14/01/2014 am.pm

Good afternoon, welcome to programme and the first session

Good afternoon, welcome to progbamme and the first session of

programme and the first session of firsd

programme and the first session of first Minister 's questions

programme and the first session of The

programme and the first session of Tha recent

programme and the first session of The recent flooding

programme and the first session of Tha recent flooding that

The recent flooding that has devactated

The recent flooding that has devastated parts of Wales is sure to

dominate proceedhngs. devastated parts of Wales is sure to

dominate proceedings. The very first question is about the

dominate proceedings. The very first quesdion hs about the Wdlsh

question hs about the Wdlsh government's response to the

govebnment'c response to the flooding and there is an urgent

flooding `nd thepe is an urgent question later to the Environment

question lader to the Envaronmdnt Minister. There are questions on

question lader to the Envaronmdnt health, local governor and and plans

to commemorate the centenary of the health, local governor and and plans

outbreak of World War I. health, local governor and and plans

oupbbeak of World War I. That health, local governor and and plans

outbreak of World War I. That is what the politicians will be talking

outbreak of World War I. That is about. What do you want

about. Wh`t do ynu want to talk about? If you want to comment on the

progbamme about? If you want to comment on the

programme ob about? If you want to comment on the

programme or any political news, get about? If you want to comment on the

in touch. You can reach about? If you want to comment on the

Twitter, we are about? If you want to comment on the

Twitder, ve are @walespnlatics, Twitter, we are @walespolitics, or

e-iaal e-mail [email protected].

Business in the chamber is e-mail [email protected].

underway, so let's take a look at to`aq's

underway, so let's take a look at todaq's quections to

underway, so let's take a look at today's questions to the first

Minister. Good afternoon, I wish you all

Good aftepnoon, H wish xou all a happy New Year. The first item

Good aftepnoon, H wish xou all a the agenda this afternoon is

questions to the first the agenda this afternoon is

quesdions to the farst Minister. the agenda this afternoon is

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Will the agenda this afternoon is

you make a the agenda this afternoon is

flooding? The Minister for Natural the agenda this afternoon is

Resources and Food has written the agenda this afternoon is

statement instructing a review of the agenda this afternoon is

the recent events, including the the agenda this afternoon is

impact sustained to defences. the agenda this afternoon is

first part will be completed by the the agenda this afternoon is

end of January. end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

wholly devolved -- flood defences end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

are a wholly devolved matter. I am end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

aware of the review into coastal end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

flood defences. Of course you will end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

have been aware end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

have been agare of the end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

have been aware of the recent end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

devastation end of Jaluary. Dlap defences `re

devactation and devastation and damaged hundreds of

properties, smashed roads, book cahled

properties, smashed roads, book called rail lines, and ` number

properties, smashed roads, book called rail lines, and a number of

cahled rahl lines, and ` number of sea defencec across

cahled rahl lines, and ` number of sea defences across the

sea defenbec across the coastline not only of my region in North

sea defenbec across the coastline that elsewhere in

sea defenbec across the coastline that elsewhere il Wales. It

sea defenbec across the coastline that elsewhere in Wales. It has been

reported that Wales that elsewhere in Wales. It has been

repobted that Wales is that elsewhere in Wales. It has been

reported that Wales is struggling that elsewhere in Wales. It has been

financially to deal with the financially to ddal with the

flooding aftermath but all financially to ddal with the

there was a report from time ago there was a repopt from tame afo

into flooding and some of the inpo flooding and some nf the

recommendations from the Environment inpo flooding and some nf the

and Sustainability Committee about inpo flooding and some nf the

what the Welsh government inpo flooding and some nf the

what the Welsh gnvernment could inpo flooding and some nf the

what the Welsh government could do inpo flooding and some nf the

to strengthen defences against inpo flooding and some nf the

flooding. Will inpo flooding and some nf the

by the Minister look at those by the Milicter look at t`ose

recommendations to see whether by the Milicter look at t`ose

not a failure to implement any of them contpibuted

not a failure to implement any of them contributed to the damage

caused in Coastal Communities them contributed to the damage

macro I believe that is the case. We know in many

macro I believe that is the case. We investment that was

macro I believe that is the case. We difference, and our sympathies go

oup difference, and our sympathies go

out to them. We difference, and our sympathies go

out do them. We have to difference, and our sympathies go

out to them. We have to understand that what we saw was

out to them. We have to understand unusual

out to them. We have to understand unqseal weadher dvent.

out to them. We have to understand unusual weather event. I can inform

the member state it is unusual weather event. I can inform

million in flooding and coastal defences during the lifetime of

defences dubing the lifetame of this government. The Secretary of State

has made it clear we can government. The Secretary of State

help from the UK government. The Secretary of State

hehp from t`e UK Governlent. government. The Secretary of State

the effect of the investment in many government. The Secretary of State

communities that proved to government. The Secretary of State

commenities that proved to be government. The Secretary of State

resilient, however it is right to resilient, `owevdr it is right to

say that some communities in Wales say dhat rome communities in W`les

had such a say dhat rome communities in W`les

ha` such a force, And say dhat rome communities in W`les

had such a force. And that we say dhat rome communities in W`les

ha` such a force, And that we saw had such a force. And that we saw

soie had such a force. And that we saw

some flooding. First Minister, can I had such a force. And that we saw

again say thank you through had such a force. And that we saw

office is that the natural resources Minicter

office is that the natural resources Minister came to roll and I know

office is that the natural resources has been to other areas, and

office is that the natural resources has been to othep areas, and I

welcome his review and the fact has been to othep areas, and I

he has the support of the Cabinet in has been to othep areas, and I

that. Do you share my disbelief that the Secretary of

that. Do you share my disbelief that tha Cecretary of State

that. Do you share my disbelief that the Secretary of State for Wales,

the Cecretaby of State for Wales, David Jones, could actually not

stand up for Wales by David Jones, could actually not

stand up dob Wales by saying David Jones, could actually not

stand up for Wales by saying that he is not going to fight for additional

stand up for Wales by saying that he money for levels of government

stand up for Wales by saying that he Wales that will be affected and so,

stand up for Wales by saying that he thereby, what

stand up for Wales by saying that he thereby, vhat he

stand up for Wales by saying that he thereby, what he is

stand up for Wales by saying that he ignoring not only all of the

stand up for Wales by saying that he constituents of Wales but some of

his own constituents who were flooded? The Prime Minister hinted

his own constituents who were that the formula can be used, but do

you agree with me that the formula can be used, but do

yoq agree wath md that the you agree with me that the Tories

have actually cut the formula so you agree with me that the Tories

much that it would make it very you agree with me that the Tories

difficult for local authorities or in`eed

difficult for local authorities or indeed Welsh government

indeed Welsh govdrnment to find additional resources,

indeed Welsh govdrnment to find addidional besoupces, and

indeed Welsh govdrnment to find Secretary of State for Wales

indeed Welsh govdrnment to find up for Wales? The Secretary of

indeed Welsh govdrnment to find could try harder but that is

something we used to. You made it clear he would not even ask

something we used to. You made it clear he voeld nnt even ask for

cleab he voeld nnt even ask for extra funding Wales. That is

cleab he voeld nnt even ask for extra funding Wales. Th`t is the

cleab he voeld nnt even ask for extra funding Wales. That is the way

cleab he voeld nnt even ask for he operates. What I can say is that

of course we he operates. What I can say is that

but of course money is ever tighter as a result of cuts being

but of course money is ever tighter from the UK Government.

but of course money is ever tighter from the TK Govepnment. TRANSL@TION:

but of course money is ever tighter The coast was hit extremely

but of course money is ever tighter the storms of

but of course money is ever tighter tha ctormr of lart

but of course money is ever tighter the storms of last week

but of course money is ever tighter tha ctormr of lart week and

but of course money is ever tighter the storms of last week and the

the stormr of lart week and thd Aberystwyth from suffered

the stormr of lart week and thd Aberqstwyth from suffered extensive

the stormr of lart week and thd and costly damagd. The

the stormr of lart week and thd and costly damage. The spirit of the

people has not been broken by and costly damage. The spirit of the

storm and wins, but as you have storm and wans, `ut as xou havd

mentioned the Westminster Government wiphan

mentioned the Westminster Government within a few days of that confirmed

that they intended to ignore the within a few days of that confirmed

need for additional funding within a few days of that confirmed

Wales. Can you, therefore, within a few days of that confirmed

Walec. Cal qou, therefore, outline Wales. Can you, therefore, outline

how you will collaborate more how qou will collaborate more

positively with a county such as posidively gith ` county such `s

terribly posidively gith ` county such `s

terrably to put thangs right posidively gith ` county such `s

terribly to put things right and posidively gith ` county such `s

protect the future. TRANSLATION: protect the futupe. RANSLATION: I

understand a meeting is taking place protect the futupe. RANSLATION: I

today in order to see protect the futupe. RANSLATION: I

todaq in nrder to see what the protect the futupe. RANSLATION: I

today in order to see what the costs wihl

today in order to see what the costs will be of ensuring that the work,

today in order to see what the costs how much it will cost to improve

things in Aberystwyth and I un`ebstand

things in Aberystwyth and I understand the council is looking at

tha understand the council is looking at

the knees at present and how much understand the council is looking at

they would require to ensure that thay would bequipe to ensure that

things are returned to normal. From things are beturled to normal. From

that meeting, evdrqbody wall things are beturled to normal. From

that meeting, everybody will have a that meeting, evdrqbody wall h`ve a

better idea about how much funding will be reqeired in

better idea about how much funding will be required in order to assure

that what occurred in Aberystwyth will be required in order to assure

quickly repaired. I very much share yoqr

quickly repaired. I very much share your response to the Secretary of

quickly repaired. I very much share State for Wales' view that the

quickly repaired. I very much share European solidarity fund is not an

quickly repaired. I very much share appropriate route, but hf

quickly repaired. I very much share appropriate route, but if that is

quickly repaired. I very much share fact the case in terms of the

would it not be appropriate to building up

would it not be appropriate to consider approaching the

would it not be appropriate to Investment

would it not be appropriate to Invectment Bank,

would it not be appropriate to Investment Bank, which I understand

is represented by some officials here

is represented by some officials hepe meeting

is represented by some officials here meeting members of

is represented by some officials government

is represented by some officials govebnment bust

is represented by some officials government just last week? They were

govebnment just last week? They were significantly recapitalised in

govebnment just last week? They were signaficaltly recapitalised in the

significaltly recapitalised in the last couple of years and may

significaltly recapitalised in the potentially have the opportunity to

significaltly recapitalised in the make a valuable contribution to this

significaltly recapitalised in the area. There is a significant

alhocatiol area. There is a significant

allocation by the European sohidarity

allocation by the European solidarity fund in terms

solidarity fund hn termr of flood defences. We will

solidarity fund hn termr of flood dedences. We will explore every

defences. We will explore every mechanism that is

defences. We will explore every available to secure funding. With

the available to secure funding. With

tha Colid`rity fund, available to secure funding. With

the Solidarity fund, the indications ara,

the Solidarity fund, the indications are, though these are early

in`icatiols, are, though these are early

indications, that the fund is are, though these are early

designed for, if I can are, though these are early

designed fob, if I can put it are, though these are early

designed for, if I can put it this are, though these are early

way, much larger events. That is not to deny those

way, much larger events. That is not to deny thoce th`t have

way, much larger events. That is not to deny those that have suffered.

way, much larger events. That is not Nevertheless, we

way, much larger events. That is not and if there are funds that might be

made available through the investment bank,

made available through the intectment bank, we

made available through the investment bank, we will explore

that as well. First Minister, can investment bank, we will explore

ask if you will be investment bank, we will explore

ask af you gill be working investment bank, we will explore

ask if you will be working with investment bank, we will explore

network rail as well as all of investment bank, we will explore

other environment agencies so investment bank, we will explore

otheb environment agencies so that otheb envhronment agencies so that

we can secure the otheb envhronment agencies so that

we can secube thd future of thd otheb envhronment agencies so that

we can secure the future of the rail otheb envhronment agencies so that

network and the effects that it has otheb envhronment agencies so that

on his Mrs in Wales? I am thinking otheb envhronment agencies so that

particularly of Murco who rely on rail access. I can say that

officials have met Network Rail and rail access. I can say that

it has been stressed to them that it has been stressed to t`em that

there is a need for quick it has been stressed to t`em that

effective it has been stressed to t`em that

the first Minister make a statement it has been stressed to t`em that

on the impact of welfare reform on it has been stressed to t`em that

poverty? Before povebty? Before H do th`t, I

neglected at the beginning to offer neglected ad the beginnhng to nffer

congratulations to neglected ad the beginnhng to nffer

Officer. I can rectify that now. Thanc

Officer. I can rectify that now. Thank you very much. I am sure I

spaac Thank you very much. I am sure I

speak for the entire assembly spaac for t`e entire asrembly hn

terms of the congratulations we spaac for t`e entire asrembly hn

would offer. In terms of would offer. n terms of the

question, I am concerned about the would offer. n terms of the

impact of the welfare reforms on would offer. n terms of the

impact of t`e welfare reforms nn a impact of the welfare reforms on a

vi`eo acrosc ales. impact of the welfare reforms on a

video across Wales. As part of our three stage programme of research

video across Wales. As part of our thpee stage progpamme of research we

three stage programme of research we wihl

three stage programme of research we will shortly publish a report

three stage programme of research we assecsing the

three stage programme of research we assessing the impact of the

three stage programme of research we at local authority level. Eastern

three stage programme of research we Vahley food

three stage programme of research we Valley food bank has seen

three stage programme of research we Vahley food bank has seen an

Valley food bank has seen an increase in demand open the last

year. In the week before Christmas, 300 people were helped and more

year. In the week before Christmas, three tonnes of food

three tonlec of dood war distributed. There were

three tonlec of dood war heartbreaking stories of mothers

arriving in tears because they had heartbreaking stories of mothers

no money for Christmas. heartbreaking stories of mothers

no money dob Christmas. W`at no money for Christmas. What more

can no money for Christmas. What more

cal dhe no money for Christmas. What more

can the Welsh no money for Christmas. What more

cal dhe Wdlsh goternment no money for Christmas. What more

can the Welsh government do to support the network of

can the Welsh government do to support the networc of food

can the Welsh government do to support the network of food banks

that increacingly support the network of food banks

that increasingly play such a vital role in our communities,

that increasingly play such a vital you agree with me that conservatives

in t`is chamber you agree with me that conservatives

in this chamber who have in t`is chamber vho havd been vocal

in sepport in t`is chamber vho havd been vocal

in support of policies like the be`room

in support of policies like the bedroom tax now need to examine

in support of policies like the their consciences as the iter

in support of policies like the Dickensian reality

Dickensial beality of the ideological grip reforms starts to

ideological grip reformr starts to bite. It is in the DNA of

bite. It is in the D A nf the Conservative party to attack

Colservative party to attack privilege in society.

Colservative party to attack aided and abetted by the Lib

Colservative party to attack In terms of food banks, we will

Colservative party to attack engage with other organisations

Colservative party to attack engage with othep organhsationr and

Colservative party to attack programmes to address the local

neadc programmes to address the local

needs collectively, for example in programmes to address the local

the north of Wales Communities First,

the north of Wales Communities Fipsd, Thd

the north of Wales Communities and Barnard those have set up

the north of Wales Communities an` Barnapd those `ave ret up a

the north of Wales Communities group to

the north of Wales Communities grou` to look

the north of Wales Communities group to look at this

the north of Wales Communities grou` to look at this problem. --

group to look at this problem. -- and Barnardos. The bank

group to look at this problem. -- and Barnapdos. The bank founded

group to look at this problem. -- under this name in 2001, in

undeb this name hn 2001, an 2005 there were 3000 people.

undeb this name hn 2001, an 2005 40,000 people were attending food

undeb this name hn 2001, an 2005 banks, while the Labour Party was in

govebnment. banks, while the Labour Party was in

government. A large number of those people who were accessing the food

bank were from working age families. Does that not tell you that the

bank were from working age families. hammering you are giving to working

age families means that even though thay

age families means that even though they are working hard,

they are vobking hard, they still cannot earn a living! That is the

they are vobking hard, they still poind! Whdn you

they are vobking hard, they still point! When you talk about the

they are vobking hard, they still bedroom tax, you are hammering

bedroom tax, you are halmering people who are working! That is one

people whn are worcing! T`at is one of the most preposterous question I

people whn are worcing! T`at is one have heard asked in this assembly! I

don'd have heard asked in this assembly! I

don't know what point he is trying have heard asked in this assembly! I

to make. A government run by his party, people who are working have

to go to food banks! This party, people who are working have

something he is looking to party, people who are working have

celebrate. The reality is, celebrate, Dhe reality hs,

conservative and Lib Dem Britain, celebrate, Dhe reality hs,

even those working hard are evan thosd gorkilg hard are still

forced to go to food banks. That is tha

forced to go to food banks. That is the extent of the toll that

forced to go to food banks. That is tha extent of thd toll that is being

the extent of the toll that is being waged, not against those who are

the extent of the toll that is being unemployed but those who are working

hard. unemployed but those who are working

hapd. They unemployed but those who are working

hard. They just don't unemployed but those who are working

hapd. They bust don't care. unemployed but those who are working

Minister, I have constituents on Milicter, I have constituents nn

welfare benefits with permanent Milicter, I have constituents nn

degenerative illlesses Milicter, I have constituents nn

degenerative illnesses and yet they Milicter, I have constituents nn

are being reassessed at least annually

are being reassessed at least anlually dob eligibility. Obviously

annually for eligibility. Obviously this is extremely stressful. They

annually for eligibility. Obviously have won their appeal is at tribunal

annually for eligibility. Obviously presented any evidence

annually for eligibility. Obviously them. Would you agree this is `

annually for eligibility. Obviously complete waste of public money,

apart complete waste of public money,

apard from the complete waste of public money,

apart from the fact complete waste of public money,

apard from the fact that complete waste of public money,

apart from the fact that it is complete waste of public money,

hounding people with no prospect of complete waste of public money,

improved health? I couldn't agree more. It is quite clear,

improved health? I couldn't agree mope. It hs quite clear, and

improved health? I couldn't agree more. It is quite clear, and I

improved health? I couldn't agree expect research to show t`is,

improved health? I couldn't agree expect research to show this, but

improved health? I couldn't agree there are people who have illnesses

there are people w`o have illndsses from which they will not recover,

from which dhey vill not recovdr, illnesses that put them at a

from which dhey vill not recovdr, permanent disadvantage in terms of

from which dhey vill not recovdr, getting a job, and yet they are

being denhed getting a job, and yet they are

being denied benefits. Surely the getting a job, and yet they are

benefits system is there at least to benefits ryctem hs there at least to

assist people who are not able to work, and what we see is what seems

work, and w`at we see is what reems to be a systematic campaign not just

against those of working age who are against thoce of workinf age who are

unemployed, not just against unem`loyed, not hust ag`inst those

who are ulable to unem`loyed, not hust ag`inst those

who are unable to work because of disability, but against those

who are unable to work because of disability, but against t`ose vho

disability, but `gainst t`ose vho are in work don't earn much

are in wopk don't earn luch money. They are all people who

are in wopk don't earn luch money. They are `ll people who come

are in wopk don't earn luch money. They are all people who come in the

are in wopk don't earn luch money. eyes of the Tories and Lib Dems,

are in wopk don't earn luch money. eyes of the Tories and Lib Demr, are

are in wopk don't earn luch money. undeserving. We are aware of

are in wopk don't earn luch money. proposals by the Tory government to

are in wopk don't earn luch money. cut or withdraw housing benefit for

under 25! -- under 25s. In the cut or withdraw housing benefit for

Pontypridd constituency, 400 under 25s face losing their homes or not

Pontypridd constituency, 400 under being able to feed their

being able do feed their children. Does he agree this is another

exam`le of Does he agree this is another

example of the Tories hitting the Does he agree this is another

most vulnerable while the Lib Dems Does he agree this is another

bury their heads in the sand? Does he agree this is another

afraid it is. In terms of the logic of this, hf

afraid it is. In terms of the logic of this, if this is a policy

of t`is, hf this is a pnlacy advocated by the Tories and Lib Dems

in this chamber, they must accept that it will lead to people under 25

in this chamber, they must accept living on the street. That is

in this chamber, they must accept they don't say rubbish, you have

thay don't cay rubbish, you have lost any mind you ever had.

thay don't cay rubbish, you have sort of party have you become?

sort of p`rdy hate you become? We now move to questions from the party

leaders. Leader of the Welsh now move to questions from the party

Democrats, Kirsty Williams. Thank now move to questions from the party

you very much. Can I also now move to questions from the party

congratulate you on your inclusion now move to questions from the party

in t`e New now move to questions from the party

in the New Year's now move to questions from the party

in t`e New Qear's Honours now move to questions from the party

in the New Year's Honours list? now move to questions from the party

is a source of great pride to all of now move to questions from the party

us that you should be now move to questions from the party

such a way. First Minister, year oN now move to questions from the party

year the number of apprenticeships year the lumber nf apprenticeships

in Wales has declined. Your year the lumber nf apprenticeships

government's statistics show they year the lumber nf apprenticeships

have plummeted by a third over the last five years. Wall

have plummeted by a third over the last five years. Will you resolve

have plummeted by a third over the that by the end of this year the

have plummeted by a third over the long-term decline of

have plummeted by a third over the lolg-term decline of apprenticeships

long-term decline of apprenticeships in Wales under your

long-term decline of apprenticeships in Wales tnder your leadership

long-term decline of apprenticeships in Wales under your leadership will

be reversed? Let's look at in Wales under your leadership will

of apprenticeships first of all and deal with jobs for Wales. The

of apprenticeships first of all and successful scheme anywhere, I would

of apprenticeships first of all and argue, in Europe w`ere,

of apprenticeships first of all and argue, in Europe where, out of

10,000 jobs that have been created, 10,0 0 jo`s that have bden created,

over 8000 have been filled. That is an extremely successful scheme.

Whareas an extremely successful scheme.

Whereas to receive evidence of success? The fact that the

unemployment success? The fact that the

unam`loymdnd rate success? The fact that the

unemployment rate of those between unam`loymdnd rate of thnse between

18 and 24 in Wales is significantly unam`loymdnd rate of thnse between

lower than unam`loymdnd rate of thnse between

loweb thal dhe unam`loymdnd rate of thnse between

lower than the UK average, 16.9% loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

whereas it is 19.1% in the UK. If loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

you match that with loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

you match that wit` othdr loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

you match that with other schemes loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

that are `vailable, loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

that are available, with the young loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

recruits programme, take all of loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

those together and loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

those togdther ald you will loweb thal dhe UK averafe, 16.9%

those together and you will see the real difference it makes to the

those together and you will see the unemployment rate amongst those aged

those together and you will see the 18 to 24. In 2007 there were over

those together and you will see the 53,000 apprenticeships in Wales. At

those together and you will see the the start of the year, record number

tha ctart of the year, record number of people abe

tha ctart of the year, record number of people are waiting

tha ctart of the year, record number of people abe wahtang longer

tha ctart of the year, record number they should for treatment on the

tha ctart of the year, record number Welsh NHS. 13,000 people are waiting

tha ctart of the year, record number more than six months to start

tha ctart of the year, record number treatment. Will you resolve that

tha ctart of the year, record number the end of this year you will hit

tha ctart of the year, record number your own Government's target to

yoqr own Fofernmdnt's target to ensure that nobody waits that long?

yoqr own Fofernmdnt's target to I wonder if she included jobs growth

yoqr own Fofernmdnt's target to Walec. Or do

yoqr own Fofernmdnt's target to Wales. Or do they not include that

yoqr own Fofernmdnt's target to as an apprenticeship scheme. On the

yoqr own Fofernmdnt's target to economy thoce

yoqr own Fofernmdnt's target to economy those targets are being

exceeded. T`e economy those targets are being

exceeded. The targets are being moved towards in health t`e

exceeded. The targets are being moved towards in health the opposite

exceeded. The targets are being direction. We know it is happening

in England and what has been put in place in term of education

in England and what has been put in place in tebm of education to

in England and what has been put in improve the education system. If you

look at the Welsh economy, we `re doing better than the UK average.

look at the Welsh economy, we `re Unemployment is coming down faster.

look at the Welsh economy, we `re Youth unemployment is much below the

look at the Welsh economy, we `re UK average and it shows

UK aferagd and it shows t`at ddspite the

UK aferagd and it shows t`at ddspite tha economic

UK aferagd and it shows t`at ddspite the economic folly of the UK

Government the Welsh Government is Government dhe Wdlsh Government is

ensuring young people get Government dhe Wdlsh Government is

opportunities they deserve. At opportunities thdy deserve. At the

start of thas year opportunities thdy deserve. At the

start of this year more than opportunities thdy deserve. At the

quarter of local education opportunities thdy deserve. At the

authorities in Wales are in special opportunities thdy deserve. At the

measures. And last month's results showed us going backwards. First

measures. And last month's results Minister,

measures. And last month's results Minicter, ac

measures. And last month's results Minister, as we have seen, I suspect

Milicter, ac we have seen, I stspect there won't be a lot of agreement

there won be a lot of agreemdnt between us this year, but can

there won be a lot of agreemdnt between us dhis xear, btt can you

bepween ur dhis xear, btt can xou agree on

bepween ur dhis xear, btt can xou agpee on thas,

bepween ur dhis xear, btt can xou agree on this, that 2014 should

bepween ur dhis xear, btt can xou the year that we resolve that Wales

can do better than this. That Wales the year that we resolve that Wales

is better than this. And will you the year that we resolve that Wales

outline today the year that we resolve that Wales

Gotebnment gill tace the year that we resolve that Wales

Government will take this year to Goternment gill tace thhs year to

deliver for Welsh pupils, Goternment gill tace thhs year to

patients and the economy? Well, I papients `nd the economx? Well, I

think the leader of Liberal papients `nd the economx? Well, I

Democrats does herself a disservice Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

when she says we don't Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

when she rays we don't agree Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

when she says we don't agree on Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

much. You only have to Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

much. You only h`ve to see Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

much. You only have to see what Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

been done in education and what has Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

been put in place, Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

been put hn place, particularly Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

been put in place, particularly with Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

the national literacy and numeracy Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

programme and in health, where Democrats does hdrself ` disservice

figures are generally moving in the righd

figures are generally moving in the right direcdion.

figures are generally moving in the right direction. The cancer waiting

right direcdion. T`e cancer wahting times are the same as in

right direcdion. T`e cancer wahting They're pretty much identical. We

know improvements have happened in terms

know improvements have happened in termc of

know improvements have happened in terms of ambulance response

know improvements have happened in termc of ambulance respnnse time.

know improvements have happened in There

know improvements have happened in Thare is

know improvements have happened in There is still work to go to build

There is rtall worc to fo to btild on. It will

There is rtall worc to fo to btild on, At will take

There is rtall worc to fo to btild on. It will take time for the

progbamme on. It will take time for the

programme that was on. It will take time for the

progbamme t`at was outlined on. It will take time for the

previous Education Minister, taken on. It will take time for the

forward on. It will take time for the

fopward by on. It will take time for the

forward by the curt Minister to have the - - current Minister to have

the - - curbent Linister to have the greatest effect. But local

auphorities greatest effect. But local

authorities are greatest effect. But local

auphorities are the deliverers greatest effect. But local

authorities are the deliverers and greatest effect. But local

they cannot escape responsibility greatest effect. But local

for education within their greatest effect. But local

communities. I look forward to any greatest effect. But local

suggestiols from the Willaams suggestions from t`e Willaams

commission. Thank you. Could I also suggestions from t`e Willaams

join in paying tribute to suggestions from t`e Willaams

join in p`yang tribute to your suggestions from t`e Willaams

join in paying tribute to your award suggestions from t`e Willaams

in the suggestions from t`e Willaams

in t`e New suggestions from t`e Willaams

in the New Year's Honours suggestions from t`e Willaams

richly deserved for the years of suggestions from t`e Willaams

public service suggestions from t`e Willaams

public servace and suggestions from t`e Willaams

public service and the recognition suggestions from t`e Willaams

for dhe suggestions from t`e Willaams

for the work that you suggestions from t`e Willaams

for dhe work that qou h`ve suggestions from t`e Willaams

for the work that you have done in suggestions from t`e Willaams

assisting women into public life and suggestions from t`e Willaams

into public suggestions from t`e Willaams

was on the award in the New Year's Honoers

was on the award in the New Year's Honours list. Could I also

was on the award in the New Year's Assembly's attention to the passing

of Robert Wyn Roberts, who passed away over Christmas. He was a

staunch supporter of everything here away over Christmas. He was a

in Wales, whether away over Christmas. He was a

life or pub like life. As a minister life or ptb like lafe. @s a minister

who held life or ptb like lafe. @s a minister

who `eld a life or ptb like lafe. @s a minister

who held a record ten year in the who held ` becord ten ydar in the

Welsh office and was a great supporter for the Welsh language

Welsh office and was a great supporter for thd Welsh languafe and

Welsh office and was a great a supporter of

Welsh office and was a great a su`porter of bpoadcasting

Welsh office and was a great a supporter of broadcasting in Wales

Welsh office and was a great and the comment that he built

Welsh office and was a great roads in Wales than the Romans

roadc in Vales than the Romans did was probably reflective of

was `robablq reflective of the infrastructure improvements. He will

was `robablq reflective of the be a great loss to Wales. Not only

was `robablq reflective of the when he ended his Parliamentary

whan he elded his Parliamentary career, he undertook the role in

career, hd endertook thd role hn the Lords with such distinction and when

tha Lords with such distinction and when

the cause was needed to be fought for

the cause was needed to be fought fop Gales,

the cause was needed to be fought for Wales, he fought it

the cause was needed to be fought distinction. Thank you for allowing

distanction. halk you for allowing me to put those vords

distanction. halk you for allowing me to put those words on record.

During the Christmas recess, your Edqcation

During the Christmas recess, your Education Minister in a newspaper

During the Christmas recess, your interview apologised for the state

intebview a`ologhsed for the state and standards of education in Wales.

and ctand`rds of education in Vales. Would you join him

and ctand`rds of education in Vales. Would you join hhm in

and ctand`rds of education in Vales. Would you join him in making

and ctand`rds of education in Vales. apology? I think you miss out the

apology? H dhink you miss out the fact he made it clear that the plans

apology? H dhink you miss out the we have in place are robust and we

apology? H dhink you miss out the will see that

apology? H dhink you miss out the wihl see that improvement taking

forward in the future. wihl see that improvement taking

forward il dhe future. You wihl see that improvement taking

forward in the future. You didn't chooce

forward in the future. You didn't choose to use this opportunity to

forward in the future. You didn't apologise and there is much

forward in the future. You didn't apologise and there is luch for

forward in the future. You didn't apologise and there is much for your

forward in the future. You didn't Government to apologise on. As per

usual, the complacency you show Government to apologise on. As per

knows Government to apologise on. As per

knowc no Government to apologise on. As per

knows no bounds. If you look at the results before Christmas, they show

knows no bounds. If you look at the us popping up

knows no bounds. If you look at the us popping ep thd league --

knows no bounds. If you look at the us popping up the league -- propping

knows no bounds. If you look at the up the league table and if you look

up t`e leagee ta`le and if you look at the economy, you said you regret

at the economy, xou said qou regret the direction of travel the UK

at the economy, xou said qou regret Government is taking, you kwuzed

at the economy, xou said qou regret words it shows no evidence

at the economy, xou said qou regret the Tories are doing is working.

tha Dories are dning is workinf. Yet we have record low interest rates,

recobd we have record low interest rates,

record numbers in employment and one of fastest growing economies

record numbers in employment and one of fastest growing economaes in

record numbers in employment and one of fastest growing economies in the

record numbers in employment and one western world. Not only that, the

centbe western world. Not only that, the

centre of western world. Not only that, the

centbe of economic western world. Not only that, the

centre of economic and business western world. Not only that, the

research poants western world. Not only that, the

research points out that western world. Not only that, the

economy will be the largest western world. Not only that, the

in Europe, which regrettably your western world. Not only that, the

measures are showing the Welsh measeres `re showing thd Welsh

economy is continuing to be one of measeres `re showing thd Welsh

the poor nest Europe. Under your healdh

the poor nest Europe. Under your health measures, we have

the poor nest Europe. Under your health measures, we havd a

the poor nest Europe. Under your health measures, we have a doubling

the poor nest Europe. Under your of waiting times. At the start

the poor nest Europe. Under your of waiting times, At the start of

the poor nest Europe. Under your 2014 isn't it time you react vated

yoqr 2014 isn't it time you react vated

your delivery unite and get them your deliveby unhte and get thdm

delivering on the policies you your deliveby unhte and get thdm

pledged so we can see an improvement your deliveby unhte and get thdm

in the economy and an improvement in the health

in the economy and an improvement in tha `ealth cervice

in the economy and an improvement in the health service and above all

in the economy and an improvement in tha `ealth cervice and `bove all we

the health service and above all we can see real improvement when you

measure st -- measure us against can see real improvement when you

international standards. Well interest rates dropped at the time

international standards. Well of the Labour government. They

international standards. Well haven't changed

international standards. Well haten't changed rince

international standards. Well haven't changed since this

international standards. Well UK Governlent came into place. The

international standards. Well point I make is this, things could

international standards. Well improve faster if the Conservatives

an` improve faster if the Conservatives

and Liberal Democrats had taken a and Liberal Democrats h`d taken a

different view. The economy was in a and Liberal Democrats h`d taken a

better shape in 2010. and Liberal Democrats h`d taken a

better sh`pe in 0010. It and Liberal Democrats h`d taken a

better shape in 2010. It was and Liberal Democrats h`d taken a

recovering and was pitched back into a `ecline. A

recovering and was pitched back into a decline. I offer in evidence

a `ecline, A offer in evidence what we have done in Wales. Unemployment

is now the UK we have done in Wales. Unemployment

is now the EK average we have done in Wales. Unemployment

is now the UK average and has come down. I offer the fact that our

is now the UK average and has come youth unemployment rate sois low

yoqt` unemploymelt rate sois low -- is so low compared to the UK. That

is partially of jobs growths Wales is so low compared to the UK. That

and shows a Welsh government can make a real difference to the life

and shows a Welsh government can chances to people in Wales. We look

and shows a Welsh government can at health and we know it is going in

at health and we know it as going in the right direction. There was a

at health and we know it as going in fund announced in England, we have

one in Wales, it was scrapped. Nothing happened as a

one in Wales, it was scrapped. Nothing h`ppened as a result.

one in Wales, it was scrapped. Nothing happened as a result. We

one in Wales, it was scrapped. have seen nurses sacked in England.

We have seen the have seen nurses sacked in England.

We have sden the fagures have seen nurses sacked in England.

We have seen the figures in terms of We have sden the fagures an terms of

waiting times going the other way. waiting times going the other vay.

That is not waiting times going the other vay.

we face, bud waiting times going the other vay.

we face, but at least we waiting times going the other vay.

about it, unlike his government in London. The complacency knows

about it, unlike his government in bounds, ynu

about it, unlike his government in bounds, you could have offered us

about it, unlike his government in some real targets that you would

some real targets that xou would hit whether in health, education or

some real targets that xou would hit economy. But as per usual, it is

always waht economy. But as per usual, it is

always wait for tomorrow, wait for economy. But as per usual, it is

for tomorrow. I would never thought I would hear the First Minister

describe his Government as dynamic. Coie on,

describe his Government as dynamic. Come on, if you bench mark yourself

describe his Government as dynamic. against anything

describe his Government as dynamic. against alydhing and ask

describe his Government as dynamic. against anything and ask any of

people on the 36-week wait, which people on t`e 36-week wait, whhch

has gone up time and time again, whether they're

has gone up time and time again, improvements and they're

has gone up time and time again, improvemelts and t`ey're not

has gone up time and time again, improvements and they're not seeing

has gone up time and time again, tha improvements

has gone up time and time again, the improvements when will you

actually live up to the mantra the improvements when will you

actually life up to the mantra that the improvements when will you

you used at the election of the improvements when will you

up for Wales and getting your much the improvements when will you

vaunted delivery unit actually the improvements when will you

starting to the improvements when will you

the quality of people's lives here the improvements when will you

in Wales? He always ambles to the the improvements when will you

starting line. At the constitution debade

starting line. At the constitution debate he was last. When it cops

starting line. At the constitution health, he has no views of his own.

starting line. At the constitution When it cops to the economy, he --

starting line. At the constitution when it comes to the economy, he

when it comes to t`e economy, he ignores that the Welsh economy has

when it comes to t`e economy, he outperformed the rest of the UK. He

when it comes to t`e economy, he talks of die nappism. -- die Nanism.

He will scrap the help for Africa. All the

He will scrap the help for Africa. Alh dhe peo`le who

He will scrap the help for Africa. All the people who benefit from

He will scrap the help for Africa. aid, but the support we give to

He will scrap the help for Africa. voluntary organisations to help

people with nothing and he sat there voluntary organisations to help

on his country estate and said, I want

walt thesd `eople to have nothhng. Nothing. I quote

walt thesd `eople to have nothhng. Nothang. I quote darectly. He

walt thesd `eople to have nothhng. Nothing. I quote directly. He was

asked Nothing. I quote directly. He was

progbamme, `e said, I Nothing. I quote directly. He was

programme, he said, I do not agree wiph

programme, he said, I do not agree with it. I can say as far

programme, he said, I do not agree with it. H can say as far as we

with it. H can s`y as far as we are concerned, we take the issue of...

with it. H can s`y as far as we are He can shout as much as he wants.

with it. H can s`y as far as we are But let him go to Uganda and tell

But let hhm go to Ugand` and tell them there that he will take funding

from there and scrap the Wales for them there that he will take funding

Africa programme and then tell people in Waleses how dynamic he is

Africa programme and then tell to take money from some of the most

Africa programme and then tell worthy projects in the

Africa programme and then tell that typical of Tories? T`ey never

that typical of Tories? They never change. Now to the leader of Plaid

Cyire. change. Now to the leader of Plaid

Cymru. TRANSLATION: Happy new change. Now to the leader of Plaid

to all. You're pleased to be recognised for your work on women in

public life. First Minister, yesterday, my party

public life. First Minister, yesterday, my partq launc`ed

public life. First Minister, far-beachhng conrultation

public life. First Minister, far-reaching consultation boosting

public life. First Minister, doctor recruitment. We have plans

for international recruitment as wehl

for international recruitment as well as retaining home grown

for international recruitment as wehl as retaininf `ome grown medical

well as retaining home grown medical students. Can you please tell us

well as retaining home grown medical when did your

well as retaining home grown medical aspirations to

well as retaining home grown medical aspibatiols to increase

well as retaining home grown medical aspirations to increase doctor

numbers t Welsh NHS? I saw the aspirations to increase doctor

proposals put forward, I would to proposals pet fopward, H would to

say I have proposals pet fopward, H would to

say I havd questions I proposals pet fopward, H would to

say I have questions I suppose, proposals pet fopward, H would to

recruitment of a thousand doctors, recreitmelt of a t`ousand doctors,

where is that figure coming? As if whare is that figure coming? As if

this hasn't been happening. We have this hasn been happenhng. We have

been recruiting doctors from this hasn been happenhng. We have

bean recruiding doctors from abroad this hasn been happenhng. We have

for 50 years. There will be a quota this hasn been happenhng. We have

any way of doctors this hasn been happenhng. We have

pop tax. The message one keep drinking pop to get

pop tax. The message one keep drincing po` to get more doctors.

pop tax. The message one keep drinking pop to get more doctors. I

don'd drinking pop to get more doctors. I

don't understand that either. The realaty

don't understand that either. The reality is that doctors aren't

don't understand that either. The attracted

don't understand that either. The atpracted bq

don't understand that either. The attracted by the issue

don't understand that either. The atpracted bq the issue nf having

don't understand that either. The their

don't understand that either. The theib fee,

don't understand that either. The their fee, their

don't understand that either. The theib fee, their student

don't understand that either. The their fee, their student fees paid.

They want trainilg their fee, their student fees paid.

They want training opportunities. their fee, their student fees paid.

And if they are not offered that, And if thdy are lot offered th`t,

they will not come here. Before you And if thdy are lot offered th`t,

train new medics, you need the And if thdy are lot offered th`t,

consultants in place. They will only coie

consultants in place. They will only come to hospitals where they

consultants in place. They will only come to hns`itals where they feel

consultants in place. They will only they can get the practice that they

consultants in place. They will only need, trainees will

consultants in place. They will only nead, trahnees will only

consultants in place. They will only need, trainees will only go to

hospital need, trainees will only go to

hospatal vhere need, trainees will only go to

hospital where there is enough cases to be properly trained. Those are

hospital where there is enough cases the factors that doctors

hospital where there is enough cases tha factops that doctors will

hospital where there is enough cases the factors that doctors will look

hospital where there is enough cases at. So

hospital where there is enough cases at, Co it

hospital where there is enough cases at. So it is a policy proposal,

at. Co it ic a pnlacy proposal, it is something I would question as to

is somethhng would qudstion `s to how effective it would be and the

realasation how effective it would be and the

realisation that the NHS in how effective it would be and the

should recruit from abroad. It is how effective it would be and the

something it has how effective it would be and the

somedhing it has been doing. soiedhing id has been dning. That

was an interesting soiedhing id has been dning. That

was an interestilg ramble. soiedhing id has been dning. That

was an interesting ramble. But your comments clearly show that

was an interesting ramble. But your drinks levy, your

was an interesting ramble. But your drincs levy, youp comments

was an interesting ramble. But your drinks levy, your comments on

sugabed drinks levy, your comments on

sugared drinks levy show how you sugabed dpinks levq show `ow ynu

this can reduce consumption. Alcohol sugabed dpinks levq show `ow ynu

and tobacco are cases in sugabed dpinks levq show `ow ynu

an` dobacco are cases in points. sugabed dpinks levq show `ow ynu

and tobacco are cases in points. I sugabed dpinks levq show `ow ynu

very much welcome the member for sugabed dpinks levq show `ow ynu

pont prid's support, First Minister, sugabed dpinks levq show `ow ynu

you're superiors in Westminster have raised concerns about the shortage

of doctors in the dmrish NHS. raised concerns about the shortage

of doctors an the dmrish NHS. ,- of doctors in the dmrish NHS. --

Englash of doctors in the dmrish NHS. --

English NHS of doctors in the dmrish NHS. --

comment upon frequently. Data has been published

bean publis`ed showing that locum costs in A

bean publis`ed showing that locum up by 60% in three years. Can you

bean publis`ed showing that locum please tell us the costs of locum

bean publis`ed showing that locum doctors to the Welsh

bean publis`ed showing that locum doctors to dhe Wdlsh NHS.

bean publis`ed showing that locum doctors to the Welsh NHS. Let's

bean publis`ed showing that locum about the, she said I don't

bean publis`ed showing that locum understand the way the tax

bean publis`ed showing that locum operate F you tax a particular

bean publis`ed showing that locum product and you then hypothecate

bean publis`ed showing that locum that tax for

bean publis`ed showing that locum that tax fob a

bean publis`ed showing that locum you have to make sure consumption

bean publis`ed showing that locum stays at the same level bgs or

consemption stays at the same level bgs or

consumption -- or consumption drops colsemption -- op consulption drops

and your revenue drops. If you look an` qour pefenue drops. If you look

at the way sin taxes an` qour pefenue drops. If you look

at the wax sin taxes opdrate an` qour pefenue drops. If you look

at the way sin taxes operate in an` qour pefenue drops. If you look

at the wax sin taxes opdrate in the an` qour pefenue drops. If you look

UK, they put taxes on an` qour pefenue drops. If you look

UK( dhey put taxes on alcohol an` qour pefenue drops. If you look

UK, they put taxes on alcohol and tobacco, but they're

UK, they put taxes on alcohol and to`acco, `ut they're not for

tobacco, bud they're not for a particular purpose. If you're saying

yoq particular purpose. If you're saying

you want to reduce consumption particular purpose. If you're saying

taxing them you will reduce the revenue

taxing them you will reduce the retenue you

taxing them you will reduce the revenue you have to pay for

taxing them you will reduce the retenue you have to pay for doctors.

taxing them you will reduce the That is simple economics. How

taxing them you will reduce the doesn't understand that I don't

know. On locums we have relied on locums fop many years.

know. On locums we have relied on locums for many years. Many of

know. On locums we have relied on locums are fery

know. On locums we have relied on locums are very effective, many are

know. On locums we have relied on people who don't want to have a

permanent position for various reasons. They don't want to work

permanent position for various full-time, but they're still

permanent position for various effective. To

permanent position for various efdective, Do sufgest

permanent position for various effective. To suggest that locums

permanent position for various are second class doctors

permanent position for various are cecond class doctors wouldn't

permanent position for various are second class doctors wouldn't be

permanent position for various the case. That is not the way that

permanent position for various A specialists are presented to me.

Of course, we want to be in a A specialists are presented to me.

position where there is no A specialists are presented to me.

any need for A specialists are presented to me.

any need fob locums, but as A specialists are presented to me.

any need for locums, but as we know there is a difficulty in recruiting

any need for locums, but as we know specialists not just in

any need for locums, but as we know across the whole of the UK

any need for locums, but as we know beyond. Reducing t`e

any need for locums, but as we know beyond. Reducing the need for local

any need for locums, but as we know and

any need for locums, but as we know an` is

any need for locums, but as we know and is one of the aims

any need for locums, but as we know policy. It was obviously far too

much for ts policy. It was obviously far too

much for us to expect a straight answer from you in the New Year.

much for us to expect a straight Plaid Cymru is absolutely clear

Plaid ympu is a`solutely clear that we need to recruit more doctors to

the Welsh NHS, something you appear to be in denial about. We need to

re`uce to be in denial about. We need to

reduce local and costs as well. re`uce local and costs `s well.

Labour's re`uce local and costs `s well.

Laboer's TK re`uce local and costs `s well.

Labour's UK health spokesperson says La`our's TK health spokdsperson says

today that the same needs to to`aq that dhe s`me needs to h`ppen

in England. Are we both engaging in to`aq that dhe s`me needs to h`ppen

fantasy politics, first Minister? to`aq that dhe s`me needs to h`ppen

No, I think just to`aq that dhe s`me needs to h`ppen

No, A think just you. She accuses to`aq that dhe s`me needs to h`ppen

No, I think just you. She accuses me of not answering the

No, I think just you. She accuses me is her prerogative. In general, she

No, I think just you. She accuses me has questions to answer about her

No, I think just you. She accuses me own policy. 1000 doctors,

No, I think just you. She accuses me to be plucked from thin air. Which

spacaalisls? to be plucked from thin air. Which

specialisms? Where do they go? to be plucked from thin air. Which

which specialisms do to be plucked from thin air. Which

which specialismr do you to be plucked from thin air. Which

which specialisms do you say there whic` specialismr do you say there

is a shortage and in which is whic` specialismr do you say there

is a shortage and an whic` is not is a shortage and in which is not a

shortage? Where do you allocate these doctors? Where is the figure

coiing these doctors? Where is the figure

coming from? You would recruit 100 doctors fpom

coming from? You would recruit 100 doctors from abroad as hf

coming from? You would recruit 100 doctors from abroad as if this has

nop already doctors from abroad as if this has

not already happened. I can tell you doctors from abroad as if this has

that every health trust is doctors from abroad as if this has

recruiting from abroad already. It doctors from abroad as if this has

is not the case that there is a pool doctors from abroad as if this has

of doctors out there that you can recreit at

of doctors out there that you can recruit at the drop

of doctors out there that you can recreit at dhe dpop of

of doctors out there that you can recruit at the drop of a hat. Not

of doctors out there that you can even money will do it, because what

they are looking for is the opportunity to get a throughput of

casec opportunity to get a throughput of

cases that will provide the opportunity to get a throughput of

casec that gill provide t`e training they need in order to keep up their

professiolal they need in order to keep up their

professional competence. Every professiolal competence. Every

says that. I say this not says that, A say t`is nnt trying to

start a political argument, but I says that, A say t`is nnt trying to

think these are questions that need to be addrecsed

think these are questions that need to be addressed in order

think these are questions that need to be addrecsed in order for ur

think these are questions that need to be addpecsed hn order for ur to

think these are questions that need understand how you say

think these are questions that need un`ebstand `ow ynu say thas

think these are questions that need understand how you say this policy

woqld understand how you say this policy

would work. You say to me that we are complacent about this. We have

would work. You say to me that we recruited more doctors. We know that

the starting rate the ctarting rate an Wales is

roughly 96% of the ctarting rate an Wales is

roug`ly 94% of where the ctarting rate an Wales is

roughly 96% of where it should the ctarting rate an Wales is

but certainly it is the the ctarting rate an Wales is

but certahnly it is the case the ctarting rate an Wales is

but certainly it is the case that they have been looking to recruit

they have been loocing to recruit from abroad for many, many years.

they have been loocing to recruit But the one thing it always comes

back to from medics is this: You cannot bring in trainees unless

back to from medics is this: You have someone to teach them.

Consultants will not arrive unless have someone to teach them.

they feel hospitals in Wales can have someone to teach them.

offer opportunities for them, and trainees will not stay in

trainees vill not stay hn hosphtals in Wales unless they feel the

training opportunities are there. It is nothing to do with money but

is nothinf do do wath mnney but providing does that unity is.

is nothinf do do wath mnney but moved back to questions on the

moted back do qudstions on the paper. Question three,

moted back do qudstions on the papeb. Question three, `nd

moted back do qudstions on the paper. Question three, and Jones.

Wihl paper. Question three, and Jones.

Will he outlined his priorities for Wihl he outlined has priorities for

improving opportunities for children and people in the Vale of Clwyd in

improving opportunities for children 2014? We know that early

identification is key 2014? We know that early

idandificataon is cey and 2014? We know that early

idantification is cey and it 2014? We know that early

identification is key and it is for this reason that we make investment

identification is key and it is for into the flying start programme.

identification is key and it is for Thank you. I wanted to congratulate

you on that early intervention and to say that that is the right way

forward, to say that that is the right way

fopward, `ud to say that that is the right way

forward, but I also want to talk aboud

forward, but I also want to talk about the number of youngsters who

forward, but I also want to talk entered the youth justice system,

many of whom I think do so for a entered the youth justice system,

variety od entered the youth justice system,

variety of reasons, often conditions that have been forced on them in

variety of reasons, often conditions lack of services and lack

variety of reasons, often conditions worth, such as the ending of the

Future worth, such as the ending of the

Fupube Jo`s worth, such as the ending of the

Future Jobs Fund. Can you update us on what

Future Jobs Fund. Can you update us on w`at ynub

Future Jobs Fund. Can you update us on what your government is doing in

Future Jobs Fund. Can you update us working with the Ministry of

Justace, working with the Ministry of

Justice, the Probation Service and working with the Ministry of

the multi-agency youth that working with the Ministry of

tha multi-agency youth that are working with the Ministry of

required to keep a young person out of the youth Justice service, and

required to keep a young person out what we can do to make sure that

thay don't what we can do to make sure that

they don't enter it in the first place? The

they don't enter it in the first place? Thd qouth Justice board

they don't enter it in the first place? The youth Justice board and

Wehs` place? The youth Justice board and

Welsh government do work together to make sure the system works

make sure the syrtem works effectively. At the moment we are

developing a new youth justice effectively. At the moment we are

strategy and the White Paper is stpadegy `nd the W`ite Paper is

being drafted on proposals to stpadegy `nd the W`ite Paper is

improve services for young people in tha

improve services for young people in the justice system. Clearly, as

improve services for young people in Justice is not devolved, we seek to

Justice is not ddvolved, we seek to work closely, and that has happened

Justice is not ddvolved, we seek to with the non-devolved agencies to

with the lon-devnlved afencies to have a coherent approach.

have a cohebent `pproach. As recently as yesterday concern was

raised that the life chances raised th`t the life ch`nces of

young people and will are being damaged because of the

young people and will are being damaged bdcause nf the but

young people and will are being damaged because of the cut off

young people and will are being funding to the youth group. I

young people and will are being this is highly personalised but will

young people and will are being the Welsh government take control

an` the Welsh government take control

and reach a decision because of the Welsh government take control

impact that this is happening the Welsh government take control

impact that this is having on the Welsh government take control

people. These are the Welsh government take control

financial times. I will write to the meiber

financial times. I will write to the member with regard to the group. As

member with regapd to the group. As regards the suggestion that life

member with regapd to the group. As chances are deprived to young people

member with regapd to the group. As in Rhyl, it is also the case

member with regapd to the group. As in R`yl, ht is also the case that we

in Rhyl, it is also the case that we have kept the education maintenance

in Rhyl, it is also the case that we allowances which have offered young

in Rhyl, it is also the case that we people be chance to stay in college,

a chance not available to them a chance nod avahlable to them

elsewhere in the UK. Will he make a chance nod avahlable to them

to commemorate the First World War? a chance nod avahlable to them

I was pleased to launch a programme last October. My

last Octo`eb. My advisor continues to work with officials and

stakeholddrc to work with officials and

stakeholderc to to work with officials and

stakeholders to develop further stakeholddrc to develop further the

programme for the commemoration of tha

programme for the commemoration of the centenary of the beginning

programme for the commemoration of the First World War. Can I tell

programme for the commemoration of the First World Var. Can I tell thE

the First World War. Can I tell the firsd

the First World War. Can I tell the fipsd Minhsder

the First World War. Can I tell the first Minister that

the First World War. Can I tell the underway now in

the First World War. Can I tell the un`erway low in the

the First World War. Can I tell the underway now in the Rhondda to mark

the First World War. Can I tell the the engagement of people of

the First World War. Can I tell the the engagdment od people of thd

the engagement of people of the Rhondda Valley in the First World

War. Can I urge him Rhondda Valley in the First World

the emphasis is on commemoration and Rhondda Valley in the First World

not celebration? Would he agree with Rhondda Valley in the First World

me that Rhondda Valley in the First World

me t`at nn Rhondda Valley in the First World

me that no politician, whether in Wahec

me that no politician, whether in Wales or the UK, should seek to

me that no politician, whether in hijack the

me that no politician, whether in hihack thd commemoration

me that no politician, whether in hijack the commemoration of the

Firsd orld War dor political hijack the commemoration of the

purposes? Yes, I do. I very much agree that the

purposes? Yes, I do. I very much agree that dhe ptrpose rhould

purposes? Yes, I do. I very much agree that the purpose should be

purposes? Yes, I do. I very much commemoration. I don't think it

purposes? Yes, I do. I very much appropriate with the First World War

that you can celebrate very much. appropriate with the First World War

The beginnings of the war are appropriate with the First World War

unclear, the end of the ball was a mess. We note

unclear, the end of the ball was a mess. We lode th`t the

unclear, the end of the ball was a mess. We note that the Treaty of

Versailles led directly to the Versailles led dhrectly to the

Second World War. We know that it was hypocritical in much of what was

Second World War. We know that it said. Self-determination was offered

said. eld-determination was offered but only to those people who were

white. I did see Michael Gove's comments... I could not believe he

white. I did see Michael Gove's was not struck by the irony of

white. I did see Michael Gove's defeating German expansion at

white. I did see Michael Gove's when Britain ruled a quarter

white. I did see Michael Gove's world over

white. I did see Michael Gove's wopld ovep dhe

white. I did see Michael Gove's world over the consent of the people

white. I did see Michael Gove's living in those countries. If you

read the history of the First World War,

read the history of the First World Wap, the

read the history of the First World War, the reality is that much of it

read the history of the First World began with one event

read the history of the First World mass mobilisation, secret treaties

read the history of the First World and ultimately to

read the history of the First World an` eltim`tely to tragedy. What

read the history of the First World and ultimately to tragedy. What we

must do is to ensure that we coimemorate,

must do is to ensure that we commemorate, we understand and

commemorate, we tnderstand and above all else we learn.

commemorate, we tnderstand and above all else ve learl. You

commemorate, we tnderstand and above all else we learn. You mentioned the

debade all else we learn. You mentioned the

debate last summer. Can you give us all else we learn. You mentioned the

an indication of what you expect by way of sustainable legacy and how

way of surtainable legaby and how you anticipate meeting

way of surtainable legaby and how yoq anticipate mdeting governmdnt

way of surtainable legaby and how objectives of

way of surtainable legaby and how obhectives of all sorts

way of surtainable legaby and how objectives of all sorts in

way of surtainable legaby and how obhectives of all sorts in the

objectives of all sorts in the fupube?

objectives of all sorts in the future? One area where we are

objectives of all sorts in the fupube? One area w`ere ve are doing

future? One area where we are doing that is the assistance we are giving

future? One area where we are doing to schools, because it is amongst

to schools, becatse it hs amonfst young people that the memory will

to schools, becatse it hs amonfst perpetuate. There is no one now

alive who fought in the First World perpetuate. There is no one now

War. It is not that long ago we Wap. It is not that lonf ago we lost

the Wap. It is not that lonf ago we lost

tha last Wap. It is not that lonf ago we lost

the last of those involved Wap. It is not that lonf ago we lost

combat. For example, our museums Wap. It is not that lonf ago we lost

involved, the National library Wap. It is not that lonf ago we lost

involved, there is a website that involved, t`ere hs a websate that

has been set up for people to involved, t`ere hs a websate that

has been red up dor people to learN involved, t`ere hs a websate that

more about the Fhrst involved, t`ere hs a websate that

more about the First World War. The inpention is

more about the First World War. The intention is it should not be a

intention ic it rhould not be ` commemoration for one or four years,

intention ic it rhould not be ` but it will be a legacy that remains

intention ic it rhould not be ` in the mind

intention ic it rhould not be ` in the mild of

intention ic it rhould not be ` in the mind of people from

intention ic it rhould not be ` many years to come, and

intention ic it rhould not be ` maly years do come, and that is

many years to come, and that is one reason amongst many to come back

many years to come, and that is one reason amongst many to bome back to

reason amnngst m`nq to bome babk to what I said earlier of why we have

reason amnngst m`nq to bome babk to provided funding to schools to

reason amnngst m`nq to bome babk to enable our young people to keep

reason amnngst m`nq to bome babk to memory going. TRANSLATION:

meioby going. TR@NSL TINN2 The evidence of the soldiers from

meioby going. TR@NSL TINN2 The trenches is the

meioby going. TR@NSL TINN2 The tranches is the most

meioby going. TR@NSL TINN2 The trenches is the most human

meioby going. TR@NSL TINN2 The we have. We have the diaries, we

have letters, we have polis -- we have poets. Will you ensure that

have letters, we have polis -- we have poets. Will you ensure th`t tHe

have poets. Will you ensure that the voices of these ordinary people

voices of t`ese nrdinary people who went through these horrors will be

voices of t`ese nrdinary people who given

voices of t`ese nrdinary people who commemoration of that terrible

slaughter? TRANSLATION: Indeed. What is important is that we understand

slaughter? TRANSLATION: Indeed. What tha experience

slaughter? TRANSLATION: Indeed. What the experience not only of

slaughter? TRANSLATION: Indeed. What tha experience nnt only of those

slaughter? TRANSLATION: Indeed. What the experience not only of those in

Flanders and France and the other the experience not only of those in

nations but to the experience not only of those in

napions but to understand the napions but to ulderstand the

experiences of those who napions but to ulderstand the

home, knowing nothing about their brot`ers,

home, knowing nothing about their brothers, husbands, sons who

home, knowing nothing about their away, fighting in France, and also

away, fightang il France, and `lso to understand what the

away, fightang il France, and `lso to understand wh`t the impact

away, fightang il France, and `lso to understand what the impact of

away, fightang il France, and `lso First World War was on society wants

away, fightang il France, and `lso the war itself actually came

away, fightang il France, and `lso end. So, the aim of the programme is

to understand the experiences of to understand thd experiences nf

ordinary people and not to look at to understand thd experiences nf

this in the context of what nations this in the context of vhat nations

were doing, we are looking at the wepe doing, we ape lookhng at the

experiences of people and experiences of pdople and

understanding what it was like at experiences of pdople and

the time and what the experiences of pdople and

the time `nd what the legacy was oF experiences of pdople and

that terrible event. Will the first experiences of pdople and

Minister make a statement concerning tha

Minister make a statement concerning the admissions of patients in

hospitals in South Wales East the admissions of patients in

hospatals in South Wales East nver hospitals in South Wales East over

tha Christmas hospitals in South Wales East over

the Christmas and New Year period? tha Christmas and New Year period?

Yes, anticipated demand was tha Christmas and New Year period?

accommodated over the Christmas tha Christmas and New Year period?

New Year period which tha Christmas and New Year period?

New Year pebiod vhach reflected tha Christmas and New Year period?

New Year period which reflected the coimatment

New Year period which reflected the commitment and hard work of NHS

staff. I am grateful commitment and hard work of NHS

staff. I `m grateful for his commitment and hard work of NHS

staff. I am grateful for his answer commitment and hard work of NHS

and I agree with him and commend an` A agree with ham and commend the

staff in the NHS. an` A agree with ham and commend the

that constituents have written an` A agree with ham and commend the

that constiduents `ave vratten to an` A agree with ham and commend the

that constituents have written to me an` A agree with ham and commend the

saying that one who an` A agree with ham and commend the

saying th`t one who was an` A agree with ham and commend the

saying that one who was admitted an` A agree with ham and commend the

with a an` A agree with ham and commend the

wiph a suspected an` A agree with ham and commend the

with a suspected heart attack spent 13 hours in A with no

with a suspected heart attack spent 13 hours in A vith no sleep

with a suspected heart attack spent 13 hours in A with no sleep all

coifort, 13 hours in A with no sleep all

comfort, complaints 13 hours in A with no sleep all

constituents who had elective surgery cancelled and told it would

not surgery cancelled and told it would

nop dake place surgery cancelled and told it would

not take place until the New Year. These things don't quite

not take place until the New Year. can you offer some solution? I can't

possibly comment can you offer some solution? I can't

haven't seen or allegations that haven't sden or `llegations th`t

have not been investigated. I would be more than happy, if the

individuals involved are happy for thaib

individuals involved are happy for their details to be released, to

theib details to be released, to look at their cases and ask

theib details to be released, to health minister to respond

accordingly. We know that a high health minister to respond

percentage of A admissions over pepcentagd of A admisrions over

the festive period due to cases of excecs alco`ol. What

the festive period due to cases of excess alcohol. What work is

the festive period due to cases of government doing with the health

the festive period due to cases of board and Gwent police in

the festive period due to cases of Wales East in particular

the festive period due to cases of the abuse of staff over the festive

the festive period due to cases of and abuse which every decent

the festive period due to cases of fildc totally unacceptable? My

the festive period due to cases of finds totally unacceptable? My view

is( finds totally unacceptable? My view

is, I finds totally unacceptable? My view

is, A have X finds totally unacceptable? My view

is, I have X arrested this many finds totally unacceptable? My view

times in the chamber, that where timec in the chalber, that where

people are abusive or attack staff, people are abusite or attack staff,

they should be prosecuted, drunk or they should be pposecuted, drunk or

not. There is no reason... they should be pposecuted, drunk or

people need medical treatment first, bup

people need medical treatment first, but I think it

people need medical treatment first, but I thilk it should

people need medical treatment first, but I think it should be

people need medical treatment first, but I thilk it should be made

people need medical treatment first, absolutely clear and it is certainly

people need medical treatment first, the view

people need medical treatment first, tha fiew of

people need medical treatment first, the view of the government, and

most, if not all the view of the government, and

that those seeking to administer the view of the government, and

medical care should not live in fear the view of the government, and