08/01/2013 am.pm

Good afternoon, welcome to AM:PM and the return of our weekly

coverage of questions to the First Minister, the first FMQs of 2013.

Carwyn Jones is on his feet, we're expecting questions to him on how

his government intends to increase the number of Welsh speakers and on

the management of flood risks. We'll be going over to hear what

the AMs have to say in a minute but first we want to hear what you have

to say. If you want to comment on anything on the programme or any

other political news get in touch with us. You can reach us via

Twitter or send us an email. As I mentioned, business is already

underway in the chamber, so let's go over now for First Minister's

Questions. Good afternoon and Happy New Year to you all. I called the

Assembly to order. Questions to the First Minister. Will the First

Minister provide an update on the committee transport consisted to --

concessionary fares? The First Minister will announce his decision

in due course. Thank you very much. I raised this issue with the

minister for transport in the first place in November of 2011 because

of the one Wales government had carried out an assessment and they

decided to renew the concessionary fares because they saw it as vital.

We see now a number of bus services will be lost because the subsidy

for those people running those services are to be cut back. Now we

see their is no guarantee of this subsidy. Are you willing to accept

a situation where substantial parts of Wales bulls seized transport

disappearing in their committee? Unsure the minister will write to

the member to insure the to date is provided when Annan -- when a

decision is to be taken. At given the cuts that the government is

making a, any card will really hurt some people -- any cut. The

original 15 projects whenever expanded. Will you ensure that the

future of the scheme is seen within the context of cuts to other public

transport? First of all, he is on difficult ground in suggesting

there should be no cuts in terms of vulnerable people. There are hard-

working people who are losing their benefits because of the proposals

being put forward. We are doing all we can to ensure that there are

sufficient bus services in Wales. It is true that we cannot afford to

support everything we have done in the past, given the financial

settlement we have received we will continue to be sure we support

services as best we can to help vulnerable people. Committee

transport operators Art Inc -- a providing an important service for

the health service. Are you in a position to be able to tell those

operators whether or not that funding is protected in the 2013

line? I will ensure that a date is provided to members by which a

decision will be taken and there will make sure that members are

aware of that date as soon as possible. Grill the first for us to

make a statement on flood risk management in Wales? -- will the

First Minister's yes. -- will the First Minister? Yes. There was

significant flooding in my constituency and a was great for

you took the time to visit in the immediate aftermath. An environment

agency investigation has concluded that the cull birds in the area had

been blocked and then that resulted in the flood -- be Culberts. Their

deeds to be a public inquiry into what happened on that estate --

then needs to be. We knew it concede to those requests -- when

you concede? It was clear that the flood defences held under the cover

its were blocked at. We have requested them to work together to

ensure that risk of flooding is a reduced in the future. We know what

the problem was. Money to ensure it doesn't happen again. Can I thank

you for visiting my constituency when they were recently flooded.

They were appreciative of the action you took to visit them to

hear the problems first hand. We do agree with me that that co-

ordinated approach and all the volunteers that helped those people

to rehouse themselves, do you agree that that is the Wales we want to

foster on these benches? Indeed so. I visited people in your

constituency. How would like to pay tribute to all those involved in

the rescue efforts. Also to those who volunteered. When I visited,

what was most get-up as well -- noticeable was that there was a

flood defence there and the water went down exceptionally quickly. It

shows that it is important to ensure we are fully aware of what

areas might be at risk of flooding in a way that was not the case

before. First Minister, in the period it is important to keep the

national trunk roads open. Bullying looking to why the road between

Aberystwyth the -- we look into why it a road was closed between North

and South? How can we made it the risk of this link being closed in

the future because of floods? have to ensure the work is

undertaken in order to ensure that the road is safe. It is true to say

that some parts of Wales suffered floods and some haven't seen

flooding for a long time. That is the highest levels of water we have

had since 1960, so it is obvious we have to consider the position now

in considering what we saw just before Christmas and insure that

the work is done as soon as possible to reopen the roads. Of

course, you need time to ensure that the road is safe before you

can reopen. Go the Westminster government will support a bill

which introduces unfair real-terms cuts to people who require social

security, whether they are in work or out of work. The proposals are

bound to impact on child poverty. Can you tell us how many people in

Wales will be affected by these proposals? We know that many

thousands of people will be affected. It is difficult to give

an exact figure at this stage. What we do know is that to many

thousands of people will be affected who are in work. They will

be hammered as a result of these benefit changes. Bruno they will be

great difficulties that -- we know there will be. I joined her in

saying the benefit changes will have an enormous leap detrimental

effect on so many people in England -- enormous effect. I hope you will

work with me when do it -- with your answer. Your party's toads in

London will not be enough to block these unfair cuts will -- your

party's votes. He didn't tell the people of Wales that you had no

power to stop their cut tos. How will you stand up for the people of

Wales against these cut ups? have put in place it drops growth

Wales, which is exceptionally successful. When we said we would

stand up for Wales, we said we would deliver for the people of

Wales. There are many people in Wales who are unable to get a job.

Again, you have come here this afternoon and evaded the questions

that have been put before you. You have had one chance to live up your

promise of shielding the people of Wales against these cuts and you

have simply failed to do that. You failed to protect a quarter of a

million households in Wales over council tax benefits. Actions speak

louder the words and that action is allowed his action to date. With

London already committed to further austerity, what evidence to now

intend to give to the commission to make sure that the next worse

government can stand up for people in Wales? -- the next Welsh

government. I would take the criticism in a greater spirit if

she had any ideas of her own. It was the thinnest manifesto any

party has produced. We have put in place five pledges which we are

delivering on. We have protected school spending, at 93 % of GP

practices are now open at least two evenings a week. We are delivering

on our commitment with regard to CSOs. And we have secured the

future of Cardiff airport, even though they were later the game by

saying we should be doing this after we had long started

negotiations on it. The reality is, of all Plaid Cymru do it is a step

of the UN now band wagon. -- on our. A how many overseas trade missions

are planned for 2013? I will be going to Turkey and Dublin in this

month, New York in March. There is a visit to it Japan in June and

another one in October. He talked at length of the delivery of a

government the previous question of. It is a fact that in the last

reported figures, exports have fallen from Wales by five %. Some

of the biggest falls have been no way you it as First Minister have

gone, China, India and America, a leading trade missions which were

supposed to create more economic activity. Many economists have

talked about how lamentable these figures are. Your government has

not delivered on export-led recovery for the Welsh economy.

What, considering your new year's address about delivering a message

that Wales is open for business, can we expect in 2013 that is

different from the first three years of leadership that has

delivered such lamentable figures and decline in our export and

Our figures are improving on a good basis. We will continue to bring

good news back to the people of Wales. It is important we have a

high profile abroad. We will continue to utilise officers abroad

to attract investment. He has conveniently forgotten the fact

because it does not fit in with his script. A I am not quite sure what

point you were trying to deliver. It is a fact that the Office of

National Statistics and age MRC have identified that our export

earnings have dropped by 5% -- age MRC. At this rate, Swansea City's

promotion to the Premiership will earn more for the Welsh economy

than any action in your government undertakes. What will you do

differently in 2013, 2014, that will reverse the decline in the

Welsh economy? We support efforts to promote Wales abroad. I have a

good many discussions with you about how we believe it should be

done. From what you have undertaken in the first three years of your

leadership, the figures are independent, verified, we are

seeing a decline upon decline. You have offered not one answer as to

how you are going to address this decline. I offer you a second

opportunity to indicate where we will be at the end of 2013 or 2014.

Unemployment rates in Wales are coming down. It may have passed his

attention that we have more people a economically active before than

ever before. Those are examples of the effect the government is having.

The improvement is Wales -- in Wales is better than the rest of

the UK. Another example, we are securing the future of our airports,

something he has opposed. So out of touch with public opinion, out of

touch with business, out of touch with people, out of touch with

reality, in my view, as well. I have never had an issue with more

public support than the purchase of an airport. We know a country needs

to have a functioning and successful airport. His party would

be happy to see it close down. It is important if you are going to

attract investments that you have a functioning airport. We are proud

of the fact we have secured the future of Cardiff airport. It will

be run as a commercial concern. We are not prepared to see it close

down as his party years. It shows how anti-business the Tories have

become. The most anti-business party in the Assembly. We will

stand up for Wales, stand-up for business in Wales, and stand up for

investment in Wales. TRANSLATION:... In Questions last year, you can

phone to me that your government has a target of 100% of people

being able to access an NHS dentist in Wales. In August of last year,

your Health Minister wrote to me to say that in fact this pledge was

unrealistic. What is your government's target for dentistry?

For those who wish access to an NHS dentist, they will get it. In the

last year, only an additional 11% of dentists were able to offer NHS

patients a place on their list. If that is your pleasure, Brummell you

deliberate? Again, she is not suggesting... If that is your

pledge, when will you deliver it. We have main substantial work in

ensuring people can access NHS services. Unless she is saying

there are people who cannot access NHS dentist, I cannot see what have

point it is. I do not know which country you are living in but you

programme for government says he would improve access to dentists

where they are localised problems and this morning your government

owned spokesperson acknowledged there was difficulty in areas. I

suggest you speak to them. As of yesterday, figures from the West

NHS show there were no dental practices accepting NHS patients in

many places -- the Welsh NHS shows that. Even here in the capital,

just 11% of practices are able to take on new NHS patients. That is a

lot of localised problems. This is a national problem that requires

national action from the a Health Minister. She has failed to supply

any evidence that people cannot access for NHS dentists. All she

has said is that... Unless she comes up with figures to suggest

that people cannot access services then had points carry no weight.

Back to questions on the Order Paper. Thank you. Will the First

Minister outline his economic priorities for North Wales in 2013?

It is in the programme for government. As you are aware, the

cost of train fares has become a major issue for many individuals

and businesses. Research by the TUC has demonstrated that train fares

have risen almost three times faster than average earnings since

the start of the recession in 2008. Will the Welsh Government work with

the UK government to set out a fair and sustainable long-term policy on

rail fares, to balance the big increases we are seeing at present?

We will be consulting on the future of rail in Wales this year

including consulting on the current pricing structure of rail fares.

First Minister, during recess, official figures have been released

showing that Wales remains the poorest part of the UK in terms of

value of goods and services produced per head of population.

North Wales economy has had a lower growth rate than the Welsh economy

since devolution. Wrexham has seen the biggest decline of production

in the whole of Wales. How do you respond to address concern that

value of goods and services produced has decreased by one for

7% across Wales since devolution. - - by 1.7. We have a substantial

employer in Wrexham. There are many other companies based in the area

which we have encouraged and they have grown. I draw him back to the

figures are quoted in terms of unemployment and economic activity

and the figures in relation to jobs growth Wales. It is clear the

policies of this government are having a beneficial effect on the

economy of Wales. We expect the trend to continue this year. In the

discussions between Plaid Cymru the party of Wales and the government

on the budget, it was agreed to invest �10 million in the

establishment of a science park in the north-west under the auspices

of the investor of Bangor. Have you a timetable regarding the

establishment of the park and with regards to location will you ensure

that the location of the business park on the outskirts of bank debt

will be given full consideration? - - of Bangor. Discussions are taking

place in order to decide how and where the park will be established.

Question 4 has been withdrawn. you make a statement on levels of

homelessness in Wales? The latest it is six for the year to September

dreaded far show a fall of 18%. This was countered to increase --

for the year to September showed a fall of 18%. We already know some

of the human cost as people turn to pay-day loans to meet rent and

mortgage repayments. Some London councils are looking to Wales to

house their home this leaving Wales and our people facing paint a very

high price for crazy policies. What assessment has been made of the

spending, monetary as well last human cost that these policies will

have? How can we deal with rising homelessness? We know that the

effect will be substantial. We are funding a project to help local

authorities work with credit unions. We are supporting a wide range of

homelessness prevention services including �700,000 this financial

year for local authorities to mitigate the impact of housing

benefit cuts. Happy New Year to you and everybody. Increasing the

supply of homes available in the private practice centre is vital if

we are to tackle homelessness -- in the private rental sector. Does he

agree that the need to increase the supply it is taken into account by

his government and it is important that landlords registration schemes

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 57 seconds

I would like to ask a question on what the Welsh government can do.

We have a target in ensuring that 5,000 vacant homes are transferred

for use in the housing stock in Wales. How successful have you been

in achieving that target? Everything would appear in the

report which will be presented in May. Members will then have the

opportunity to consider that and ask questions on that report.

services being a pittance -- operated by the Citizens Advice

Bureau are being reorganised because of changes in the funding.

I understand your carrying out a review -- you off. When will that

review conclude? We know that homelessness will continue to be an

issue in Wales despite the figures that I referred to earlier. Any

review that takes place will be one that looks in detail at the issue

and we will report back in due course. Around two-thirds of those

affected by housing benefit cuts are likely to be disabled, the

majority will be women and as a consequence, the level of

homelessness is likely to increase. This is going to result in an

increase in the number of predictions and this will leave

local authorities in a position where they have liability for the

homeless and we housing. What specific advice will be Welsh

government be giving to local authorities and housing bodies in

order to deal with the consequences of this disastrous change of the

benefit system? Local authorities do have accommodation for those

evicted up through no fault of their own or are in Parity needs. -

- a priority. It is important that people are seen to it as quickly as

possible. First Minister, we all know that one of the groups who

will be especially affected by a welfare reform, including changes

to housing benefits, are larger families, especially as there will

be the removal of the current five- bedroom rate. As the Welsh

government made an assessment of the number of larger families that

are expected to be affected as a result of the cuts and the likely

impact of the increase in homelessness? Yes, it was part of

the able 2011 reforms and they resulted in some 48,000 people

being worse off by �9 per week. They do continue to manage --

monitor the matter very closely. What plans to the Welsh government

have to commemorate the centenary of the start of the first world war

in 2014? We are working to develop a commemorative programme beginning

in 2014. The next stage is the consultation events which will be

held on 22nd January in Cardiff and the 28 that January somewhere else.

-- 28 the January. Trying to get a well Strachan statue -- Welsh

dragon statute, we can -- continue to insure it that the tributes of

the Welsh soldiers are not forgotten? Of wheel of establishing

a memorial to world soldiers -- we are forced top we want to develop a

fundraising strategy. You have visited the library in Aberystwyth

and was impressed that they are preparing for this commemoration --

I was visiting a. It showed what enormous community effort it was

but I would ask you to ensure that this commemoration shares that it

was a national effort, not just military glory. The intention is

that the commemoration should be as great as possible. We will be

looking at the impact will all cross sections of society. It is

important that the commemoration is not purely in military

commemoration but one that looks at the effects on society in has ball

away as possible. -- in as a broad a its way. We know millions died in

the First World War. Many returned home from battle with scars which

will never heal. The wonder sometimes what sort of country we

would living if those people have survived. We do agree that we can

use the centenary of the start of the First World War to raise

awareness not only of the enormous human costs of war but the

awareness of others in current and future conflicts with emotional and

physical scars so we can do more to help them and give those needing

support for physical and emotional trauma absolutely every assistance

they need? Those who suffer from what were we now know it is post-

traumatic stress were not given any assistants at all. I think it is

important to emphasise that the way in which some people were treated

was very different to the way people are treated now. As part of

the commemoration I want to see some emphasis placed on what

individuals went through it and the way they were treated at that time

in the way we would never dream of Further to the response you gave, I

wonder what support the Welsh Government can provide to local

groups to allow them to explore the effects of the First World War

within their own communities and how can we ensure due consideration

of all aspects of the war particularly of women's

contributions within this period? The lottery fund has established a

grant programme to which groups can embark on funding -- apply for

funding. Officials have met with the Heritage Lottery Fund and they

have arranged that a representative returns the planning events later

this month in order to provide advice to organisations. Question

seven has been withdrawn. Christian Aid. TRANSLATION: Has an assessment

been made of the effects of ash dieback in Wales -- question eight.

Government officials and a number of Environment agencies are

currently assessing the effect of ash dieback in Wales. The result

will be available in the next few weeks. Thank you. The Minister in

his statement on 12th November stated the problem had to be kept

under consideration. Are you aware of a report from the University of

Aberdeen and also another professor from Oxford stating that the Welsh

Government should take steps to prohibit the importation of wood

and timber into Wales? Be does not make much sense because this is a

cross-border problem and the way of resolving it is also a cross-border

approach. That is why we have been working closely with organisations,

particularly in England. There is no point in banning the import of

trees into Wales if they go into England. We must consider best on a

UK-wide basis in order to ensure that a means of dealing with it is

as effective as possible. The First Minister will be aware that the

wintertime provides the best possible opportunity to get on top

of this disease before we get into the spring and summer where we may

see a spike in confirmed cases in Wales. How was the worst government

ensuring that the UK government's interim control plan is effectively

communicated through Wells landowners, voluntary organisations

and the general public, all of whom have a crucial role to play in

identified and managing the spread of this disease? Updates on this

position is available on the website. Questor nine. Will my

First Minister make a statement on ambulance services in Brecon and

Radnorshire? A it is the responsibility of the Welsh

Ambulance Service NHS Trust in partnership with the local health

board. Paramedic crews have long offered assistance to areas outside

of their patch when required to do so. Now in an attempt to reach

government targets, crews in some areas are wittingly cent at the

start of their shift to Crewe and illustrations in other areas. -- at

the start of their shifts. It is the patients in some populations

with dangerous levels of lack of coverage. Will you investigate this

matter and we to agree that it is simply not an acceptable way for

the Welsh Ambulance Service to treat the people of Brecon and

Radnorshire? I will investigate the issues. In general, the ambulance

trust... The member will be aware that there is a plan for a review.

That was announced in November of last year. We have made a million

pounds available for the De -- the delivery... First Minister, the

ambulance service in Brecon and Radnorshire it is no different to

another parts of Wales. It is under pressure and needs additional

support. Do you recognise that when the police are having to take

people to hospital because ambulances are not turning up that

there is a fundamental problem with the way we cope with unscheduled

care in Wales and what are you I would refer other member back to

what was said before. The previous Chief Constable told me of his

concerns of the police being called to emergency situations because the

ambulance service was not available. May I ask you a few would want to

be treated and take treatment by an ambulance or police car? It depends

on the nature of the condition that I had and where I was. If there was

a police car next to me that could take me to hospital, I would want

the police car to take me rather than wait for an ambulance. It is

difficult to give a definitive answer. But clearly if people

needed help of paramedics it should be provided as soon as possible.

What action as the Welsh government taking to protect the Welsh

language from further decline? the Welsh language strategy and the

framework for Health Services, that is clear evidence of that

commitment. The census data shows a disturbing trend in the

traditionally Welsh-speaking areas of Wales at. To tackle the problem

I believe we need facts about why then it is this disturbing trend.

Will government initiate a review to discover whether this is perhaps

due to the younger Welsh because it speaking only English so that the

Welsh language is no longer in living language or because of an

influx of new speakers into the area, or is it that were speaking

jobseekers are having to leave their homes to seek employment

elsewhere? I can tell the member I have already met with the Welsh

language commissioner with a view to taking forward a review process

we can understand. I have seen it often enough and a member is right

to say that one of the issues is that young current Welsh speakers

are not speaking to each other in Welsh. They can't tell you why. It

makes it difficult to tap -- to address the problem. There places

where social spaces have been used for the Welsh language. My concern

is the lack of Welsh spoken by teenage fluent Welsh speakers in

urban Southwell. Watch of the Guard -- the government do to support

initiatives for teenagers? We are supporting initiatives by

delivering grants to organisations that promote the use of Welsh in

committees. Unless we crack the issue of the use of the language

are amongst young people, we will not be able to redress the

difficulties the language faces. One way it of possibly promoting

the use of the Welsh language and safeguarding the language from

further decline in business is by establishing Welsh-language charts

which would benefit businesses and customers. I expect the minister

has considered at the link between the Welsh language and economic

development, but in the circumstances, do you agree that

such a charter would be a benefit and can you confirm that this is

one of the things that the group will consider? I believe it would

be of benefit and I'm certain from the points of view of customers

that a number of businesses would benefit from the fact that they

have a definite policies on the use of the Welsh language. For example,

using Welsh language signs in businesses. This doesn't happen

often, even in areas where the Welsh language is the majority

language. Anything that actually confirms and strengthens the use of

Welsh in business is to be supported. We will leave that there.

You can see more coverage of the National Assembly online from our

website. Our correspondent has been watching First Minister's Questions

and he joins us from our Assembly news from. A mixed bag of topics

fair, what did you pick out? Yes, a well-rehearsed line of attack by at

least two of the opposition parties trying to paint a picture that this

Welsh Labour government is a government which has run out of

ideas. How was Carwyn Jones able to say that he was standing up for the

people of Wales in base of the welfare cuts imposed by the UK

government? She said he had run out of ideas. And another one, how

could Carwyn Jones turnaround very disappointing export figures.

Carwyn Jones' answer was, far from being a government which has run

out of ideas, they were now proposing things which Plaid Cymru

are were endorsing themselves. On the issue of export figures, Carwyn

Jones said the way to turn round trade and investment figures was to

invest and by Cardiff airport, something which he said the

Conservatives were against. But this idea that the Labour

government might need a sprinkling of fresh blood is one which is

still alive idea -- a life idea. With the new Assembly term having

just started, it seems a distant prospect at the moment. Stepping

outside of the chamber, there is also news from Plaid Cymru in terms

of that Assembly member bet than Jenkins who was convicted of drink-

driving during the Christmas period. Yes, she is now back in the fold.

She was banned from driving for 20 months after a drink-drive

conviction when she was found to be twice over the legal limit. She was

arrested on Sunday 14th October in the early hours of Sunday morning

when she was driving in Cardiff. She was said to be barefoot and

wearing pyjama bottoms at the time. She said she was deeply sorry for

her actions and was coming to terms with depression. She returned to

work yesterday after a period of sickness leave. Today she pressed

her fellow Assembly members and after apologising once again, she

has been reinstated -- today she faced. That is it for today. I will