27/11/2012 am.pm

Good afternoon. Welcome to the programme. We will bring you

coverage of questions to the First Minister from the Assembly. He is

on his feet right now. We also want to hear about anything you have to

A business is already under way in the chamber. Now over two questions

for the first minister. Will the First Minister make a statement on

support for advisory services in Wales? In view of the changes to

welfare and legal aid funding, we will give support for access

services. We see more and more people seeking advice on financial

issues, we need only reflect on the recent redundancies in be the steel

industry. Will he add to the staff at advice centres? What is being

done to support these advisory services for the most vulnerable in

society? Extra money has been given to Citizens Advice. An additional

�753,000 have gone to frontline services. I wonder if I could come

back to a question I raised last week about independent advocacy

services for children and young people. I was not reassured by your

statement where you stood on this. The Chief Commissioner says his

independence makes them powerful enough to say it. Do you agree that

children and young people will on we have the power to see what they

need to say when they have a fully funded advocacy service? -- to say.

Absolutely not. The commissioner performs the role well. Isn't it

unfortunate that the changes to the Careers Services will lead to fewer

face-to-face interviews at the very time when Mort such services are

required in the current climate? -- more of such services. It is

actually important that broad services are available to young

people. There are a number of ways in which they can access Careers

Advice and become employed. Will the First Minister outline how the

programme for Government is being delivered? We are making good

progress in all such services. small percentage of those enrolled

in the work programme have achieved employment. Members received an e-

mail this morning which talked of promising starts but they know, as

well as we do, that this has been a disaster from the start. Will you

agree that the Tories and Lib Dems were wrong to scrap the jobs for

work brand? This has been a great success. The target has already

been reached halfway through the year and there are already 2000

more young people in employment or training as a result. Obesity in

Wales has been described as at epidemic levels. We have some of

the highest rates of obesity, heart disease and diabetes, could you

outline how D programme for Government for healthy lifestyles

is being achieved? -- the programme. We are delivering. These things do

take time but we understand that it is a challenge for all parts of

Wales. You see the number of young people claiming the jobseeker's

allowance is up, average wages are down and female unemployment is up.

It is the wrong way around. Blaming Westminster for every ill is not

good enough. Will you accept some responsibility and admit that your

Government's unambitious and lacklustre programme is feeling?

take his criticism with a pinch of salt. I do take responsibility, of

course I do. I do take full responsibility for the fact that

economic inactivity in Wales is higher than it has ever been. That

said, I am far from complacent and I need to make sure that we deliver

in terms of better employment prospects for our young people. By

we now move to questions from the party leaders. First, Liberal

Democrats. First Minister, the chief executive of the NHS said he

was increasingly confident that the Welsh Health Board would balance

its books, the Welsh Audit Office said that they were likely to break

even, just a few days later. Why did the health minister allowed the

chief-executive of the health service go on television to assure

that books would be balanced when the data to the Audit Office was

seeing something quite different? - saying. We need a configuration

of the NHS services to deliver. What the Welsh Audit Office says,

for instance is that the situation in some places it is worse than it

was last year and that the deficit could be as big as 113 million. The

question is, the chief executive of NHS Wales, went on to the

television to say there was increasing confidence that they

would break even to their targets and would do so without in any

sense compromising the quality of care. Today, that same chief-

executive has told the Public Accounts executive of the assembly

that he expects the NHS in Wales to be in deficit. Given be guarantees

that he has made, will you also guarantee that there will be no

compromise in the quality of care or the funding gap that now exists?

As far as the leader of the Lib Dems is concerned, I asked now if

she will support reconfiguration to support better and more sustainable

services? Your own health minister said the reconfiguration of

services is not about the resources. The reconfiguration of the services

will not save any money it is all about improving health care. I am

asking you about the financial resilience of the NHS. The health

boards are unlikely to break even with their current resources, they

could be �130 million in debt, you on chief-executive now today says

it could be 70 million. You have already ruled out further brokerage

in several regions in Wales even though the deficits in those three

regions are �60 million estimated. If there is to be no bail-out which

is what your Government has said, what services will close? As far as

this Government is concerned, we will always ensure the NHS is

funded. She has failed to answer the question whether she agrees

that reconfiguration is necessary. The Lib Dems must not scaremonger

when the resist any attempt at improvement. It is a bit rich for

the first minister to talk about scaremongering when in September

you talk about the budget for the Welsh NHS being slightly short.

Those were your words in response to my question. Here we have the

Auditor-General indicating the mid- point of 70 million, which our own

chief executive of the Welsh NHS agrees with, but an extreme

situation of �130 million. Where has it all gone wrong? As I said,

we are expecting to come in on target. Everyone working in the NHS

in Wales and people in receipt of the health care for the NHS in

Wales understands there are real pressures within the NHS. A

financial shortfall has been identified. Your own Minister has

said there will be no bail-out for the second year but on the other

hand you are saying there will be a shortage but now you are seeing

their will not be, when will you come to grasp the reality of the

situation that hour Welsh NHS faces? The word mid Point, which

underlines his entire argument, differences are honest on this side

of the House. On that side the most dishonest decision ever taking by

any party rests with them. Order. Order. Is my microphone not

working? You may not like what the First Minister is seeing that he

has every right to say it. -- is seeing macro. -- saying. They are

trying to conceal the cuts. They say �500 million has to be spent on

the NHS but they never see where that is coming from. 20% for

education, they know that on the one hand there Government in London

is taking money from Wales but the demand that money which does not

exist be spent. That is thoroughly dishonest. It was interesting than

the First Minister chose not to answer one single point that I

booked to him. Last week I noticed that the First Minister was busy

preening himself, putting his sit together and his cuffs together. If

you take the suit of, there is very little substance the ear. There is

there real issue. A real issue in the Welsh NHS. Order. Order. There

is a real issue in the NHS in Wales. It is about time that you addressed

the real financial difficulties that the Welsh NHS faces and the

�70 million short fault that your own chief executive has identified.

When will you face up to the reality of the situation so that

clinicians and pensioners can have confidence that you have their best

interests at heart? He talks about posturing. He comes here every week

and asks these questions. He keeps trivialising the issue and going on

about clothes. That is a weak joke. The reality is that we care about

the NHS. His party never explain where this money is coming from. He

knows the cuts come from his own party in London. We stand up for

the NHS, his party spins dishonesty to the people on this issue.

Perhaps if we could get back to some serious business? On 3rd

October the Minister for business enterprise the technology and

science said she had been asked to approve to cease funding beyond

2012/13. Did you tell us at the request of boom and on what

evidence was that decision made? -- the request of whom? Having

provided -- not provided the value for money expected, in reviewing

its performance against targets and indicators, the report did say that

improvements had been made in some a years, the expectations had not

been met. No final decisions have A review of such significance

should be shared with their Assembly members before decisions

are made. The minister's statement said the government will continue

to support the commercial enterprise sector. Given that the

2013 funding amounts to �200,000, can you say what tendering process

is in place? That is something that is in hand but things could not

carry on as they did before. I find this a strange set of affairs. This

was meant to be the party that your government consulted with on social

enterprises. Four years the Social Enterprise Council has been

promoted as a flagship enterprise but it has since been ditched

without any explanation, with hundreds of thousands of pounds are

standing. Given your refusal to lead by example last week over the

ministerial called, what are you doing to ensure transparency on

these decisions and how can the social enterprise sector have faith

that your decision making process is the right one? Farah view has

taken place. We cannot ignore it. The Minister has looked at the

situation with a view to resolving this and to ensure that the new arm

host organisation is in place. The government cannot big drop --

Bignall value-for-money reviews when conducted. Will the First

Minister make a statement on the Government's priorities for the new

year? I am sure that implementation of recommendations will be a

priority for year. Do you have a date in mind for the referendum on

tax-varying power was? There will not be a referendum before 2015. It

is difficult to give an estimate on the timetable because there is a

need to insure Barnet is dealt with first. Once that is done, more

thought will be given to a timetable. The chairman of the

biggest housebuilding in Wales has said that part of the country will

become no-go areas if tougher building regulations are introduced.

It went on to say the plans to make new homes, up more energy efficient,

it would earn �11,000 to building cost of a basic three-bedroom house

and lead to affordable housing are not being viable in areas such as

South East Wales. What studies has the government taken into the fact

of more regulations of the building of affordable housing and does he

agree that new houses will not be built in cheaper areas in future

without a subsidy? Yes we are paying for affordable houses. The

whole point of having affordable houses, the 11,000 figure is not

backed by evidence. We know that it has been a live issue between one

member in this Chamber and others and the building industry, but we

should not take lightly the need to protect people in fires. Three have

seen unfortunate consequences of that in the last few months. Last

week he told me your priorities for Transport were outlined in the

national plan. When asked about a possible new station in the east of

Cardiff I was told it was not planned. However in the recent by

election, a Labour leaflet said that Carwyn Jones will look at the

feasibility of a railway station. There was a dubious opinion poll

attached which this standard Lib Dem practice but we will consider

any potential options in the future to see how Connectivity can be

improved. Will the First Minister made a statement on what the

government is doing to tackle domestic violence in Wales?

Yesterday it saw the launch on a formal consultation of a white

paper. Does the First Minister agree that domestic abuse is the

most common form of violence against women and it should be at

the heart of any Government's agenda? We he congratulate the

Welsh Women's Aid and welcome their 16 days of action from the ban the

25th? Yes indeed I well. I know that the work they do is always

appreciated by all parties. Certainly we want to insure that we

are taking the white people forward into legislation and will enable

organisations to strengthen the work they do in the future.

Welsh Government's White Paper on violence against women has much to

commend it and has been welcomed by many organisations. While

legislation does have a role to play, what steps have you taken in

the last year to encourage the reporting of domestic violence?

see to work with the police to make sure domestic violence is reported

to the appropriate authorities. If you look at the 10,000 safer lives

a project which paves the way for the proposals set out in the White

Paper, taken together, all these things are aimed at encouraging

people to report abuse such action can be taken. We must congratulate

Quinn a price on the timing of his question to co-ordinate with the

Welsh Government statement and the Labour Party backbenchers have a

wondrous ability to time these questions to coincide with

statements and it is a statement of great importance. We also welcome

it and domestic violence is mostly to do with violence against women,

but we knew also acknowledge There is a problem that regards violence

against men in the home and also against children. They ever other

elements of violence we must address. Abuse is abuse, most of it

is abuse against women and children but the aim is that we moved to a

situation where domestic abuse is a thing of the past, not something

that people will have to live within the future. Domestic

violence is experienced by women of all ages, however are older women

are often overlooked. Howl is the government working to ensure that

appropriate information services and support are available for older

women experiencing domestic violence? It will insure protection

for all victims and insure that all local of parities and public

service partners work together to reduce violence against women from

all ages. Will the First Minister outlined the Government's plans to

support capital infrastructure investment? The Infrastructure

Investment Plan will invest �15 billion over the next decade.

the enormous potential of electrification of what Wiles main

line, what steps are being taken a to develop a robust and detailed

case for this project? The minister has instructed officials to work

with the Department of the Transport to take forward a case

for investment in the main line. When I questioned you about

regeneration of the valleys reaching areas of need in the

communities and referring to the Railway extension, you replied by

referring to two Tourism Partnership North Wales, local

authorities working a new brand. What role do you feel capital

infrastructure could play her in tackling those problems both to

protect the I am still Heritage, but also to the railway. Any scheme

that can provide opportunities by apprenticeships or schemes that

create jobs are candidates for infrastructure investment. The

point is to insure that the Investment leads to jobs, but it

also aims to preserve Wales' heritage. Is it still part of

government policy to build a new bridge across mannose Straits?

is something we are considering at present. We understand the pressure

on the A55 in that area of north Wales, the question is where will

the money comes from and that is something we need to consider but

this is something which is under consideration bearing the financial

situation. First Minister, last week you admitted that only 13 % of

capital expenditure last year was undertaken in North Wales despite

20 % of the population living in the area. The major events strategy

within government also admits that only 11 % of expenditure was made

in North Wales so what steps are you taking to ensure that all parts

of Wales benefit according to their right in terms of this scheme which

is part of your budget? As regards the money that has been spent in

the north of Wales, we have examples in the health sector and

so there are examples of capital funds being spent in North Wales

and there are other examples but we want to insure that every part of

Wales benefits from the capital funding available. Has the Welsh

Government made any representation to the UK government about the

awarding of a medal to Welsh veterans of the Russian convoy?

would be happy to make these representations. I certainly will

write to you to make you aware of four of my own constituents who

have been offered this medal by the Russian Federation but have not

been allowed to accept that medal by the UK government. The rules

outlined by the Foreign Office prevent any veterans from World War

II service from accepting this particular award. This is not a

party political issue as I know that our members from every part of

this Chamber pithier the same as I do. One veteran died on Remembrance

Sunday so is not able to accept this noble. -- medal. Do you agree

that this is against common sense? Is it is not clear why there has

been this delay but if he provides me with examples, I will be more

than happy to make representations on their behalf. As I understand it

there is a time come straight in the ability for the Trans to

receive this medal of some five years from the event. The Prime

Minister has set up a review to look at this issue and other awards

there could be made from other governments are in foreign battles.

It is disappointing to hear the rush government has not made any

representations in that review. Could you rectified that after

today's proceedings so that with a united voice we can make sure this

bureaucracy is put aside and that whens who have served this country

to receive the recognition they rightly deserve? I believed I

answered that question but the time come straight must be fair -- be

there on behalf of the UK government so the ball is in their

court. Will he make a statement on the relationship of the Welsh

Ambulance Trust and the local health boards. Yes, they are

working together. On 7th November when we held a debate, the or Welsh

minister said there has been a reduction in lost hours, those

times when ambulances were held up in hospitals and when the interest

met up it was reported that that the number of hours delayed had

risen from 3,000 hours per month to 5,000 per month. Which is correct

and what are you doing about it? Those comments are correct. I have

to remind the member of that we did announced plans to conduct a review

of the ambulance service and those terms of reference are being

The news goal of advanced partition paramedic has been introduced a to

give treatment closer to home. Are you aware what support is being

provided for these posts? Yes. In terms of the Ambulance Service

Trust, there will be 12 in post, a further are undergoing training.

They are being supported financially. In the Welsh

Conservative debate on winter resilience last week I mentioned

that the fire service which covers part of my region has provided 17

4x4 vehicles for emergency response. What indication have you had from

the ambulance Trust whether there would benefit from that and if they

could share these vehicles? fire service are trained. Will, I

have not finished! I think you have already asked two questions. Well,

quickly, come to the point. Excuse me! Have you finished your point?

Finish your question quickly. Can I remind people quickly, it is one

question, not three or four. Or I wanted to know was what resources

there are between capital and local facilities? Quite often the fire

services could be first on the scene and so they would be first to

respond in those circumstances. Then they will liaise with the

ambulance service if they are next to arrive. There is significant

financial pressure within the ambulance service. �50 million of

the reserves have now been revealed in the health budget, will you

consider alleviating some of the financial pressures within the

ambulance budget as you consider how you intend to allocate this

funding? �1 million was given recently to be Trust itself to

secure improvements in this service and deal with the new pressures

upon them at present. Will the First Minister make a statement on

the Welsh Government approach for a Welsh provision across the

Welsh/English border? We will do our best to deliver the best

service to the people of Wales. That you for your answer. Cross-

border arrangements are particularly important when it

comes to ambulance services. This can have a real impact on our

results here in Wales. A greater focus was placed recently on make

ready paramedic vehicles rather than traditional ambulances, those

which are left run out the central Shrewsbury depot. What impact and

assessment of the impact has there been? Officials from both sides of

the border will see if the current situation needs to be enhanced.

will know that some services are obviously, it is appropriate to

provide them on a cross-border basis, particularly for the NHS

where the scale of population might demand a service be provided for

the larger population. Some services need to be provided

locally. I told specifically about neonatal services. Can you assure

people in my constituency that the neonatal services which they have

access to will always be accessible for them and safe no matter where

they are provided? I want them to be safe and sustainable and

accessible. With regard to the further detail that he mentions,

that is another value. Can you investigate why a Welsh medical

device manufacturer is being prevented from competing on at a

level playing field with their English counterparts because Welsh

manufacturers are not being helped by an be dispensing manufacturing

alliance? They cannot talk to their equivalent in England which gives

the Welsh companies the incentive to relocate to England and lose as

250 jobs here in Cardiff. I will look into that. What does the Welsh

Government intend to do to support the NHS over the next six months?

We wish to ensure it is a sustainable and safe service.

divulging the need for additional funds in the NHS the chief

executive stated that the additional financial pressure

emanates partly from the migration of elderly people into Wales. Do

you share that analysis? If so, is there expected and in migration

since the health budget was made 12 months ago? It is true to say that

the Welsh population is slightly all-but than usual. That has put

slightly more pressure on the health service. What can the Welsh

Government do to support the NHS in ensuring the treatment and support

that is available for haemophiliacs in Wales is adequate? Particularly

getting access to specialist physiotherapy as there is still

only one specialist who is based in Cardiff. We are all sympathetic to

the needs of people with haemophilia. Given the limited

budget which exists at the moment the people will be directed more to

counselling than therapy services. We hope there will be more or

therapists employed in future. certain that you will be aware that

the number who have the flu jab in Wales is lower than in other

countries of the United Kingdom. At present we lag behind on the

targets on health workers and vulnerable people. Can you tell me

what your Government is doing to increase the number receiving the

flu jab and ensure the NHS in Wales is not put under excessive pressure

in the coming months? Of course we have a campaign in place. We need

to make sure people see the posters and so on so that the firstly 0

that the flu jab is available. They do not need to visit their doctor,

it is possible to get the jab in at number of pharmacies. Will the

First Minister provide an update on the impact of the concessionary

fares initiative on community transport? The Minister is

considering a report following the evaluation of the initiative.

2008 the Minister for transport of the Welsh Government carried out an

assessment of concessionary fares, on that basis, he extended the

scheme until 2012. The Transport Minister, last December, announced

he would be bringing that scheme to a close in March of this year.

After I asked him on what basis he took that decision and what

evaluations have been taken or have been undertaken, he decided to

refer that. -- defer that. You are now telling me a further decision

will be taken six months later. What impact is that having on

Community Transport and how many of these schemes have been brought to

an end because of this uncertainty created by your Government? This

report has been written. The Minister will consider it in detail

and insure the decision is taken in due time. Let's leave First

Minister's Questions there today. You can see more coverage of the

Assembly online. You are also able to catch up with urgent questions

on the steel job losses announced last week, council tax rebates and

the floods you will be seeing on the news. Hour Welsh affairs editor

has been keeping his eye and ears across this First Minister's

Questions. Let's concentrate on readers' questions. One went on the

closing down of the social enterprise fund rather than health

like the other two? It was lively, particularly leaders questions and

the exchanges between Andrew Davis and D First Minister were robust

and amusing even. It would appear that Ms Would tried something like

she did before her, to try to introduce a story or an issue of

her own rather than just going on the main issue of the day which is

what the other two dead. I think that what she is attempting to do

is put her own mark, her on issue on the agenda. It is not a huge

amount of money that is going to be enterprise coalition. Something

like �700,000 over four years, that is not a huge amount of money in

Assembly terms. The discussion between the First Minister and

leader of the Conservatives, the Conservative mentioned not having

seen the First Minister without his suit on, there seems to be tension

between those two? I think it is fair to say they are not best

friends. Davies thinks that Carwyn Jones does not do anything, he is

just managerial. Carwyn Jones things that Davies is just not that

bright. Things are getting worse between the two men but that

actually livens up First Minister's Questions quite a bit! There are

some urgent questions this afternoon, three of them suggested

the Assembly has been quick in responding. Yes, they are talking

about the steel redundancies, funding and flooding which could

all cause big problems in the coming weeks. There was a

challenging question from flimsy little, Carwyn Jones was welcoming.

There will not be any problems. The important part was always the back

room discussion. That has been sorted. The budget will come in. It

was strange to see Plaid Cymru attacking the Government's job-