Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
01/07/2026Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Senedd Commission
What assessment has the Commission made of the cost and effectiveness of its bilingual public information and engagement publications?
Our bilingual public information and engagement publications form part of a wider multi-channel approach to communicating with all parts of Wales.
Publications are particularly useful where audiences may benefit from concise, accessible, bilingual material that can be used at events, through partners, or as a prompt to further engagement online.
Ahead of the recent Senedd election, officials worked with other organisations such as the Electoral Commission and Local Government to increase awareness of changes to the Senedd as well as the vote. itself. The review of that campaign is ongoing.
We assess cost and effectiveness alongside audience need, recognising that printed publications can create accessible opportunities for people to access information about the Senedd.
How is the Commission supporting Members and staff who are still breastfeeding to return to work?
The Senedd Commission is committed to ensuring that Members, their staff and Commission staff can return to work in a way that is supportive, inclusive and family-friendly. Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on the Senedd estate, and this is actively promoted through clear ‘breastfeeding welcome’ signage, helping to ensure that Members, staff and visitors feel confident and supported.
For Commission staff, managers and HR support return-to-work planning after maternity leave, including Keeping In Touch (KIT) days, individual discussions and, where appropriate, a new and expectant parent risk assessment covering practical arrangements, such as quiet rooms, hygiene facilities and secure refrigerated storage.
What steps will the Commission take to ensure that disruption to Senedd events is minimised in light of recent extreme weather?
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone attending the Senedd estate is our priority. In response to recent extreme weather, the Commission took practical steps to minimise disruption to events, including reviewing event risk assessments, providing clear guidance to staff and attendees, ensuring access to drinking water and cooler areas, and considering adjustments to working patterns or event arrangements where needed.
We also work closely across Estates, Security, Health and Safety and event teams to monitor conditions, assess risks and respond proportionately. We will continue to keep arrangements under review so that Senedd business and public engagement can continue safely wherever possible.
Questions For - Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Will the Cabinet Minister make a statement on the specific hot weather-related issues that led to the cancellation of Transport for Wales train services during the week commencing 22 June 2026?
Transport for Wales put in place proactive measures to maintain the safe and reliable operation of their services during the extreme weather event. This minimised disruption to passengers as far as reasonably possible. With changes to our climate, we need to prepare for further disruption to our transport infrastructure.
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the economic and social benefits of community energy groups in Gwynedd Maldwyn?
Gwynedd Maldwyn has many locally rooted groups showing what community energy can deliver. The economic and social benefits are clear: community energy groups keep value local, reduce energy costs, build skills and strengthen resilience. The Welsh public energy company will create more of these opportunities across Wales.
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the need to support small and micro businesses?
Small businesses and microbusinesses drive Wales’s economy, driving local jobs, innovation and community prosperity. In 2025 they accounted for 27.7 per cent of business turnover, 48.5 per cent of employment and 98.4 per cent of enterprises, underlining the importance of these firms to Wales’s overall economic success.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to protect Pembroke Refinery and the skilled jobs it supports?
Pembroke refinery is one of Wales’s most strategically important industrial assets. We support carbon pricing, but climate policy must cut emissions without exporting jobs or investment. As part of the UK emissions trading scheme authority, I will ensure Welsh refineries are considered, reviewing carbon leakage risks and engaging industry and unions closely.
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the impact of industrial-scale onshore wind farm developments on local communities and agricultural land in Gwynedd Maldwyn?
This Government is committed to ensuring that the scale, siting and cumulative impact of energy developments are properly considered through the planning system, including the protection of productive agricultural land.
Questions For - Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve school attendance in Gŵyr Abertawe?
Regular attendance is fundamental to participation, achievement and well-being. Our approach to improving attendance is to identify and address barriers early through joined-up support, ensuring children and young people can attend, engage in learning and fulfil their potential.
What plans does the Welsh Government have to inspire more people to use the Welsh language in Ceredigion Penfro?
We will inspire people to use the Welsh language in Ceredigion Penfro by implementing the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025, working with the local authorities, the mentrau iaith, collaborating on the legacy of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, and working with the Urdd, young farmers, businesses and schools to make the Welsh language a natural choice every day.
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the suitability of school uniform policies?
The Welsh Government encourages all governing bodies to have a school uniform, and to develop a uniform policy after consultation with parents, pupils and stakeholders. Properly developed and appropriately implemented, school uniform can provide a sense of identity, community and cohesion within the school and support positive behaviour and school discipline.
What are the Cabinet Minister's priorities for schools in Sir Fynwy Torfaen?
My priority is a connected education system that works in both languages, supporting children from their earliest years through to employment. We will raise standards for every child, ensuring more young people achieve strong qualifications, build secure literacy and numeracy skills and leave education with the foundations to thrive in life.
How is the Welsh Government supporting the pay and professional development of school support staff?
I recognise the vital role of school support staff in Wales and appreciate their significant contribution to our education system. I am engaging with our social partners to ensure support staff are treated consistently and fairly.