07/02/2012 am.pm

Good afternoon and welcome to am.pm on the 200th anniversary of the

birth of Charles Dickens. I'm sure you all have Great Expectations of

today's programme, and as usual, we'll bring you coverage of

questions to the First Minister. Before we do that, just the usual

reminder that you can contact us during the programme. There are

many ways in which to do that. Twitter is one of those ways. Send

Right then, let's take you over to The Chamber now for this week's

questions to First Minister, Carwyn Jones.

I call the National Assembly of Wales to order. What provision has

the Welsh Government made to increase awareness of the benefits

of learning to older people? Are we acknowledge the benefits that

learning brings to order people through key strategies. -- older

people. Two weeks ago I posted a seminar. How do you refer to the

statement to in that report that the Government departments do not

do enough to join up the different elements of older people's

strategy? And that current emphasis on skills in employment has

resulted in gaps for older learners, who have retired? The report looked

at delivery prior to the publication of the policy. That

statement recognises the benefits of non formal learning. My question

is rather less condescending towards older people. I am being

favour of... Will the First Minister acknowledge the benefits

to children of learning by recommending the schools invite

older people to recount experiences of growing up in Wales, in order to

foster a greater respect of elderly people? In my opinion, that is the

benefit of learning to older people. A lot of schools already do this.

They in fact elderly members of the community in it for to tell

children of what life was like when they were children, and how

communities have changed. That is a model which gives the children an

extra Duke on life and the history of their community. -- bit extra at

the you. What support is the Welsh Government giving to small

businesses? Last October, my colleague raised with you that

Wales had the lowest business birth rate. What action it is the Welsh

Government taking to improve entrepreneurship in Wales? What

assessment have you made of their effectiveness in supporting

business? There are top centres located across Wales. -- 12. This

is in addition to what has been done in terms of recruiting

business champions. As you are aware, of supreme importance to

small businesses in Wales is broadband speed. A recent report

shows that the average broadband speed has risen by 22%. However,

the research highlights that areas in North Wales are falling behind.

Will you do all you can to ensure Wales gets its fair share of UK

funding, to improve internet access speeds? In rolling out faster

broadband, we will insure businesses have a platform to

attract and retain business? Yes, we well. We have secured �56

million for this project. The UK Government has pledged an

additional �100 million to create up to 10 at Super connected cities

across the UK. The recent report shows that one in every seven shops

in our towns is vacant, and of course, this undermines the

confidence of the residents of that town. It also undermines the

confidence of the business community. What steps is the

Government taking to regenerate our high streets? It is important to

ensure that businesses to look at high streets, and C there is a

market there for them. There are many examples where town centres

have been successful. There are a number of examples which have not

been as successful, but local authorities need to develop plans

to redevelop town centres in order to ensure that we don't go down the

same route as America, where homes and businesses are outside towns

but nothing is in the town. tough financial times, the public

expect the Welsh Government to ensure that taxes are spent wisely.

But a government have anything to apologise for? The report will be

published on Thursday, and that will be in conjunction with the big

lottery fund. But is not the question by it asked. You are not

willing to acknowledge any shortcomings, but the Home

Secretary has acknowledged that it should have been graded as high

risk. You do know that in 2003, but social Justice Minister

commissioned a report into financial irregularities. Could you

explain to this chain but why that report has not been published, and

were you commit to publishing it now. -- to this Chamber. It is not

clear whether it that report was made public at the time. But it

will be made public. On Thursday, their report will be published it

into the current state of affairs. That will be published with the big

lottery fund. Following that, there will be an inquiry conducted. Its

findings will be made public. answer is scarcely credible! Are

you running this country or not?! We are asking for that report to be

published now! We need a full picture of what is going on and has

gone on, and we need both reports. The report to be published this

week will need to be seen in the context of any recommendations made

in that report. You are the First Minister of this country! You can

decide, hair now, whether to publish that report this week. --

here and now. People want to know whether that report made any

recommendations of the weather government funding should continue.

This is a matter of public interest. What has a government got to hide?

The leader at last bringing forward point of view to this Assembly. She

also fails to deviate from her script! The report will be

published on Thursday, the findings will be published, and the report

will be published. We have nothing to hide from the people of Wales.

was also listening to the answers you were giving, and this is

building up over a period of time. One thing we would welcome it is

the statement from the Minister around the allegations made, and in

particular on the report that might be published on Thursday, we were

told it would be Monday. Will there be a statement from your

government? Yes, on Thursday. that this is over such a long

period of time, do you not believe there has been inaction of

successive governments to address the very real concerns that people

have brought forward, time and time again? The human cost of some of

the allegations that have been levelled against the management,

for example. The report will be published on Thursday, so I think

it should be published first before further comment. There has been a

report undertaken independently. Some of those allegations have been

confirmed. For example, her financial irregularities and

bullying of staff. I would suggest that your government hasn't acted

in the best interests of protecting public money, or protecting

vulnerable individuals working within that organisation. It is

imperative that when the report is published, you respond practically

to the recommendations involved in that report. You also need to look

back over previous reports that will be brought forward, to make

sure that the public purse is protected, and the individuals also

have confidence that they know the Government is acting in their best

interests. I agree that that is important. But there is no evidence

to suggest there is any difficulty. The report demonstrates that it

there is no change in the Government's education policy over

30,000 children, who will be illiterate by 2016, and I am sure

you will not be proud of such a record. Well, we have a good record

on education in Wales. For example, the foundation stage, and what we

are doing regarding security the apprenticeship scheme, namely the

job growth programme. That will ensure 4,000 young people will have

the opportunity to secure all a apprenticeship. There is a

connection between a literacy and the number of young people who

leave school and you are not in education, employment or training.

Statistics demonstrate that, this year, 15,000 children and young

people will fall into this category. I am sure you will agree that is

scandalous in Wales in the modern age. Why do you think so many

children and young people face such a bleak future? What responsibility

are you willing to take for those figures? I don't believe their

future is bleak. There are so many things being done to assist them in

the future, but we must improve, and that is why the Minister has

announced a scheme that to ensure that children improve regarding

reading and writing and numeracy. But the truth is that these figures

are increasing. You have set a target, in 2006, to reduce the

number of children not in education, employment or training, and of

course, you missed that target completely. The reality is this:

What you are saying is that everything will be fine as long as

we implement waters in your programme of government. --

implement what is. The reality is, or with thousands of children are

illiterate, and thousands of young people without the necessary basic

skills, and the fact the economy is going into another recession, you

have to do something which is far more positive. So, it won't change

direction, or were you do nothing, and condemn another generation to a

life of joblessness and hopelessness? -- or would you

The minister himself as broad statements before this Assembly a

number of times. There is work to be done, but we must ensure that

our children get the best start in life, and that is why we are

implementing and expanding the Flying Start scheme, and insuring

that the clear message is given as regards the scheme already

announced, to ensure that children's skills or improved.

the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's support

for the third sector? We remain committed to working for the third

sector, it plays an important role. Can I return to an important third

sector organisation, and in particular the answers you gave to

his Kirsty Williams earlier on? When exactly will the 2003 report

be published? Can explain why the report published on Thursday does

not deal with the human resource issues which have caused so much

distress to so many people? Unless the member has seen the report

which I have not, I don't think I can comment. The report will be

published on Thursday, the 2003 report will be published together

with the findings and the lessons learned exercise. It will then be

possible for members and the public to take a full view on the current

and historic situation. Will you join me in commending the excellent

work of the new �12 million since some -- SIM Dunstan centre in

funded no, which provides rehabilitation care to blind

veterans and which is open 365 days a year? Do you agree with me that

there appears to have been a gross oversight by the Labour lead

governments in the Assembly, which have chosen to spend hundreds of

millions of pounds each year in direct funding for the third sector,

but have not given a panic to support that run care at this

centre in North Wales? -- a penny. We you commit today that this

mistake will be corrected as a matter of urgency? It is not

correct to say veterans has -- have received no support. There is a

come apprehensive package. I cannot take any lectures with regards to

the party opposite. This morning in the Times and Number Ten source is

quoted as saying that Health Secretary should be taken out and

shot. I have snow similar plans for the health minister here! -- I have

no similar plans. If I may return to the position regarding a... And

endorse what Peter Black said, but it is a particularly important

Organisation undertaking vital work in Wales, and that the partnership

established is especially appointment -- important. Temporary

arrangements are in place to ensure that those partners do not lose out

financially. However, in addition to looking at the position in 2003,

will he also look at the correspondence between the chair of

a beamer at the time in 2007, and the Welsh Government, raising a

number of issues that was causing him concern in the internal

administration? Our except what you say that we must await the

publication on Thursday, but we accept that there is a

responsibility on behalf of the Welsh Government to ensure that

organisations or in receipt of public funds are fit for purpose as

regards the allocation of that funding? Yes, and it is

exceptionally important that the Government and the public should

have confidence in organisations in receipt of public money, which is

why I have said that the report will be published on Thursday.

Recommendations will be made once the permanent secretary has

considered their historic position, and the previous report will also

be published. It is very important that there is confidence in the

process, and in the organisation itself in terms of what is

happening there now and what has happened there in the past. May ask

the First Minister when he last met with that the President of the

European Commission? I have met him on three occasions, the last time

was at the end of January. The next time he meets him, where he once

again assured the President of the commission that his leadership as

the First Minister of Wales in terms of Wales's active membership

of the EU, reflects the interests of colonisation this threat Wales,

despite the negative attitudes of the British Prime Minister? I wrote

to the President on 21st January last year in order to ensure that

he understood how much I relished the relationship between the Welsh

Government and the European Union. First Minister, during your

meetings with the President of the European Commission, could you

outline whether you discussed the trans-European transport network to

Wales, in particular the importance of electrifying the route to

Swansea? If you have not done so, will you do so? Electrification is

a number for the UK Government, not for the European Commission. The UK

Government have indicated they will collect a far as far as Cardiff, it

is a matter of record here but we want in education to go as far as

Swansea. A business case has been produced which we think supports

that. What is the Welsh Government doing to improve the local economy

in Wales? The programme for Government sets out our priorities

for developing the economy. I would like to thank you Konig the

business Minister for the announcement last week when she

announced... A large number of businesses in my own constituency

have closed down in the last month alone. In fact one local resident

has recently posted a YouTube video to highlight that the tide is

turning into a ghost town. I recommend that you look at that,

because it demonstrates the need for urgent action. In terms of

towns in Powys, I wonder if you could provide more detail of when

that task Finnish group will start? Will it include groups such as the

Federation of Small Businesses? Wendy expect the group to start his

work? The minister will be producing a written statement in

due course, but we want to ensure that such a group will be effective

as possible, and that will include as many as those with business

interests in your time and the wider area as we can. First

Minister, the use of unnatural -- our natural resources in Wales has

a potential to boost the economy. Particularly those coming from wind

and water resources. Have you written yet to Ed Davey asking for

the devolution of all renewable energy projects in Wales? I have

not written yet, but it is a matter of record that be constantly call

for the devolution of renewable energy products under... Difficulty

is that it creates uncertainty with regard to developers. They do not

know how to -- who to talk to, where the guidance lies. First

Minister, of when talking to businesses and their

representatives across mid-Wales, one of the main problems they

braise is the lack of an adequate transport infrastructure to import

and export goods efficiently and in a cost-effective manner. One recent

discussions have you had with your colleague, the minister for local

Government and communities, on addressing some of these issues,

notably the new town bypass, and also other investment so that

businesses are no longer disadvantaged in comparison to

their colleagues on their Mfor corridors? Progress has been made

in the new town bypass, and physical evidence is there, there

is an issue as well with the electricity grid in northern Paris,

where there is limited spare capacity for future growth, and a

need to update the great anyway, because it is difficult to attract

large-scale investment because of the power situation. So it is

important to consider the roads, but also broadband. We want to make

sure that high-speed broadband is available across Wales by 2015. We

know the market will never deliver that, but there is great

opportunity for all parts of Wales to be able to benefit from that

level of connectivity. What is a Welsh Government doing to improve

access to dentistry services in Wales? Access to NHS care has

improved significantly in recent years. The programme for Government

underlines our manifesto commitment to continued to improve access to

dentists. A you may be aware that dental care in my constituency has

received a significant boost with the recent opening of the teaching

dental unit at a local hospital. With an estimated 1000 people not

registered with a dentist, the new unit will provide check ups and any

treatment required free of charge. Would you agree with me that the

unit is an investment, not only in the standard of dental health, but

also in the future dentists who will provide care for people?

it will provide services for up to 10,000 patients, provides

undergraduate students with the opportunity to find tuned their

skills. That practical experience also provides the local community

with a much needed service for those without access to an NHS

dentist. How do you respond to that resident who said he is tired of

paying an excess of �2,000 for private care, and I am now being

asked to pay �7,000 for treatment I do not have. My previous four

dentists do not provide it. Many phone calls and e-mails to NHS

Direct could not establish me an NHS dentist. I have not seen the e-

mail, but if you forward it to me I would be more than happy to

investigate the circumstances. First Minister, there is no

orthodontist service, on the income but then showers. There is now an

opportunity to let a new contract that would provide about which

services. Do you believe and agreed they should be an orthodontics

service for all the junk people of Wales within a sensible distance to

them? I think it is important to ensure UN orthodontics service

which is as close as possible to people, bearing in mind the number

of Orthodontists available. I would hope that they would consider the

situation to see whether there is a means of assisting. In my

constituency there is also a dental unit, but staffed by postgraduate

students, who spend a year there. What support is the Welsh

Government giving to these students, to set up practice in Wales and

provide more NHS capacity in dentistry? Those who trained in

wells are more likely to stay in Wales, so we have increased the

number of training places to 74, up from 55 in 2003. Of the most recent

available figures, they show that the 74 -- of the 74, 53 remained in

Following recent events, the regulators are asked -- are

awarding them up through seminars, and consequently, it has improved.

I am certain that you are aware of a review in Scotland regarding the

market system, regarding it examination boards. Do you have any

intention to look at the situation in Wales? No. We know the

regulators have to deal with the situation, and in addition to what

I said earlier, the senior managers of company macro also manage it. --

Welsh Joint Education Committee. Listening to your answer, I am

disappointed that you are taking an arm's length approach to this. I am

pleased by the first part of your answer that these guidelines have

been reviewed, but you must accept there is a big responsibility to

see the guidelines are adhered to, and these changes happen. There is

concerned that the reputation of education in Wales will fall by the

UK, unless your government takes action. Well, there were other exam

boards affected in the same wave. I do not accept that education in

Wales will suffer at all. While it is not under the direct control of

the Welsh Government, I can say the Minister spoke to the chief

executive to express concern. He referred to the footage that we saw.

He also announced a review of the market structure for qualifications,

and this will be conducted over the next three months. The Welsh

Government officials also contributed to the initial

investigation. In that light of all the unfavourable attention that it

has received concerning the allegations, what practical steps

that your government taking to assist it to regain their

reputation? As I said, I have given it an example of what has happened,

and what the Minister has done. Will the First Minister update

members on preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games? We have led the

effort to engage, co-ordinate and deliver the games, and the

opportunity the games will bring it across Wales. The action plan has

been referred to in previous months. It focuses on similar opportunities

before, during and after the event. In the past, sporting events have

been linked to people trafficking. Could I ask what actions the

Government is sticking to insure trafficking is not part of our

Olympic legacy? It is fair to say that we are ahead of the rest of

the UK on this issue. We were the first country in the UK to a point

and Andy human traffic cordon 84 stop the current threat assessment

is low, based on existing intelligence. -- human traffic

cordon 80. It is also correct to say that it is equally a threat in

terms of what might happen with the issues you mentioned like sex

trafficking. We need to make sure the games bring positive legacies

to Wales, and we need to clampdown on negative legacies. I am sure you

will agree that the build-up to 2012 provides an excellent

opportunity for Wales to benefit from this event. A recent poll

found that 57% of respondents thought the Olympics would have a

positive affect, compared to 50% of Scots. What avenues or the

Government be pursuing in the build up to the Olympics to ensure that

young people, all across Wales, increase their level of but as a

patient in sport, and that Welsh businesses make the most of these

opportunities? I have made reference to the action plan

published at the end of 2011. last year's Assembly, the police

have lost 300 officers, and are planning their commitment to

policing the Olympics. The impact of the reduced numbers, and

increase of the Olympics, it will be felt after the event. What it

reassurances have the Welsh Government sought, it matters like

court appearances and police training will be able to continue

during this time, as well as cover for firearms officers, drugs teams,

at road policing and officers who investigate domestic violence?

These are matters for the Home Office, but if there are examples

of officers who feel there will be insufficient cover, I welcome those

examples being forwarded to me. I understand that there need to be

anonymity. The people of Wales need to know that regular policing

functions will not suffer. Will the First Minister make a statement as

to what degree the school curriculum of Wales should reflect

the language and culture of Wales? The Welsh Government believes

strongly that Wales's history, culture and social fabric are

linked to the Welsh language. The curriculum provides learners with

opportunities to apply their knowledge and understand the

cultural and linguistic characteristics of Wales. Thank you

for that response. I learnt Welsh have a second language, so I think

it is important that every child in Wales has the opportunity to learn

some Welsh, an event to go want to become fluent speakers. If you

agree with that, what are you doing as a government to improve the

situation in the teaching of Welsh as a second language, which has

highlighted that the Welsh as a second language is taught most

poorly? It is also the subject which has the greatest gap between

the achievement of boys and girls. We need to improve that situation.

Of course, Welsh is a statutory subject. Every child has to study

it until the age of 16. But we do pay attention to be a report, and

steps would all be put in place in order to ensure that the teaching

of Welsh as a second language is strengthened. I am pleased that the

Government has recognised British sign language as a language in its

own it right. How are you unsure and this is being reflected in the

School Curriculum? Developing communication skills should take us

across a whole curriculum. While there are no requirement to teach

it, the framework recognises the importance of developing non-verbal

communication skills, including a sign language. While education is

an end in itself, one of the functions of school link is to

improve the child's chance of social mobility. It is not just

Welsh as a second language that is experiencing poor uptake, but also

modern foreign languages. Do you think that second languages, that

could open economic doors, should become core subject? We must be

careful about adding to many core subject to the curriculum. It

restricts the choices of students. I do agree with you that it is

important that children take seriously the study of a third or

second European language. How will the Welsh Government support

transport for elderly and disabled people? It is a priority. It is

often said that age rarely travels alone, and many older people

experience mobility difficulties. However, there is an anomaly,

whereby people entitled to concessionary travel are not

charged for using buses, but can be charged for using community

transport. What can you do to address that anomaly? We are

looking at other ways to support community transport, and we will be

focusing on how the sector can work more effectively with the NHS to

deliver non-emergency patient transport services. Can I just ask,

what about the situation where people cannot access bus services

at all? In my constituency, it is the oldest demographic constituency

in Wales. As a result, many people need access to public transport.

They have concessionary passes, but they cannot get on buses because

there are none. What are you doing to support the expansion of local

bus services? There are several options. Authorities can consider

whether a subsidised bus services is appropriate. We all know about

the very successful bus scheme. There we are, that was First

Minister's Questions. And you can see more proceedings from the

National Assembly on BBC Wales's Democracy Live online coverage. Our

Welsh Affairs editor, Vaughan There was plenty of discussion at

there. It seems mounting pressure on the First Minister to produce

some evidence that the Government has been looking into this scheme.

Yes, it has been one of those slow- burn up stories. It have been in

the news before. It was in the news in 2003. Recently, all sorts of

internal problems happened - trustees resigning, the chief

executive paid offers personal credit card bill. The whole

situation has been rising and accusations have been flying. --

chief executive paid off. A Ms want to see the results of that

investigation published. Also, they want to see the report from 2003,

because there are suspicions that the Welsh Government was warned

about this company, and did very little about it. That is why it

this is moving centre-stage. It is a story that will not go away. I

should say that we expect developments quite soon. Carwyn

Jones said that his government had nothing to hide. There are links

between the Labour Party and this company, on there? Yes, between the

chief executive we mentioned. He has tried for Labour nominations.

His son was a Labour candidate in the last Assembly elections. He has

been a volunteer. The new chair is also a faint -- former Labour

councillor. The Conservatives have questioned whether the Labour

connections are prejudicing the inquiry. The Government denies this.

That's it for today. I'll be back with you tomorrow at 11:30am for