28/02/2012 am.pm

Good afternoon and welcome to the programme. Carwyn Jones has been

flexing his muscles in Brussels, but he is back in Cardiff Bay and

on his feet, answering questions from his fellow Assembly members.

We will go to the Senedd in a moment. You can get in touch with

us throughout the programme today on Twitter, we are @walespolitics,

or send us an e-mail to [email protected].

Business in the chamber is already underway, so let's go over to the

Senedd for First Minister's question, to Wales' very own Jean-

Claude Van Damme, Carwyn Jones. The Assembly is now in session.

Questions to the First Minister. What are the Welsh Government's

priorities for their kin and I was delighted to raise the attend

the official opening of the �3 million extension block at a

primary school in my constituency. This is a welcome investment in the

education for children in an area that is marked by high levels of

deprivation and I was struck by how enthusiastic the pupils were in

their new, inspirational school building. The new building is a

visible commitment of the way in which the Welsh Government is

working to improve the educational opportunities for children. Will

you confirm that this will remain a priority for your Government?

Absolutely, it is a firm commitment, as evidenced by the manifesto on

which we stood in May to make sure there is at least extra funding

available for education. We know education is so important in terms

of improving people's skills and making people in Wales -- making

Wales are more attractive place to invest. Of the lunchtime I attended

a meeting and one recommendation they were calling for was the

implementation of a neuroscience review. Many sufferers in South

Wales would benefit from the implementation. When will the

Government be implementing those recommendations to benefit patients

who suffer from motor neurone disease? Of recommendations will be

considered and we will look to examine them carefully in due

course. First Minister, last October I based my concerns about

investment in our cities, failing to trickle up to the valleys,

particularly the northernmost point. At that time I asked you to read my

policy document and you replied at that time, there is no doubt that I

will now read it. Have you read the document, as promised? And if so,

can you tell us which ideas in it you could roll out now to create

sustainable jobs? I read some of it with interest, but I cannot say

that I have read it all! Nevertheless, it remains the case

that we will consider any innovative ideas that would help to

stimulate the Welsh economy. Can I remind members that they have a

number of closed questions about specific geographic areas. Julie

Morgan. Last week I visited the haemophilia unit in a new hospital

in my constituency. Can you ask your main question? What plans as

the First Minister have to improve services for patients and Wales

suffering from haemophilia? Last November, the Minister for health

and social services published a report containing recommendations

on improving services for people with inherited gene disorders and

additional funding -- additional funding has been provided to

support counselling services for those with inherited gene disorders.

Thank you for that response. I visited the haemophilia unit last

week and consulted with patients. I learned how important it what that

both -- for physiotherapy. What can the First Minister do to improve

access to physiotherapy for haemophiliac patients? We want to

ensure that there are adequate services available to those who

suffer from haemophilia. I know that they are currently looking at

redesigning services and that should help provide opportunities

for some of these issues to be addressed. Some patients suffering

from severe bleeding disorders like haemophilia live in rural parts of

Wales, including North Wales, where due to the very rural landscape,

travelling regularly to treatment centres can be prohibitive. The

report on haemophilia services in 2011 found that many rural payments

-- patients prefer to be managed locally where possible. Will you

outline what you Government is doing to ensure there is local

access to services, particularly against the backdrop of the a

significant cuts to the health budget? Here we go, from the party

opposite. They are immune to what is happening. In terms of where we

are in Wales, we always seek to ensure service can be delivered as

locally as possible, providing it is safe. Can you state what levels

of payment will be issued for compensation to haemophiliacs and

is there are waiting list of patients waiting for this? We look

to provide compensation where appropriate and it is important to

note that in terms of compensation, on October 14th, the UK Government

announced there would be support available for individuals afflicted

with hepatitis C. In March last year, the then health minister

implemented recommendations that were made by the review. I recently

met with a constituent, who is one of thousands of haemophiliacs

affected by the contaminated blood scandal. This had a devastating

impact on many families. Can I ask whether the Welsh Government would

raise this matter with our counterparts in the devolved

governments to review the current position with regard to treatment,

especially in light of the Penrose inquiry? We will always see her

treatment can be improved and how people can have the conditions

properly managed Durham proved or cured in years to come. We now move

to questions for the party leaders. The leader of Plaid Cymru. Does the

First Minister accept it is very important that the Government

should use capital funds to boost the economy when so many people are

losing jobs? Yes, I took it you give a pub us his fears response. -

- positive response. Why is there, so slow in bringing additional

funds into their block in order to promote the construction and civil

engineering sector? To date, not a single penny has been provided. Can

he give assurance that there will be funding available in addition to

the block in the current financial year? There are many construction

projects underway. In the current financial year, workers on going

now, may I remind the member of what is happening in Wales? He

knows there is a package being put together to promote growth for

business in Wales. The stimulus package for the economy of �38.9

million. �90 million, of course, has been spent on capital funding

regarding what was held back centrally and on top of that,,

helping local authorities to borrow money. What the First Minister has

done is to avoid the question, which was, will you be bringing in

additional funds in addition to the block? A few years back, the

Government's capital expenditure was �2 billion. This year it is

�1.3 billion. So there is less capital funding available. You have

said you want more capital funding out with the block. What we have

seen this saying that the infrastructure investment programme

would be in place by the end of the year,. You are very good did to

laying and carrying out inquiries, but not so good at taking action.

You say you are personally responsible for the delivery unit's

actions, is it not time for that delivery to start delivering?

unit is not... It shows that the Government's policies are working.

The figures cannot change in the future, but it is true to say that

figures in Wales are better regarding the history of

unemployment in Scotland. So everything that has been stated has

had an effect and we look forward to seeing similar statements that

we saw last week regarding 600 jobs being announced in Cardiff. Leader

of the Opposition. First Minister, due announced recently you would be

going to the United States on a trade mission. Which airport will

you be flying from? Heathrow, I expect. Thank you for that answer.

Doesn't that been that the case for a direct link for Cardiff airport

is made by your remarks? The First Minister is unable to actually

leave Cardiff airport to go on a trade mission. Order, order!

indeed, your own Government's report identified that this link

could be established for a rather modest sum of money. Will the not

now pursue that case and establish a North American Air link direct

from Cardiff? He is right to point out I am not flying from Cardiff to

New York direct, because there is no direct flight. The reality is,

there are many routes we would like to see from Cardiff airport, but

the airport must get its act together. Last week I went to the

airport and the main entrance was shut. You had to go to the side

entrance. It is important that the airport puts itself in a position

where it is attractive to airlines and unfortunately that is not the

case at the moment. You will know that a significant North American

carrier would be ready to start that route tomorrow if the writ

established was forthcoming from the bus govern. Looking at the

British Chamber of Commerce, talking about investment, looking

at business leaders from emerging markets,... Direct immense our key

to considering investment in Wales and other parts of the United

Kingdom. The chairman of the Scottish Government's council of

economic advisers told Scottish ministers there is a need to

increase direct routing of aeroplanes into the Scottish

airports to increase their offering. If you look at the Cardiff Business

School that has highlighted our inward Investment offering has

become the second least attractive out of the nation's and region's of

the United Kingdom, would you not agree with us that it is now a

timely moment to consider establishing the North American Air

Link, and would he put a time from that that killing will be

established by the end of this assembly term, like your previous

Government, indicated in its own report, saying this route was

valid? We know the route is not viable at Bristol because it was

tried and it did not work. In order for the route to begin it would

cost several million pounds in order for the route to be

indemnified in the first few years of its life. There is much more to

do on the infrastructure of the airport. Rather than simply looking

at bringing in new routes and paying for them. It does not create

sustainable woods and the future. He talks about the fact that in his

words, we are not doing well in investment. This, that there are

reasons for optimism, there are signs of a growing resilience among

small and medium enterprises in Wales. I hope he agrees that that,

because he said it. Peter Black. you know, many people are concerned

about the effects of the health board closing a minor injuries

units in Cardiff Bay. During First Minister's Questions recently you

said it is not all to do with finance, and that was not done as a

result of a financial problem. Do you stand by that assessment?

You will know that went they receive notification, of the

closures on December 21st, there was no additional noticed, the

letter said they expected rising demand over winter. Combine with

issues of recruitment, staff sickness and the financial position,

meaning this action must be taken. This letter it -- directly

contradicts your statement that these closures are not driven by

The reality is that there are severe problems in recruiting, not

just AMD, but in A&E staff in Wales the stop I know in one vacancy it

could be advertised five times. It has nothing to do with money, it is

to do with the fact there are vacancies that remain unfilled.

That is why we have launched a recruitment campaign to make Wales

more attractive for senior practitioners, and particularly for

A&E doctors, and there is a shortage across the whole of the UK.

I understand the issue regarding recruitment, but the letter did

specifically refer to the financial position. And you know they Iraq

two further units, which have been closed in south-west Wales. --

there are two for the units. Are we supposed to believe that these

closures are not due to financial issues? The member has read out a

letter where recruitment is identified as an issue that has

caused the closure of these A&E department. So that his recruitment,

as I said, not finance. The reality is we have many vacancies in the

NHS that are fully financed, that don't have people to fill them.

Which is why we have launched the campaign. Question three, William

Powell. What assessment has the First Minister made of the economic

vibrancy of Mid and West Wales? short to medium term, the

performance is heavily influenced by what the economic conditions,

but we do keep the economic performance of all parts of Wales

and a review on an ongoing basis. Thank you for the answer. I'm sure

you will agree that an up-to-date, fit for purpose energy generation

policy is a vital ingredient to promoting economic growth. This

morning in Carmarthen, we were presented with a copy of a letter

from your successor as environment minister, Jane Davidson, two hour

colleague, back in 2009, that promised a full review of Pam eight,

with an extensive public consultation. When will that review

take place? Well, that has little effect on, for example, the plans

for larger windfarms in PoW West. The UK government have made it

clear that they will use national policy statements which could put

when bombs anywhere, even in the national parks. -- could put

windfarms anywhere. Thirtysomething we do not support. -- that is

something we do not support. I do not see why it Wales should be

disadvantaged compared to the rest of the UK. Wildlife tourism can

help promote economic vibrancy and provides a strong economic

incentive to protect and invest in biodiversity. How is the Welsh

government promoting wildlife tourism in Midwest Wales? It is

fully integrated in marketing activities for Wales as a whole.

The front page of the visit Wales website has a link to our national

parks. Paul Davies. TRANSLATION: I am pleased your government has

recognised the vibrancy of part of my constituency, by designating the

heathen around Milford Haven as a possible enterprise it owned. -- a

haven. In establishing an enterprise zone, it could be

crucial to the local economy, can the First Minister confirm that he

and his government would do everything in their power to ensure

this does actually happen, and perhaps he could give us an update,

or give the Tabor an update on the progress that has taken place -- of

the chamber and update? TRANSLATION: Departments have taken

place, they are moving on well. We know how important it is to have

such an enterprise zone, in Milford Haven. In order to ensure the

economy's future. TRANSLATION: One of the problems facing businesses

in this region is borrowing money is from the banks, there are still

problems, particularly with small firms, in borrowing money from

high-street banks. What steps is the government taking to improve

the situation, and are you looking at the possibility of establishing

an alternative bank that will enable Welsh businesses to lend to

each other? I have read this article, I think one thing that was

interesting, I don't know if I were described as a sovereign Welfare

Fund, but I think it is keyed did consider a fund to help energy

projects in Wales in order to ensure community benefit for our

communities. This is something we agree with the guiding ensuring

that the people of Wales see money it went energy projects are made in

Wales. Will the First Minister outline his priorities for North

Wales for the next six months? had to implement the programme.

sure one of your priorities will be to the effective working of local

government with the local government elections so near to us.

How do you respond to the public services ombudsman's decision at

the end of last we did drop a case against Anglesey council, on the

basis the evidence was contradictory and unco-operative. -

- uncorroborated. They also produced a terms of engagement,

obliging council group leaders to sign, which forced him to publicly

and robustly condemn this councillor and other councillors,

which led to the appointment of commissioners, the postponement of

local elections and trusted local boundary changes. -- drastic.

wouldn't comment on findings made by the ombudsman, that is for a

local authority involved. A recent report by the day-care Trust has

highlighted that nursery costs across the UK have risen by nearly

6% in the last year, and the average cost of part-time care now

exceeds �100 in some parts of Wales there. The study found that there

is particular lack of childcare for parents to work outside normal

hours, and more than half reported that parents had reported a lack of

childcare. With the her family getting a help with childcare bills,

what is the Welsh government doing to support a hard-working families

in areas like north-east Wales, and the Welsh economy, with more

affordable child care? statement made clear our aim to

improve the affordability and take his ability, and we are investing

�55 million of additional funding, as well as �6 million of capital

funding. In North Wales? Across Wales, of which 0 wealth is apart.

-- North Wales is a part. TRANSLATION: The issue of business

rate has been raised, and has been prominent, specifically the be

readable by lead to qualify for rate relief is too small, or too

low. What consideration is the government giving to expanding the

scheme to include businesses with a higher rate of more than you? --

hier ratable value? They are unlikely to survive without support.

We have given support to small businesses over the years, and

there was a statement on that during the budget over Christmas.

But of course, we have to consider now that there is less money

available to expand the scheme in the way that the Bamber would wish.

Paul Davies, question five. TRANSLATION: What is the government

doing to help health services in Wales? TRANSLATION: Heartland and

priorities for the health services for the whole of Wales can be found

in our programme for government. had the privilege recently of

sponsoring an event here in the Senedd on arthritis, and one of the

issues that was raised in this event was Conservatives in rural

areas depend to face long journeys to access a proper treatment. I

accept there is a review of services on going and I'm sure he

will agree with me that it is crucial that such services are

available to people who suffer, but given the circumstances, can you

tell us what he and his government are doing to ensure that patients

living in rural areas such as temperature are not disadvantaged,

because of their geographical locations -- such as Pembrokeshire?

Of course, there are schemes on going, they haven't been made

public yet, and there will be consideration of many schemes by

doctors by Welsh ministers. Of course, we are looking at and

ensuring that most local services continue as long as it is a good

one. I welcome the Welsh government's action to address the

serious medical staff and recruitment challenges we have in

Wales, and the government's new for us on workforce planning. How do

you envisage this will envisage -- alleviate the staffing issues in

west Wales? There has been, for many years, the case, that it is

difficult to attract staff further west. But has been the case for a

number of years. That is not something this government wants to

see remain the case, which is why we have, as I mentioned before,

launched a recruitment campaign in order to attract particularly

senior staff, in two hospitals west of Morriston, which has

historically been difficult. In that way, we will be able to secure

the services in the long term. Questions six. Will the First

Minister make a statement on the support for hospices in North

Wales? Yes, we support Independent has put it in Wales, including five

in the north, -- independent hospices. First Minister, the

Children's Hospice provides an invaluable service for families in

North Wales. It gives care both at the hospice and in the community

through their hospice to homes scheme. Yet despite regularly

providing care which saves the Welsh NHS considerable sums each

year, it has not received a penny from your government in the last

two years. First Minister, would you agree to visit Clare House

Hospice to thank them for the excellent work being done there,

and will your government give consideration to providing

paediatric palliative care funding through the health board that would

follow the child, giving families the choice over where care is

provided. We wouldn't find Clare House, because it is not in Wales.

-- fund. So that puts a limit on what we could provide. He does

provide a service to a very small number of children from the north,

roundabout two per annum is the average. Referrals are made as at -

- and when needs arise. The main provider to Childers palliative

care is a Hope House, in Oswestry. So there is provision to enable

children from the north of Wales to go to that, but fundic Ospreys

outside Wales would not be within the realm of this government. -- of

funding a hospital stop TRANSLATION: From personal

experience, I have seen the value of palliative care provided by

various hospices. Been at home care or respite care. What has become

transparent is a lack of consistency, even for us North

Wales, and this was highlighted this morning in a cross-party group

meeting, where the same kind of appeal was made to stop if we are

looking at a National Health Service, and a palliative care is a

crucial part of that, when can we expect to see consistency across

Wales and North Wales in that particular area? TRANSLATION: A

report has been published, that has considered a significant amount of

work that has taken place in order to help people in this situation.

The focus now is to ensure that we look at people, helping people or

children who have lost their parents, and maybe who have fallen

through the net of help available. Regarding funding, significant

amounts of funds are available for hospices and we want to ensure that

we report that it is being implemented. Question seven.

TRANSLATION: What are the first been as the's priorities for the

National Health Service in Wales? TRANSLATION: How plants and

products can be found in a 121212 TRANSLATION: You accused

Plaid Cymru of scaremongering when we want about the possibility of

downgrading general hospitals. At least eight bus loads of people

will be travelling to the steps of the Senedd tomorrow. Their concerns

are around plans to downgrade services. Will you accuse that

eight busloads of people of scaremongering as well?

TRANSLATION: You are still scaremongering as a party. What is

the truth about the situation? Plans have been put before people

that have been considered publicly, doctors themselves will be looking

at any plans as well as ministers. Can I make one thing perfectly

clear? As a Government, we would never confirm or support any

service that is not safe. We were not support a service that would

put patient safety at risk. We all understand the catchment area.

Investment is being put into place now be guarding any emergency

department and the new maternity do palm. Is she telling the people of

Wales after the investment that Wales has put in that these

departments will close? Are you really telling that to the people

of Ceredigion? I know there is a campaign -- a competition for the

leadership of Plaid Cymru at the moment. But please tell the truth

to people. Jenny Rathbone. The four are waiting time target in Accident

and Emergency is seen by some health boards as an incentive to

keep people waiting in ambulances before being allocated a place in

Accident and Emergency. There is a case about this been the local

press in Cardiff. What can the Welsh Government do about this,

given this very poor use of Ambulance time? It is important

health boards work in partnership with the NHS trusts to reduce the

number of delays. There will be occasions where there is a delay in

handing over the patient to hospital staff, although we

recognise an excessive delay is unacceptable. There are a number of

buses coming from my own constituency tomorrow to the Senedd

on the same issue. In relation to the health reforms, our health

board is reluctant to engage properly with the public. There are

no stake holders listening exercises taking place in North

powers, which has disenfranchised thousands of people in my own

constituency. In a public meeting, that I attended the other week,

over 500 people voted to call upon the health minister to authorise

preparation of a health service for mid-Wales, in mid-Wales. Would you

agree with that? The problem with that is, you suggest people in

Welsh pool would have to go to be wrong place. The catchment area is

white. At least Northern Ceredigion. We all understand that. That is why

its position as an important general hospital is not under

threat. There will be no downgrading of that hospital. It is

unimportant Hospital and the or understand there. But let us look

at the figures. -- it is an important hospital. Including a new

emergency unit, you day surgery units, I ask the question, does

that suggest those services will disappear? All I ask is that people

are told the truth. There are people writing to me, saying they

have been told that the hospital will close. That is untrue. There

are people who have been writing to me who have been saying that AMD

will complete the close, that has never been suggested by anybody. --

A&E. There are people writing to be suggesting that in terms of

maternity care,, who on earth is saying this to people? A thing the

party opposite has something to explain in that regard. -- I think.

We just ask people examine the proposals. They are consulted at

length. We will be guided as a Government by what doctors say. If

the party opposite are not interested in that, that is a

matter for them. We will be guided by what is safe for the people of

Aberystwyth. There is no point shouting about it. We will be

guided by what is safe for the people of Ceredigion and the wider

area, recognising the importance of the hospital and recognising the

peoples of Ceredigion deserve levels of service that are

acceptable. Safe, excellent, acceptable services. That is what

Wales needs. In Swansea, the local health board are using a private

hospital for operations, they are using a private dental hospital for

operations, they are using PFI funding for doctors' surgeries. Why

is there this ideological problem for the IVF clinic, which is

privately funded? Why use scarce resources to build your own version

of that where there is -- when there is a perfectly good facility

there? The new clinic will provide a better service for those who are

in the position where they need services from the IVF clinic and it

will deliver better value as well. It is important we are able to

ensure we get the best value from the health service and also get the

best service. That is why this new service is planned. The dangerous

help reforms being pushed through by the Tory lead Government in

Westminster could well have serious repercussions for the NHS in Wales,

in terms of cross-border issues, funding as well as the proposed

abolition of several England and Wales health bodies. Another

constituents of mine have very worried about what the Tories are

planning for England and I urge members from across this chamber to

see the is the consider the statement of opinion I tabled on

this earlier today. Would you agree with me, First Minister, that as

well as condemning what the Tories are doing to the NHS, we in Wales

me to be on our guard and do everything we can to mitigate any

impact of this bill on patients in Wales? We reject any suggestion

that GP commissioning is the way forward for Wales. The way forward

is to ensure that people in all parts of Wales have access to a

service that is as local and safe as possible and we do understand

that whenever there are suggestions for service changes, people get

worried, especially if they are told things that on the margins of

truth. Nevertheless, people are worried. We will give his pledge to

the people of Wales. The services they require will be available to

them. Those services will be safe, we will not support any service is

not safe. We must support any structure that provides the service

that is not safe. -- we will not support any structure. Angela Burns.

First Minister, Willy provide an update on what steps the most

common is ticking to support individuals with autism? Much has

been achieved since we published our action plan, we established an

infrastructure within statutory authorities. Where these in the

Professional and regional bodies to identify future developments. -- we

are liaising. If last year, you pointed to the allocation of over 2

million this year to take forward our strategic action plan. You have

just outlined some... Would you be asking you delivery unit to review

the spend of this �2 million and will you provide us full details of

how and where that money was spent? What we see on the streets is not

necessarily what is reflected by the comments you have just made.

Members are entitled to see how money is spent. The EAS t strategic

action plan for Wales has succeeded in putting some local authorities

to mainstream autism awareness training for teachers, head

teachers and other school employees. This simple action delivers huge

and prudence, both for pupils and for the wider school committee.

Will he join me in commending existing good practice and urged

all local parties to pro actively support mainstream schools and

employees to better meet the needs of pupils with autism? Absolutely,

that good practice has to be rolled out across the whole of Wales to

make sure proper supporters in place. In Port Talbot, local taxi

drivers were not given notice of tenders to take those with autism

to schools in the local area. When they did take out that new contract,

many of the taxi firms who were currently taking children to school

lost out because of competition. Subsequently the new taxi firms

realised it was unaffordable t to petrol prices for them to take

those children to school. So many parents are angry because of the

fact that many taxi-drivers who nurtured a good relationship with

the children who were having difficulty in accessing taxis in a

cohesive way, they are not been sustained any more work tutor these

very sensitive difficulties. Are there any pressure as you can put

on councils to take the guard of the situation where there are young

people with autism who are trying to put trust in people only for

that to be taken away? The fire asked a member to brighten the with

further details on this matter, I will investigate further. -- to

write to me. You can see more proceedings from

the Assembly on Democracy Live on line. Well, as usual, Vaughan

Roderick joins us on the so far. I don't know what do you think, it

seems to be the main debate there centred around the provision of

health services. The First Minister defending the status of the

hospital. It was very tetchy. This happens often when they come close

to elections and Wales, Labour's you as a party is to bring up scare

stories and scaremonger about possible hospital closures. They

say, no, these are justified concerns and the point to the fact

that Labour politicians have been very much to the fore in defending

the status of another hospital in that Health Board area. It

obviously does get under the skin of Carmen Jones. He accused Elin

Jones of trying to use that hospital issue as a weapon in her

campaign for a party leadership. It doesn't really wash, given the fact

that senior staff at the hospital had expressed serious concerns

about what was happening there. made a real effort to put the

record straight, as he sees it, in saying there will not be cuts. How

do you think that will wash with the likes of Elin Jones, who is

clearly playing to a gallery of her own?? I think his exact words were,

the hospital is not been downgraded, it will not be downgraded. There is

a question about what the words downgrade means. If services that

used to be provided at the hospital cease to be provided, most people

would say that is a downgrade. Carwyn Jones may come to reject --

regret those words. Andrew Davies asked the First Minister whether he

would be flying -- where he would be five from. What was he tried to

say? Both parties are deeply unhappy about the lack of services

from Cardiff airport. The opposition wants the Government to

do something about it, use its powers to help draw on you services

into Cardiff airport. The Government's point of view is that

Cardiff airport's owners, they just are not doing anything to develop

the airport. He takes the view of why should we pay for new services

they cannot run the airport properly?