd uchel ac ymchwil a fydd yn arwain y byd wrth hanfod ei waith. Rwyf i am ganolbwyntio ar wella llwybrau i addysg a hyfforddiant galwedigaethol, gan gynnwys sicrhau cydraddoldeb bri, creu llwybr eglur 14-19 i ddysgwyr a chynyddu cyfranogiad ym mhob maes.
Yn ogystal â hynny, rwy'n dymuno cydnabod y pwysau sydd ar ein colegau a'n prifysgolion ni ar hyn o bryd. Nid yw llawer o'r pwysau hyn yn unigryw i Gymru ac maen nhw'n golygu set ehangach o heriau. Rwy'n awyddus i ni weithio gyda'n gilydd, gan gynnwys gwrando ar leisiau myfyrwyr, wrth ymateb i'r heriau hyn. Fe ddywedwyd yn aml yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf fod addysg yng Nghymru ar daith. Rwyf i'n ymrwymo i wneud fy ngorau glas bob amser i lywio addysg i'r cyfeiriad cywir a'n rhoi ni ar y trywydd iawn. Diolch.
Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement today? But, I'm afraid to say that was a business-as-usual statement for an education system that is crying out for change. Wales's education priorities are clear: they want to make sure that, when their children go through our education system, they get a world-class education. We know all too well that PISA scores aren't anywhere near as high as they should be, and whilst we're seeing success stories elsewhere in the United Kingdom in educational attainment, after 25 years of this Welsh Labour Government, we sit at the bottom of the league tables in every single subject, and things seem to only be getting worse, Cabinet Secretary.
We heard that the latest set of reforms would change everything: 'We just need to give things time to bed in, and we'll see those improvements.' But we've heard that time and time and time again from Welsh Labour Ministers, and things only seem to be going in the wrong direction. For example, back in 2009, the then education Minister, Leighton Andrews, said that the PISA results for that year were, and I quote,
'a wake-up call to an education system in Wales that had become complacent'.
Well, fast forward 15 years, and the results today are even worse. So, if the system was complacent then, what is it today?
There are significant problems with the latest set of changes adopted by this Welsh Labour Government. The Government has taken a decision to adopt a skills-based approach over a knowledge-based approach in our curriculum, and it seems that the UK Labour Party are intent on taking the same road. The problem with it, however, is that whilst the focus on a knowledge-based approach has paid dividends for pupils in England, the landmark Institute for Fiscal Studies report on education in Wales makes clear, and I quote, that
'declines have happened in essentially every country that has adopted such skills-based curricula'.
But yet that seems to be the model that the Welsh Government are intent on pursuing for our children. Dirprwy Lywydd, it isn't good enough. But, looking again at that IFS report, it makes clear that the differences in educational outcomes are not as a result of funding or even of poverty levels. The reason educational outcomes are worse here in Wales than anywhere else in the UK are, and I quote,
'differences in policy and approach.'
In short, where the Welsh Labour Government tinkers with the education system, it almost inevitably leads to worse outcomes for our young people. So, how will the Cabinet Secretary ensure that she's the exception and not the rule when it comes to this Welsh Labour Government and its failure to deliver on Wales's education priorities?
It would be remiss of me if I didn't touch on ALN reform in the education sector. As you stated in your statement, Cabinet Secretary, you attended the CYPE committee last week to discuss it, as well as responding to a Petitions Committee debate on the topic, and you admitted that there was much to do in terms of getting those reforms right, and that many aspects hadn't worked as intended so far. But what worried me during that committee appearance was that much was made of the fact that the changes that you felt needed to happen wouldn't be able to be undertaken until the right data was made available. The problem was that the work of identifying exactly what data was required didn't appear to have started yet, let alone compiling and then assessing it, so it suggests that this may not be a quick process, and as you know, six months, a year, two years, can be an eternity in a child's life and can have a profound impact on their life chances. Your statement today, and your response to that committee, leave me concerned that you aren't looking at the need to fix the clear issues with ALN reform with the urgency that it so clearly deserves.
Finally, I just want to say that I think this statement today is emblematic of this Welsh Labour Government more widely. Whilst we heard warm words on educational attainment, mental health, ALN, the curriculum, post-16 education and so on, what we didn't hear was a single target, time frame, number, to judge any of those warm words against. How can we be expected to take this Cabinet Secretary's word at face value that things are going to improve when learners and teaching staff across Wales have heard exactly the same thing for 25 years? The evidence sadly suggests that education policy under this Welsh Labour Government is heading in the wrong direction. Wales's education priorities are clear. We don't want warm words; we want a plan, a plan to turn around the damage done to our Welsh education system by successive Welsh Labour Governments, so when can we expect one?
A gaf i ddiolch i'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet am ei datganiad heddiw? Ond, rwy'n teimlo, yn anffodus, mai datganiad o fusnes fel arfer i system addysg sy'n galw allan am newid oedd hwnnw. Mae blaenoriaethau addysg Cymru yn amlwg: maen nhw'n dymuno sicrhau, pan fydd eu plant nhw'n mynd trwy ein system addysg ni, eu bod nhw'n cael addysg o'r radd flaenaf. Fe wyddom ni o'r gorau nad yw sgoriau PISA yn agos at fod mor uchel ag y dylen nhw fod, ac er ein bod ni'n clywed straeon am lwyddiant o rannau eraill o'r Deyrnas Unedig gyda chyrhaeddiad addysgol, ar ôl 25 mlynedd o'r Llywodraeth Lafur hon yng Nghymru, rydym ni'n gorwedd ar waelod tablau'r gynghrair ym mhob pwnc, ac mae hi'n ymddangos mai dim ond gwaethygu y mae'r sefyllfa, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet.
Fe glywsom ni y byddai'r set ddiweddaraf o ddiwygiadau yn newid popeth: 'Nid oes angen i ni wneud dim ond rhoi amser i bethau ymwreiddio, ac fe welwn ni'r gwelliannau hynny.' Ond fe glywsom ni hynny dro ar ôl tro oddi wrth Weinidogion Llafur Cymru, ac mae hi'n ymddangos mai dim ond mynd i'r cyfeiriad anghywir y mae pethau. Er enghraifft, yn ôl yn 2009, fe ddywedodd y Gweinidog Addysg ar y pryd, Leighton Andrews, fod canlyniadau PISA ar gyfer y flwyddyn honno, ac rwy'n dyfynnu,
'yn rhybudd amserol i system addysg yng Nghymru a oedd wedi mynd yn hunanfodlon'.
Wel, ewch chi ymlaen 15 mlynedd ar ôl hynny, ac mae canlyniadau heddiw yn waeth fyth. Felly, os oedd y system yn hunanfodlon bryd hynny, beth ydyw hi heddiw?
Mae yna broblemau sylweddol gyda'r set ddiweddaraf o newidiadau a fabwysiadwyd gan y Llywodraeth Lafur hon yng Nghymru. Mae'r Llywodraeth wedi penderfynu mabwysiadu dull ar sail sgiliau yn hytrach na dull ar sail gwybodaeth yn ein cwricwlwm ni, ac mae hi'n ymddangos bod Plaid Lafur y DU yn benderfynol o fynd ar yr un llwybr. Y broblem gyda hynny, fodd bynnag, yw, er bod y canolbwyntio ar ddull seiliedig ar wybodaeth wedi talu ar ei ganfed i ddisgyblion yn Lloegr, mae adroddiad nodedig y Sefydliad Astudiaethau Cyllid ar addysg yng Nghymru yn ei gwneud hi'n amlwg, ac rwy'n dyfynnu,
'mae dirywiadau wedi bod ym mhob gwlad sydd wedi mabwysiadu cwricwlwm o'r fath ar sail sgiliau'.
Ac eto mae hi'n ymddangos mai dyna'r patrwm y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn benderfynol o'i ddilyn ar gyfer ein plant ni. Dirprwy Lywydd, nid yw hynny'n ddigon da. Ond, wrth edrych eto ar yr adroddiad hwnnw gan y Sefydliad Astudiaethau Cyllid, mae'n ei gwneud hi'n amlwg nad yw'r gwahaniaethau o ran canlyniadau addysgol yn deillio o arian nac o gyfraddau tlodi hyd yn oed. Y rheswm pam mae canlyniadau addysgol yn waeth yma yng Nghymru nag yn unman arall yn y DU yw, ac rwy'n dyfynnu,
'gwahaniaethau o ran polisi a dull'
Yn fyr, wrth i Lywodraeth Lafur Cymru botsian gyda'r system addysg, mae hynny'n arwain at ganlyniadau gwaeth i'n pobl ifanc ni, bron yn ddi-feth. Felly, sut mae'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet am sicrhau y bydd hi'n eithriad yn hytrach na rheol i Lywodraeth Lafur Cymru o ran ei methiant wrth gyflawni blaenoriaethau addysg Cymru?
Fe fyddai hi'n esgeulus i mi beidio â sôn am ddiwygio ADY yn y sector addysg. Fel roeddech chi'n dweud yn eich datganiad, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, fe aethoch chi i'r pwyllgor PPIA yr wythnos diwethaf i drafod hynny, yn ogystal ag i ymateb i ddadl y Pwyllgor Deisebau ar y pwnc, ac fe wnaethoch chi gyfaddef bod llawer i'w wneud eto o ran gwneud y diwygiadau hynny'n iawn, ac nad oedd sawl agwedd wedi gweithio fel y bwriadwyd hyd yn hyn. Ond yr hyn a oedd yn fy mhryderu i yn ystod yr ymddangosiad hwnnw yn y pwyllgor oedd bod llawer o sôn wedi bod am y ffaith na fyddai'r newidiadau yr oeddech chi'n teimlo'r angen iddyn nhw fod yn digwydd allu cael eu gwneud hyd nes y bydd y data cywir ar gael. Y broblem oedd nad oedd hi'n ymddangos bod y gwaith o nodi yn union pa ddata a fyddai'n angenrheidiol wedi dechrau eto, heb sôn am lunio ac yna asesu hynny, felly mae hynny'n awgrymu efallai nad proses gyflym fydd hon, ac fel gwyddoch chi, fe all chwe mis, blwyddyn, dwy flynedd, fod yn dragwyddoldeb ym mywyd plentyn ac fe all fod ag effaith ddofn ar gyfleoedd ei fywyd. Mae eich datganiad chi heddiw, a'ch ymateb chi i'r pwyllgor hwnnw, yn fy ngwneud i'n bryderus nad ydych chi'n ystyried yr angen i ddatrys y materion eglur o ran diwygio ADY gyda'r brys y mae'n ei haeddu mor amlwg.
Yn olaf, fe hoffwn i ddweud fy mod i o'r farn fod y datganiad hwn heddiw yn symbol o'r Llywodraeth Lafur hon yng Nghymru yn fwy eang. Er i ni glywed geiriau teg am gyrhaeddiad addysgol, iechyd meddwl, ADY, y cwricwlwm, addysg ôl-16 ac ati, yr hyn na chlywsom ni amdano oedd unrhyw nod, amserlen, niferoedd, i farnu unrhyw un o'r geiriau teg yn unol â nhw. Sut y gellir disgwyl i ni gredu yng ngair yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet newydd y bydd pethau yn gwella pan fo dysgwyr a staff addysgu ledled Cymru wedi clywed yr un peth yn union ers 25 mlynedd? Mae'r dystiolaeth yn awgrymu yn anffodus fod polisi addysg o dan y Llywodraeth Lafur hon yng Nghymru yn mynd i'r cyfeiriad anghywir. Mae blaenoriaethau addysg Cymru yn eglur. Nid oes angen geiriau teg arnom ni; rydym ni'n awyddus i fod â chynllun, cynllun i wyrdroi'r difrod a gafodd eu gwneud i'n system addysg ni yng Nghymru gan Lywodraethau Llafur olynol yng Nghymru, felly pa bryd y gallwn ni ddisgwyl cael gweld un?
Can I thank Tom Giffard for his comments and questions, and say to him very clearly that I too want a world-class education system in the same way as everybody else in Wales does? I'm a parent, I can see the importance of having a high-quality education, and we want the best for all our children and young people.
I haven't been in any way complacent on the PISA results. I have said that they were disappointing. It is important to recognise that our PISA results were improving ahead of the pandemic, and I think it's also very important, given that you're putting so much weight on the IFS report, to be clear that the young people tested in those PISA tests had not been through our new curriculum. However, I am taking the messages in the IFS report seriously, even if I don't agree with all of their assessment.
You seem to be suggesting that we should pause all our reforms. I think that is a ridiculous proposition because we are now teaching Curriculum for Wales in all our schools. It still hasn't been fully rolled out. I have been very clear in what I said to the committee last week, and what I've said today, that I think we have more work to do in supporting schools who are finding it more challenging to deliver the new curriculum. Some schools are flying with it, but others have said to me, 'We need more support with that.' So, I am looking to deliver that support.
It is just not the case that we are valuing skills over a knowledge-based curriculum. That is a misunderstanding of the curriculum. Our new curriculum absolutely has a focus on knowledge, but, very importantly, on the discerning use of knowledge. We want our learners not just to have that knowledge, but to be able to take it and use it in different situations in their lives.
In terms of ALN reform, I have to say that I don't really think you were listening to what I said in the committee last week, although I'm glad that you did hear me and quote back to me today my point about a year being a long time in the life of a child, because I said that to emphasise how urgently I am committed to addressing this problem. I highlighted the challenges we've got with data. I know from my time as a health Minister that data is really important to drive good policy. We are developing a work stream to make sure that we have all the data that we need. But at no point did I say that we wouldn't be taking forward improvements without the data.
I explained to the committee that I have got a twin-track approach on this now. It involves a more consistent delivery of ALN across Wales, working with local authorities and schools, who are already working really hard to deliver this complex reform. But I also indicated that I recognise, based on what the president of the tribunal had said, that we had some work to do in making sure that the law was easily understandable for our partners. So, I made it clear that I would be taking forward that work immediately, to make sure that we get immediate improvements, while also looking at some legal clarification.
Just in terms of your final points on targets. The statement today is about priorities. I've been very clear that raising attainment and school standards is a priority for me. We are working on a plan that will be on the lines that I've described, which are around things like improved curriculum design, assessment, progression and a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. And, to underpin that, we are developing a whole information ecosystem that will tell us how our schools are doing. And that will build on what we're already doing with our personalised assessments. I've only been in post seven weeks; I think it's a little bit early for me to be thinking about targets. My priority is to get this right for children and young people, not to look for easy straplines.
A gaf i ddiolch i Tom Giffard am ei sylwadau a'i gwestiynau, a dweud wrtho ef yn eglur iawn fy mod innau hefyd yn dymuno bod â system addysg o'r radd flaenaf yn yr union ffordd ag y mae pawb arall yng Nghymru? Rwyf innau'n rhiant, ac rwy'n gallu gweld pwysigrwydd cael addysg o ansawdd uchel, ac rydym ni'n dyheu am y gorau i'n plant a'n pobl ifanc i gyd.
Ni fues i'n hunanfodlon o ran y canlyniadau PISA mewn unrhyw ffordd. Fe ddywedais i eu bod nhw'n siomedig. Mae hi'n bwysig cydnabod bod ein canlyniadau PISA ni wedi bod yn gwella cyn y pandemig, ac rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig iawn hefyd, o ystyried eich bod chi'n rhoi cymaint o bwysau ar adroddiad y Sefydliad Astudiaethau Cyllid, i egluro nad oedd y bobl ifanc a gafodd eu profi yn y profion PISA hynny wedi bod trwy ein cwricwlwm newydd ni. Serch hynny, rwy'n cymryd yr hyn a fynegwyd yn adroddiad y Sefydliad Astudiaethau Cyllid o ddifrif, hyd yn oed os nad wyf i'n cytuno â'i asesiad cyfan.
Mae hi'n ymddangos eich bod chi'n awgrymu y dylem ni ohirio ein diwygiadau i gyd. Rwyf i o'r farn fod hwnnw'n gynnig chwerthinllyd oherwydd mae'r Cwricwlwm i Gymru yn cael ei ddysgu erbyn hyn ym mhob un o'n hysgolion ni. Nid ydyw wedi cael ei gyflwyno yn llawn eto. Fe fues i'n eglur iawn yn yr hyn a ddywedais i wrth y pwyllgor yr wythnos diwethaf, a'r hyn yr wyf yn ei ddweud heddiw, fy mod i o'r farn fod gennym ni fwy o waith i'w wneud o ran cefnogi ysgolion sy'n ei chael hi'n fwy heriol gyda chyflwyniad y cwricwlwm newydd. Mae rhai ysgolion yn hedfan gydag ef, ond mae ysgolion eraill wedi dweud wrthyf i, 'Mae angen mwy o gefnogaeth gyda hwnnw.' Felly, rwyf i'n awyddus i ddarparu'r gefnogaeth honno.
Nid yw hi'n wir ein bod ni'n rhoi sgiliau yn uwch na chwricwlwm ar sail gwybodaeth. Mae hwnnw'n gamddehongliad o'r cwricwlwm. Mae ein cwricwlwm newydd ni'n canolbwyntio yn llwyr ar wybodaeth, ond, yn bwysig iawn, ar ddefnydd deallus o wybodaeth. Rydym ni'n dymuno i'n dysgwyr ni, nid yn unig fod yn meddu ar yr wybodaeth honno, ond eu bod yn gallu ei chymryd a'i defnyddio mewn gwahanol sefyllfaoedd yn eu bywydau.
O ran diwygio ADY, mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud nad wyf i'n credu eich bod chi wedi gwrando ar yr hyn a ddywedais yn y pwyllgor yr wythnos diwethaf, er fy mod i'n falch eich bod chi wedi fy nghlywed i ac wedi dyfynnu'r hyn a ddywedais i'n ôl heddiw sef fy mhwynt i fod blwyddyn yn amser maith ym mywyd plentyn, oherwydd fe ddywedais hynny i bwysleisio'r cyflymder yr wyf i wedi ymrwymo iddo ar gyfer mynd i'r afael â'r broblem hon. Fe dynnais i sylw at yr heriau sydd gennym ni o ran data. Rwy'n gwybod o'r cyfnod y bûm i'n Weinidog iechyd fod data yn bwysig iawn i ysgogi polisi da. Rydym ni'n datblygu ffrwd waith i sicrhau bod y data i gyd sydd eu hangen arnom ni gennym ni. Ond ni ddywedais i ar unrhyw bryd na fyddem ni'n bwrw ymlaen â gwelliannau heb y data.
Esboniais wrth y pwyllgor fod gen i ddull ar ddau drywydd ar hyn o bryd. Mae hwnnw'n cynnwys darparu ADY yn fwy cyson ledled Cymru, gan weithio gydag awdurdodau lleol ac ysgolion, sydd eisoes yn gweithio yn galed iawn i gyflawni'r diwygiad cymhleth hwn. Ond fe nodais i hefyd fy mod i'n cydnabod, ar sail yr hyn yr oedd llywydd y tribiwnlys yn ei ddweud, fod gennym ni waith i'w wneud eto i sicrhau bod y gyfraith yn hawdd ei deall i'n partneriaid. Felly, fe eglurais i y byddwn i'n bwrw ymlaen â'r gwaith hwnnw ar unwaith, i sicrhau ein bod ni'n gweld gwelliannau yn syth, gan ystyried rhywfaint o eglurhad cyfreithiol hefyd.
Ac yn gryno iawn o ran eich pwyntiau terfynol chi ar nodau. Mae datganiad heddiw yn ymwneud â blaenoriaethau. Rwyf i wedi bod yn eglur iawn fod codi cyrhaeddiad a safonau ysgolion yn flaenoriaeth i mi. Rydym ni'n gweithio ar gynllun a fydd ar y llinellau a ddisgrifiais, sy'n ymwneud â phethau fel dylunio cwricwlwm gwell, asesu, dilyniant a chanolbwyntio manwl ar lythrennedd a rhifedd. Ac i ategu hynny, rydym ni'n datblygu ecosystem wybodaeth gyfan a fydd yn dweud wrthym ni sut lwyddiant y mae ein hysgolion ni'n ei gael. Ac fe fydd hynny'n adeiladu ar yr hyn yr ydym ni'n ei wneud gyda'n hasesiadau personol eisoes. Nid wyf i wedi bod ond saith wythnos yn fy swydd; rwy'n credu ei bod hi ychydig bach yn gynnar i mi fod yn meddwl am nodau. Fy mlaenoriaeth i yw gwneud hyn yn iawn er mwyn y plant a'r bobl ifanc, nid ceisio ymhél ag is-benawdau hawdd.
It's quite difficult to disagree with your statement today. I appreciate that you are new, but you have been, previously, Chair of the Senedd's Children, Young People and Education Committee in the fifth Senedd and you've been part of the Cabinet, so I do think it's fair that we ask for more timescales and so on. I would appreciate it if you could commit today to when we will see that level of detail because, obviously, this isn't a post-election, new initiative for Welsh Government, and it's crucial that we do see progress, because after all what I didn't, I'm sorry, hear from your statement was the level of urgency required.
The First Minister, in response to Rhun ap Iorwerth earlier, said that he didn't want to spoil your statement or any announcements. I'm afraid that I was expecting more, and I'm sure higher education institutions would have been expecting more, given what we've seen. The fact that some universities might close, the fact that some courses aren't running that are crucial in terms of our skills, these are urgent questions and I'd like to see urgent action from you. Warm words and listening are not enough at this point, I'm afraid.
There's a recruitment and retention crisis. You mentioned strong professional learning, but what I would like to know is: how are we going to attract teachers, because we know that those bursaries that have been in place haven't always been taken up, that money has been made available to meet some of the budgetary pressures? So, with 75 per cent of teachers having contemplated leaving the profession according to the NASUWT survey in 2022-23, and 78 per cent of them stating that they do not recommend teaching as a career to friends and family, how are we going to turn things around? The workforce are crucial, yet we're failing to recruit and retain teachers.
Violence, both verbal and physical, in schools is increasing. Education and support is often described as a postcode lottery, and this is particularly true in terms of Welsh education and additional learning needs support. And when we look in terms of school absences increasing, the attainment gap widening, a decrease in the number of 16 to 18-year-olds participating in education and subsequently a decrease in the number of young people living in Wales applying to university, I'm afraid we can't wait.
On the new curriculum, the one thing that you mentioned whilst you were giving evidence last week was about creating a scaffold around schools. Well, you'll be aware that much of the support has been provided by regional consortia in recent years, but this approach has been proposed to end, following the ongoing review of school improvement services. I'd like to know if you can confirm today what the Welsh Government approach is to the review, and what scaffolding will be available to schools if the consortium model disappears. And specifically, what lessons in terms of the new curriculum are being learnt from Scotland, so that we understand that those curriculum reforms that we were excited about are actually being delivered, to have that impact for our pupils? Because I hear from parents and teachers that they are still uncertain, and what that might mean then in terms of the impact on education. We can't experiment on those children. We need to get it right the first time around. And we know that teachers are asking for more time, more training, and yet we're at a point where schools are failing to recruit teachers for some of these subjects, so it is really concerning.
You heard, earlier, Rhun ap Iorwerth ask in terms of the Migration Advisory Committee's review, and that it had found today that there is no widespread evidence that the post-study visa is being abused. So, can I ask, therefore, how are you going to be working with the universities in these challenging circumstances?
I've got a number of questions, I'm afraid, Cabinet Secretary, and I think one of the things—. If you will allow me, after reflecting on all of your responses today, I will be writing to you as education spokesperson, and perhaps rather than try and cover everything today, I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss with you about some of the urgent things that need to be prioritised, and how we ensure that it's not just listening, but actually taking action on all these issues.
Mae hi'n anodd iawn anghytuno â'ch datganiad chi heddiw. Rwy'n gwerthfawrogi eich bod chi'n newydd i'ch swydd, ond rydych chi, yn flaenorol, wedi bod yn Gadeirydd Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg y Senedd yn y pumed Senedd ac rydych wedi bod yn rhan o'r Cabinet, felly rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n ddigon teg i ni ofyn am fwy o amserlenni ac ati. Fe fyddwn i'n ddiolchgar pe byddech chi'n ymrwymo heddiw i ddyddiad y byddwn ni'n gallu cael y lefel honno o fanylion oherwydd, yn amlwg, nid yw hon yn fenter wedi etholiad, nac yn newydd i Lywodraeth Cymru, ac mae hi'n hanfodol ein bod yn gweld cynnydd, oherwydd wedi'r cyfan yr hyn na wnes i, yn anffodus, oedd clywed yn eich datganiad chi am faint y brys sydd ei angen.
Dywedodd y Prif Weinidog, mewn ymateb i Rhun ap Iorwerth yn gynharach, nad oedd ef am ddifetha eich datganiad chi nac unrhyw gyhoeddiadau. Mae arna i ofn fy mod i wedi disgwyl mwy na hyn, ac rwy'n siŵr y byddai sefydliadau addysg uwch wedi bod yn disgwyl mwy na hyn, o ystyried yr hyn a welsom ni. Mae'r ffaith y gallai rhai prifysgolion gau, y ffaith nad yw rhai cyrsiau sy'n hanfodol o ran ein sgiliau yn cael eu cynnal, mae'r rhain yn gwestiynau taer ac fe hoffwn i weld gweithredu ar fyrder gennych chi. Nid yw geiriau teg na gwrando yn ddigonol ar hyn o bryd, mae arna i ofn.
Mae yna argyfwng o ran recriwtio a chadw staff. Roeddech chi'n sôn am ddysgu proffesiynol cadarn, ond yr hyn yr hoffwn ei wybod yw: sut ydym ni am ddenu athrawon, oherwydd fe wyddom ni na fanteisiwyd ar y bwrsariaethau hynny sydd wedi bod ar gael bob amser, bod yr arian hwnnw ar gael i ymateb i beth o'r pwysau ar y gyllideb? Felly, gyda 75 y cant o athrawon wedi ystyried gadael y proffesiwn yn ôl arolwg NASUWT yn 2022-23, a 78 y cant ohonyn nhw'n nodi nad ydyn nhw'n argymell gyrfa ym myd addysg i ffrindiau na theulu, sut ydym ni am drawsnewid y sefyllfa? Mae'r gweithlu yn hanfodol, ond eto rydym ni'n methu yn lân â recriwtio a chadw athrawon.
Mae trais, geiriol a chorfforol fel ei gilydd, yn cynyddu mewn ysgolion. Mae addysg a chymorth yn aml yn cael eu disgrifio fel loteri cod post, ac mae hyn yn arbennig o wir o ran addysg Cymru a chymorth anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. A phan edrychwn ni ar yr absenoldebau cynyddol mewn ysgolion, mae'r bwlch cyrhaeddiad yn ehangu, mae gostyngiad yn nifer y bobl ifanc 16 i 18 oed sy'n cyfranogi ym myd addysg a gostyngiad wedyn yn niferoedd y bobl ifanc sy'n byw yng Nghymru a fydd yn gwneud ceisiadau i brifysgolion, nid ydym ni mewn sefyllfa i allu aros dim yn rhagor.
O ran y cwricwlwm newydd, yr un peth a grybwyllwyd gennych chi wrth i chi roi tystiolaeth yr wythnos diwethaf oedd codi sgaffaldiau o amgylch ysgolion. Wel, rydych chi'n ymwybodol bod llawer o'r gefnogaeth wedi cael ei rhoi gan gonsortia rhanbarthol yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf, ond mae cynnig wedi bod i ddod â'r dull hwn i ben, yn dilyn yr adolygiad parhaus o wasanaethau gwella ysgolion. Fe hoffwn i wybod a ydych chi'n gallu cadarnhau heddiw beth yw dull gweithredu Llywodraeth Cymru wrth ymdrin â'r adolygiad, a pha sgaffaldiau fydd ar gael i ysgolion os bydd model y consortiwm yn diflannu. Ac yn benodol, pa wersi o ran y cwricwlwm newydd sy'n cael eu dysgu oddi wrth yr Alban, er mwyn i ni ddeall a yw'r diwygiadau hynny i'r cwricwlwm yr oeddem ni'n teimlo'n gyffrous amdanyn nhw yn cael eu cyflawni mewn gwirionedd, i fod â'r effaith honno ar gyfer ein disgyblion? Oherwydd rwy'n clywed gan rieni ac athrawon eu bod nhw'n dal yn ansicr, a'r hyn y gallai hynny ei olygu wedyn o ran yr effaith ar addysg. Ni ddylem ni ddefnyddio'r plant hynny mewn arbrawf. Mae angen i ni wneud pethau yn iawn ar y tro cyntaf. Ac fe wyddom ni fod athrawon yn gofyn am fwy o amser, mwy o hyfforddiant, ac eto rydym ni mewn sefyllfa lle nad yw ysgolion yn gallu recriwtio athrawon ar gyfer rhai o'r pynciau hyn, felly mae hwnnw'n achos pryder mawr.
Fe glywsoch chi, yn gynharach, Rhun ap Iorwerth yn gofyn o ran adolygiad y Pwyllgor Cynghori ar Ymfudo, a'i fod ef wedi darganfod heddiw nad oes tystiolaeth eang bod y fisa ôl-astudio yn cael ei gam-drin. Felly, a gaf i ofyn, felly, sut ydych chi am weithio gyda'r prifysgolion yn yr amgylchiadau heriol hyn?
Mae gen i nifer o gwestiynau, mae arna i ofn, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, ac rwy'n credu mai un o'r pethau—. Os gwnewch chi roi caniatâd i mi, ar ôl meddwl am eich ymatebion chi i gyd heddiw, fe hoffwn i ysgrifennu atoch chi fel llefarydd addysg, ac efallai yn hytrach na cheisio ymdrin â phopeth heddiw, fe fyddwn i'n gwerthfawrogi cyfle i drafod rhai o'r pethau gyda chi y mae taer angen eu blaenoriaethu nhw, a sut y byddwn ni'n sicrhau nad gwrando yw unig ddiben hyn, ond y byddwn ni'n gweithredu mewn gwirionedd ar y materion hyn i gyd.
Thank you very much, Heledd, and of course I recognise that this isn't a post-election statement and that I did chair the committee, which I finished three years ago, but I did feel it was important, coming new into post, that I had time to take stock of what's happening, to listen to as many teachers, school staff, children and young people and others as I can. But it is absolutely about taking action as well.
In terms of timescales, I plan to set out a more detailed plan on raising attainment and school standards during this term, so hopefully before the summer, anyway, you'll be able to have more information on that.
You've raised the recruitment and retention problems with me previously, last week in questions. I do recognise the challenges. I hope that you also recognise that we're working really hard as a Government to promote teaching as an exciting, engaging profession to work in. I think the Curriculum for Wales will help with that. It's next-level teaching and learning, as far as I can see, and I think it would be really appealing for staff to have that agency, working with our new curriculum. But, in addition, we have invested money in the various bursaries that we have. That’s always challenging when we’re struggling with finances, but we’ve continued to do that.
Just to say that I am acutely aware of the pressures that schools are facing, that they’ve got a huge range of societal problems coming into the classroom, that there are challenges with behaviour. You’ve referred to violence; I met with the schools partnership council this morning and we had a really good discussion about behaviour. I’m going to be doing some more work with them on that to make sure that we give them every support they need on that, not just through things like our new behaviour toolkit, but more generally to look at what we can do to make sure that we support them. And we’ve talked before about things like education support, which is providing support for their well-being.
In terms of ALN, you heard me acknowledge last week—I think I was pretty candid with the committee—the challenges that we’re facing, and you’ve heard me say to Tom today that I’m really committed to accelerating that work really quickly and that I’m very happy to provide further updates. Officials are currently working up with me a plan on taking forward those two areas of work, and I can provide a further update in due course.
In terms of the new curriculum, I did talk in the committee about scaffolding. I’m planning to make an oral statement to the Senedd in July, which is the annual report on the new curriculum, and I’ll set out more detail then. But what has been made clear to me from the conversations I’ve been having and officials have been having is that schools would like more national professional learning for curriculum design, building on the success of the curriculum design pilot programme. So, we’re refining this and expanding access to high-quality professional learning, which will be available from the autumn. They would like simplified detail on what progression looks like to help schools understand expectations at different points. They would like some examples of curriculum content, what topics and context could be developed across the curriculum. This is about bringing the curriculum to life for schools.
We’re looking at templates to support schools and teacher planning, both for designing curricula and also assessing the progress learners are making, and better support for schools to build a shared understanding of learners’ progress, to raise the bar of evaluations of progress across schools and enable a more consistent level of challenge across schools’ curricula. But I do have to be clear that some schools are flying with the curriculum, and we don’t want to inhibit the schools that are doing really, really well with it; this is about supporting the ones who need a bit of extra support with what they’re doing.
You referred to the MAC review: I did meet with the Migration Advisory Committee a few weeks ago to talk about their plans, their review of the graduate route, which I was really worried about. I was very clear to them that further restrictions like that would be hugely damaging to higher education in Wales. I am really pleased that they have recommended not making further changes to that, and I will be making representations to the UK Government to urge them to listen to the review. This is also a policy that they’ve taken forward in haste, and that isn’t a good way to make policy. I know how deeply concerned in the discussions I’ve had with universities they are about the impact of the falling numbers of overseas students, so we absolutely have to prioritise this.
And just to conclude by saying I’m very happy either for you to write me or if you want to sit down and have a discussion to allow more time to do that. I’m very happy to do that.
Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi, Heledd, ac wrth gwrs rwy'n cydnabod nad datganiad wedi etholiad yw hwn a fy mod i wedi cadeirio'r pwyllgor, a orffennodd dair blynedd yn ôl, ond roeddwn i o'r farn ei bod hi'n bwysig, wrth i mi ddod i'r swydd o'r newydd, fy mod i'n cael amser i bwyso a mesur yr hyn sy'n digwydd, a gwrando cymaint â phosibl ar athrawon, staff ysgol, plant a phobl ifanc ac eraill. Ond ystyr hyn hefyd yw gweithredu, yn hollol.
O ran amserlenni, rwy'n bwriadu nodi cynllun mwy manwl o ran gwella cyrhaeddiad a safonau mewn ysgolion yn ystod y tymor hwn, felly cyn yr haf, beth bynnag, rwy'n gobeithio, ac fe gewch chi fwy o wybodaeth ynglŷn â hynny.
Fe wnaethoch chi godi'r problemau o ran recriwtio a chadw gyda mi'n flaenorol, yr wythnos diwethaf mewn cwestiynau. Rwyf i'n cydnabod yr heriau. Rwy'n gobeithio y byddech chwithau'n cydnabod hefyd ein bod ni'n gweithio yn galed iawn yn y Llywodraeth i hyrwyddo addysgu fel gyrfa gyffrous a diddorol i weithio ynddi. Rwy'n credu y bydd y Cwricwlwm i Gymru o gymorth yn hynny o beth. Dyma addysgu a dysgu amgen, yn fy marn i, ac rwy'n credu y byddai hi'n apelio yn fawr at staff i fod â'r galluedd hwnnw, wrth weithio gyda'n cwricwlwm newydd. Ond, yn ogystal â hynny, rydym ni wedi buddsoddi arian yn y gwahanol fwrsariaethau sydd gennym. Mae hynny bob amser yn heriol pan fyddwn yn cael trafferthion gyda chyllid, ond rydym ni wedi dal ati i wneud hynny.
Dim ond gair bach i ddweud fy mod i'n ymwybodol iawn o'r pwysau sydd ar yr ysgolion, a bod ganddyn nhw ystod enfawr o broblemau cymdeithasol yn dod i mewn i'r ystafell ddosbarth, a bod heriau o ran ymddygiad. Fe wnaethoch chi gyfeirio at drais; fe wnes i gwrdd â'r cyngor partneriaeth ysgolion y bore yma ac fe gawsom ni drafodaeth dda iawn am ymddygiad. Fe fyddaf i'n gwneud ychydig mwy o waith gyda nhw ynglŷn â hynny i sicrhau ein bod ni'n rhoi pob cymorth angenrheidiol yn hynny o beth, nid yn unig trwy bethau fel ein pecyn cymorth ymddygiad newydd, ond wrth ystyried yn fwy cyffredinol yr hyn y gallwn ni ei wneud i sicrhau ein bod ni'n eu cefnogi nhw. Ac rydym ni wedi siarad o'r blaen am bethau fel cymorth addysg, sy'n darparu cefnogaeth i'w llesiant nhw.
O ran ADY, fe wnaethoch chi fy nghlywed i'n cydnabod yr wythnos diwethaf—rwy'n credu i mi fod yn ddi-flewyn-ar-dafod gyda'r pwyllgor—yr heriau yr ydym ni'n eu hwynebu, ac rydych chi wedi fy nghlywed i'n dweud wrth Tom heddiw fy mod i wedi ymrwymo yn wirioneddol i gyflymu'r gwaith hwnnw'n gyflym iawn a fy mod i'n hapus iawn i gyflwyno diweddariadau pellach. Mae swyddogion yn gweithio gyda mi ar gynllun ar hyn o bryd i ddatblygu'r ddau faes hynny o waith, ac fe fyddaf i'n gallu rhoi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf eto maes o law.
O ran y cwricwlwm newydd, fe wnes i siarad yn y pwyllgor am sgaffaldiau. Rwy'n bwriadu gwneud datganiad llafar i'r Senedd ym mis Gorffennaf, sef yr adroddiad blynyddol ar y cwricwlwm newydd, ac fe fyddaf i'n nodi mwy o fanylion bryd hynny. Ond yr hyn a eglurwyd i mi o'r sgyrsiau a gefais i ac mae swyddogion wedi bod yn eu cael nhw yw y byddai ysgolion yn hoffi dysgu proffesiynol sy'n fwy cenedlaethol ar gyfer dylunio'r cwricwlwm, gan adeiladu ar lwyddiant rhaglen cynllun treialu dylunio'r cwricwlwm. Felly, rydym ni'n mireinio hyn ac yn ehangu argaeledd dysgu proffesiynol o ansawdd uchel, a fydd ar gael o'r hydref. Fe hoffen nhw gael manylder mwy uniongyrchol o sut wedd sydd ar gynnydd i helpu ysgolion i ddeall disgwyliadau ar wahanol gyfnodau. Fe hoffen nhw fod â rhai enghreifftiau o gynnwys y cwricwlwm, pa bynciau a chyd-destun y gellid eu datblygu ar draws y cwricwlwm. Ystyr hyn yw dod â'r cwricwlwm yn fyw i ysgolion.
Rydym ni'n edrych ar dempledi i gefnogi'r ysgolion a chynllunio'r athrawon, ar gyfer cynllunio cwricwla ac asesu'r cynnydd y mae dysgwyr yn ei wneud fel ei gilydd, a chynnig cefnogaeth well i ysgolion wrth feithrin dealltwriaeth gyffredin o gynnydd y dysgwyr, ar gyfer codi safonau'r gwerthusiadau cynnydd ar draws ysgolion a chaniatáu cyfradd fwy cyson o her ar draws cwricwla'r ysgolion. Ond mae'n rhaid i mi fod yn eglur bod rhai ysgolion yn hedfan gyda'r cwricwlwm, ac nid ydym ni'n dymuno atal yr ysgolion sy'n gwneud yn wirioneddol dda iawn yn hynny o beth; ystyr hyn yw cefnogi'r rhai sydd ag angen ychydig o gymorth ychwanegol gyda'r hyn y maen nhw'n ei wneud.
Roeddech chi'n cyfeirio at adolygiad y Pwyllgor Cynghori ar Fudo: fe wnes i gyfarfod â'r Pwyllgor Cynghori ar Fudo ychydig wythnosau yn ôl i siarad am ei gynlluniau, ei adolygiad o lwybr graddedigion, yr oeddwn i mor bryderus yn ei gylch. Fe ddywedais i'n eglur iawn iddyn nhw y byddai cyfyngiadau pellach fel hyn yn niweidiol iawn i addysg uwch yng Nghymru. Rwy'n falch iawn eu bod nhw wedi argymell peidio â gwneud newidiadau pellach i hynny, ac fe fyddaf i'n cyflwyno sylwadau i Lywodraeth y DU i'w hannog i wrando ar yr adolygiad. Mae hwn yn bolisi arall y maen nhw wedi ei ddatblygu ar frys, ac nid yw honno'n ffordd dda o lunio polisi. Fe wn i o'r trafodaethau a gefais â'r prifysgolion pa mor bryderus ydyn nhw ynglŷn â'r gostyngiad yn nifer y myfyrwyr o dramor, felly mae taer angen i ni flaenoriaethu hynny.
A dim ond gair wrth gloi i ddweud fy mod i'n hapus iawn naill ai i chi ysgrifennu ataf i neu pe byddech chi'n dymuno eistedd i lawr i drafod i ganiatáu mwy o amser i wneud hynny. Rwy'n hapus iawn i wneud hynny.
I welcome very much the statement you've made this afternoon, Minister. There are two issues I would like to raise with you this afternoon. First of all is additional learning needs. You will remember that I was the Minister who was responsible for taking through the legislation to reform additional learning needs in Wales. I think it was about five or six years ago now we faced each other across the committee table. It's fair to say that I'm pretty disappointed with the way it's been delivered since then, and I would value the opportunity to discuss with you, Minister, why it's taken so long to get some of these things right and to ensure that pupils and learners with additional learning needs have their needs met in the way that the legislation foresees.
The second matter is about Blaenau Gwent. You'll be aware that headteachers from across the borough along with counties elsewhere in Wales have written to all parents talking about the impact of austerity on schools and the impact that falling budgets is having both on schools' ability to deliver the curriculum, but also the richness of the school experience for pupils in the borough and elsewhere. I'd be grateful if, Minister, we could meet to discuss how the Welsh Government can work with local authorities to ensure that all our children have the rich educational experience that everybody has a right to expect and how we can ensure that every child is able to meet the whole of their potential.
Rwy'n croesawu'r datganiad a wnaethoch chi brynhawn heddiw yn fawr iawn, Gweinidog. Mae yna ddau gwestiwn yr hoffwn eu codi gyda chi'r prynhawn yma. Yn gyntaf i gyd, o ran anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Rydych chi siŵr o fod yn cofio mai myfi oedd y Gweinidog a oedd yn gyfrifol am gyflwyno'r ddeddfwriaeth i ddiwygio anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yng Nghymru. Rwy'n credu bod tua phump neu chwe blynedd wedi mynd heibio ers i ni wynebu ein gilydd dros fwrdd y pwyllgor. Mae hi'n deg dweud fy mod i'n eithaf siomedig â'r ffordd y cafodd hyn ei gyflawni oddi ar hynny, ac fe fyddwn i'n gwerthfawrogi'r cyfle i drafod gyda chi, Gweinidog, pam mae hi wedi cymryd cyhyd i gyflawni rhai o'r pethau hyn yn briodol a sicrhau bod anghenion disgyblion a dysgwyr ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn cael eu diwallu yn y ffordd y mae'r ddeddfwriaeth yn ei rhagweld.
Mae'r ail fater yn ymwneud â Blaenau Gwent. Rydych chi'n ymwybodol fod penaethiaid o bob rhan o'r fwrdeistref ynghyd â siroedd eraill yng Nghymru wedi ysgrifennu at bob rhiant yn sôn am effaith cyni ar yr ysgolion a'r effaith y mae cyllidebau gostyngol yn ei chael ar allu'r ysgolion i gyflwyno'r cwricwlwm, a hefyd am gyfoeth y profiad addysgol i ddisgyblion yn y fwrdeistref ac mewn mannau eraill. Fe fyddwn i'n ddiolchgar pe gallem ni gyfarfod i drafod sut y gall Llywodraeth Cymru weithio gyda'r awdurdodau lleol i sicrhau bod ein plant ni i gyd yn cael y profiad addysgol cyfoethog y mae gan bob un yr hawl i'w ddisgwyl a sut y gallwn ni sicrhau y bydd pob plentyn yn gallu ymgyrraedd â'i botensial yn ei gyfanrwydd.
Can I thank Alun Davies for his questions? Indeed, I remember you taking the legislation through. I think it is important that we remember it is a complex reform, it's a nought to 25 system that provides a unified plan for children and young people, rather than the system of special educational needs where we had those three tiers of support. For that reason, we have undertaken it in a phased way, moving different groups of learners from SEN to the new ALN system, and I think that is the right thing to do. It's important to get it right, and as you heard me say today, there are some challenges in terms of consistent implementation of the legislation that are a priority for me to resolve.
In terms of the issues you've raised about headteachers in Blaenau Gwent, obviously, the cause of that is austerity, as you've rightly pointed out. I just wanted to say that I really recognise the pressures that schools are under and how difficult things are at the moment. Our budget in the Welsh Government is worth £700 million less than it was at the time of the last spending review. We had a very difficult budget round where the decision was made to prioritise health and social care, along with schools through local government. So, we did uplift the funding for local government for schools. Also, the money that we put into the local authority education grant was £379 million, so we have done our utmost, even within the really difficult financial situation we're in, to protect that funding. But I don't want to give any impression that I don't recognise how challenging it is for schools, and we're continuing to work with schools and local authorities. Of course, they all work together as well through the budget fora. But I'm very happy to have a further discussion with you about that.
A gaf i ddiolch i Alun Davies am ei gwestiynau? Yn wir, rwy'n cofio pan wnaethoch chi ddwyn y ddeddfwriaeth drwodd. Rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig inni gofio mai diwygiad cymhleth yw hwn, system o ddim hyd 25 sy'n darparu cynllun unedig ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc, yn hytrach na'r system anghenion addysgol arbennig lle roedd gennym ni'r tair haen hynny o gefnogaeth. Am y rheswm hwnnw, fe wnaethom ni hyn o gam i gam, gan symud gwahanol grwpiau o ddysgwyr o AAA i'r system ADY newydd, ac rwyf i o'r farn mai dyna'r peth cymwys i'w wneud. Mae hi'n bwysig inni wneud pethau yn iawn, ac fel clywsoch chi fi'n dweud heddiw, mae yna rai heriau o ran gweithredu'r ddeddfwriaeth gyda chysondeb ac mae datrys hynny'n flaenoriaeth i mi.
O ran y materion y gwnaethoch chi eu codi am benaethiaid ym Mlaenau Gwent, yn amlwg, cyni yw achos hynny, fel roeddech chi'n gywir i'w nodi. Fe hoffwn i ddweud fy mod i wir yn cydnabod y pwysau sydd ar yr ysgolion a pha mor anodd yw hi ar hyn o bryd. Mae ein cyllideb ni yn Llywodraeth Cymru £700 miliwn yn llai yn ei werth na'r hyn ydoedd ar adeg yr adolygiad gwariant diwethaf. Roedd gennym ni rownd gyllideb anodd iawn pryd gwnaethpwyd y penderfyniad i flaenoriaethu iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, ynghyd ag ysgolion trwy lywodraeth leol. Felly, fe wnaethom ni godi'r cyllid ar gyfer llywodraeth leol ar gyfer yr ysgolion. Yn ogystal â hynny, £379 miliwn oedd yr arian a roddwyd i mewn i grant addysg yr awdurdodau lleol, felly fe wnaethom ni ein gorau, hyd yn oed yn y sefyllfa ariannol anodd iawn yr ydym ni ynddi, i amddiffyn y cyllid hwnnw. Ond nid wyf i'n dymuno rhoi unrhyw argraff nad wyf i'n cydnabod pa mor heriol yw hi ar yr ysgolion, ac rydym ni'n parhau i weithio gyda'r ysgolion ac awdurdodau lleol. Wrth gwrs, maen nhw i gyd yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd hefyd trwy'r fforymau cyllideb. Ond rwy'n hapus iawn i gynnal trafodaeth arall gyda chi ynglŷn â hynny.
Child poverty exists in every part of Wales, causing serious and lifelong harm to our nation's future. We know poverty has a huge impact on learning. Children in poverty are more likely to underachieve, miss out on extracurricular activities and experience bullying at school. It was disappointing to hear no reference to reducing the costs of the school day in your list of priorities, because, Cabinet Secretary, there are no-cost changes that could really make a difference. For example, although the Welsh Government has issued statutory guidance for school governing bodies on uniforms that covers issues of affordability, the only requirement is to have regard for the needs of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to Children in Wales, 79 per cent of those who responded to their latest survey said they still have to wear a school badge or logo, despite the guidance—79 per cent—and they say that banning logos would put £75 on average back in the pockets of families. Banning non-uniform days would address poverty-related bullying and absences. So, Cabinet Secretary, will you therefore considering implementing these two simple steps, and what further new measures are you considering to alleviate the impact of the cost of the school day on the growing attainment gap? Diolch.
Mae tlodi plant yn bodoli ym mhob cwr o Gymru, ac mae'n peri niwed difrifol a chydol oes i ddyfodol ein cenedl. Fe wyddom ni fod tlodi ag effaith enfawr ar ddysgu. Mae plant mewn tlodi yn fwy tebygol o dangyflawni, a bod ar eu colled o ran gweithgareddau allgyrsiol a chael eu bwlio yn yr ysgol. Roedd hi'n siomedig na chlywsom ni unrhyw gyfeiriad at leihau costau'r diwrnod ysgol yn eich rhestr chi o flaenoriaethau, oherwydd, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, mae yna newidiadau heb gost a allai wneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol. Er enghraifft, er bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyhoeddi canllawiau statudol ar gyfer cyrff llywodraethu ysgolion ar wisgoedd sy'n ymdrin â materion o ran fforddiadwyedd, yr unig ofyniad yw rhoi sylw i anghenion plant o gefndiroedd difreintiedig. Yn ôl Plant yng Nghymru, roedd 79 y cant o'r rhai a ymatebodd i'w harolwg diweddaraf yn dweud eu bod nhw'n dal i orfod gwisgo bathodyn ysgol neu logo, er gwaethaf y canllawiau—79 y cant—ac maen nhw'n dweud y byddai diddymu logos yn rhoi £75 ar gyfartaledd yn ôl yng nghyllidebau teuluoedd. Fe fyddai gwahardd diwrnodau heb wisg ysgol yn mynd i'r afael â bwlio ac absenoldebau sy'n gysylltiedig â thlodi. Felly, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, a wnewch chi ystyried gweithredu'r ddau gam syml hyn felly, a pha fesurau newydd pellach a ydych chi'n eu hystyried i liniaru effaith cost y diwrnod ysgol ar y bwlch cyrhaeddiad cynyddol? Diolch.
Thank you very much, Sioned, for those very important points. Obviously, I had a limited amount of time in the statement, and I've tried to cover what ground I can, but I recognise how vital those links are between poverty and children's experience in school, and the cost of the school day is incredibly important. I'm sure you would acknowledge that, through the work that we've done together with yourselves, providing free school meals for all primary school children, which has been very effectively rolled out, is putting money into the pockets of hard-pressed families. We've got our school essentials grant, and that's apart from all the academic ways in which we're trying to tackle that attainment gap.
Thank you for raising the school uniform guidance. This is an issue that I feel very strongly about and always have. I know that Children in Wales are doing really important work on this and that they're working with families around the impact of poverty. I hadn't seen that figure about the badges; I do think that is really important. I will follow that up with Children in Wales and look at what more we can do in that space. You'll be aware that schools told us that they thought a uniform was important, it's about belonging, which is completely understandable. But I do think it's really important that all schools really think about the impact of the uniform on household budgets. And if other children are anything like my son—. I was keeping the school uniform shop in business, because he lost things practically every week—
Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi, Sioned, am y pwyntiau pwysig iawn yna. Yn amlwg, ychydig iawn o amser a oedd gennyf i yn y datganiad, ac fe geisiais i ymdrin â chymaint â phosibl, ond rwy'n cydnabod pa mor hanfodol yw'r cysylltiadau hynny rhwng tlodi a phrofiadau plant yn yr ysgol, ac mae cost y diwrnod ysgol yn hynod bwysig. Rwy'n siŵr y byddech chi'n cydnabod, drwy'r gwaith a wnaethoch chi gyda ninnau, bod darparu prydau ysgol am ddim i bob plentyn ysgol gynradd, a gyflwynwyd yn effeithiol iawn, yn rhoi arian yng nghyllidebau teuluoedd sydd dan bwysau. Mae'r grant hanfodion ysgol gennym ni, ac mae hwnnw ar wahân i'r holl ddulliau academaidd sydd gennym ni ar waith i geisio mynd i'r afael â'r bwlch hwnnw o ran cyrhaeddiad.
Diolch i chi am godi'r canllawiau o ran gwisg ysgol. Mae hwn yn fater yr wyf i'n teimlo yn gryf iawn amdano fel gwnes i erioed. Rwy'n gwybod bod Plant yng Nghymru yn gwneud gwaith pwysig iawn ar hyn a'u bod nhw'n gweithio gyda theuluoedd ynghylch effaith tlodi. Nid oeddwn i wedi gweld y ffigur yna am y bathodynnau; rwy'n credu bod hwnnw'n rhywbeth pwysig iawn. Rwyf i am fynd ar ôl hynny gyda Plant yng Nghymru ac ystyried unrhyw beth arall y gallwn ni ei wneud yn y cyswllt hwnnw. Rydych chi'n ymwybodol bod ysgolion wedi mynegi i ni eu bod nhw o'r farn fod gwisg yn bwysig, a'i bod yn ymwneud â pherthynas, sy'n gwbl ddealladwy. Ond rwy'n credu ei bod hi'n bwysig iawn bod pob ysgol yn meddwl o ddifrif am effaith y wisg ar gyllidebau aelwydydd. Ac os yw plant eraill unrhyw beth tebyg i fy mab i fy hun—. Roeddwn i'n cadw'r siop gwisgoedd ysgol mewn busnes, oherwydd roedd ef yn arfer colli rhywbeth bob wythnos bron—
You can afford to replace those things.
Ond roeddech chi'n gallu fforddio pethau newydd yn eu lle nhw.
Yes, absolutely. I do recognise that. What I'm saying to you is that I am taking this very seriously; I will take it away and have a look at what more we can do. Obviously, my predecessor reviewed the guidance, but I hear your concerns about the extent to which that is being implemented. I personally think it's really important; I don't want any children to be feeling the effect of stigma in the classroom.
Oeddwn, yn sicr. Rwy'n cydnabod hynny. Yr hyn yr wyf i'n ei ddweud wrthych chi yw fy mod i'n cymryd y peth o ddifrif; rwyf i am fynd ag ef ac ystyried beth arall y gallem ni ei wneud. Yn amlwg, fe wnaeth fy rhagflaenydd i adolygu'r canllawiau, ond rwy'n deall eich pryderon chi ynghylch faint o weithredu sydd ar hynny. Yn bersonol, rwyf i o'r farn fod hyn yn bwysig iawn; nid wyf i'n dymuno i unrhyw blentyn deimlo effaith gwarthnod yn yr ystafell ddosbarth.
Congratulations, Minister. As the former Minister for public health, I know that you know that obesity is a major challenge, and the strategies you used for raising the uptake of families entitled to the healthy eating vouchers mean that I'm absolutely confident that you will make your mark on this portfolio.
You absolutely understand that obesity is a major challenge, in particular the sobering fact that six in 10 children arrive at school, aged five, overweight, and half of those are obese. On our important investment in universal primary free school meals, I believe that the uptake is about 70 per cent. What conversations will you have with headteachers to try and embed getting children to grow, taste and cook the food that is going to help them grow and thrive into the curriculum?
And secondly, on secondary schools, how will you deal with the really serious shortage of students in STEM subjects and the way in which secondary schools are having to apply a dog-eat-dog competition in trying to obtain maths, science, engineering and technology teachers, when, without these specialisms, it's impossible for the child to get the entitlement that they have? This feels like a really wicked issue and one that I do hope you'll have time to think of a solution to.
Llongyfarchiadau, Gweinidog. A minnau wedi bod yn Weinidog iechyd y cyhoedd, fe wn i eich bod chi'n ymwybodol o faint her gordewdra, ac mae'r strategaethau a ddefnyddiwyd gennych chi i godi'r niferoedd o deuluoedd a fydd â hawl i gael talebau bwyta'n iach yn golygu fy mod i'n gwbl hyderus y byddwch chi'n gadael eich ôl ar y portffolio hwn.
Rydych chi'n deall o'r gorau fod gordewdra yn her enfawr, yn enwedig y ffaith sobreiddiol fod chwech o bob 10 plentyn yn cyrraedd yr ysgol, yn bump oed, dros bwysau, a hanner y rhain yn ordew. O ran ein buddsoddiad pwysig mewn prydau ysgol am ddim cyffredinol, rwy'n credu bod y gyfradd sy'n eu cael nhw oddeutu 70 y cant. Pa sgyrsiau a fyddwch chi'n eu cael gyda phenaethiaid i geisio ymwreiddio yn y cwricwlwm y neges i blant dyfu, blasu a choginio'r bwyd a fydd yn eu helpu nhw i dyfu a ffynnu?
Ac yn ail, o ran yr ysgolion uwchradd, sut ydych chi am ymdrin â'r prinder difrifol iawn o fyfyrwyr mewn pynciau STEM a'r ffordd y mae ysgolion uwchradd yn gorfod cymhwyso cystadleuaeth trechaf treisied, gwannaf gwaedded wrth geisio cael athrawon mathemateg, gwyddoniaeth, peirianneg a thechnoleg, pan fyddo hi, heb yr arbenigeddau hyn, yn amhosibl i'r plentyn gael yr hyn y mae ganddo hawl iddo? Mae'r mater hwn yn wirioneddol anfad ac yn un yr wyf i'n gobeithio y bydd gennych chi amser i feddwl am ddatrysiad iddo.
Thank you very much, Jenny. I know that you are really passionate about tackling obesity and I think there are lots of opportunities for me to link up the work that I did in my previous role with the Minister for health, who has now taken on the responsibility for that.
The statistics that you've highlighted are really stark. As I said, the roll-out of the universal free school meals has gone really well. I believe the figures are well over 70 per cent now, but I would need to check that. I know that all bar three local authorities have fully implemented it and those other three will have implemented it by September, which is really good news. But it is a massive investment and we do have to get the biggest bang for our buck in terms of health with this. That's one of the reasons that one of the things we're going to be doing is reviewing the healthy food regulations to make sure that children and young people are getting a healthy meal at the same time. So, there's some further work to do there, and officials are working on that.
Your point on STEM subjects is really well made and, as you're aware, we also have shortages in STEM teachers, which is obviously a critical issue that we need to address. And the bursaries that I mentioned in another answer are also available to people choosing to study STEM subjects. So, we're doing what we can to try and address those shortages.
Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi, Jenny. Rwy'n gwybod eich bod chi'n frwdfrydig iawn am fynd i'r afael â gordewdra ac rwy'n credu bod llawer o gyfleoedd i mi gysylltu'r gwaith a wnes i yn fy swydd flaenorol gyda'r Gweinidog iechyd, sydd wedi ysgwyddo'r cyfrifoldeb am hynny erbyn hyn.
Mae'r ystadegau yr oeddech chi'n tynnu sylw atyn nhw'n rhai cignoeth iawn. Fel dywedais i, mae cyflwyno cyffredinol prydau ysgol am ddim wedi mynd yn dda iawn. Rwy'n credu bod y ffigurau ymhell dros 70 y cant erbyn hyn, ond fe fydd angen i mi wirio hynny. Rwy'n gwybod bod pob awdurdod lleol heblaw am dri wedi ei weithredu yn ei gyfanrwydd ac fe fydd y tri arall yn ei weithredu erbyn mis Medi, sy'n newyddion da iawn. Ond mae hwnnw'n fuddsoddiad enfawr ac mae'n rhaid i ni gael y gwerth gorau am ein harian o ran iechyd yn hyn o beth. Dyna un o'r rhesymau pam mai un o'r pethau y byddwn ni'n eu gwneud yw adolygu'r rheoliadau o ran bwyd iach i sicrhau y bydd plant a phobl ifanc yn cael pryd o fwyd iach ar yr un pryd. Felly, mae rhywfaint o waith i'w wneud eto ynglŷn â hyn, ac mae swyddogion yn gweithio ar hynny.
Fe wnaethoch chi eich pwynt ynglŷn â phynciau STEM yn dda iawn ac, fel gwyddoch chi, mae gennym ni brinder o athrawon STEM hefyd, sy'n amlwg yn fater hanfodol y mae angen i ni fynd i'r afael ag ef. Ac mae'r bwrsariaethau y soniais i amdanyn nhw mewn ateb arall ar gael hefyd i bobl sy'n dewis astudio pynciau STEM. Felly, rydym ni'n gwneud y cyfan a allwn i geisio mynd i'r afael â'r prinderau hynny.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for setting out your priorities. Now, we know that Wales is facing a significant skills gap—an issue that was highlighted in the Welsh Government's own 2022 employer survey, and an issue that's worsening over time. Now, what I was concerned about, as part of that statement, is that there is no single document that sets out the Government's detailed strategy on post-compulsory education and skills—something that actually would be of benefit, not just to education leavers, but also to those who are looking to transition into another sector of the economy at a later stage in life. So, will the Cabinet Secretary outline whether we can expect clearer skills planning from this Government, and what role will the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Welsh Language play alongside you in putting that plan together?
Diolch i chi, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, am nodi eich blaenoriaethau. Nawr, fe wyddom ni fod Cymru yn wynebu bwlch sgiliau sylweddol—mater a amlygwyd yn arolwg cyflogwyr 2022 Llywodraeth Cymru ei hunan, a mater sy'n gwaethygu gydag amser. Nawr, yr hyn yr oeddwn i'n ofidus amdano, yn rhan o'r datganiad hwnnw, yw nad oes unrhyw ddogfen yn nodi strategaeth addysg a sgiliau ôl-orfodol y Llywodraeth gyda manylder—rhywbeth a fyddai o fantais wirioneddol, nid yn unig i rai sy'n gadael addysg, ond i rai a fyddai'n ceisio trosglwyddo i sector arall o'r economi yn nes ymlaen yn eu bywydau hefyd. Felly, a wnaiff yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet amlinellu a allwn ni ddisgwyl cynllun sgiliau mwy eglur gan y Llywodraeth hon, a pha swyddogaeth fydd gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi, Ynni a’r Gymraeg yn gyfochrog â chi yn nyluniad y cynllun hwnnw?
Thank you very much, Luke, and I know this is an area that you're passionate about. I'm sure you also wouldn't have expected me to set out all of the detail in the statement. I've been very clear that one of the issues that I'm most concerned about is our participation rates post-16, which do not fare favourably in comparison with the rest of the UK. Having that parity of esteem, building that skills base is vital. Working with employers to make sure that we can match the skills that employers need as well is crucial, and I will be working very closely with Jeremy Miles on this. Obviously, some of this sits in his portfolio. The new commission as well is a really good opportunity to get a more coherent picture on this, and really join up the working and get this right.
Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi, Luke, ac fe wn i eich bod chi'n frwdfrydig iawn ynglŷn â'r maes hwn. Rwy'n siŵr na fyddech chi wedi disgwyl i mi nodi'r manylion i gyd yn y datganiad. Rwyf i wedi bod yn eglur iawn mai un o'r materion yr wyf i'n pryderu fwyaf amdano yw ein cyfraddau cyfranogiad ôl-16, nad ydyn nhw'n cymharu yn dda iawn â gweddill y DU. Mae bod â pharch cyfartal, gan adeiladu sylfaen sgiliau yn hanfodol. Mae gweithio gyda chyflogwyr i sicrhau ein bod ni'n gallu cyfateb â'r sgiliau sydd eu hangen ar gyflogwyr yn hanfodol hefyd, ac fe fyddaf i'n gweithio yn agos iawn gyda Jeremy Miles yn hyn o beth. Yn amlwg, mae cyfran o'r gwaith hwn yn perthyn i'w bortffolio ef. Mae'r comisiwn newydd yn rhoi cyfle da iawn hefyd i fod â darlun mwy cydlynol o hyn, a sicrhau cydweithio gwirioneddol ar gyfer gwneud hyn yn iawn.
So, Cabinet Secretary, on behalf of Islwyn, may I firstly welcome you to your post, and place on record my appreciation for your visit to Islwyn on one of your earliest engagements as Cabinet Secretary for Education, and also for your listening approach to the significant challenges and priorities ahead? It was wonderful to welcome you to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon for its official opening in Cwmcarn—a Victorian school that my own child attended.
Cabinet Secretary, the Welsh Government has led the way on capital investment in our school buildings in a desert of capital investment to Wales, transforming, through twenty-first century schools, the new, for instance, Welsh school in Cwmcarn, thorough the sustainable communities for learning programme, and I also hugely welcome the facilities for learners with additional learning needs included in the Welsh Government's announcement last week of a further £20 million for schools to improve additional learning facilities.
So, post COVID, and still in a time of so-called austerity, can you as Cabinet Secretary outline how this investment will help deliver your overall priorities of sustained improvement in education attainment, and your specific priorities on supporting learners with additional learning needs? And also will you please, if you may, comment to this place on the sudden announcement of the imminent closure at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama of its junior department—the pipeline of excellence, renowned for its equity and access for all, and where a visually impaired student of mine attended and flourished in full?
Felly, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, ar ran Islwyn, a gaf i eich croesawu chi i'ch swydd yn gyntaf i gyd, a mynegi fy ngwerthfawrogiad i ar goedd am i chi ymweld ag Islwyn ar un o'ch ymweliadau cyntaf yn Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg, ac am i chi agor eich clustiau wrth ystyried yr heriau a'r blaenoriaethau sylweddol sydd o'n blaenau ni hefyd? Roedd hi'n hyfryd eich croesawu chi i Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon ar ei hagoriad swyddogol yng Nghwmcarn—ysgol o oes Fictoria yr aeth fy mhlentyn i fy hunan iddi hi.
Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi arwain y ffordd ynghylch buddsoddiad cyfalaf yn adeiladau ein hysgolion drwy brinder o fuddsoddiad cyfalaf i Gymru, gan drawsnewid, drwy ysgolion yr unfed ganrif ar hugain, yr ysgol Gymraeg newydd, er enghraifft, yng Nghwmcarn, drwy'r rhaglen Cymunedau Cynaliadwy ar gyfer Dysgu, ac rwy'n croesawu'r cyfleusterau i ddysgwyr ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn fawr a gafodd eu cynnwys yng nghyhoeddiad Llywodraeth Cymru wythnos diwethaf o £20 miliwn arall i ysgolion ar gyfer gwella cyfleusterau dysgu ychwanegol.
Felly, wedi COVID, ac mewn cyfnod o'r hyn a elwir yn gyni, a wnewch chi amlinellu, fel yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, sut wnaiff y buddsoddiad hwn helpu i gyflawni eich blaenoriaethau cyffredinol chi o welliant parhaus o ran cyraeddiadau addysgol, a'ch blaenoriaethau penodol wrth gefnogi dysgwyr ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol? Ac a wnewch chi roi sylwadau hefyd, os gallwch chi, yn y fan hon ar y cyhoeddiad disymwth y bydd Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru yn cau ei adran iau yn fuan iawn—y biblinell rhagoriaeth, sy'n enwog am ei thegwch a'i mynediad i bawb, a lle'r aeth myfyriwr i mi a oedd ag amhariad ar ei olwg a dod yn ei flaen yn ardderchog?
Thank you very much, Rhianon. It was a real pleasure to be in your constituency for the opening of that lovely school—really great to see the fruits of that huge investment. And we've invested well over £2 billion in our school buildings in Wales, and that compares very favourably to the choices made over the border.
As you've highlighted, I announced an extra £20 million for ALN capital funding last week. That will be for local authorities and schools to plan the spending of in partnership with us. When I went to make the announcement at Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant in Barry, I was able to see the new unit that they'd established there. Schools will have different needs, really. It might be for special units. It might be for equipment and what have you. So, I think it is very much about responding to local need.
In terms of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama announcement, can I say that I was very grateful to them for keeping me updated? I really do recognise how very difficult the financial pressures are facing higher education institutions in Wales, and recognise the really important work that they do. I know that they have plans to ensure that they do continue really valuable work with children and young people, and I've asked to be kept updated on that. As you're aware, we are committed as a Government to ensuring that children and young people have those musical opportunities—and you've been a massive champion of that work—and our £13 million national music service is making sure that every child has the opportunity to play a musical instrument, sing and make music. And I'm really committed to ensuring that that work continues.
Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi, Rhianon. Roedd hi'n bleser mawr bod yn eich etholaeth chi ar gyfer agor yr ysgol hyfryd honno—gwych iawn gweld ffrwyth y buddsoddiad enfawr hwnnw. Ac rydym ni wedi buddsoddi ymhell dros £2 biliwn yn adeiladau ein hysgolion yng Nghymru, ac mae hynny'n cymharu yn ffafriol iawn â'r dewisiadau a wneir dros y ffin.
Fel y gwnaethoch chi dynnu sylw ato, fe gyhoeddais i £20 miliwn yn ychwanegol ar gyfer cyllid cyfalaf ADY yr wythnos diwethaf. Mater i awdurdodau lleol ac ysgolion fydd cynllunio gwariant mewn partneriaeth â ni. Pan es i i wneud y cyhoeddiad yn Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant yn Y Barri, roeddwn i'n gallu gweld yr uned newydd yr oedden nhw wedi ei sefydlu yno. Fe fydd gan ysgolion anghenion amrywiol, mewn gwirionedd. Fe allai hynny fod am unedau neilltuol. Fe allai hynny fod am offer neu unrhyw beth arall. Felly, rwyf i o'r farn mai ymateb i anghenion lleol yw ystyr hyn i raddau helaeth iawn.
O ran cyhoeddiad Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru, a gaf i ddweud fy mod yn ddiolchgar iawn iddyn nhw am roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i mi? Rwyf i wir yn cydnabod pa mor anodd yw'r pwysau ariannol sydd ar sefydliadau addysg uwch yng Nghymru, ac yn cydnabod y gwaith pwysig iawn y maen nhw'n ei wneud. Rwy'n gwybod bod cynlluniau ganddyn nhw i sicrhau eu bod nhw'n gallu parhau â gwaith gwerthfawr iawn gyda phlant a phobl ifanc, ac rwyf i wedi gofyn am y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf ynglŷn â hynny. Fel gwyddoch chi, rydym wedi ymrwymo yn y Llywodraeth i sicrhau y bydd plant a phobl ifanc yn cael y cyfleoedd cerddorol hynny—ac rydych chi wedi bod yn hyrwyddo'r gwaith hwnnw'n fawr iawn—mae ein gwasanaeth cerddoriaeth cenedlaethol gwerth £13 miliwn yn sicrhau y bydd pob plentyn yn cael cyfle i ganu offeryn cerdd, canu a chreu cerddoriaeth. Ac rwy'n wirioneddol ymrwymedig i sicrhau y bydd y gwaith hwnnw'n parhau.
Ac yn olaf, Adam Price.
And finally, Adam Price.
My colleague Heledd Fychan mentioned physical and mental and verbal violence in schools. That needed to be a priority, I think, addressing that, before the horrific incident in Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, but it's even more urgent and pressing now. That's why I was frankly surprised, exasperated, disappointed when I, after having had a conversation with the staff in the school, called for a national review of school safety, and the response from the Welsh Government spokesperson was that there were no plans for such a review. The staff, the students and parents of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman—they expect that review, they deserve that review, and that's true of school communities throughout Wales. The physical and mental scars of that incident are serious enough, but it could have been far worse, and unless we conduct that national review, I fear for what might happen in the future. I did write to your predecessor about concerns the school had in relation to policies in this area before the incident, and you may want to look at that correspondence and, indeed, correspondence between some of the school leadership and your officials, before making a final decision. But I urge you, Cabinet Secretary, school communities need this national review of school safety.
Gwnaeth fy nghyd-Aelod Heledd Fychan sôn am drais corfforol a meddyliol a geiriol mewn ysgolion. Roedd angen i hynny fod yn flaenoriaeth, rwy'n credu, ymdrin â hynny, cyn y digwyddiad erchyll yn Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, ond mae hyd yn oed mwy o frys i wneud hynny nawr. Dyna pam y cefais i fy synnu, fy nigio a fy siomi a dweud y gwir, pan wnes i, ar ôl cael sgwrs â'r staff yn yr ysgol, alw am adolygiad cenedlaethol o ddiogelwch ysgolion, ac ymateb llefarydd Llywodraeth Cymru oedd nad oedd unrhyw gynlluniau ar gyfer adolygiad o'r fath. Mae'r staff, y myfyrwyr a rhieni Ysgol Dyffryn Aman—maen nhw'n disgwyl yr adolygiad hwnnw, maen nhw'n haeddu'r adolygiad hwnnw, ac mae hynny'n wir am gymunedau ysgolion ledled Cymru. Mae creithiau corfforol a meddyliol y digwyddiad hwnnw'n ddigon difrifol, ond gallai fod wedi bod yn llawer gwaeth, ac oni bai ein bod ni'n cynnal yr adolygiad cenedlaethol hwnnw, rwy'n ofni'r hyn a allai ddigwydd yn y dyfodol. Fe ysgrifennais i at eich rhagflaenydd am bryderon yr oedd gan yr ysgol o ran polisïau yn y maes hwn cyn y digwyddiad, ac efallai yr hoffech chi edrych ar yr ohebiaeth honno ac, yn wir, gohebiaeth rhwng rhai o arweinwyr yr ysgol a'ch swyddogion chi, cyn gwneud penderfyniad terfynol. Ond rwy'n eich annog chi, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, mae cymunedau ysgolion angen yr adolygiad cenedlaethol hwn o ddiogelwch ysgolion.
Thank you very much, Adam. Can I say again how much I commend the way that Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and the local authority and the local emergency services responded to that incredibly difficult situation? I really do recognise the impact that that will have had on everybody involved, and that that will be a long-term impact, and I've been very clear that, as a Government, we are there to provide any support that they need. They've put in place a really comprehensive package of support anyway, for the school community, but I've been clear that, if they need any more, we will provide that for them.
I think I'm aware of what you're talking about, although I haven't seen the letter that you're referring to, because somebody at the school did raise some concerns with me recently, about some aspects of policy around exclusion. So, I am looking at that. And I've also said that we will learn the lessons from what's happened there. It's really important that—. Obviously, this is subject to a criminal investigation now. It has to be handled sensitively, but I have got no doubt that there will be lessons to learn from it. And when you talk about a national review of policy, I was with our trade union partners and the Association of Directors of Education in Wales and the Welsh Local Government Association this morning; they are all looking at their policies for critical incidents, checking that they're working, making sure that they're up to date. So, that work is actually happening. And I made the commitment this morning to our trade union partners that I am taking this work really seriously, in terms of that support that we put in place, to make sure that schools are safe, supportive places, for school staff and for young people.
You know yourself, Adam, that the issues around school behaviour are really complex. There are societal issues that are coming into the school, and I think it's really important to join up things like the work we're doing on mental health with that work on behaviour. But just to assure you, I am taking this very seriously. We are making sure that all areas are updating their policies and that they're being practised and everything. So, I'm not really sure how that differs, really, from a national review, if it's just the way you're describing it, because that work is happening. Everybody has taken what's happened really, really seriously. A few days after what happened in Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, there was a lockdown in Blaenau Gwent as well, following an incident there. So, you know, this is very uppermost in all our minds, so just to give you that assurance.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Adam. A gaf i ddweud eto faint rwy'n canmol y ffordd y gwnaeth Ysgol Dyffryn Aman a'r awdurdod lleol a'r gwasanaethau brys lleol ymateb i'r sefyllfa hynod anodd honno? Rwyf wir yn cydnabod yr effaith y bydd hynny wedi'i chael ar bawb dan sylw, ac y bydd hynny'n effaith hirdymor, ac rwyf wedi bod yn glir iawn ein bod ni, fel Llywodraeth, yno i roi unrhyw gymorth sydd ei angen arnyn nhw. Maen nhw wedi rhoi pecyn cymorth cynhwysfawr iawn ar waith beth bynnag, ar gyfer cymuned yr ysgol, ond rwyf wedi bod yn glir, os oes angen mwy arnyn nhw, y byddwn ni'n darparu hynny ar eu cyfer.
Rwy'n credu fy mod i'n ymwybodol o'r hyn yr ydych chi'n sôn amdano, er nad wyf wedi gweld y llythyr yr ydych chi'n cyfeirio ato, oherwydd fe wnaeth rhywun yn yr ysgol godi rhai pryderon gyda mi yn ddiweddar, am rai agweddau ar bolisi ynghylch gwahardd. Felly, rwy'n edrych ar hynny. Ac rwyf hefyd wedi dweud y byddwn ni'n dysgu'r gwersi o'r hyn sydd wedi digwydd yno. Mae'n bwysig iawn bod—. Yn amlwg, mae hyn yn destun ymchwiliad troseddol nawr. Mae'n rhaid ei drin yn sensitif, ond nid oes gennyf unrhyw amheuaeth y bydd gwersi i'w dysgu ohono. A phan yr ydych chi'n sôn am adolygiad cenedlaethol o bolisi, roeddwn i gyda'n partneriaid undebau llafur a Chymdeithas Cyfarwyddwyr Addysg Cymru a Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru y bore yma; maen nhw i gyd yn edrych ar eu polisïau ar gyfer digwyddiadau critigol, yn gwirio eu bod nhw'n gweithio, yn gwneud yn siŵr eu bod nhw'n gyfredol. Felly, mae'r gwaith hwnnw'n digwydd. Ac fe wnes i'r ymrwymiad y bore yma i'n partneriaid undebau llafur fy mod i'n cymryd y gwaith hwn o ddifrif, o ran y cymorth hwnnw yr ydym yn ei roi ar waith, i sicrhau bod ysgolion yn lleoedd diogel, cefnogol, i staff ysgolion ac i bobl ifanc.
Rydych chi'n gwybod eich hun, Adam, fod y materion sy'n ymwneud ag ymddygiad mewn ysgolion yn gymhleth iawn. Mae yna faterion cymdeithasol sy'n dod i mewn i'r ysgol, ac rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig iawn cydgysylltu pethau fel y gwaith rydyn ni'n ei wneud ar iechyd meddwl gyda'r gwaith hwnnw ar ymddygiad. Ond dim ond i'ch sicrhau chi, rwy'n cymryd hyn o ddifrif. Rydyn ni'n sicrhau bod pob maes yn diweddaru eu polisïau a'u bod yn cael eu hymarfer a phopeth. Felly, nid wyf i'n siŵr iawn sut mae hynny'n wahanol, mewn gwirionedd, i adolygiad cenedlaethol, os mai dyna'r ffordd yr ydych chi'n ei ddisgrifio, oherwydd mae'r gwaith hwnnw'n digwydd. Mae pawb wedi cymryd yr hyn sydd wedi digwydd o ddifrif. Ychydig ddyddiau wedi'r hyn a ddigwyddodd yn Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, cafodd ysgol ei rhoi dan glo ym Mlaenau Gwent hefyd, yn dilyn digwyddiad yno. Felly, wyddoch chi, mae hyn yn bennaf yn ein meddyliau i gyd, felly dim ond i roi'r sicrwydd hwnnw i chi.
Daeth y Llywydd i’r Gadair.
The Llywydd took the Chair.
Diolch i'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet. Diolch yn fawr.
I thank the Cabinet Secretary. Thank you.
Yr eitem nesaf, felly, fydd y datganiad gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd a Materion Gwledig ar ddyfodol ffermio yng Nghymru. Felly, Huw Irranca-Davies i wneud y datganiad yma.
The next item is a statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: the future of farming in Wales. Huw Irranca-Davies to make that statement.
Diolch, Llywydd. Fy ngweledigaeth yw dyfodol llwyddiannus i ffermio yng Nghymru, cynhyrchu bwyd yn gynaliadwy, gofalu am ein hamgylchedd ac atgyfnerthu ein cymunedau gwledig. Bydd y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy yn cynorthwyo ffermwyr i gyflawni'r amcanion hyn. Fy mwriad yw dwyn pobl ynghyd, gwrando a gweithio mewn partneriaeth.
Thank you, Llywydd. My vision is for a successful future for Welsh farming, producing food sustainably, looking after our environment and underpinning our rural communities. The sustainable farming scheme will provide support for farmers to deliver these objectives. My approach is about coming together, listening and working in partnership.
I have seen a draft of the analysis of over 1,200 consultation responses, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond. I expect to publish the analysis and the Government response in June, but it is already clear that some changes are needed. As set out previously, I am setting up a ministerial round-table to engage on what those changes should be. This will have farmers at the heart of the conversation, alongside others who have an interest in delivery of the benefits farming provides. The round-table will work at pace to identify areas of agreement and focus on areas where more work is required.
Responding to Plaid Cymru, as part of the co-operation agreement, the farming unions and others, the scheme is designed to support all farmers in Wales with an annual baseline payment, in return for universal actions, replacing the basic payment scheme. These universal actions will provide a platform for farmers to do more through voluntary optional and collaborative actions, which will help farmers realise economic, environmental and social benefits aligned to our sustainable land management objectives and in support of our national and international commitments.
The SFS must be accessible to all farmers and provide the right level of support to help with business resilience. This is why we will include payment for the wider benefits farming provides, going beyond income forgone and costs incurred, to recognise social value. The round-table will help find an appropriate payment methodology, consider the outcomes from the carbon sequestration review and the updated economic assessment based on the revised scheme. The scheme will support farmers to work with the supply chain to meet changing consumer demands and create new market opportunities. It will focus on food production, but lever the opportunities from timber and sustainable management of the land, such as green finance and carbon sequestration, in support of protecting our communities, our language and our culture.
My commitment to engagement, and to give farmers the time to consider the consequences for their businesses before deciding on joining the scheme, will necessitate a change in the implementation timetable. We will not introduce the scheme until it’s ready. We will initiate a SFS preparatory phase in 2025 to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed universal actions through knowledge transfer, targeted activity and financial support. This will better prepare farmers for entry into the scheme from the start of the proposed transition period in 2026. There'll be engagement with farmers on a data confirmation exercise, to provide an accurate picture of the habitat and the tree cover across all farms. Under the 2024 Habitat Wales scheme, we saw an increase in the area of habitat land under management. So, building on this, I’ll explore giving more farmers the opportunity to access support in 2025, including support to organic farmers.
Existing schemes, such as the small grants schemes, will continue to support infrastructure changes, and we're working on a new integrated natural resources scheme, building on previous landscape scale collaboration. Initially, the aim is to support the development of proposals for further funding. We will focus on schemes that align with SFS and that are expected to provide support in future as optional and collaborative actions.
We intend to undertake activity on sites of special scientific interest and to promote the opportunities of tree cover on farms. We will develop proposals for further optional and collaborative actions, with the aim of introducing these as soon as possible. And through Farming Connect, we will work on knowledge transfer, focusing on on-farm efficiencies and activity that aligns to SFS. To provide certainty, my intention is for BPS to be available in 2025, with the proposed SFS transition period starting from 2026. I will make announcements on the 2025 BPS ceiling and details of the preparatory phase in due course.
Maintaining high standards of animal health and welfare is essential to a thriving agriculture sector. I want Wales to be recognised for its exemplary standards of animal welfare and I'll say more on my plans in due course. I have heard, of course, first-hand the devastating impact that TB has on farms. We remain fully committed to eradicating TB in Wales by 2041. Partnership working is crucial to reaching our shared goal of a TB-free Wales. As part of our five-year TB delivery plan, the technical advisory group is considering on-farm slaughter of TB reactors as its very first priority. I will be updating Members later this week on progress.
The agricultural pollution regulations are designed to tackle the causes of agricultural pollution in Wales. I have heard concerns about how the regulations aim to achieve this. We have initiated the four-year review of the regulations, and I want to identify if changes are needed. I will soon make an announcement on an independent chair for that review.
I have heard also about the impacts on the mental health and well-being of farmers and their families, and we will continue to work with the charities that provide such excellent support to our farmers.
The food and drink industry in Wales had a turnover from farm to fork exceeding £22 billion in 2022. My vision is for a vibrant industry with a global reputation for excellence. We want to be one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world, and we will continue to support Welsh food and drink businesses, including through Food Innovation Wales and Blas Cymru.
Rwyf wedi gweld drafft o'r dadansoddiad o dros 1,200 o ymatebion i'r ymgynghoriad, ac rwyf eisiau diolch i bawb a gymerodd yr amser i ymateb. Rwy'n disgwyl cyhoeddi'r dadansoddiad ac ymateb y Llywodraeth ym mis Mehefin, ond mae eisoes yn glir bod angen rhai newidiadau. Fel sydd wedi'i nodi'n flaenorol, rwy'n sefydlu bord gron weinidogol i ymgysylltu ar yr hyn y dylai'r newidiadau hynny fod. Bydd ffermwyr wrth wraidd y sgwrs hon, ochr yn ochr ag eraill sydd â diddordeb mewn cyflawni'r manteision y mae ffermio yn eu darparu. Bydd y ford gron yn gweithio'n gyflym i nodi meysydd yr ydym yn cytuno arnyn nhw ac yn canolbwyntio ar feysydd lle mae angen mwy o waith.
Wrth ymateb i Blaid Cymru, fel rhan o'r cytundeb cydweithio, yr undebau ffermio ac eraill, mae'r cynllun wedi'i gynllunio i gefnogi pob ffermwr yng Nghymru gyda thaliad sylfaenol blynyddol, yn gyfnewid am gamau gweithredu cyffredinol, gan ddisodli cynllun y taliad sylfaenol. Bydd y camau cyffredinol hyn yn rhoi llwyfan i ffermwyr wneud mwy drwy gamau gweithredu gwirfoddol dewisol a chydweithredol, a fydd yn helpu ffermwyr i wireddu buddion economaidd, amgylcheddol a chymdeithasol sy'n cyd-fynd â'n hamcanion rheoli tir cynaliadwy ac yn cefnogi ein hymrwymiadau cenedlaethol a rhyngwladol.
Rhaid i'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy fod yn hygyrch i bob ffermwr a darparu'r lefel gywir o gymorth i helpu gyda chadernid busnes. Dyma pam y byddwn ni'n cynnwys taliad ar gyfer y buddion ehangach y mae ffermio yn eu darparu, gan fynd y tu hwnt i incwm a gollwyd a chostau yr aed iddynt, i gydnabod gwerth cymdeithasol. Bydd y ford gron yn helpu i ddod o hyd i fethodoleg talu briodol, yn ystyried canlyniadau'r adolygiad o atafaelu carbon a'r asesiad economaidd wedi'i ddiweddaru yn seiliedig ar y cynllun diwygiedig. Bydd y cynllun yn cefnogi ffermwyr i weithio gyda'r gadwyn gyflenwi i fodloni gofynion newidiol defnyddwyr a chreu cyfleoedd newydd yn y farchnad. Bydd yn canolbwyntio ar gynhyrchu bwyd, ond yn manteisio ar y cyfleoedd o bren a rheoli tir yn gynaliadwy, fel cyllid gwyrdd ac atafaelu carbon, i gefnogi'r gwaith o warchod ein cymunedau, ein hiaith a'n diwylliant.
Bydd fy ymrwymiad i ymgysylltu, ac i roi amser i ffermwyr ystyried y canlyniadau i'w busnesau cyn penderfynu ymuno â'r cynllun, yn golygu y bydd angen newid i'r amserlen weithredu. Ni fyddwn yn cyflwyno'r cynllun nes ei fod yn barod. Byddwn ni'n cychwyn cyfnod paratoi ar gyfer y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy yn 2025 i ddangos y buddion sy'n gysylltiedig â'r camau cyffredinol arfaethedig trwy drosglwyddo gwybodaeth, gweithgarwch wedi'i dargedu a chymorth ariannol. Bydd hyn yn paratoi ffermwyr yn well ar gyfer ymuno â'r cynllun o ddechrau'r cyfnod pontio arfaethedig yn 2026. Bydd yna ymgysylltu â ffermwyr ar ymarfer cadarnhau data, er mwyn rhoi darlun cywir o'r cynefin a'r gorchudd coed ar draws pob fferm. O dan gynllun Cynefin Cymru 2024, gwelsom gynnydd yn yr ardal o dir cynefin sy'n cael ei reoli. Felly, gan adeiladu ar hyn, byddaf yn archwilio rhoi cyfle i fwy o ffermwyr gael gafael ar gymorth yn 2025, gan gynnwys cymorth i ffermwyr organig.
Bydd cynlluniau presennol, fel y cynlluniau grantiau bach, yn parhau i gefnogi newidiadau i'r seilwaith, ac rydyn ni'n gweithio ar gynllun adnoddau naturiol integredig newydd, gan adeiladu ar gydweithredu blaenorol ar raddfa tirwedd. I ddechrau, y nod yw cefnogi datblygu cynigion ar gyfer cyllid pellach. Byddwn ni'n canolbwyntio ar gynlluniau sy'n cyd-fynd â'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy ac y disgwylir iddynt roi cymorth yn y dyfodol fel camau dewisol a chydweithredol.
Rydyn ni'n bwriadu ymgymryd â gweithgarwch ar safleoedd o ddiddordeb gwyddonol arbennig a hyrwyddo cyfleoedd o ran gorchudd coed ar ffermydd. Byddwn ni'n datblygu cynigion ar gyfer camau gweithredu dewisol a chydweithredol pellach, gyda'r nod o'u cyflwyno cyn gynted â phosibl. A thrwy Cyswllt Ffermio, byddwn ni'n gweithio ar drosglwyddo gwybodaeth, gan ganolbwyntio ar effeithlonrwydd a gweithgarwch ar ffermydd sy'n cyd-fynd â'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy. Er mwyn rhoi sicrwydd, fy mwriad yw i Gynllun y Taliad Sylfaenol fod ar gael yn 2025, gyda'r cyfnod pontio arfaethedig i'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy yn dechrau o 2026. Byddaf yn gwneud cyhoeddiadau am derfyn uchaf cynllun y taliad sylfaenol 2025 a manylion y cyfnod paratoi maes o law.
Mae cynnal safonau uchel o ran iechyd a lles anifeiliaid yn hanfodol i sector amaeth ffyniannus. Rwyf eisiau i Gymru gael ei chydnabod am ei safonau rhagorol o ran lles anifeiliaid a byddaf yn dweud mwy am fy nghynlluniau maes o law. Rwyf wedi clywed, wrth gwrs, yn uniongyrchol am yr effaith ddinistriol y mae TB yn ei chael ar ffermydd. Rydyn ni'n parhau i fod yn gwbl ymrwymedig i ddileu TB yng Nghymru erbyn 2041. Mae gweithio mewn partneriaeth yn hanfodol er mwyn cyrraedd ein nod cyffredin o Gymru ddi-TB. Fel rhan o'n cynllun cyflawni TB pum mlynedd, mae'r grŵp cynghori technegol yn ystyried lladd anifeiliaid sydd wedi adweithio i'r prawf TB ar ffermydd fel ei flaenoriaeth gyntaf. Byddaf yn rhoi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i'r Aelodau ar gynnydd yn ddiweddarach yr wythnos hon.
Mae'r rheoliadau llygredd amaethyddol wedi'u cynllunio i ymdrin ag achosion o lygredd amaethyddol yng Nghymru. Rwyf wedi clywed pryderon ynghylch sut mae'r rheoliadau'n bwriadu cyflawni hyn. Rydym wedi dechrau'r adolygiad pedair blynedd o'r rheoliadau, ac rwyf eisiau nodi a oes angen newidiadau. Byddaf yn gwneud cyhoeddiad ar gadeirydd annibynnol ar gyfer yr adolygiad hwnnw cyn bo hir.
Rwyf hefyd wedi clywed am yr effeithiau ar iechyd meddwl a lles ffermwyr a'u teuluoedd, a byddwn ni'n parhau i weithio gyda'r elusennau sy'n darparu cefnogaeth mor wych i'n ffermwyr.
Roedd gan y diwydiant bwyd a diod yng Nghymru drosiant o'r fferm i'r fforc o fwy na £22 biliwn yn 2022. Fy ngweledigaeth i yw diwydiant bywiog sydd ag enw da byd-eang am ragoriaeth. Rydyn ni eisiau bod yn un o'r cadwyni cyflenwi mwyaf cyfrifol yn amgylcheddol ac yn gymdeithasol yn y byd, a byddwn ni'n parhau i gefnogi busnesau bwyd a diod Cymru, gan gynnwys trwy Arloesi Bwyd Cymru a Blas Cymru.
Mae ein polisïau sy'n gysylltiedig â bwyd yn canolbwyntio ar gydweithio, gwaith partneriaeth a llesiant. Rwy'n bwriadu cyhoeddi 'Bwyd o Bwys: Cymru', sy'n amlinellu ein polisïau sy'n gysylltiedig â bwyd a sut maen nhw'n cefnogi cynhyrchwyr, gan gynnwys ffermwyr, a'r gadwyn gyflenwi i sicrhau bod mwy o gynnyrch o Gymru ar gael. Rwyf am weld Cymru ar flaen y gad mewn diwydiant amaethyddol ffyniannus ac arloesol, ac rwyf wedi ymrwymo i wrando a gweithio mewn partneriaeth i gyflawni hyn. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd.
The focus across our food-related policies is on join-up, partnership and well-being. I intend to publish 'Food Matters: Wales', which outlines our food-related policies and how they support producers, including farmers, and the supply chain to increase the availability of Welsh produce. I want to see Wales at the forefront of a thriving and innovative agriculture industry, and I'm committed to listening and working in partnership to achieve this. Thank you very much, Llywydd.
I'd like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for your statement this afternoon, also your written statement this morning, and for speaking with me prior to the release of these statements earlier today. Can I just say that it is encouraging from you, Cabinet Secretary, that you have taken on board the concerns that I have raised with you on the future of farming support here in Wales? I believe it is a positive step to show that you are listening to the industry, the unions and those 12,500 people who responded to the consultation. The delay on the implementation of the sustainable farming scheme and committing to the rolling forward of BPS until 2025, is something that I and the Welsh Conservatives have called for, and we're very pleased to see that this is happening to give that longer-term security for our farmers across Wales.
However, for this scheme to be truly successful, ensuring a broad range of voices is heard is crucial. Therefore, I have some key questions regarding future collaboration and stakeholder engagement. I'm interested, Cabinet Secretary, in how the ministerial round-table is going to be structured to guarantee balance and representation from all farming sectors and relevant stakeholders, including those with specific concerns about aspects of the sustainable farming scheme. Can you also inform us today of what date you intend for this round-table to start? You said last week that you'd burn the midnight oil to make sure we get these things delivered at pace. So, it would be very interesting to know what timescales you've set on setting this up.
Can you give some assurance to the industry as well that, when people partake in these groups, their voices are going to be listened to? Because something that came through during the co-design phase was that people fed into this, and it wasn't listened to. So, I'd like some assurances from you that they are going to be listened to.
The announcement that you made this morning mentioned the sustainable farming scheme, including payments for social value, and this is a very interesting concept. But I think clarity on what that is is actually needed, because I do hope that this is a real positive shift and that, at long last, the Government here recognises that farming adds social value to Wales in terms of environmental, cultural and also economic value to our communities.
We also know that the impact of the initial sustainable farming scheme was devastating for our farm businesses, with 5,500 job losses across the industry. So, I'd be very interested to know—I know Llyr Gruffydd has asked you this question as well—when are we going to see an updated impact assessment, because, if we're having changes to the scheme, obviously we're going to need a new impact assessment to see what any changes are going to do.
As I said earlier, I and my group welcome the extension to BPS into 2025. This does provide some degree of certainty for our farm businesses. I know you said you'll be making an announcement in due course, but I think people today will want to know what that BPS rate is going to be. Will it remain unchanged into 2025, and what additional schemes, like woodland creation, are also going to be carried forward, going forward into 2025?
This pause does give us that opportunity to look at these proposals again, and we do need to see substantive changes to the sustainable farming scheme, because, in its current form, it doesn't work. But, if we need to get it to work, it needs to work for all farmers right across Wales, because the farmers that I speak to, and I'm sure the farmers who you've been speaking to, Cabinet Secretary, still have issues around the tree planting, around common land, around tenant farmers, around SSSIs and some of the universal actions, which some farmers find insulting and overly bureaucratic. And we do need to have some more detail from you about how you intend these changes to feed into your ministerial round-table to make sure that those changes are actually going to be implemented by Government so that, actually, the industry can get on board and actually deliver this scheme for you.
The statement mentions considering the outcomes from the carbon sequestration review for informing payment methodologies. What I'd like to know is: will the review look beyond the sequestration of trees and consider all different types of grass and also hedgerows, because that hasn't actually been looked at before, and I think that we need to have a big piece of work around the carbon sequestration of grass?
I was going to talk about animal welfare, but you said you'll be telling us about that in due course. And also you're going to be making a statement, hopefully, on TB. I hope it's being made to this Chamber, and not written, because I think it gives us an opportunity to scrutinise any work that you're doing.
Cabinet Secretary, I've only got about 30 seconds left, but, from my point of view, this announcement today is welcome. It has been welcomed by the unions, and the people I've spoken to on the phone—my friends and colleagues that I've got in the industry—welcome it as well. And I put an open offer to you, Cabinet Secretary: I'm willing to work with you in a very open and pragmatic and constructive way to make sure that we can have a scheme that delivers for our farmers. But, as I said earlier, we do need to see fundamental change if we're going to make it work. Because that's what I want to see. I want to see a scheme that works, that delivers for future generations, delivers for our farmers now and ensures we have a vibrant rural economy in Wales, because doing that will deliver all the environmental, cultural and biodiversity benefits that you want to see and also the thriving farm businesses that I'm sure everybody around this Chamber wants to see as well. Diolch.
Hoffwn ddiolch i'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet am eich datganiad y prynhawn yma, hefyd eich datganiad ysgrifenedig y bore yma, ac am siarad â mi cyn rhyddhau'r datganiadau hyn yn gynharach heddiw. A gaf fi ddweud ei bod yn galonogol gennych chi, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, eich bod chi wedi ystyried y pryderon yr wyf wedi'u codi gyda chi ynghylch dyfodol cymorth ffermio yma yng Nghymru? Rwy'n credu ei bod yn gam cadarnhaol i ddangos eich bod chi'n gwrando ar y diwydiant, yr undebau a'r 12,500 o bobl hynny a ymatebodd i'r ymgynghoriad. Mae'r oedi o ran gweithredu'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy a'r ymrwymiad i symud cynllun y taliad sylfaenol ymlaen tan 2025, yn rhywbeth yr wyf i a'r Ceidwadwyr Cymreig wedi galw amdano, ac rydym yn falch iawn o weld bod hyn yn digwydd i roi'r sicrwydd hirdymor hwnnw i'n ffermwyr ledled Cymru.
Fodd bynnag, er mwyn i'r cynllun hwn fod yn wirioneddol lwyddiannus, mae'n hanfodol sicrhau bod amrywiaeth eang o leisiau yn cael eu clywed. Felly, mae gennyf rai cwestiynau allweddol ynghylch cydweithredu yn y dyfodol ac ymgysylltu â rhanddeiliaid. Mae gennyf ddiddordeb, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, yn y modd y bydd y ford gron weinidogol yn cael ei strwythuro i warantu cydbwysedd a chynrychiolaeth gan bob sector ffermio a rhanddeiliaid perthnasol, gan gynnwys y rhai sydd â phryderon penodol am agweddau ar y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy. A allwch chi hefyd roi gwybod i ni heddiw ar ba ddyddiad yr ydych chi'n bwriadu i'r ford gron hon ddechrau? Fe wnaethoch chi ddweud yr wythnos diwethaf y byddech chi'n gweithio drwy'r nos i sicrhau bod y pethau hyn yn cael eu gwneud ar gyflymder. Felly, byddai'n ddiddorol iawn gwybod pa amserlenni rydych chi wedi'u gosod ar sefydlu hyn.
A allwch chi roi rhywfaint o sicrwydd i'r diwydiant hefyd y bydd lleisiau pobl yn cael eu clywed pan fyddan nhw'n cymryd rhan yn y grwpiau hyn? Oherwydd rhywbeth a ddaeth i'r amlwg yn ystod y cyfnod cydlunio, oedd bod pobl yn cyfrannu at hyn, ond nid oedd neb yn gwrando arnyn nhw. Felly, hoffwn gael rhywfaint o sicrwydd gennych chi y bydd rhywun yn gwrando arnyn nhw.
Roedd y cyhoeddiad y gwnaethoch chi'r bore yma yn sôn am y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy, gan gynnwys taliadau am werth cymdeithasol, ac mae hwn yn gysyniad diddorol iawn. Ond rwy'n credu bod angen eglurder ynghylch beth yw hynny mewn gwirionedd, oherwydd rwyf yn gobeithio bod hwn yn newid cadarnhaol gwirioneddol a bod y Llywodraeth yma, o'r diwedd, yn cydnabod bod ffermio yn ychwanegu gwerth cymdeithasol i Gymru o ran gwerth amgylcheddol, diwylliannol ac economaidd hefyd i'n cymunedau.
Rydyn ni hefyd yn gwybod bod effaith y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy cychwynnol yn ddinistriol i'n busnesau fferm, gyda 5,500 o swyddi'n cael eu colli ar draws y diwydiant. Felly, byddai diddordeb mawr gennyf i wybod—rwy'n gwybod bod Llyr Gruffydd wedi gofyn y cwestiwn hwn i chi hefyd—pryd ydyn ni'n mynd i weld asesiad effaith wedi'i ddiweddaru, oherwydd, os ydyn ni'n cael newidiadau i'r cynllun, yna yn amlwg, bydd angen asesiad effaith newydd arnon ni i weld beth mae unrhyw newidiadau yn mynd i'w wneud.
Fel y dywedais yn gynharach, rwyf i a fy ngrŵp yn croesawu ymestyn cynllun y taliad sylfaenol i mewn i 2025. Mae hyn yn rhoi rhywfaint o sicrwydd i'n busnesau fferm. Rwy'n gwybod eich bod chi wedi dweud y byddwch chi'n gwneud cyhoeddiad maes o law, ond rwy'n credu y bydd pobl heddiw eisiau gwybod beth fydd y gyfradd honno o ran cynllun y taliad sylfaenol. A fydd yn parhau heb ei newid yn 2025, a pha gynlluniau ychwanegol, fel creu coetir, fydd hefyd yn cael eu cario ymlaen, wrth symud ymlaen i 2025?
Mae'r saib hwn yn rhoi'r cyfle hwnnw i ni edrych ar y cynigion hyn eto, ac mae angen i ni weld newidiadau sylweddol i'r cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy, oherwydd, yn ei ffurf bresennol, nid yw'n gweithio. Ond, os oes angen i ni ei gael i weithio, mae angen iddo weithio i bob ffermwr ledled Cymru, oherwydd mae gan y ffermwyr yr wyf yn siarad â nhw, ac rwy'n siŵr y ffermwyr yr ydych chi wedi bod yn siarad â nhw hefyd, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, bryderon o hyd ynghylch plannu coed, ynghylch tir comin, ynghylch ffermwyr tenantiaid, ynghylch SoDdGAau a rhai o'r camau gweithredu cyffredinol, y mae rhai ffermwyr yn eu ystyried yn sarhaus ac yn or-fiwrocrataidd. Ac mae angen i ni gael mwy o fanylion gennych chi ynglŷn â sut yr ydych chi'n bwriadu i'r newidiadau hyn fwydo i mewn i'ch bord gron weinidogol i sicrhau y bydd y newidiadau hynny'n cael eu gweithredu gan y Llywodraeth fel y gall y diwydiant gefnogi a chyflawni'r cynllun hwn i chi.
Mae'r datganiad yn sôn am ystyried canlyniadau'r adolygiad atafaelu carbon ar gyfer llywio methodolegau talu. Yr hyn yr hoffwn ei wybod yw: a fydd yr adolygiad yn edrych y tu hwnt i atafaelu carbon o safbwynt coed ac ystyried pob math o wahanol laswellt a gwrychoedd hefyd, oherwydd nid yw hynny wedi cael ei ystyried o'r blaen, ac rwy'n credu bod angen i ni gael darn mawr o waith ynghylch atafaelu carbon o safbwynt glaswellt?
Roeddwn i'n mynd i siarad am les anifeiliaid, ond fe ddywedoch chi y byddwch chi'n sôn am hynny wrthyn ni maes o law. A hefyd rydych chi'n mynd i fod yn gwneud datganiad, gobeithio, ar TB. Rwy'n gobeithio y bydd yn cael ei wneud i'r Siambr hon, ac nid yn ysgrifenedig, oherwydd rwy'n credu ei bod yn rhoi cyfle i ni graffu ar unrhyw waith yr ydych chi'n ei wneud.
Ysgrifennydd Cabinet, dim ond tua 30 eiliad sydd gennyf ar ôl, ond, o fy safbwynt i, mae'r cyhoeddiad hwn heddiw yn un i'w groesawu. Mae wedi cael ei groesawu gan yr undebau, ac mae'r bobl rydw i wedi siarad â nhw ar y ffôn—fy ffrindiau a chydweithwyr sydd gennyf yn y diwydiant—yn ei groesawu hefyd. Ac rwy'n rhoi cynnig agored i chi, Ysgrifennydd Cabinet: rwy'n barod i weithio gyda chi mewn ffordd agored a phragmatig a chadarnhaol iawn i sicrhau y gallwn ni gael cynllun sy'n cyflawni ar gyfer ein ffermwyr. Ond, fel y dywedais yn gynharach, mae angen i ni weld newid sylfaenol os ydyn ni'n mynd i wneud iddo weithio. Oherwydd dyna'r hyn rydw i eisiau ei weld. Rwyf eisiau gweld cynllun sy'n gweithio, sy'n cyflawni ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol, sy'n cyflawni ar gyfer ein ffermwyr nawr ac yn sicrhau bod gennym ni economi wledig fywiog yng Nghymru, oherwydd bydd gwneud hynny'n sicrhau'r holl fuddion amgylcheddol, diwylliannol a bioamrywiaeth yr ydych chi eisiau'u gweld a hefyd y busnesau fferm ffyniannus rwy'n siŵr bod pawb o gwmpas y Siambr hon eisiau eu gweld hefyd. Diolch.
James, thank you very much, and thank you for your comments welcoming the announcement that was made on the way forward. And, just to say, it is a way forward. I used a rugby analogy earlier on in an interview. A lot of what we are doing now is the preparation for the roll-out of a scheme where there is actually a lot of agreement already—the framework, the objectives, not only in terms of food production, but also social value, environmental imperatives, climate change imperatives—but it's right to actually do some more work on those areas that have been identified in the consultation, which indeed—. We haven't seen the final, the full analysis of the consultation, but I've seen some of the interim findings, and it's pretty clear and obvious where those areas where we need a bit more work are. But it is some more work, and that's where the ministerial round-table becomes very important. And the way that that is working, the reason it is a ministerial round-table, is that there'll be a lot of work behind the scenes, not only with farmers and with the farming unions and so on, but also with the environmental and the wildlife groups as well, to make sure that we get the details right so that then we can proceed and we proceed in a way that all farmers can be part of this, because we need farmers to feel that they want to step up to the mark and be part of this, but we also need to deliver those wider imperatives.
You covered such a lot of ground there, James, but, just to say, very briefly, many of the issues that you covered are exactly the ones that the ministerial round-table, and the work that goes underneath it, is designed to flesh out. So, I am not going to pre-empt it.
So, when you talked about timescales, you will not have to wait long until we make announcements, both on the membership but also on the way that that ministerial round-table will take all this work forward, including, by the way, the streams underneath it. There are two or three areas that we want to bring forward underneath. One of those, by the way, is on sequestration, and it is trees and more. Because arguments have been put forward to say that there are other ways also to do sequestration. We need to test those arguments as well—not just accept them; we need to test them. So, I think that's the work that needs to be done.
We will be making a subsequent announcement on TB, as you say.
Economic impact: one of the conversations that we've had with the farmers' unions is that it was right for Welsh Government to put in front of the public the economic analysis that we had, but it was actually two years out of date, and it was based on a previous iteration of proposals. It wasn't even based on the most recent ones. However, we need to do an updated economic analysis, but the economic analysis needs to be done when we know the details of what that scheme will look like, and not before. Because we need to say to farmers, 'Well, here's the economic analysis, and here are the tools that we're going to lead through this transition as well.' And some of this could be actually creating new opportunities within our rural areas as well.
So, many of the things that you covered there are things that the ministerial round-table will—. And just one final, just to clarify: this isn't a pause whatsoever. There is actually work to be done now, in order that we can get to a point where everybody's on board with the detail of the full roll-out of a sustainable farming scheme that will be there, I think, if we get this right, for the generation ahead. It'll be dynamic, but, if we get this right, in this seven, eight years after EU withdrawal, then we put certainty, not just on farming, but on what we are trying to do as well with landscape management, on climate change and biodiversity and everything else, for many years to come. But thank you, James, for the welcome of this.
James, diolch yn fawr iawn, a diolch am eich sylwadau yn croesawu'r cyhoeddiad a gafodd ei wneud ar y ffordd ymlaen. A dim ond i ddweud, mae hi yn ffordd ymlaen. Fe ddefnyddiais i gyfatebiaeth rygbi yn gynharach mewn cyfweliad. Mae llawer o'r hyn yr ydyn ni'n ei wneud nawr yn paratoi ar gyfer cyflwyno cynllun lle mae llawer o gytundeb yn barod, mewn gwirionedd—y fframwaith, yr amcanion, nid yn unig o ran cynhyrchu bwyd, ond hefyd o ran gwerth cymdeithasol, gofynion amgylcheddol, gofynion newid hinsawdd—ond mae'n iawn gwneud rhywfaint mwy o waith ar y meysydd hynny sydd wedi'u nodi yn yr ymgynghoriad, sydd yn wir—. Nid ydyn ni wedi gweld y dadansoddiad terfynol, y dadansoddiad llawn o'r ymgynghoriad, ond rwyf wedi gweld rhai o'r canfyddiadau dros dro, ac mae'n eithaf clir ac amlwg lle mae'r meysydd hynny y mae angen i ni wneud ychydig mwy o waith arnyn nhw. Ond mae'n fwy o waith, a dyna lle mae'r ford gron weinidogol yn dod yn bwysig iawn. A'r ffordd mae honno'n gweithio, y rheswm ei bod yn ford gron weinidogol, yw y bydd llawer o waith y tu ôl i'r llenni, nid yn unig gyda ffermwyr a chyda'r undebau ffermio ac ati, ond hefyd gyda'r grwpiau amgylcheddol a bywyd gwyllt hefyd, i wneud yn siŵr ein bod ni'n cael y manylion yn iawn fel y gallwn ni symud ymlaen wedyn ac rydyn ni'n bwrw ymlaen mewn ffordd y gall pob ffermwr fod yn rhan ohoni, oherwydd mae angen i ffermwyr deimlo eu bod am gamu i'r adwy a bod yn rhan o hyn, ond mae angen i ni hefyd ddarparu'r gofynion ehangach hynny.
Fe wnaethoch chi ymdrin â chymaint yn y fan yna, James, ond, i ddweud, yn fyr iawn, mai llawer o'r materion yr oeddech chi'n eu trafod yw'r union rai y mae'r ford gron weinidogol, a'r gwaith sy'n mynd oddi tani, wedi'u cynllunio i'w datblygu. Felly, nid wyf am ei rhagflaenu.
Felly, pan wnaethoch chi sôn am amserlenni, ni fydd yn rhaid i chi aros yn hir nes y byddwn ni'n gwneud cyhoeddiadau, ar yr aelodaeth, ond hefyd ar y ffordd y bydd y ford gron weinidogol honno'n mynd â'r holl waith hwn ymlaen, gan gynnwys, gyda llaw, y ffrydiau oddi tani. Mae dau neu dri maes yr ydyn ni eisiau eu cyflwyno oddi tani. Un o'r rheini, gyda llaw, yw atafaelu, ac mae'n ymwneud â choed a mwy. Oherwydd mae dadleuon wedi'u cyflwyno i ddweud bod ffyrdd eraill hefyd o atafaelu. Mae angen i ni brofi'r dadleuon hynny hefyd—nid dim ond eu derbyn; mae angen i ni eu profi nhw. Felly, rwy'n credu mai dyna'r gwaith sydd angen ei wneud.
Byddwn ni'n gwneud cyhoeddiad dilynol ar TB, fel y dywedwch chi.
Effaith economaidd: un o'r sgyrsiau yr ydyn ni wedi'i chael ag undebau'r ffermwyr yw ei bod hi'n iawn i Lywodraeth Cymru roi'r dadansoddiad economaidd yr oedd gennym ni o flaen y cyhoedd, ond roedd dwy flynedd dros ei amser mewn gwirionedd, ac roedd yn seiliedig ar iteriad blaenorol o gynigion. Nid oedd hyd yn oed yn seiliedig ar y rhai mwyaf diweddar. Fodd bynnag, mae angen i ni wneud dadansoddiad economaidd wedi'i ddiweddaru, ond mae angen i'r dadansoddiad economaidd gael ei wneud pan fyddwn ni'n gwybod manylion sut olwg fydd ar y cynllun hwnnw, ac nid cyn hynny. Oherwydd mae angen i ni ddweud wrth ffermwyr, 'Wel, dyma'r dadansoddiad economaidd, a dyma'r adnoddau yr ydyn ni'n mynd i'w harwain trwy'r trawsnewidiad hwn hefyd.' A gallai rhywfaint o hyn fod yn creu cyfleoedd newydd yn ein hardaloedd gwledig hefyd.
Felly, mae llawer o'r pethau y gwnaethoch chi eu trafod yn y fan yna yn bethau y bydd y ford gron weinidogol yn—. A dim ond un peth olaf, dim ond i egluro: nid saib yw hyn o gwbl. Mae yna waith i'w wneud nawr mewn gwirionedd, er mwyn i ni allu cyrraedd pwynt lle mae pawb yn derbyn manylion cyflwyno cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy a fydd yno, rwy'n credu, os cawn ni hyn yn gywir, i'r genhedlaeth sydd i ddod. Bydd yn ddeinamig, ond, os cawn ni hyn yn gywir, yn y saith, wyth mlynedd hyn ar ôl ymadael â'r UE, yna rydyn ni'n rhoi sicrwydd, nid yn unig o ran ffermio, ond o ran yr hyn yr ydyn ni'n ceisio'i wneud hefyd o ran rheoli tirwedd, ar newid yn yr hinsawdd a bioamrywiaeth a phopeth arall, am flynyddoedd lawer i ddod. Ond diolch, James, am groesawu hyn.
Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd, ac a gaf i hefyd groesawu'r datganiad gan yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet y prynhawn yma? Rwy’n credu ei fod yn taro cywair pragmatig a synhwyrol, ac dwi’n diolch i chi am hynny. Mae’n ymateb yn bositif i nifer o alwadau Plaid Cymru. Dwi wedi codi nifer o’r pwyntiau yma yn y Siambr, ac dwi’n gwybod—ac dwi eisiau diolch i Cefin Campbell hefyd, fel yr Aelod dynodedig fel rhan o’r cytundeb cydweithio—fod nifer o’r materion yma wedi cael eu trafod yn helaeth, ac dwi’n diolch i Cefin am gael y maen i’r wal ar nifer ohonyn nhw.
Thank you very much, Llywydd, and may I also welcome the statement made by the Cabinet Secretary this afternoon? I think it does strike a pragmatic and sensible note, and I thank you for that. It responds positively to many of the demands made by Plaid Cymru. I've raised many of these points in the Chamber, and I know—and I'd like to thank Cefin Campbell, as the designated Member as part of the co-operation agreement—that many of these issues have been discussed widely, and I thank Cefin for achieving so much on many of them.
Now, Plaid Cymru has been insistent and consistent as well in our call for a delay in the implementation. So, clearly, it’s something that I raised with your predecessor. She pushed back, saying that she wouldn’t accept it. I know initially that you were saying that maybe you could proceed with some elements where there was agreement, and others maybe would need more work. Well, I think that this is the right call, and I welcome the delay that you have outlined today.
The sustainable farming scheme will have an impact on generations of farming, and I think that we all know, deep down, that we have to get it right and not get it done quickly. Even if it means another year of uncertainty, another year of, some would say, unnecessary delay, I think that that 12-month period will be less painful than maybe 12 years and more of making the wrong choices. So, it is the right call, and I thank you for being willing to make that call.
So, it is an opportunity, as I say, to step back and reflect—not pause, because you’re saying that it’s not a pause, so I'll run along with that one, if that’s what you wish. But it is an opportunity to make necessary changes and to ensure, certainly, a buy-in, a greater buy-in, from the farming sector than we have seen so far, but also to make sure that we have scheme that is sustainable, in that it works for farming and for nature.
I think as much as we're refining or amending or changing elements, we're also, hopefully, using this process to build a consensus, a greater consensus, around the action that, collectively, we all need to take. So, I welcome the round-table approach. I think, again, that bringing those voices together is important. It is key that those with lived experience of farming sit around that table, because they will be able to tell us what works on the ground, and I think maybe that’s something that we maybe missed somewhat in the past.
But I want to ask you specifically: can you therefore confirm that your intention now is to no longer demand 10 per cent tree cover from all participants of the scheme? Clearly, you're looking at a broader range of options. That sounds to me like taking the insistence on 10 per cent off the table. It may work for some, but it will now not be a prerequisite of being part of the scheme. Maybe you could confirm that for us.
You referenced the universal actions in your statement. Are you still looking at 17 universal actions, because it read more like a wish list than a practical expectation of the sector, to be honest? Is there, as the round-table and these other groups do their work, now an admittance that maybe you need to rationalise that somewhat?
You reference that you'll develop proposals for further optional and collaborative actions with the aim of introducing these as soon as possible—that's what you say. Are you, therefore, saying that there is a possibility now that maybe those elements, or parts of those aspects of the scheme, could well be introduced at the same time as the universal elements in 2026? Because I know many in the sector, particularly in the environmental sector, would be concerned that that is where a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of achieving for nature will happen, but by delaying the universal, we may well be inadvertently delaying the collaborative and the optional aspects.
People still need to know how much money we're talking about. We can design a scheme, we can talk about principles, but until people know how that practically impacts the viability of their business on an economic level, and, of course, how that impacts how ambitious we really can be in terms of nature and the environment, then it's difficult, isn't it? We're floundering a little bit when it comes to knowing whether we're in or not. So, that further delay, I suppose, doesn't mean that you can articulate in any more solid form what kind of figures we are talking about, but it would be good to understand maybe whether you feel you can do more on that front.
Nawr, mae Plaid Cymru wedi bod yn daer ac yn gyson hefyd wrth alw am oedi o ran y gweithredu. Felly, yn amlwg, mae'n rhywbeth y gwnes i ei godi gyda'ch rhagflaenydd. Fe wthiodd hi nôl, gan ddweud na fyddai hi'n ei dderbyn. Rwy'n gwybod i ddechrau y gwnaethoch chi ddweud efallai y gallech chi fwrw ymlaen â rhai elfennau lle'r oedd cytundeb, ac y byddai angen mwy o waith ar rai eraill efallai. Wel, rwy'n credu mai dyma'r penderfyniad cywir, ac rwy'n croesawu'r oedi yr ydych chi wedi'i amlinellu heddiw.
Bydd y cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy yn cael effaith ar genedlaethau o ffermio, ac rwy'n credu ein bod ni i gyd yn gwybod, yn y bôn, bod yn rhaid i ni ei gael yn iawn a pheidio â'i wneud yn gyflym. Hyd yn oed os yw'n golygu blwyddyn arall o ansicrwydd, blwyddyn arall o oedi diangen, y byddai rhai yn ei ddweud, rwy'n credu y bydd y cyfnod hwnnw o 12 mis yn llai poenus nag efallai 12 mlynedd a mwy o wneud y dewisiadau anghywir. Felly, dyma'r penderfyniad cywir, ac rwy'n diolch i chi am fod yn barod i wneud y penderfyniad hwnnw.
Felly, mae'n gyfle, fel rwy'n ei ddweud, i gamu'n ôl a myfyrio—nid cymryd saib, oherwydd rydych chi'n dweud mai nid saib ydyw, felly fe wnaf i dderbyn hynny, os mai dyna yw'ch dymuniad. Ond mae'n gyfle i wneud newidiadau angenrheidiol ac i sicrhau, yn bendant, fwy o gefnogaeth gan y sector ffermio nag yr ydyn ni wedi'i gweld hyd yn hyn, ond hefyd i sicrhau bod gennym ni gynllun sy'n gynaliadwy oherwydd ei fod yn gweithio ar gyfer ffermio ac ar gyfer natur.
Rwy'n credu cymaint ag yr ydyn ni'n mireinio neu'n diwygio neu'n newid elfennau, rydyn ni hefyd, gobeithio, yn defnyddio'r broses hon i ddatblygu consensws, mwy o gonsensws, ynghylch y camau y mae angen i bob un ohonon, ni eu cymryd ar y cyd. Felly, rwy'n croesawu'r dull bord gron. Rwy'n credu, unwaith eto, bod dod â'r lleisiau hynny at ei gilydd yn bwysig. Mae'n allweddol bod y rhai sydd â phrofiad bywyd o ffermio yn eistedd o gwmpas y ford honno, oherwydd byddan nhw'n gallu dweud wrthyn ni beth sy'n gweithio ar lawr gwlad, ac rwy'n credu efallai bod hynny'n rhywbeth yr ydyn ni wedi'i golli rhywfaint yn y gorffennol.
Ond rwyf eisiau gofyn yn benodol i chi: a allwch chi gadarnhau felly nad ydych chi nawr yn bwriadu mynnu gorchudd coed o 10 y cant gan bawb sy'n cymryd rhan yn y cynllun? Yn amlwg, rydych chi'n ystyried amrywiaeth ehangach o ddewisiadau. Mae hynny'n swnio i mi fel tynnu'r penderfyniad i fynnu ar 10 y cant oddi ar y bwrdd. Efallai y bydd yn gweithio i rai, ond nawr ni fydd yn rhagofyniad ar gyfer bod yn rhan o'r cynllun. Efallai y gallwch chi gadarnhau hynny i ni.
Fe wnaethoch chi gyfeirio at y camau cyffredinol yn eich datganiad. Ydych chi'n dal i edrych ar 17 o gamau gweithredu cyffredinol, oherwydd roedd yn darllen mwy fel rhestr ddymuniadau na disgwyliad ymarferol ar y sector, a bod yn onest? Wth i'r ford gron a'r grwpiau eraill hyn wneud eu gwaith, oes yna gyfaddef nawr bod angen i chi resymoli hynny rhywfaint efallai?
Fe wnaethoch chi sôn y byddwch chi'n datblygu cynigion ar gyfer camau dewisol a chydweithredol eraill gyda'r nod o gyflwyno'r rhain cyn gynted â phosibl—dyna'r hyn yr ydych chi'n ei ddweud. A ydych chi, felly, yn dweud bod posibilrwydd nawr y gallai'r elfennau hynny, neu rannau o'r agweddau hynny ar y cynllun, gael eu cyflwyno ar yr un pryd â'r elfennau cyffredinol yn 2026? Oherwydd rwy'n gwybod y byddai llawer yn y sector, yn enwedig yn y sector amgylcheddol, yn pryderu mai dyna lle bydd llawer o'r gwaith codi trwm o ran cyflawni dros natur yn digwydd, ond trwy oedi'r cyffredinol, mae'n ddigon posibl ein bod ni'n gohirio'r agweddau cydweithredol a dewisol yn anfwriadol.
Mae dal angen i bobl wybod faint o arian yr ydyn ni'n siarad amdano. Gallwn ni ddylunio cynllun, gallwn ni siarad am egwyddorion, ond hyd nes y bydd pobl yn gwybod sut mae hynny'n effeithio'n ymarferol ar hyfywedd eu busnes ar lefel economaidd, ac, wrth gwrs, sut mae hynny'n effeithio ar ba mor uchelgeisiol y gallwn ni fod o ran natur a'r amgylchedd, yna mae'n anodd, on'd yw e? Rydyn ni'n ymbalfalu ychydig o ran gwybod a ydyn ni mewn ai peidio. Felly, nid yw'r oedi pellach hynny, mae'n debyg, yn golygu y gallwch chi fynegi'n fwy pendant pa fath o ffigurau yr ydyn ni'n sôn amdanyn nhw, ond byddai'n dda deall efallai a ydych chi'n teimlo y gallwch chi wneud mwy o ran hynny.
Mae'r ffocws cryfach ar y gwerth cymdeithasol i amaethyddiaeth yn rhywbeth rŷn ni fel plaid wedi bod yn galw amdano fe yn helaeth iawn. Dwi'n meddwl ei bod hi'n iawn ac yn deg fod yna gydnabyddiaeth ariannol i'r cyfraniad cymdeithasol, diwylliannol ac ieithyddol mae'r sector yn ei wneud. Nawr, mae beth mae hwnna'n edrych fel, wrth gwrs, yn mynd i fod yn destun trafodaeth, ond dwi eisiau rhoi ar record, gan ein bod ni fel plaid wedi sicrhau bod hwnna yn y Ddeddf amaeth, ein bod ni'n falch iawn gweld y pwyslais rŷch chi'n ei roi arno fe yn y cynllun.
Yn olaf, rydych chi'n cyfeirio at y grŵp cynghori technegol ar TB. Wrth gwrs, ystyried difa ar y fferm yw'r peth cyntaf. Mae nifer ohonom ni eisiau gweld newidiadau amgenach a mwy pellgyrhaeddol, ond mae hwnna yn flaenoriaeth. Rydych chi'n awgrymu y byddwch chi'n gwneud datganiad yn nes ymlaen yr wythnos yma. Allwch chi ddweud wrthym ni a fydd yna newid yn digwydd ar y ffrynt yna o fewn wythnosau, a ddim o fewn misoedd? Diolch.
The stronger focus on the social value of agriculture is something that we as a party have been calling for for some time. I think it is right and fair that there is financial recognition of the social, cultural and linguistic contribution made by the sector. Now, what that looks like, of course, will be the subject of debate, but I want to put it on record, as we as a party had ensured that that was in the agriculture Act, that we're very pleased to see the emphasis that you're placing on it in the scheme.
Finally, you refer to the technical advisory group on TB. Of course, considering on-farm slaughter is the first issue. Many of us want to see more far-reaching changes, but that is a priority. You suggest that you'll make a statement later this week. Can you tell us whether there will be a change on that front within weeks, not within months? Thank you.