13/12/2016 am.pm

Hello again, good afternoon, and welcome to the final

We're expecting questions today on a range of topics

including traffic jams, housing and Carwyn Jones' conversations

Don't forget we're on Twitter, @walespolitics, where you can follow

all the latest from the Assembly and Welsh politics.

Well, business in the Siambr is already under way,

so let's go over now for today's questions to the First Minister.

I called the National Assembly to order, the first item on our agenda

is questions to the First Minister and the first question is from

Gareth Bennett. What steps is the Welsh Government

taking to alleviate road traffic Sustainably improving infrastructure

and transport links, increasing transport choice, focusing on the

safety and reliability of the road network.

I thank the First Minister for his answer. As you will be aware, there

are major housing developments planned for the edges of Cardiff

which will increase road traffic congestion in the next few years. We

are hopeful the South Wales Metro will arrive but in the medium term

are there any steps the government could take to alleviate any

potential increases in road congestion which could possibly ten

Cardiff into a glorified car park? It is a matter for the local

authority to ensure when there is a development the committee

infrastructure Levy can be used in order to make sure infrastructure

can be provided where there is development. I expect any local

authority to be able to do that and the Metro in time will be able to

extend its reach to parts of the city and beyond, where there is no

heavy rail link. Where light rail made perfect sense in moving people

around. Vikki Howells. Does the First

Minister agree the completion of the Cross Valley Link Road in Mountain

Ash will reduce congestion in this part of South Wales Central? It'll

play an important part in the system, the two way flow of capital

and labour in future economic schemes such as the Cardiff capital

region. Transport links are important for

two reasons as the member said. To enable people to get to work more

quickly and to enable investments to flow into communities where

investment has been hard to attract in years gone by. For me, schemes

like the Metro, the Cross Valley Link are important to ensure people

and investments can move more freely.

Neil McEvoy. In Europe, 460,000 people die

prematurely each year from air pollution. Worldwide the figure is

6.5 million. In Wales, thousands die every year and the World Health

Organisation lists Cardiff as one of the worst areas for air pollution.

Labour's plans for Cardiff include putting 10,000 extra cars on the

road. How is this consistent with the goals of the future generations

act, taking into account those extra cars will breathe poisonous fumes

all over my constituents Healthwatch England I expect that any

development should include use the community infrastructure Levy.

Sustainable transport links should be put in place for those

developments. The days when development was driven entirely by

the car have come to an end. It is important or local authorities in

Wales are able to look at options. David melding.

I walk through my area frequently. It is clear that we need to reduce

the number of needless journeys or journeys that are not shared, just

one occupant driving a car, there are many quick wins we can gain.

That ought to be the other half of our active travel strategy. We've

got a good law, we need to start implemented.

This is a multi pronged approach. Where there are problems that cannot

be resolved by public transport, that has to be dealt with. M4 is one

issue. When the franchise transfer the most governments we need to make

sure we have better rolling stock on Cardiff suburbanites, the

development of the Metro, more light rail so communities that their links

are reconnected by the light rail network. When it comes to cycling,

we are very keen to make sure more cities sees cycling, not just as a

recreation, but more of its spot. Cardiff has a network of cycle

routes, they are not all connected. Other towns and cities don't do so

well. It is important for many cyclists they are not in the same

names as traffic, their confidence isn't strong enough. We must do more

through the active travel to make sure all modes of sustainable

transport are promoted. Question number two, Dafydd

Elis-Thomas. When did the First Minister last

meet with the Prime Minister to discuss constitutional

developments in Wales? I met her at the JNC on the 24th of

October. Many things were discussed at that time.

Could the First Minister now give this national insurance -- give this

National Assembly and assure that there will be no diminish and is

legal powers given to the Wales Bill, the so-called Brexit process

or the and constitutional questions posed by some conservative members

of Parliament. Could I say in terms of the Brexit

process, there are two things that are vital here. First of all, no

diminishing in powers for this institution and ensuring the powers

that are in Brussels are transferred to this institution and the people

of Wales as well. Those are the principles that we continue to

pursue through discussions that we are having with the UK Government.

Simon Thomas. Thank you, may I ask by thanking the First Minister for

continuing with discussions between Plaid Cymru and his party and for

the meeting we had yesterday. I look forward to seeing the amendments to

The Wales Bill in the House of Lords in order to secure with these

processes. I would like to raise another issue with him today, an

issue related to another Parliament. The Presiding Officer of the

Catalonian parliament is facing a court case in Spain for allowing a

debate on the constitutional future of Catalonia. That is to say, they

are allowing a debate in the Catalonian Parliament on

independence. We know Spain are sensitive of the issue but in a big

aquatic nation as we have seen in Scotland, and here in Wales, a

debate on the future of a nation is crucially important to demonstrate a

nation can move forward step-by-step together on that process. Can you

raise these issues with the Westminster government, expressing

concern that the Speaker of a parliament is facing a court case

for allowing a debate in Parliament? Could they consider that in more

detail and I will do that and try to be member with the details. I know

the situation is different in Spain and when I went to Catalonia to meet

with the speaker of Catalonia at the time, one of the questions that was

asked to me in the press conference was whether I had the permission of

David Cameron to go to Catalonia? I said, no, and I don't expect our

permission. I wouldn't ask for permission. That is the context in

Catalonia. Can I considered the situation in more detail?

Christians now by the party leaders. First of all, the leader of the

Conservatives. Pallett I wish you the compliments

of the season and best wishes to your family over the festive period.

Last week, we had the good news about Tata and the agreements

between the unions and the company. Bearing in mind where we were this

time last year, with seven and the devastating news in March many of us

engaged with, it is looking rather bleak. It is unimaginable to be the

situation we are at the moment. But that is a caveat around the pot. Are

you confident that is aid the other should be endorsed by the workers

when they are balloted on its? Can I reciprocate and wished him

this season 's greetings as well. He raises an important is you about

Tata. Tata will not be in a position it is in in with a pass from the how

given. I'd like to pay tribute to the hard work put in by officials.

Many meetings, I have spoken to Tata many times. The hourly company that

listens. They are prepared, if you put up the right case, to listen and

move forward. Last week's announcement in the straight of

that. It is a matter for the workforce as to what they do. If I

can put it that way, it is unclear what the future would be if the deal

was not accepted. These are difficult times and the emphasis has

to be on continuing steel production in Wales and there will be some

difficult decisions around that, I understand. That has to be the main

objective. I do want to push you on this

because I do view it is important to get a signal from U of endorsement

on that deal. On the response to my question, you haven't given that

endorsement. The Welsh Government has given a lot of support and the

UK Government. Also, the change of direction from the Tata mainboard.

That is an important development in the direction of Tata and the way it

looks at steel. The takeover of call' was his takeover. It is

important you occupy a role here as the most senior elected politician.

That deal is on the table and it is a simple question. Do you endorse

the deal on the table for the workers to deal on?

It is a good deal compared to where we were in the spring. The situation

was particularly bleak for steel, the heavy end of steel-making in

Port Talbot. It is a tribute to the hard work of many people that we are

in the situation we're in now. This deal is a deal I can endorse and a

deal that can provide a future for plan.

Thank you for that endorsement. That is important to be on the record. It

is the final piece of the jigsaw that this lead to the agreement.

What was important as well in the negotiations with the issues around

business rates. APC the Commons you have made on that. It is a complex

area. -- I appreciate the comments. Can there be a favourable business

rates regime for the Tata. This was a direct request to the Welsh

Government as to whether it could help. Also our business rates, I had

hoped that today we might have had an announcement is more generally on

business rates in Wales as to maybe an early Christmas presents for

businesses around business rate relief that have filled post bags of

Assembly Members across this chamber. Are you able to say whether

the government will be coming forward with an enhanced relief

programme for businesses here in Wales who find themselves on the

wrong end of the valuations that have gone out before Christmas?

Where we get the other side of Christmases, many of those

businesses are going to be in a difficult place. It'll be great to

have clarity whether the government is coming forward with an

announcement to help those businesses.

This is something we have been considering as part of the final

budget and it will be made soon. In relation to business rates and Tata,

the package you put together is 60 million. It is equivalent to five

years free of business rates. It is difficult to offer business rate

relief in one sector. What we have is a packet of support that is state

aid proof but targeted at Tata. I have to say it is important the UK

Government doesn't lose sight of the facts but many other industries are

saying energy prices are too high. Energy intensive energies --

industries will have to see more done. We can't be seen as being

uncompetitive. Our energy mix is similar to many other countries in

Europe. Because of the obscure nature of what alleges to be an

energy market in the UK, it does make the UK more expensive and more

needs to be done by the UK Government.

The leader of the Ukip group, Neil Hamilton.

It is time to look back on what we have achieved. I wonder if the First

Minister in all candour can tell is today what he thinks the greatest

failure of his government will be. Is it schools? Would this be the

health service where have our health boards are either in special

measures or targeted with intervention. Would it be in poverty

in Wales because having been second from the bottom of the income table

of the nations and regions of the UK when Labour came to power nearly 20

years ago, we are at the bottom of the heap.

We have seen household poverty de crease in Wales for the first time

in many years. We see what happens with social care in England and the

crisis that exists there. We have seen health spending in Wales

increase over the years, but he asked me a fair question, what is

the greatest failure ofques-mac the greatest failure as far as this

government is concerned is to see him sitting opposite me asking those

questions. I am grateful for the condiment, even though it is only

implied. As regards education, the Pisa report says 21% of students at

the age of 15 can't read well enough to participate effectively and

productively in life, 23% can't solve problems routinely faced by

adults in their daily lives because they can't count and this is the

fourth set of Pisa results in which Wales has performed worse than

anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Only Wales and Scotland other parts

of the UK to go backwards in the last decade. Isn't that the real

failure of this gov-mac? True if you compare the figures in the last

three years, but we know there are challenges. I remind the leader of

Ukip what the OECD have said, that we are on the right track, we should

stay with what we are doing, and we should see results in the future.

What the OECD have said is that they would not be supportive of plans for

selective education, I know it is a plan to his party, but the OECD do

not support that, they see it as making it more difficult for

children to achieve good education. Without wishing to spoil the genial

asperity of our weekly exchanges, Kamei compliment him on the style

and finesse, the skill and dexterity with which he occasionally answers

my question is an often swerves around them. And to say that after

many years and a similar position in politics, he compares very well with

all the opponents I have had across the dispatch box, and I wish him all

the best for the next year, and I hope his Government is more

successful than it has been in the last. He has through those words

probably undermined my position amongst my own group more than any

other over the past few months and years! But I will take his words at

face value and wish you the compliments of the season as well.

And I'm sure that all members look forward to ask crossing swords in

this chamber for many months and years to come. Plaid Cymru leader

Leanne Wood is. First leader, can you tell us the difference between

yourself and your UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on immigration

policy and specifically relating to the question of the free movement of

people? I think I am closer to her position as leader of Plaid Cymru

than any other. She and I said something very similar last week,

namely that there should be freedom of movement for work. She made the

point of free movement to look for work, and that is what the European

regulations say if you take their strict interpretations. I don't

believe we are in a different position when it comes to freedom of

movement. It seems to me that there is very little difference between

yourself and your party leader, and it is heart-warming to see the

Labour Party united on something for once. But you said last week that

there is a difference between yourself and your leader, when he

said he would not play the numbers game or fan the flames on

immigration, yet your comment on immigration on the 9th of December

suggested that there was a split or major disagreement with your leader,

and you made out that you were on a different page to him, that you were

somehow tougher on the matter of immigration than he is. Only 2.6% of

the entire world population come from other European countries.

That's 79,000 people. You know that Wales has a low proportion of EU

migrants compared to other parts of the UK. You have interpreted your

leader's view on immigration as playing into the hands of Ukip. But

by implying there isn't really much of an immigration problem here in

Wales, it's you that is dancing to Ukip's tune. You will know as well

as I do that Welsh communities need to attract and retain people to work

hard and to generate tax revenue in this country, that we need workers

from overseas in our health service and some sectors of the economy, so

why are you making out that we don't? First Minister, can we now

move on from perceptions and have an honest debate about immigration,

public services and the economy here in Wales? I'm surprised, because as

I said earlier on, she and I have said almost exactly the same thing

when it comes to the issue of freedom of movement, and what she

says is perfectly correct. Of course we are reliant on workers abroad to

fill so many vacancies in the Welsh economy, but that said, neither she

nor I can deny that the issue of immigration looms large in the

referendum, it was false perception rather than reality, that much is

true given the numbers, so I don't think we can say that the current

system gets the wider support that it should, so we have to look at

alternatives. She has made the point and I have made the point that there

can be a modification of that system where there is freedom to move to a

job or freedom to move to look for work in specific circumstances. I

think they would see that as a freedom of movement system that they

could support. I don't see that there is much between us. First

Minister, you should be dealing with realities and not perceptions. You

shouldn't be playing along with the myths. We need to have this honest

debate on immigration, you shouldn't be implying that we have got a

problem when we don't. There is an issue of migration in Wales, we have

too much emigration, too many young people and skilled workers are

leaving our country. We have got no problem in attracting people here to

retire, and those people remain welcome here, but overall, we are

facing a situation where our working age population is set to de crease

in the coming years while the retired population will increase,

and as well as impacting upon Welsh communities, the Welsh language, the

overall situation simply is not sustainable. That is why Plaid Cymru

put forward the policy that we did on higher education during the last

election to deal with the problem of emigration. In terms of solutions

from Labour, you have offered nothing except to fuel this myth on

overseas immigration, internal rows with your Labour leader in order to

deflect from your own policy weaknesses. First Minister, instead

of pandering to Ukip, when are we going to have a real debate about

the real solutions, about the real migration problem here in Wales?

I regret the fact that lead of Plaid Cymru didn't listen to the answers I

was giving her. Answers that I thought were reasonable and not in

any way... And now she shouts. What's the difference? The point

that I made is that she and I are not very far away, but she must

understand that perception is important, and where people believe

something to be true, it is usually important to make sure that they see

what the reality is, and that was a problem with the referendum in June,

people's perception was stronger than the reality. We both support

modification of the current freedom of movement rules, but there are

sensible ways forward here that don't let loose the jackals of

racism and don't let loose a system of politics that seeks to blame

others for our economic ills. She makes that point about the economy,

our employment is very low, lower than England, Scotland and Northern

Ireland. It is true to say that some communities have moved ahead further

than others, places like Merthyr which is doing well and had many

difficulties for many years after the 1980s. We know it is important

to attract investment into those communities, we have TV are coming

to other Vale, these are all significant investment projects that

25 years ago would not have come to Wales, but we are making sure that

that happens. We know that Wales is an attractive place to come and live

and an attractive place to come and work, and a welcoming place, and we

will continue to be an open and welcoming country, whilst

considering of course how we can make sure that the concerns of some

about freedom of movement are addressed in a sensible, rational

and fairway. Question three, Mike hedges.

Will the First Minister make a statement on progress being made

towards achieving the Welsh housing quality standard?

All social landlords including Swansea Council are on track to meet

this by 2020, and in March of this year, 79% of existing social homes

now meet the standard. That arose over the course of the year, and

nearly 18,000 households now live in better quality homes than the

previous year. Can I congratulate the Welsh government on the success

of reaching the Welsh Housing quality standard. Can I also say an

example of an ambitious target which has been financially supported which

has improved the lives of many people including many of my

constituents. The money currently going to upgrading council

properties, can it be allocated to the building of new council

properties once the upgrades are done? We are very keen to make sure

that more councils are able to build more council houses, and we are

looking at every innovative way to increase housing supply. The 2000

affordable homes target includes local authority lending to housing

associations to enable lending to develop, so that the local authority

can borrow loans at a lower rate than would be available for

traditional lenders. There is a partnership between local

authorities and housing associations as well. We have moved a long way

from the day with local authorities could build council houses. It is

important that local authorities are able to provide further populations

that the accommodation provided is of the standard possible. Beth Ed

Jenkins. TRANSLATION: Nobody would doubt that

the policy is ambitious, but as assembly members, we continue to

receive a number of complaints about social housing, and houses in a

timely manner and the poor response from a number of housing

associations, the fact that it is the winter months and people are

waiting a long time for works to be carried out, so is there any survey

that can be issued to ensure that every housing association is working

effectively to ensure that people are more content with the services

that they receive in this area? Of course. As a government we expect

housing associations to ensure not only that they build but they

maintain the houses is well and that they are only good condition, and

sometimes they are in complaints. I have had the same thing she has, and

of course the complaints in my experience are dealt with in quite a

fast way, but we are aware that the quality standards are assured when

houses are built, and when they are maintained. Throughout the lifetime

of those houses. In 2012 when the standard was supposed to have been

achieved by all social landlords, the Welsh office said the shortfall

in meeting the standard was in areas where those were opposed to

transfer. You subsequently said that three authorities did not have

adequate plans and had to submit new ones. Given that the borrowing

limits for housing set where part of the agreement exit the housing

revenue account lacked an estimated borrowing headroom across all for it

is of just 471 million to achieve the Welsh housing quality standard,

how can that be achieved to the standard originally intended with

the additional bits of wider community regeneration when that

only leaves for Wrexham 118 million, Swansea 74, Flintshire only 25 under

that headroom established? We expect the homes target to be met in a

variety of ways. Through local authorities, housing associations,

partnerships between the two and other ways that we will see where it

is possible to intervene in the local market to make sure there is a

civic supply of housing, especially in raw areas. All of these things

are under investigation as we deal with this issue. But what is

important as well is that as we make sure that there are more affordable

homes available, that we don't see the plug being taken out of the bath

at the other end, so that we cannot possibly reach a target of 20,000

affordable homes if you're building on the one hand and selling with the

other, which is why of course we are ending the Right to Buy.

TRANSLATION: Question four, Jenny Rathbone.

Will the First Minister make a statement on the pace of change

needed for transforming rail services in Wales?

Rail isn't evolved. The UK Government must do more to invest in

Wales or devolve power and funding so we can.

Even Network Rail has said it will take 28 years to bring the rail

industry up to the standard required in Wales, it seems to be much too

long given in the light of the discourse we had about the road

congestion early on, I am pleased to hear you mentioned the importance of

light rail in that context. I want to... Looking at the South Wales

Metro, I want to look at how light rail can run much closer together

which means trains can slow down and accelerate much more quickly,

journey times from Merthyr to fill would be reduced from over an hour

to 40 minutes which is competitive with the car. I want to have some

understanding as to how vehemently the Welsh Government is proceeding

with light rail for the South Wales Metro which seems to me will deliver

the outcomes we want. The Metro will be a mixture of light

rail, heavy rail and faster bus services. There will be some lines

that will be more appropriate for light rail than others. If we move

towards light rail in some fiery alliance, that is not cut jobs. We

know those who are working on the same terms and conditions as they do

now. Both Ken Skates is not Chris Grayling. We want to work with the

trade unions. The advantage of light rail is its ability to into parts of

Cardiff and the valley communities where heavy rail isn't going to go.

Metro is one where we have... We can't wait for Network Rail to get

its act together can we we have had issues with Network Rail where'd it

isn't clear they actually know what the commission of the asset is. We

want to make sure we get on with the Metro as quickly and efficiently as

possible. Dai Lloyd. You will be aware of last

week's announcement by the UK Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling

as you mention with regards the joint management teams for rail

franchises and the new Varsity line between Oxford and Cambridge will be

designed, constructed by a new body. Totally separate from Network Rail.

Following that announcement, there is scope to develop the difference

model for railway management here in West by establishing a Welsh version

of east-west rail and where funding decisions around railway

infrastructure will be made in Cardiff and not in London. If so,

given the recent announcements, we will step up efforts into making a

case with regards to the devolution of the management of the railway.

It is fair to say we have been relentless in that regard. We don't

get 9% of the investment. The are the situation where it isn't up to

the Welsh Government. If the track and the operators were dealt with in

the same way, the same organisation it is too easy for those responsible

for the track, Network Rail, and the operators to blame each other when

there are problems. It is easy to have an integrated system rather

than the fragmented one we have now. Question number five, Steffan Lewis.

Will the First Minister provide an update on efforts

to secure a review of the Mineworkers Pension

We do acknowledge the need for proper safe and well managed

arrangements for this pension scheme. Pensions are not devolved

but we have pressed the UK Government on this.

I thank the First Minister folk dance. The National Assembly

unanimously passed a motion calling for the review of the MPS surplus

and also that motion mandated the worst governments to build alliances

with regional leaders in England and other devolved government to put

increasing pressure on the UK Government. Can he give assurances

that mandated that he has been provided with will be furthered in

the new beer and this will be a priority for his government in 2017?

The letter was sent in June this year to Amber Rudd. We were in

contact with officials this morning and their position... The trustees

haven't raised any issues. They will need to ensure the trustees are

happy with any changes as well as the UK Government.

Rhianon Passmore. The last government has consistently

supported the national union of Mineworkers called for the surplus

to be put back into the scheme for the benefit of the retired miners

and coal industry workers. Hence Olivera has collected a petition

from Ike constituency who worked in Oakdale colliery for 24 years. The

people of Islwyn like my grandfather worked in hard and dangerous

conditions offered to the detriment of their health. What further

representations can the Welsh Government make to the UK Tory

government in denial, for them to play fair with Welsh miners?

There is a duty on the trustees to make sure they explain to the

pension schemes and members exactly what they are doing. Members of the

scheme feel content and feel the scheme is treating them fairly.

There is an emphasis on them to do that. We will continue to press the

EC with the UK Government as we have been doing since June.

Nick Ramsay. Thank you. Steffan Lewis was right

when he said the whole Assembly that has backed the worst governments's

position on this. It is important the former Mineworkers pensions are

protected and their arrangements with the UK Government which are

transparent and fair. What discussion Seppi had with the UK

Government regarding the need for them to continue to guarantee the

pension fund? -- discussions have you had. What discussions have you

had on this and have you made it clear this isn't just the Welsh

Government speaking best the national Assembly.

Those enquiries were made this morning. The UK Government has taken

view of this national Assembly. The particular arrangements that revolve

around the pension scheme mean the UK Government does get the benefit

of many periodic surplus in this scheme. We have made a point we

believe that surplus should be recycled back into the scheme for

the members. Question number six, Huw

Irranca-Davies. What recent discussions has

the Welsh Government had with the UK Government

regarding the Heathrow International connectivity via

Heathrow is important to Wales. In 2016 Network Rail consulted on plans

to improve rail links to Heathrow. We welcomed the journey time

predictions that were proposed. I thank the First Minister. As he

knows, the Heathrow rail link will improve access from South Wales and

the south-west and the West Midlands and other areas. It will reduce

travel times by around 26 minutes. Reduce carbon. Transport more people

onto the rail and away from private transport. It is true that 1.3

million people have jobs with the foreign owned firm that are

facilitated by Heathrow. It is the biggest proportion of any part of

the UK. In future discussions with the Prime Minister and also the

Secretary of State for Transport, could he ram home the importance of

this rail link regardless of Heathrow capacity expansion. This

rail link could deliver for people in Wales, in very short order. The

decision is going to be made in early 2019, let's make it the right

decision. Heathrow is by far the busiest

airport in the UK and will continue to be that way. It's geography

demands it is to be that way. Gatwick is too far. It is hugely

important that people feel there are viable and seamless public transport

options for them. Rather than getting off in Redding, it is

important people get to Heathrow Airport as seamlessly as possible.

It'll get more people out of their cars.

Russell George. The expansion of Heathrow Airport is undoubtedly a

major boost for trade and tourism in Wales. In contrast to the Scottish

Government, the Welsh Government seems to have failed to attract a

positive boost for Wales in return for the worst governments's support

for the expansion. In a memorandum to the Scottish Government, it

secures 16,000 new jobs, 200 million construction related spine, 10

million rural development fund and discuss. Do you regret not securing

a similar memorandum of understanding as your Scottish

counterparts managed to achieve? I am not sure what it delivers.

There are words in it but in terms of actions it isn't clear. It is

impossible in terms of procurement to designate a certain amount of

money for Scottish firms. It isn't entirely clear what it means. From

our perspective, we have been working for some time with Heathrow

Airport on reaching agreement with a statement of intent and that will

look at supply chain, light transport, aviation and marketing

opportunities. Landing slots isn't relevant to us. It is more relevant

in Scotland. What we are exploring is the opportunity to market with

better in Heathrow. It emphasises the point that South Wales in

particular is very close to Heathrow Airport and can be a major gateway

for tourism. Question number six.

Will the First Minister make a statement on rheumatology

Through the development directive we continue to raise awareness and

support to reduce the risk of these conditions where they do to assess,

diagnose and provide care as locally as possible.

Reporters found referrals of diagnosis for rheumatology

department has increased by 66% since 2012. Just 22% of patients

diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was seen by a specialist within

three weeks. 35% funded difficult to get any appointment and 20% have

waited over two years to treatment. A significant number have paid for

private consultant. What immediate action will you be taking to ensure

your health service complies with nice guidance and arthritis

sufferers in Wales are no longer let down by this Welsh Labour

government? I have to say in 2015-16, 94,000

arthritis consultancies. At the end of October there were 14 people

waiting over 36 weeks for an appointment and two were waiting for

first outpatient appointments. Some people come true to say, have waited

longer than we would want. The vast majority of people are seen as soon

as possible. Rheumatoid arthritis isn't that easy to diagnose. There

are many other conditions will tend to look at first. -- the GPs will

turn to look at first. It isn't that easy to diagnose as a condition. We

want to make sure people, GPs, are aware in the need to refer people

get a diagnosis because the earlier the diagnosis the better. Rhun ap

Iorwerth. Very often people link arthritis

with older people but it is something that can affect people

from all ages, Wales is the only nation in the UK that doesn't have a

paediatric rheumatology service. Patients from North Wales can be

treated in order he Hospital in Liverpool. That is the First

Minister believe Wales should be able to offer paediatric

rheumatology services? It is true that rheumatoid arthritis

can strike anyone at any age, it isn't something to do with things

wearing down. The body attacks itself, it is an autoimmune disease.

We have to be careful here. I don't want to see people having to come

from Anglesey to Cardiff, for instance, to a national centre. The

geography of Wales indicates it is important people can have treatment

as close as possible to their homes. I apologise for a similar question

but First Minister, with around 400,000 children living in south

Wales the fact the region is still without a dedicated

multidisciplinary paediatric rheumatology service is shocking.

Currently, services are being provided part-time by an adult

rheumatologist but there is no formal clinical network or adequate

multidisciplinary input. What plans does the government have two

establish a tertiary paediatric rheumatology service in South Wales?

Much depends on the throughput of patients as to whether a unit could

be specialised to be effective. What I will do as far as both members are

concerned is to write with further details about paediatric

rheumatology to explain why the situation is as it is. Question

eight,. How will the policies contained

in the Welsh Government's "Taking Wales Forward" programme

contribute to alleviating Job creation, closing the attainment

gap and improving skill levels are our key priorities, and they are the

most effective levers at our disposable to tackle poverty. I

recently visited the largest mosque in Wales to raise awareness of the

work the trust does to help young people in most deprived communities

to fulfil their potential in their lives. Since your government is

phasing out the community first programme, will you advise the

assembly what you are doing to use the programmes of organisations like

the Princess Trust Cymru to alleviate persistent poverty in

Wales? We are looking at new ways of working and working with

organisations who have proven experience on the ground without

losing the expertise that already has been built up over the years

through Community First. It is heartening to see that the poverty

in household has dropped in Wales, which means that what we are doing

to enable people to have the skills for the future in terms of

attracting investment into Wales are bearing fruit.

Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh

government's strategy to promote tourism in Wales?

We launched the strategy for tourism that set a target of 10% growth in

real terms in respect of overnight expenditure by 2020, and we are on

track to exceed that growth target. Thank you for that answer. Every

opportunity that I have, I try to take to promote the benefits of

tourism in Merthyr Tydfil Ann Romney, particularly in our social

history, and I have been looking into improving signposting to many

of the attractions that the area has to offer. However, my enquiries have

revealed that since August 2013, any tourist destination located further

than ten miles from a motorway or a great separated dual carriageway is

not eligible for tourism brown signs. Signs that predate that are

left unaffected. I clearly see there is need to manage proliferation of

signs, but it does seem illogical to me that those attractions that are

not immediately off the main highway into south Wales, the M4, which

could benefit most from promotional signage, are not included, whereas

those which are signed already enjoy the advantage of being located near

the highway, within ten miles. So can I ask the First Minister to look

into the possibility of revised criteria which would allow greater

flexibility over the location of tourism signage so that areas like

Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney are not further disadvantaged because they

are more than ten miles away from the nearest motorway link? In

relation to signing, it is not just the motorways but trunk roads, so

for example destinations up to six miles for a single carriageway and

seven for a dual carriageway or motorway may be eligible for

signing. The A470 is a trunk road, so they are included in the

criteria. I can say that we do encourage local authorities, and we

do encourage Merthyr to apply to get signage for tourism attractions, and

that offer of course is still on the table.

There we are - that was First Minister's Questions.

If you want more more coverage of the National Assembly,

you can go online to BBC Wales's Senedd Live page

Don't forget for all the latest political news, watch Wales Today

later today at 6:30pm on BBC One Wales and

That's it for am:pm for 2016, though - we'll be back

when the Assembly returns in the new year.

there was no such thing as a quiet Christmas dinner.

And that's a tradition she wants to continue.

I'm going to put together the ultimate

You're really going for it, aren't you? Wow, look at that!

Christmas, you should try to treat your guests.

Enjoy A Welsh Italian Christmas with Michela Chiappa.