Cymraeg

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol CymruNational Assembly for Wales · Cyfarfod llawnPlenary sitting

Dydd Iau 22 Mawrth 2001

Thursday 22 March 2001

DechreuoddMet 09:05 · Daeth i benRose 12:46

Gweld y Cofnod (PDF)View the Record (PDF)

Heb ei wirio â llaw etoNot yet checked by hand

CynnwysContents

  1. 4Ethol Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd i’r Ymddiriedolaeth CarbonElection of the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development to the Carbon Trust 1 bleidlais1 vote
  2. 5Cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau CymdeithasolQuestions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
    1. 5Darpariaeth Ôl-ofalThe Provision of Aftercare
    2. 6Brechiadau Rhag y FfliwInfluenza Vaccinations
    3. 7Ysbyty Plant i GymruA Children’s Hospital for Wales
    4. 9Ymestyn Profion DeintyddolExtending Dental Check-ups
    5. 10Cryfhau’r Grwpiau Iechyd LleolStrengthening Local Health Groups
  3. 12Cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol OesQuestions to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning
    1. 12Maint Dosbarthiadau mewn Ysgolion IauClass Sizes in Junior Schools
    2. 14Strategaeth Dysgu Technoleg Gwybodaeth a ChyfathrebuAn Information and Communications Technology Learning Strategy
    3. 16Cyllid Ychwanegol ar gyfer Recriwtio AthrawonAdditional Funding for Teacher Recruitment
    4. 17Maint Dosbarthiadau mewn Ysgolion BabanodClass Sizes in Infant Schools
    5. 18Dyfodol Cyd-Bwyllgor Addysg CymruThe Future of the Welsh Joint Education Committee
  4. 20Cwestiynau i Bwyllgor y TŷQuestions to the House Committee
    1. 20Adnoddau FideogynadleddaVideo Conferencing Facilities
    2. 20Arddangosfa ar DdatganoliAn Exhibition on Devolution
    3. 21Datblygu Polisi GwrthysmyguDeveloping an Anti-smoking Policy
    4. 23Datblygu Cyfleusterau’r Cynulliad i’r Cyhoedd yng Ngogledd CymruDeveloping Assembly Facilities for the Public in North Wales
    5. 25Defnyddio’r Fewnrwyd SeneddolAccess to the Parliamentary Intranet Service
  5. 26Datganiad ar Effaith Clwy’r Traed a’r Genau ar Dwristiaeth a Busnesau Gwledig yng NghymruStatement on the Effects of Foot and Mouth Disease on Tourism and Rural Businesses in Wales
  6. 44Pwyntiau o DrefnPoints of Order
  7. 48Cynnig TrefniadolProcedural Motion 1 bleidlais1 vote
  8. 50Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo GorchmynionComposite Motion: Approval of Orders 1 bleidlais1 vote
  9. 52Cymeradwyo’r Trosglwyddiadau yn ystod y Flwyddyn rhwng y Prif Grwpiau GwariantApproval of the In-year Transfers between the Main Expenditure Groups 1 bleidlais1 vote
  10. 58Adroddiad Grant Arbennig y Cynllun Cychwyn CadarnThe Sure Start Scheme Special Grant Report 1 bleidlais1 vote
  11. 66Cymeradwyo Adroddiad Grant Arbennig Plant a Phobl IfancThe Children and Young People Special Grant Report 1 bleidlais1 vote
  12. 74Dadl Plaid Leiafrifol (Y Blaid Geidwadol): Gwella Iechyd yng NghymruMinority Party Debate (The Conservative Party): Improving Health in Wales 4 o bleidleisiau4 votes
  13. 107Pwynt o DrefnPoint of Order
  14. 107Dadl FerShort Debate
    1. 107Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf a Chyfiawnder CymdeithasolCommunities First and Social Justice

PleidleisiauVotes

PleidlaisVoteO blaidForYmatalAbstainYn erbynAgainstCanlyniadResult
Ethol Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd i’r Ymddiriedolaeth CarbonElection of the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development to the Carbon Trust
CynnigMotion2800DerbyniwydAdopted
Cynnig TrefniadolProcedural Motion
Cynnig trefniadolProcedural motion4300DerbyniwydAdopted
Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo GorchmynionComposite Motion: Approval of Orders
Cynnig cyfansawddComposite motion4300DerbyniwydAdopted
Cymeradwyo’r Trosglwyddiadau yn ystod y Flwyddyn rhwng y Prif Grwpiau GwariantApproval of the In-year Transfers between the Main Expenditure Groups
CynnigMotion3540DerbyniwydAdopted
Adroddiad Grant Arbennig y Cynllun Cychwyn CadarnThe Sure Start Scheme Special Grant Report
CynnigMotion3500DerbyniwydAdopted
Cymeradwyo Adroddiad Grant Arbennig Plant a Phobl IfancThe Children and Young People Special Grant Report
CynnigMotion3900DerbyniwydAdopted
Dadl Plaid Leiafrifol (Y Blaid Geidwadol): Gwella Iechyd yng NghymruMinority Party Debate (The Conservative Party): Improving Health in Wales
Gwelliant 1Amendment 112033GwrthodwydRejected
Gwelliant 2Amendment 23808DerbyniwydAdopted
Gwelliant 4Amendment 428137DerbyniwydAdopted
Cynnig wedi’i ddiwygioAmended motion4700DerbyniwydAdopted

TrafodionProceedings

Cyfarfu’r Cynulliad am 9.05 a.m. gyda’r Llywydd yn y Gadair

The Assembly met at 9.05 a.m.with the Presiding Officer in the Chair

Ethol Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd i’r Ymddiriedolaeth Carbon

Election of the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development to the Carbon Trust

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 4

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Cynnig Andrew Davies t. 4

Motion Andrew Davies p. 4

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 28 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (28)
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Delyth Evans
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Peter Law
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Alun Pugh
  • Janet Ryder
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams

Cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol

Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services

Darpariaeth Ôl-ofal

The Provision of Aftercare

Q1 Alison Halford spoken in English p. 5

C1 Alison Halford siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

Will the Minister for Health and Social Services make a statement about the provision of aftercare for children who are in the care of local authorities in north Wales? (OAQ10456)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol ddatganiad am y ddarpariaeth ôl-ofal ar gyfer plant sydd yng ngofal awdurdodau lleol yng ngogledd Cymru? (OAQ10456)

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services spoken in English p. 5

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

The Waterhouse report identified serious deficiencies in the arrangements for young people leaving care in north Wales. The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 tackles these failings. New duties on all local authorities in respect of the care and support of 16 and 17-year-olds who are looked after, and of care leavers, will come into force on 1 October this year. The National Assembly will make regulations and issue guidance in July. Additional resources will be made available to local authorities through the Children First programme to support the new arrangements.

Nododd adroddiad Waterhouse ddiffygion difrifol o ran y trefniadau ar gyfer pobl ifanc sydd yn gadael gofal yng ngogledd Cymru. Mae Deddf Plant (Gadael Gofal) 2000 yn mynd i’r afael â’r diffygion hyn. Daw dyletswyddau newydd ar bob awdurdod lleol i rym ar 1 Hydref eleni, mewn perthynas â gofal a chymorth i bobl ifanc 16 a 17 mlwydd oed y gofelir amdanynt, a phobl ifanc sydd yn gadael gofal. Bydd y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn gwneud rheoliadau ac yn cyhoeddi arweiniad ym mis Gorffennaf. Bydd adnoddau ychwanegol ar gael i awdurdodau lleol drwy’r rhaglen Plant yn Gyntaf i gefnogi’r trefniadau newydd.

Alison Halford spoken in English p. 5

Alison Halford siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

That is most helpful. Paragraph 19 of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee’s report on social exclusion mentions the need for mentoring schemes to be undertaken by local authorities. Do you have any plans to encourage local authorities to implement the mentoring schemes as discussed in the report?

Mae hynny’n ddefnyddiol iawn. Mae paragraff 19 adroddiad y Pwyllgor Dethol ar Faterion Cymreig ar allgáu cymdeithasol yn crybwyll yr angen i awdurdodau lleol ymgymryd â chynlluniau mentora. A oes unrhyw gynlluniau gennych ar y gweill i annog awdurdodau lleol i weithredu cynlluniau mentora fel y’u trafodwyd yn yr adroddiad?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 6

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

That was a useful part of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee’s report. The Waterhouse report identified serious failings in provision, as I said. A leaving-care plan should be prepared for each looked-after child, in consultation with that child. Under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, young people will have personal advisers to enable them to prepare for, and manage, leaving care up until the age of 21.

Yr oedd hynny’n rhan ddefnyddiol o adroddiad y Pwyllgor Dethol ar Faterion Cymreig. Nododd adroddiad Waterhouse ddiffygion difrifol yn y ddarpariaeth, fel y dywedais. Dylid paratoi cynllun gadael gofal ar gyfer pob plentyn y gofelir amdano, drwy ymgynghori â’r plentyn hwnnw. O dan Ddeddf Plant (Gadael Gofal) 2000, bydd gan bobl ifanc gynghorwyr personol i’w galluogi i baratoi ar gyfer gadael gofal, ac i reoli’r broses, tan eu bod yn 21 mlwydd oed.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 6

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

As you said, support for children who leave care and move into homes of their own is important. Do you agree that a change in how health indicators are drawn up would put more money into support services: for instance, counting how many sustained home placements an authority made rather than how many home placements are made?

Fel y dywedasoch, mae cymorth ar gyfer plant sydd yn gadael gofal ac sydd yn symud i mewn i’w cartrefi eu hunain yn bwysig. A gytunwch y byddai newid y ffordd y llunnir dangosyddion iechyd yn rhoi mwy o arian i’r gwasanaethau cymorth: er enghraifft, cyfrif nifer y lleoliadau cartref parhaus a wnaethpwyd gan yr awdurdod yn hytrach na nifer y lleoliadau cartref a wneir?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 6

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

That is an important point. Continuity of care and sustaining those placements is an important part of improving our services for looked-after children. We are reviewing placements and placement choice for looked-after children in partnership with local government. That will be critical for children and young people leaving care in terms of their housing options. Many looked-after children—until the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 is implemented—are vulnerable to homelessness from the age of 16 onwards.

Mae hynny’n bwynt pwysig. Mae parhad gofal a chynnal y lleoliadau hyn yn rhan bwysig o wella ein gwasanaethau ar gyfer plant y gofelir amdanynt. Adolygwn leoliadau a sut y dewisir lleoliadau ar gyfer plant y gofelir amdanynt mewn partneriaeth â llywodraeth leol. Bydd hynny’n hanfodol ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc sydd yn gadael gofal mewn perthynas â’u hopsiynau o ran tai. Mae’n bosibl y bydd llawer o blant y gofelir amdanynt—hyd nes y gweithredir Deddf Plant (Gadael Gofal) 2000—yn ddigartrefedd o 16 mlwydd oed ymlaen.

Brechiadau Rhag y Ffliw

Influenza Vaccinations

Q2 William Graham spoken in English p. 6

C2 William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

Will the Minister make a statement concerning the inclusion of carers as a priority group to receive influenza vaccination? (OAQ10505)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ynghylch cynnwys cynhalwyr ymhlith y grwpiau blaenoriaeth sydd i dderbyn brechiad rhag y ffliw? (OAQ10505)

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 6

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

Priorities in immunisation programmes are set on the expert advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The flu programme this winter followed its advice in not including carers. We are considering the programme for next winter and will carefully consider whether carers should be included.

Pennir blaenoriaethau mewn rhaglenni imwneiddio yn ôl cyngor arbenigol y Cyd-Bwyllgor Brechu ac Imwneiddio. Dilynodd y rhaglen ffliw y gaeaf hwn ei gyngor drwy beidio â chynnwys cynhalwyr. Ystyriwn y rhaglen ar gyfer y gaeaf nesaf a byddwn yn ystyried yn ofalus a ddylid cynnwys cynhalwyr.

William Graham spoken in English p. 7

William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

Carers are vital in the care of many infirm and elderly members of our communities. Do you agree that many carers are family members, often teenage children, who appear to be regularly overlooked when priority support is allocated? Will you commit the Assembly to rectifying the situation?

Mae cynhalwyr yn hanfodol o ran gofalu am lawer o bobl methedig ac oedrannus yn ein cymunedau. A gytunwch mai aelodau o deuluoedd yw llawer o’r cynhalwyr, plant yn eu harddegau yn aml, ac ymddengys y’u hanwybyddir yn rheolaidd pan ddyrennir cymorth blaenoriaeth? A wnewch chi ymrwymo’r Cynulliad i unioni’r sefyllfa?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 7

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

That is an important point. We have made a commitment in the carers strategy to consider the needs of young carers. One strand of that strategy for Wales is to undertake research, in partnership with young people, into their needs. We are working with, and talking to, young carers about their needs and how we can support them, particularly at times of pressure, such as during the winter months.

Mae hynny’n bwynt pwysig. Gwnaethom ymrwymiad yn y strategaeth i gynhalwyr i ystyried anghenion cynhalwyr ifanc. Un elfen o’r strategaeth honno i Gymru yw ymchwilio, mewn partneriaeth â phobl ifanc, i’w hanghenion. Cydweithiwn â chynhalwyr ifanc, a siaradwn â hwy am eu hanghenion a sut y gallwn eu cynorthwyo, yn enwedig pan fyddant o dan bwysau, megis yn ystod misoedd y gaeaf.

Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 7

Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

We would all agree that everything possible needs to be done to prevent flu outbreaks and reduce its impact. However, given the contribution of winter flu outbreaks to emergency pressures on hospital beds, when is the emergency taskforce’s recommendation of an extra 400 beds likely to be reached, to enable flu sufferers to receive the treatment they need?

Byddai pob un ohonom yn cytuno bod angen gwneud popeth posibl i atal llawer o achosion o’r ffliw ac i leihau ei effaith. Fodd bynnag, o ystyried cyfraniad yr achosion o’r ffliw yn ystod y gaeaf tuag at y pwysau brys ar y galw am welyau mewn ysbytai, pryd yr ydym yn debygol o gyrraedd argymhelliad y gweithlu brys y dylid sicrhau 400 o welyau ychwanegol, er mwyn galluogi’r rhai sydd yn dioddef o’r ffliw i gael y driniaeth sydd ei hangen arnynt?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 7

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

As Members know, we have provided an extra 159 hospital beds, as a result of the additional £21 million that I invested to tackle winter pressures this year. There have been pressures, and certain pressure hot spots, although we have not had the same incidence of flu as last year. At the end of this month, I will review the impact of winter pressures on bed capacity throughout Wales so that we can plan for next year and see where we need to target increased bed capacity to reach the forecast of an extra 400 beds, which was identified as necessary.

Fel y gŵyr yr Aelodau, yr ydym wedi darparu 159 o welyau ychwanegol mewn ysbytai, o ganlyniad i’r £21 miliwn ychwanegol a fuddsoddais i fynd i’r afael â phwysau’r gaeaf eleni. Cafwyd pwysau, a phwysau mawr mewn rhai ardaloedd, er na chawsom yr un nifer o achosion o’r ffliw â’r llynedd. Ar ddiwedd y mis hwn, adolygaf effaith pwysau’r gaeaf ar nifer y gwelyau ledled Cymru fel y gallwn gynllunio ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf ac ystyried lle y bydd angen inni gael mwy o welyau er mwyn cyrraedd y targed o 400 o welyau ychwanegol, y nodwyd eu bod yn angenrheidiol.

Ysbyty Plant i Gymru

A Children’s Hospital for Wales

Q3 Nick Bourne The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives spoken in English p. 7

C3 Nick Bourne The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

What is the Minister doing to support a children’s hospital for Wales? (OAQ10489)

Beth mae’r Gweinidog yn ei wneud i gefnogi ysbyty plant i Gymru? (OAQ10489)

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 8

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

The Assembly recognises the strategic importance of the overall scheme to rationalise acute paediatric services in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area, and approved the business case for phase 1A of the proposals on 18 January 2000. The initial development will provide purpose-built accommodation for children’s services currently housed in unsatisfactory accommodation on the University Hospital of Wales site, and the capital costs will be funded entirely from charitable donations. My officials are working with the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and Bro Taf Health Authority in developing further proposals within the context of what will need to be a sustainable financial framework.

Mae’r Cynulliad yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd strategol y cynllun cyffredinol i resymoli gwasanaethau pediatrig aciwt yn ardal Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg, a chymeradwyodd yr achos busnes ar gyfer cam 1A o’r cynigion ar 18 Ionawr 2000. Bydd y datblygiad cychwynnol yn darparu adeiladau ac ystafelloedd pwrpasol ar gyfer gwasanaethau i blant a leolir ar hyn o bryd mewn adeiladau ac ystafelloedd anfoddhaol ar safle Ysbyty Athrofaol Cymru, ac ariennir y costau cyfalaf yn gyfan gwbl gan roddion elusennol. Cydweithia fy swyddogion ag Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Caerdydd a’r Fro ac Awdurdod Iechyd Bro Taf i ddatblygu cynigion pellach o fewn cyd-destun yr hyn y bydd angen iddo fod yn fframwaith ariannol cynaliadwy.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 8

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

That is just not satisfactory. Wales is one of the few countries in the world without a children’s hospital. The total cost of building a new children’s hospital would be £21 million, compared with the overall cost of the new Assembly building of about £30 million.

Nid yw hynny’n foddhaol. Mae Cymru yn un o’r ychydig wledydd yn y byd sydd heb ysbyty plant. Byddai cost gyfan adeiladu ysbyty newydd i blant yn £21 miliwn, o’i chymharu â chost gyfan adeilad newydd y Cynulliad sydd tua £30 miliwn.

Peter Law spoken in English p. 8

Peter Law siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Where were you for 18 years?

Ble yr oeddech chi am 18 mlynedd?

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 8

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Thirty million pounds for a new Assembly building; £21 million for a new children’s hospital. [Interruption.]

Deg miliwn ar hugain o bunnoedd am adeilad newydd y Cynulliad; £21 miliwn am ysbyty newydd i blant. [Torri ar draws.]

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 8

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Order. I believe that the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives is about to come to his question.

Trefn. Credaf fod Arweinydd Ceidwadwyr Cymru ar fin gofyn ei gwestiwn.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 8

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Indeed, if I am not interrupted further.

Yn sicr, os na fydd pobl eraill yn torri ar fy nhraws.

The priorities of the Labour Party are clear. As the Cabinet Minister with responsibility for the health service in Wales, how can you justify this position, what financial assistance will the Government of Wales give towards a new children’s hospital and what support will it provide for the excellent Noah’s Ark children’s hospital appeal, to which the Welsh Conservatives give their wholehearted support?

Mae blaenoriaethau’r Blaid Lafur yn glir. Fel Gweinidog y Cabinet sydd â chyfrifoldeb dros y gwasanaeth iechyd yng Nghymru, sut y gallwch gyfiawnhau’r sefyllfa hon, pa gymorth ariannol a rydd Llywodraeth Cymru i ysbyty newydd i blant a pha gymorth a rydd i apêl ardderchog Arch Noa ar gyfer ysbyty i blant, y rhoddodd Ceidwadwyr Cymru eu cefnogaeth frwd iddi?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 9

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

We should have predicted that tired, old comparison as a result of your question, Nick. Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust spends £20 million on children’s services. We have proposals to develop a children’s hospital on the University Hospital of Wales site. I have identified how we support that, namely by covering all the revenue costs of the new facility, which will result in improved facilities for children in Cardiff and the Vale, and in a wider area, who need specialist services. I was delighted to open the paediatric intensive care unit two weeks ago. That facility is another contribution to children’s services. We must ensure that we provide primary, secondary and tertiary children’s services throughout Wales, and that we are planning and investing to meet all needs. Following consultation, we recently approved the first phase, and are now considering the case for the next phase of the children’s hospital, which will, of course, improve services. I meet regularly with representatives of the Noah’s Ark appeal group. It is doing a good job, and I am confident that it will help us raise the money for this important facility for children.

Dylem fod wedi rhagweld yr hen gymhariaeth honno o ganlyniad i’ch cwestiwn, Nick. Mae Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Caerdydd a’r Fro yn gwario £20 miliwn ar wasanaethau i blant. Mae cynlluniau gennym i ddatblygu ysbyty i blant ar safle Ysbyty Athrofaol Cymru. Nodais pa gymorth a roddwn i hynny, sef drwy dalu pob un o gostau refeniw yr ysbyty newydd, a fydd yn arwain at gyfleusterau gwell i blant yng Nghaerdydd a’r Fro, ac mewn ardal ehangach, y mae angen gwasanaethau arbenigol arnynt. Yr oedd yn bleser gennyf agor yr uned gofal dwys pediatrig bythefnos yn ôl. Mae’r cyfleuster hwnnw yn gyfraniad arall tuag at wasanaethau i blant. Rhaid inni sicrhau ein bod yn darparu gwasanaethau sylfaenol, eilaidd a thrydyddol i blant ledled Cymru, ac yn cynllunio ac yn buddsoddi i fodloni pob un o’r anghenion. Ar ôl ymgynghori, cymeradwyasom y cam cyntaf yn ddiweddar, ac yr ydym yn awr yn ystyried yr achos ar gyfer cam nesaf yr ysbyty i blant, a fydd, wrth gwrs, yn gwella gwasanaethau. Yr wyf yn cwrdd â chynrychiolwyr o grŵp apêl Arch Noa yn rheolaidd, ac yr wyf yn hyderus y bydd yn ein helpu i godi’r arian ar gyfer y cyfleuster pwysig hwn i blant.

Ymestyn Profion Deintyddol

Extending Dental Check-ups

Q4 Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 9

C4 Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

Will the Minister make a statement on the progress of extending dental check-ups as promised in the partnership agreement? (OAQ10499)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ar ymestyn profion deintyddol fel yr addawyd yn y cytundeb partneriaeth? (OAQ10499)

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 9

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

The necessary draft Order to introduce, with effect from 1 April 2001, free dental examinations for patients under the age of 25 and for those aged 60 and over, has been prepared and is due to be put to the Assembly in Plenary on 29 March 2001.

Paratowyd y Gorchymyn drafft sydd ei angen i gyflwyno archwiliadau deintyddol am ddim i gleifion o dan 25 oed a chleifion 60 oed a throsodd, a fydd yn weithredol o 1 Ebrill 2001, a chaiff ei gyflwyno gerbron y Cynulliad yn y Cyfarfod Llawn ar 29 Mawrth 2001.

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 9

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

That is welcome news. What other steps will the administration take to ensure that people across Wales have the maximum opportunity to take advantage of this wonderful benefit, especially in areas where access to an NHS dentist can prove difficult?

Croesewir y newyddion hwnnw. Pa gamau eraill a gymera’r weinyddiaeth i sicrhau y caiff pobl ledled Cymru y cyfle mwyaf i fanteisio ar y budd ardderchog hwn, yn enwedig mewn ardaloedd lle y gall fod yn anodd dod o hyd i ddeintydd NHS?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 10

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

That is part of another strategy that we are developing in Wales. We are leading the way in terms of offering incentive schemes for dentists to work in the NHS. We also have an innovative scheme to include the community dental service in that and I visited an important project in Merthyr Tydfil a few weeks ago. We must ensure that children—especially the most disadvantaged children—and older people come forward to have dental checks. We will provide information, and ensure that dentists are co-operating and are part of this new plan. We will also ensure that our other initiatives and our dental strategy are enhanced and supported.

Mae hynny’n rhan o strategaeth arall yr ydym yn ei datblygu yng Nghymru. Yr ydym yn arwain y ffordd o ran cynnig cynlluniau i annog deintyddion i weithio yn yr NHS. Mae cynllun arloesol gennym hefyd i gynnwys y gwasanaeth deintyddol cymunedol ac ymwelais â phrosiect pwysig ym Merthyr Tudful ychydig wythnosau yn ôl. Rhaid inni sicrhau y daw plant—yn enwedig y plant o dan yr anfantais fwyaf—a phobl hŷn i gael profion deintyddol. Darparwn wybodaeth, a sicrhawn fod deintyddion yn cydweithio ac yn rhan o’r cynllun newydd hwn. Sicrhawn hefyd y caiff ein mentrau eraill a’n strategaeth ddeintyddol eu gwella a’u cefnogi hefyd.

David Lloyd spoken in English p. 10

David Lloyd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

This initiative will mean that more people will want check-ups. Many people cannot register with an NHS dentist now, so what will the Minister do about the shortage of NHS dentists, other than relying on the community dental service, which is meant to be for specialised provision and special needs?

Golyga’r fenter hon y bydd eisiau profion ar fwy o bobl. Ni all llawer o bobl gofrestru bellach gyda deintydd NHS, felly beth a wnaiff y Gweinidog ynglŷn â phrinder deintyddion yr NHS, yn hytrach na dibynnu ar y gwasanaeth deintyddol cymunedol, a ddylai fod at ddarpariaeth arbenigol ac anghenion arbennig?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 10

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

As you know, we also have an incentive scheme outside the CDS scheme, namely the general dental services scheme, which attracts dentists to work in the NHS in Wales. We have been successful in bringing NHS dentists into Wales, more so than in England. We must now identify where there are gaps—and I know that there are gaps in the availability of NHS dentists—and target those areas for continuing incentives, to ensure that people have access to an NHS dentist, to get the dental checks that they need.

Fel y gwyddoch, mae cynllun cymhellion gennym y tu allan i gynllun gwasanaethau deintyddol cymunedol hefyd, sef cynllun gwasanaethau deintyddol cyffredinol, sydd yn denu deintyddion i weithio yn yr NHS yng Nghymru. Yr ydym wedi llwyddo i ddod â deintyddion yr NHS i Gymru, yn fwy felly na Lloegr. Rhaid inni bellach nodi’r bylchau—a gwn fod bylchau o ran argaeledd deintyddion yr NHS—gan dargedu’r ardaloedd hynny i gael cymhellion parhaus, i sicrhau bod deintydd NHS ar gael i bobl, er mwyn iddynt gael y profion deintyddol sydd eu hangen arnynt.

Cryfhau’r Grwpiau Iechyd Lleol

Strengthening Local Health Groups

Q5 Peter Black spoken in English p. 10

C5 Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

How will the Minister be strengthening local health groups over the next two years? (OAQ10454)

Sut fydd y Gweinidog yn cryfhau’r grwpiau iechyd lleol yn ystod y ddwy flynedd nesaf? (OAQ10454)

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 10

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

I made it clear in our plan, ‘Improving Health in Wales’, that the role of local health groups will be radically strengthened and developed and that they will assume many of the functions and responsibilities of health authorities, which are to be abolished by April 2003.

Esboniais yn glir yn ein cynllun, ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’, y caiff rôl y grwpiau iechyd lleol ei hatgyfnerthu a’i datblygu’n radicalaidd ac y cymerant lawer o swyddogaethau a chyfrifoldebau awdurdodau iechyd, a gaiff eu diddymu erbyn Ebrill 2003.

Peter Black spoken in English p. 11

Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

As part of that strengthening exercise, would you consider bringing nurses onto the executive committee of local health groups and workers in professions allied to medicine onto the local health groups?

Fel rhan o’r ymarfer atgyfnerthu hwnnw, a fyddech yn ystyried cynnwys nyrsys ar bwyllgor gwaith grwpiau iechyd lleol a chynnwys gweithwyr mewn proffesiynau sydd yn gysylltiedig â meddygaeth yn y grwpiau iechyd lleol?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 11

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

There is a strong case to consider the membership of local health groups. I have met with staff groups—professions allied to medicine and nursing groups—and their trade unions and staff organisations. We have discussed the need for them to present their case for membership—or fuller membership in relation to nurses joining the executive board—to ensure that professions allied to medicine have a route into local health groups. There are many of them and we cannot end up with a local health group with a cast of thousands. Therefore, we must ensure that they are fully represented in the important, policy-making, commissioning primary and community health care local health groups.

Mae achos cryf dros ystyried aelodaeth grwpiau iechyd lleol. Yr wyf wedi cwrdd â grwpiau’r staff—proffesiynau sydd yn gysylltiedig â meddygaeth a grwpiau nyrsio—a’u hundebau llafur a sefydliadau’r staff. Trafodasom yr angen iddynt gyflwyno eu hachos am aelodaeth—neu aelodaeth lawnach mewn perthynas â nyrsys sydd yn ymuno â’r bwrdd gweithredol—er mwyn sicrhau bod gan y proffesiynau sydd yn gysylltiedig â meddygaeth ffordd i mewn i grwpiau iechyd lleol. Mae llawer ohonynt ac ni allwn gael grŵp iechyd lleol gyda miloedd o aelodau. Felly, rhaid inni sicrhau y cânt eu cynrychioli’n llawn yn y grwpiau iechyd lleol pwysig sydd yn llunio polisïau ac sydd yn comisiynu gofal iechyd sylfaenol a chymunedol.

Pauline Jarman spoken in English p. 11

Pauline Jarman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

England recently announced that its primary care trusts—the equivalent of Wales’s local health groups—would be spending their extra budgets on attracting and retaining general practitioners. Given the worrying shortage of GPs in the Valleys, has the Minister or the Cabinet decided whether to invest in similar measures for our local health groups?

Cyhoeddodd Lloegr yn ddiweddar y byddai ei hymddiriedolaethau gofal sylfaenol—yr hyn sydd yn cyfateb â grwpiau iechyd lleol yng Nghymru—yn gwario eu cyllidebau ychwanegol ar ddenu a chadw meddygon teulu. O ystyried y prinder enbyd o feddygon teulu yn y Cymoedd, a yw’r Gweinidog neu’r Cabinet wedi penderfynu buddsoddi mewn mesurau tebyg ar gyfer ein grwpiau iechyd lleol?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 11

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

Yes, we are doing so. Last year, we launched a National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997 pilot programme and I am delighted that there is one beginning in Caerphilly. That area needs extra GP support. We must also replace retiring GPs in the Valleys communities. You will be aware that there is an innovative scheme in the Cynon Valley, which I will visit shortly. Salaried GPs are coming in to support retiring single-handed GPs in that community and to provide the extra services that a community such as the Cynon Valley needs to tackle deprivation and ensure that preventative services are enhanced. Therefore, we will consider ways—not only through ‘Improving Health in Wales’ but through our primary care strategy—of building innovative community health teams in our Valleys communities and other parts of Wales where there is a shortage of GPs.

Do, yr ydym yn gwneud hynny. Y llynedd, lansiwyd rhaglen beilot Deddf Gwasanaeth Iechyd Gwladol (Gofal Sylfaenol) 1997 gennym ac yr wyf yn falch iawn bod un yn dechrau yng Nghaerffili. Mae angen mwy o feddygon teulu ar yr ardal honno. Rhaid inni hefyd gael meddygon teulu i gymryd lle y rhai yng nghymunedau’r Cymoedd sydd yn ymddeol. Byddwch yn ymwybodol bod cynllun arloesol yng Nghwm Cynon, y byddaf yn ymweld ag af cyn bo hir. Daw meddygon teulu cyflogedig i mewn i roi cymorth i feddygon teulu sydd ar fin ymddeol sydd yn gweithio ar eu pennau eu hunain yn y gymuned honno ac i ddarparu’r gwasanaethau ychwanegol sydd eu hangen ar gymuned megis Cwm Cynon i fynd i’r afael ag amddifadedd a sicrhau y caiff gwasanaethau ataliol eu gwella. Felly, ystyriwn ffyrdd—nid yn unig drwy ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’ ond hefyd drwy ein strategaeth gofal sylfaenol—sef datblygu timau iechyd cymuned arloesol yn ein Cymoedd ac mewn rhannau eraill o Gymru lle ceir prinder meddygon teulu.

David Melding spoken in English p. 12

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

Do you agree that only an autonomous body can have its own budget, commission services and employ its own staff?

A gytunwch mai dim ond corff annibynnol a all gael ei gyllideb ei hun, comisiynu gwasanaethau a chyflogi ei staff ei hun?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 12

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

As you know, David, I have set up task and finish groups and a strong implementation programme to ensure the development of local health groups and enable them to take on their tasks and functions in terms of commissioning services. Improving the capacity of local health groups and their developmental functions, is part of the implementation programme of ensuring that they can deliver those services. Local health groups’ constitutional framework will be included in the consultation on implementation.

Fel y gwyddoch, David, sefydlais grwpiau gorchwyl a gorffen a rhaglen weithredu gref i sicrhau y datblygir grwpiau iechyd lleol a’u galluogi i ymgymryd â’u tasgau a’u swyddogaethau o ran comisiynu gwasanaethau. Mae gwella gallu grwpiau iechyd lleol a’u swyddogaethau datblygu, yn rhan o’r rhaglen weithredu o ran sicrhau y gallant gyflwyno’r gwasanaethau hynny. Caiff fframwaith cyfansoddiadol grwpiau iechyd lleol ei gynnwys yn yr ymgynghoriad ar y rhaglen weithredu.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas spoken in English p. 12

Rhodri Glyn Thomas siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

Point of order.

Pwynt o drefn.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 12

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 12

Cymeraf bwynt o drefn Rhodri Glyn Thomas ar ôl y datganiad sydd i ddilyn y cwestiynau.

I will take Rhodri Glyn Thomas’s point of order after the statement that will follow questions.

Cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes

Questions to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Maint Dosbarthiadau mewn Ysgolion Iau

Class Sizes in Junior Schools

Q1 Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 12

C1 Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

Will the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning give an update on the current situation regarding class sizes in junior schools in Wales? (OAQ10439)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes roi diweddariad ar y sefyllfa gyfredol o ran meintiau dosbarthiadau yn ysgolion iau Cymru? (OAQ10439)

Jane Davidson The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning spoken in English p. 12

Jane Davidson Y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

Junior class sizes in Wales are falling slowly. In September 2000, 29 per cent of junior pupils were in classes of over 30 pupils, compared with 31 per cent in September 1999 and 35 per cent in January 1999.

Mae maint dosbarthiadau iau yng Nghymru yn lleihau’n raddol. Ym Medi 2000, yr oedd 29 y cant o ddisgyblion iau mewn dosbarthiadau o fwy na 30 o ddisgyblion, o’i gymharu â 31 y cant ohonynt ym Medi 1999 a 35 y cant ohonynt yn Ionawr 1999.

The Assembly will provide additional resources of £26 million to local education authorities in the coming year to help them reduce junior class sizes more rapidly and improve standards in schools in several other ways.

Rhydd y Cynulliad £26 miliwn o adnoddau ychwanegol i awdurdodau addysg lleol yn y flwyddyn i ddod er mwyn eu helpu i leihau maint dosbarthiadau iau yn gyflymach a gwella safonau mewn ysgolion mewn nifer o ffyrdd eraill.

Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 13

Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

Do you agree that these figures show the significant improvement that the Welsh Labour administration has made since the grim Tory years, particularly in relation to class sizes and the fabric of junior schools in Wales?

A gytunwch y dengys y ffigurau hyn y gwelliant sylweddol a wnaethpwyd gan weinyddiaeth y Blaid Lafur Gymreig ers blynyddoedd erchyll y Torïaid, yn enwedig mewn perthynas â maint dosbarthiadau ac adeiladau ysgolion iau yng Nghymru?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 13

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

Of course I agree with you. Research has shown that class size has most impact on the progress of younger children. We approved the special grant report on 8 March to enable local education authorities to assist schools that may have a problem with large junior class sizes. That funding will continue in 2002-03. We are also investing £100 million a year over the next decade to meet our ambition of ensuring that all schools are fit for purpose by 2010. I regret, as do all Assembly Members I am sure, that it is such a long timetable but, unfortunately, it is a major problem.

Wrth gwrs y cytunaf â chi. Dangosodd ymchwil mai maint dosbarthiadau a gaiff yr effaith fwyaf ar gynnydd plant iau. Cymeradwyasom adroddiad grant arbennig ar 8 Mawrth i alluogi awdurdodau addysg lleol i gynorthwyo ysgolion sydd â problem o bosibl o ran dosbarthiadau iau mawr. Bydd yr arian hwnnw yn parhau yn 2002-03. Buddsoddwn £100 miliwn y flwyddyn hefyd dros y degawd nesaf i fodloni ein huchelgais i sicrhau bod pob ysgol yn addas i’w phwrpas erbyn 2010. Fel pob Aelod o’r Cynulliad, gresynaf fod yr amserlen mor faith ond, yn anffodus, mae’n broblem fawr.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 13

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 13

Yr wyf yn cytuno â’r nod a’r angen i gadw maint dosbarthiadau dan reolaeth, ond y mae blaenoriaethau eraill yn pwyso ar ein hysgolion. Pa ymateb a gawsoch gan benaethiaid ysgolion ar lwyddiant y cynllun hwn hyd yma, a faint o ymgynghori uniongyrchol a fu gyda hwy i sefydlu hyn fel blaenoriaeth a gorfodaeth ar holl ysgolion cynradd Cymru?

I agree with the aim and the need to keep class sizes under control, but other priorities are pressing in our schools. What response have you received from headteachers on the success of this scheme to date, and how much direct consultation took place with them in order to establish this as a priority and an obligation on all the primary schools in Wales?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 13

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

Reducing class sizes was a Labour manifesto commitment, and one that we have honoured. When I visit primary schools in Wales, I get positive responses from headteachers about this commitment. That is why we have continued to endorse it at infant and junior level. It is important for us all to endorse the research that indicates that class size has the most impact on the progress of younger children. Our ultimate ambition is to bring class sizes down to under 25 in the next Assembly term.

Yr oedd lleihau maint dosbarthiadau yn un o ymrwymiadau maniffesto’r Blaid Lafur, ac yn un a anrhydeddwyd gennym. Pan ymwelaf ag ysgolion cynradd yng Nghymru, caf ymatebion cadarnhaol gan benaethiaid am yr ymrwymiad hwn. Dyna pam ein bod wedi parhau i’w gymeradwyo mewn dosbarthiadau babanod a dosbarthiadau iau. Mae’n bwysig bod pob un ohonom yn cymeradwyo’r ymchwil a noda mai maint dosbarth a gaiff yr effaith fwyaf ar gynnydd plant iau. Ein prif uchelgais yw lleihau maint dosbarthiadau i fod o dan 25 yn ystod tymor nesaf y Cynulliad.

Strategaeth Dysgu Technoleg Gwybodaeth a Chyfathrebu

An Information and Communications Technology Learning Strategy

Q2 Delyth Evans spoken in English p. 14

C2 Delyth Evans siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

Could the Minister make a brief statement on her plans for an ICT learning strategy in Wales? (OAQ10485)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad byr ar ei chynlluniau ar gyfer sefydlu strategaeth dysgu TGCh yng Nghymru? (OAQ10485)

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 14

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

The ICT for learning strategy will provide nearly £16 million over the coming year to extend access to ICT facilities for schools and learners across Wales. We have now received proposals from local education authorities and other organisations for the deployment of these funds to support a network of ICT learning centres in school and community venues as well as inititiatves to help disadvantaged communities and pupils with special needs. The strategy also includes funding for enhancements to the ICT infrastructures of national cultural institutions, to enable them to contribute online content for use by schools and learners.

Rhydd y strategaeth dysgu TGCh tua £16 miliwn dros y flwyddyn nesaf i ehangu’r mynediad i gyfleusterau TGCh ar gyfer ysgolion a dysgwyr ledled Cymru. Yr ydym bellach wedi derbyn cynlluniau awdurdodau addysg lleol a sefydliadau eraill ar gyfer defnyddio’r arian hwn i gefnogi rhwydwaith o ganolfannau dysgu TGCh mewn ysgolion a lleoliadau yn y gymuned ynghyd â mentrau i helpu cymunedau sydd o dan anfantais a disgyblion ag anghenion arbennig. Mae’r strategaeth hefyd yn cynnwys arian i wella isadeiledd TGCh sefydliadau diwylliannol cenedlaethol, i’w galluogi i gyfrannu cynnwys ar-lein i’w ddefnyddio gan ysgolion a dysgwyr.

Delyth Evans spoken in English p. 14

Delyth Evans siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

Is the Minister planning to establish a world-class university innovation centre in Wales similar to the five such centres in England, as set out in the UK Government White Paper on enterprise skills and innovation? If we do not adopt the English model in Wales, is there not a danger that we will fall further behind the rest of the UK in information technology skills?

A yw’r Gweinidog yn bwriadu sefydlu canolfan arloesedd prifysgol o’r radd flaenaf yng Nghymru yn debyg i’r pum canolfan o’r fath a geir yn Lloegr, fel y nodwyd ym Mhapur Gwyn Llywodraeth y DU ar sgiliau menter ac arloesedd? Os na fabwysiadwn fodel Lloegr yng Nghymru, onid oes perygl y byddwn yn syrthio ymhellach y tu ôl i weddill y DU o ran sgiliau technoleg gwybodaeth?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 14

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

The Education and Lifelong Learning Committee is currently undertaking a review of higher education. It is considering proposals on how to fund the sector more effectively and how the sector can use money more effectively. If you have specific proposals to make to that Committee, you can write to me and I will present them to the Committee.

Mae’r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes yn adolygu addysg uwch ar hyn o bryd. Mae’n ystyried cynlluniau ar y ffordd o ariannu’r sector yn fwy effeithiol ac ym mha ffordd y gall y sector ddefnyddio’r arian yn fwy effeithiol. Os oes unrhyw gynlluniau penodol i’w gwneud i’r pwyllgor hwnnw, gallwch ysgrifennu ataf ac fe’u cyflwynaf i’r Pwyllgor.

Phil Williams spoken in English p. 14

Phil Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

According to the recent report ‘UK Online: the Broadband Future’, by 2003 Wales will be joint bottom of the UK list for broadband access, with 45 per cent of Wales having no possibility of broadband access. Do you recognise that without adequate broadband connectivity, any plans for ICT learning in schools or communities will be seriously handicapped? There will be a digital divide between Wales and England, where the Government is systematically rolling out broadband connectivity to all schools.

Yn ôl yr adroddiad diweddar ‘UK Online: the Broadband Future’, erbyn 2003, bydd Cymru ar waelod rhestr y DU o ran mynediad i fandiau llydan, ac ni fydd posibilrwydd i 45 y cant o Gymru gael mynediad i fandiau llydan. A ydych yn cydnabod y bydd unrhyw gynlluniau o ran dysgu TGCh mewn ysgolion neu gymunedau o dan anfantais ddifrifol, os na fydd digon o gysylltedd band llydan? Bydd rhaniad digidol rhwng Cymru a Lloegr, lle y mae’r Llywodraeth yn cyflwyno cysylltedd band llydan yn systematig i bob ysgol.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 15

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

We considered this issue in the recent ICT debate. Andrew Davies, as the Minister for E-Commerce, is currently considering this issue of broadband connectivity. It is our ambition to get every school online by September 2002. However, I am acutely aware of the concerns that you have raised and I know that Andrew has taken full account of them in the consultation on ICT.

Ystyriwyd y mater hwn mewn dadl ddiweddar ar dechnoleg gwybodaeth a chyfathrebu. Mae Andrew Davies, fel y Gweinidog dros E-Fasnach, yn ystyried cysylltedd band llydan ar hyn o bryd. Ein huchelgais yw sicrhau bod pob ysgol ar-lein erbyn Medi 2002. Fodd bynnag, yr wyf yn ymwybodol iawn o’r pryderon a godwyd gennych a gwn fod Andrew wedi’u hystyried yn llawn yn yr ymgynghoriad ar dechnoleg gwybodaeth a chyfathrebu.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 15

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

Will you encourage the use of schools as community facilities? For example, some schools offer family learning projects, whereby they use ICT to teach literacy and numeracy skills to parents. That has many advantages. It helps build community capacity. It helps those parents to go on to further education and the job market and at the same time allows them to assist in their children’s education. Will you support such projects?

A fyddwch yn annog y defnydd o ysgolion fel cyfleusterau cymunedol? Er enghraifft, cynigia rhai ysgolion brosiectau dysgu teulu, lle y defnyddir TGCh i addysgu sgiliau llythrennedd a rhifedd i’r rhieni. Mae llawer o fanteision i hynny. Mae’n helpu i adeiladu gallu’r gymuned. Mae’n helpu’r rhieni hynny i fynd ymlaen i addysg bellach a’r farchnad waith ac, ar yr un pryd, yn caniatáu iddynt gynorthwyo addysg eu plant. A fyddwch yn cefnogi prosiectau o’r fath?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 15

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

I support those projects. The ICT for learning prospectus, on which we are currently considering proposals, provides £18 million over three years from 1999-2002. It provides £10 million for school learning centres, which will be able to be used outside school hours to support homework clubs and adult continuing education. However, your point is crucial. We must ensure that schools are used as community resources and the expensive hardware equipment in schools and other community venues—because there is an additional fund for that—must also be used outside school hours.

Cefnogaf y prosiectau hynny. Rhydd y prosbectws Dysgu Drwy Gyfrwng TGCh, yr ystyriwn y cynlluniau amdano ar hyn o bryd, £18 miliwn dros dair blynedd o 1999-2002. Darpara £10 miliwn ar gyfer canolfannau dysgu mewn ysgolion, y gellir eu defnyddio y tu allan i oriau ysgol i gefnogi clybiau gwaith cartref ac addysg barhaus i oedolion. Fodd bynnag, mae’ch pwynt yn hanfodol. Rhaid inni sicrhau y defnyddir ysgolion fel adnoddau cymunedol a rhaid defnyddio’r offer caledwedd drud a geir mewn ysgolion a lleoliadau cymunedol eraill—oherwydd bod arian ychwanegol ar gael ar gyfer hynny—y tu allan i oriau ysgol hefyd.

Cyllid Ychwanegol ar gyfer Recriwtio Athrawon

Additional Funding for Teacher Recruitment

Q3 David Davies spoken in English p. 16

C3 David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

What additional funding is to be made available for the recruitment of teachers in Wales? (OAQ10483)

Pa gyllid ychwanegol fydd ar gael i recriwtio athrawon yng Nghymru? (OAQ10483)

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 16

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

The intonation of the question was interesting. As promised in the partnership agreement, the Assembly’s budget for 2001-02 includes over £8 million to provide a wider and enhanced range of incentives to encourage students to take up initial teacher training courses.

Yr oedd tôn y cwestiwn yn ddiddorol. Fel yr addawyd yn y cytundeb partneriaeth, mae cyllideb y Cynulliad ar gyfer 2001-02 yn cynnwys mwy nag £8 miliwn i ddarparu amrywiaeth well ac ehangach o fentrau i annog myfyrwyr i ymgymryd â chyrsiau hyfforddiant cychwynnol i athrawon.

David Davies spoken in English p. 16

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

I will try to make my intonation more straightforward.

Ceisiaf sicrhau bod tôn fy llais yn fwy syml.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 16

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Order. If Members got on with asking their questions and Ministers got on with giving answers, we might get through more of them. The intonation was fine.

Trefn. Pe byddai’r Aelodau yn bwrw ati i ofyn eu cwestiynau a phe byddai’r Gweinidogion yn bwrw ati i’w hateb, efallai y byddem yn delio â mwy ohonynt. Yr oedd tôn eich llais yn iawn.

David Davies spoken in English p. 16

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Does the Minister agree with the National Union of Teachers that not enough is being done to recruit teachers in Wales? Does she also agree that one reason for that might be that teachers are fed up of hearing spin and propaganda about class sizes being cut, when we all know that, overall, class sizes have risen? How will she ensure that she does not renege on her manifesto promises next time?

A gytuna’r Gweinidog ag Undeb Cenedlaethol yr Athrawon na wneir digon i recriwtio athrawon yng Nghymru? A gytuna hefyd mai un rheswm posibl dros hynny yw bod athrawon wedi cael digon ar glywed sbin a phropaganda am leihau maint dosbarthiadau, pan ŵyr pob un ohonom fod maint dosbarthiadau wedi codi, yn gyffredinol? Sut y bydd yn sicrhau na fydd yn torri’r addewidion a geir yn ei maniffesto y tro nesaf?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 16

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Class sizes have decreased in the infant sector, as we promised in our manifesto commitment. We do not have a manifesto commitment on the secondary sector. Our manifesto commitment was to reduce infant class sizes first, then junior class sizes. We are gradually moving through the school system. In terms of recruitment, it is important to note that there has been a 19 per cent rise in applications for places on initial teacher training courses in Wales compared with this time last year. We do not have a recruitment problem in schools in Wales.

Mae maint dosbarthiadau wedi lleihau yn y sector babanod, fel yr addawyd yn yr ymrwymiad yn ein maniffesto. Nid oes gennym ymrwymiad maniffesto o ran y sector uwchradd. Yr ymrwymiad a gafwyd yn ein maniffesto oedd lleihau maint dosbarthiadau babanod yn gyntaf, ac wedyn dosbarthiadau iau. Symudwn yn raddol drwy’r system ysgol. O ran recriwtio, mae’n bwysig nodi y cafwyd cynnydd o 19 y cant yn nifer y ceisiadau am leoedd ar gyrsiau hyfforddiant cychwynnol i athrawon yng Nghymru, o’i gymharu â’r amser hwn y llynedd. Nid oes problem recriwtio gennym yn ein hysgolion yng Nghymru.

Cynog Dafis siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 16

Cynog Dafis spoken in Welsh p. 16

Fel y gŵyr y Gweinidog, mae pryder ynglŷn â’r bwlch cyllido rhwng Cymru a Lloegr. Mae hynny’n dod o bob cyfeiriad, gan gynnwys ysgolion ac addysg uwch, ac fe gydnabu Prif Weinidog Cymru ddydd Mawrth ei fod yn bodoli. Bydd hyn yn ei gwneud yn anodd i recriwtio athrawon.

As the Minister knows, there is concern about the funding gap which exists between England and Wales. That comes from all directions, including schools and higher education and, on Tuesday, the First Minister recognised its existence. This will make it difficult to recruit teachers.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 17

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 17

Trefn. Gawn ni gwestiwn, yn ogystal â rhagymadrodd, os gwelwch yn dda?

Order. Can we have a question, as well as a preamble, please?

Cynog Dafis siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 17

Cynog Dafis spoken in Welsh p. 17

Bydd rhan o’r £100 miliwn ychwanegol, a gawn yn ein cyllideb dros y tair blynedd nesaf, yn cael ei ddefnyddio i ddelio â’r argyfwng dur a’r argyfwng gwledig. Pa effaith gaiff hynny ar y bwlch cyllido, ac ar ein gallu i recriwtio athrawon?

Part of the additional £100 million that we will have in our budget over the next three years, will be used to deal with the steel crisis and the rural crisis. What effect will that have on the funding gap and on our ability to recruit teachers?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 17

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

As Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, my responsibility is to bid for funding for education. Other Cabinet Ministers will bid for funding for their portfolios. In due course, Edwina Hart will make a statement to the Assembly about the use of any consequential money coming into our block budget.

Fel y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes, gwneud cynnig am arian ar gyfer addysg yw fy nghyfrifoldeb i. Gwnaiff Gweinidogion Cabinet eraill gynnig am arian ar gyfer eu portffolios hwy. Maes o law, gwnaiff Edwina Hart ddatganiad i’r Cynulliad am y defnydd o unrhyw arian canlyniadol a ddaw i’n cyllideb bloc.

Maint Dosbarthiadau mewn Ysgolion Babanod

Class Sizes in Infant Schools

Q4 Janice Gregory spoken in English p. 17

C4 Janice Gregory siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

Will the Minister give an update on the current situation regarding class sizes in infant schools in Wales? (OAQ10438)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi diweddariad ar y sefyllfa gyfredol o ran maint dosbarthiadau mewn ysgolion babanod yng Nghymru? (OAQ10438)

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 17

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

We are making good progress in reducing infant class sizes. In January 1998, 30 per cent of infant pupils were in classes of over 30. By September 2000, this had been cut to just 4.5 per cent, or a total of 4,600 pupils. We expect this to fall further when all infant classes become subject to the statutory class size limit in September 2001.

Gwnawn gynnydd da wrth leihau maint dosbarthiadau babanod. Yn Ionawr 1998, yr oedd 30 y cant o ddisgyblion babanod mewn dosbarthiadau o fwy na 30. Erbyn Medi 2000, lleihawyd hyn i 4.5 y cant, sef cyfanswm o 4,600 o ddisgyblion. Disgwyliwn i hyn ostwng ymhellach pan fydd rhaid i bob dosbarth babanod fod o fewn y terfyn maint dosbarth statudol ym Medi 2001.

Janice Gregory spoken in English p. 17

Janice Gregory siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

I therefore assume that you welcome, as I do, the policies of the Labour administration in reducing these class sizes. This enables us to surpass England’s record on class sizes.

Cymeraf, felly, eich bod yn croesawu, fel minnau, polisïau’r weinyddiaeth Lafur wrth leihau maint y dosbarthiadau hyn. Mae hyn yn ein galluogi i ragori ar Loegr o ran ei record ar faint dosbarthiadau.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 17

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

It is also worth reminding Members that the Assembly has made nearly £31.1 million available to date through the infant class size reduction grant. This specifically targets infant class sizes, and has allowed for the appointment of an extra 550 teachers and the provision of 70 additional classrooms. It is a good policy.

Mae’n werth atgoffa’r Aelodau hefyd bod y Cynulliad wedi rhoi bron i £31.1 miliwn hyd yma drwy’r grant lleihau maint dosbarthiadau babanod. Targeda hyn faint dosbarthiadau babanod yn benodol, ac o ganlyniad, penodwyd 550 o athrawon ychwanegol a darparwyd 70 o ystafelloedd dosbarth ychwanegol. Mae hwn yn bolisi da.

David Melding spoken in English p. 18

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

When exactly will you fulfil your commitment to reduce class sizes to 25?

Pryd yn union y cyflawnwch eich ymrwymiad i leihau maint dosbarthiadau i 25?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 18

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

The partnership agreement states our ambition to cut class sizes to 25 pupils during the next Assembly term. I am sure that this administration would keep to that manifesto commitment and ensure its implementation, just as we will have successfully cut infant class sizes to 30 by this September. We are moving forward on the junior class size targets.

Noda’r cytundeb partneriaeth ein huchelgais i ostwng maint dosbarthiadau i 25 o ddisgyblion yn ystod tymor nesaf y Cynulliad. Yr wyf yn siŵr y byddai’r weinyddiaeth hon yn cadw at yr ymrwymiad hwnnw a gafwyd yn ei maniffesto gan sicrhau y caiff ei weithredu, yn yr un modd ag y byddwn wedi llwyddo i ostwng maint dosbarthiadau babanod i 30 erbyn mis Medi eleni. Gwnawn gynnydd o ran targedau maint dosbarthiadau iau.

Pauline Jarman spoken in English p. 18

Pauline Jarman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

Forgetting manifesto commitments and back-slapping, what effect has the decline in live birth rates—[Interruption.]

Gan anghofio am ymrwymiadau maniffesto a hunan-glod, pa effaith a gafodd y gostyngiad mewn cyfraddau geni byw—[Torri ar draws.]

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 18

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

Order.

Trefn.

Pauline Jarman spoken in English p. 18

Pauline Jarman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

What effect has the decline in live birth rates, even after allowing for an increase due to the millennium celebrations, had on enabling the partnership Government to further plan for class sizes of no more than 25 pupils?

Pa effaith a gafodd y gostyngiad mewn cyfraddau geni byw, hyd yn oed ar ôl caniatáu ar gyfer cynnydd oherwydd dathliadau’r mileniwm, ar alluogi’r Llywodraeth bartneriaeth i gynllunio ymhellach i gael dosbarthiadau o ddim mwy na 25 o ddisgyblion?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 18

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

I do not have that information available. Clearly, that is a matter on which Jane Hutt and I would work together in considering the resources needed to achieve our ambition.

Nid yw’r wybodaeth honno gennyf. Mae’n amlwg y byddai Jane Hutt a minnau yn cydweithio ar y mater hwnnw gan ystyried yr adnoddau sydd eu hangen i gyflawni’n huchelgais.

Dyfodol Cyd-Bwyllgor Addysg Cymru

The Future of the Welsh Joint Education Committee

C5 Owen John Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 18

Q5 Owen John Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 18

Pa drafodaethau a gafodd y Gweinidog yn ddiweddar ynglŷn â dyfodol Cyd-Bwyllgor Addysg Cymru? (OAQ10469)

What discussions has the Minister recently had concerning the future of the Welsh Joint Education Committee? (OAQ10469)

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 18

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

I last met representatives of the WJEC in November. As I said in my report to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee on 14 February, arrangements are in hand for me to meet the new chair of the WJEC, Councillor Jeff Jones, and the new chief executive, once appointed.

Cyfarfûm â chynrychiolwyr CBAC ddiwethaf ym mis Tachwedd. Fel y dywedais yn fy adroddiad i’r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes ar 14 Chwefror, mae trefniadau ar y gweill imi gyfarfod â chadeirydd newydd CBAC, y Cynghorydd Jeff Jones, a’r prif weithredwr newydd, ar ôl iddo gael ei benodi.

Owen John Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 19

Owen John Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 19

Yr wyf am eich atgoffa, Jane, fod cynnig wedi ei dderbyn gan y Cynulliad ar 16 Tachwedd, gyda chefnogaeth y Blaid Lafur, yn galw arnoch i adrodd yn ôl i Gyfarfod Llawn ar y camau a gymerir i ddiogelu dyfodol CBAC. Bedwar mis a hanner yn ddiweddarach, a oes gennych unrhyw beth i’w adrodd?

I remind you, Jane, that the Assembly adopted a motion on 16 November, with the support of the Labour Party, which called on you to report back to Plenary on steps taken to safeguard the future of the WJEC. Four and a half months later, do you have anything to report?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 19

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

The motion stated that I would report on the outcomes of the discussions between the National Assembly and the Welsh Local Government Association with regard to the WJEC. In my report to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee on 14 February, I said that arrangements for me to meet the chair and chief executive, when appointed, were already underway. As I said in the debate in November, I will make a statement to Plenary following the Welsh Joint Education Committee’s planned audit and my meeting with its representatives. I understand that the meeting will take place in April—as was predicted in November—when the new chief executive is in post.

Nododd y cynnig y byddwn yn adrodd yn ôl ar ganlyniadau’r trafodaethau rhwng y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol a Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru ynglŷn â CBAC. Yn fy adroddiad i’r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes ar 14 Chwefror, dywedais fod trefniadau imi gyfarfod â’r cadeirydd a’r prif weithredwr, ar ôl iddynt gael eu penodi, eisoes ar y gweill. Fel y dywedais yn y ddadl fis Tachwedd, gwnaf ddatganiad i’r Cyfarfod Llawn ar ôl archwiliad arfaethedig Cyd-Bwyllgor Addysg Cymru ac ar ôl imi gyfarfod â’i gynrychiolwyr. Deallaf y cynhelir y cyfarfod yn Ebrill—fel y rhagwelwyd fis Tachwedd—pan fydd y prif weithredwr newydd wedi dechrau ar ei swydd.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 19

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

Examination bodies such as the Welsh Joint Education Committee offer academic and vocational qualifications. Do you think that distinguishing between GCSEs and vocational GCSEs is a largely meaningless exercise? Even if they do so in England, there is no reason why bodies such as the WJEC should repeat that mistake.

Cynigia cyrff arholi megis Cyd-Bwyllgor Addysg Cymru gymwysterau academaidd a galwedigaethol. A gredwch nad oes fawr o bwrpas i wahaniaethu rhwng TGAU a TGAU galwedigaethol ar y cyfan? Hyd yn oed os gwneir hynny yn Lloegr, nid oes rheswm pam y dylai cyrff megis CBAC ailadrodd y camgymeriad hwnnw.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 19

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

That is an important point because if we want to achieve parity of esteem between vocational and educational qualifications, we must consider terminology that is acceptable to employers and that recognises parity of esteem. We should call the examinations GCSEs, and I will talk to colleagues in England about that.

Mae hwnnw’n bwynt pwysig oherwydd, os ydym am i gymwysterau galwedigaethol ac addysgol gael yr un parch, rhaid inni ystyried terminoleg sydd yn dderbyniol i gyflogwyr ac sydd yn cydnabod parch cydradd. Dylem alw’r arholiadau yn TGAU, a siaradaf â chyd-Aelodau yn Lloegr am hynny.

Cwestiynau i Bwyllgor y Tŷ

Questions to the House Committee

Adnoddau Fideogynadledda

Video Conferencing Facilities

Q1 Christine Gwyther spoken in English p. 20

C1 Christine Gwyther siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

Will the Deputy Presiding Officer confirm that video conferencing facilities between constituency offices and the National Assembly are fully functional? (OAQ10465)

A wnaiff y Dirprwy Lywydd gadarnhau bod yr adnoddau fideogynadledda rhwng swyddfeydd yr etholaethau a’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn llawn weithredol? (OAQ10465)

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 20

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

The desktop video conferencing facilities are now fully functional and have been provided for 19 Members following an exercise that was undertaken last June to identify Members who were interested in the service. A further 18 Members have recently confirmed their interest. They will be provided with the service over the next eight weeks.

Mae’r cyfleusterau fideogynadledda pen desg yn gyfan gwbl weithredol yn awr ac fe’u darparwyd ar gyfer 19 o’r Aelodau yn dilyn ymarfer a gynhaliwyd fis Mehefin diwethaf i nodi’r Aelodau oedd â diddordeb yn y gwasanaeth. Yn ddiweddar, cadarnhaodd 18 Aelod arall fod diddordeb ganddynt. Darperir y gwasanaeth iddynt dros yr wyth wythnos nesaf.

Christine Gwyther spoken in English p. 20

Christine Gwyther siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

I am one of those 19 Members, and I thought that I was online last year. However, the facility does not work. Would it be possible to receive guidance or technical assistance to ensure that the facilities work?

Yr wyf fi yn un o’r 19 Aelod hynny, a chredais fy mod ar-lein y llynedd. Fodd bynnag, nid yw’r cyfleuster yn gweithio. A fyddai’n bosibl cael arweiniad neu gymorth technegol i sicrhau bod y cyfleusterau’n gweithio?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 20

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

There were technical and resource issues that delayed the service’s rollout to Members. However, they have now been resolved and there was no record of any practical difficulties until now. I will ensure that something is done as soon as possible.

Gohiriwyd cyflwyno’r gwasanaeth i’r Aelodau oherwydd materion technegol a rhai yn ymwneud ag adnoddau. Fodd bynnag, maent wedi eu datrys yn awr ac nid oedd unrhyw gofnod o anawsterau ymarferol tan yn awr. Rhoddaf sicrwydd y caiff rhywbeth ei wneud cyn gynted â phosibl.

Arddangosfa ar Ddatganoli

An Exhibition on Devolution

C2 Owen John Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 20

Q2 Owen John Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 20

Pryd gawn ni weld arddangosfa yn adeilad y Pierhead yn olrhain hanes y broses o ddatganoli yng Nghymru yn ystod y cyfnod diweddar? (OAQ10463)

When will an exhibition be held in the Pierhead building on devolution in Wales in recent times? (OAQ10463)

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 20

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

The exhibition in the ‘Assembly at the Pierhead’ focuses on the development of the National Assembly for Wales from the time of the ‘Yes’ vote in September 1997. To accommodate the wishes of those, including yourself, who wanted the exhibition to provide a wider context, it was possible to add limited reference material on the history of Wales to the exhibition’s intranet system. There are plans to develop more detailed historical information on the exhibition’s intranet and touch screens in due course.

Mae’r arddangosfa yn yng Nglanfa’r Cynulliad yn canolbwyntio ar ddatblygiad Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru ers adeg y bleidlais ‘Ie’ ym mis Medi 1997. Er mwyn bodloni dymuniadau y rhai hynny, gan gynnwys chi eich hun, a oedd am i’r arddangosfa ddarparu cyd-destun ehangach, bu’n bosibl ychwanegu deunydd cyfeirio cyfyngedig ar hanes Cymru at system fewnrwyd yr arddangosfa. Mae cynlluniau ar y gweill i ddatblygu gwybodaeth hanesyddol fanylach ar fewnrwyd yr arddangosfa a sgriniau cyffwrdd maes o law.

Owen John Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 21

Owen John Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 21

Mae gan adeilad y Pierhead, ynghyd â’r Siambr newydd a Chanolfan Mileniwm Cymru, botensial enfawr i ddenu ymwelwyr o bell ac agos i Fae Caerdydd. A gytunwch y byddai arddangosfa ddychmygus, yn canolbwyntio ar dwf a datblygiad nodweddion cenedligrwydd Cymru ers y bedwaredd ganrif ar bymtheg, yn ychwanegu’n sylweddol at gynnwys presennol adeilad hardd y Pierhead?

The Pierhead building, along with the new Chamber and the Wales Millennium Centre, has enormous potential to attract visitors from near and far to Cardiff Bay. Do you agree that an imaginative exhibition concentrating on the growth and development of Wales’s national characteristics since the nineteenth century, would contribute significantly to the existing content of the beautiful Pierhead building?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 21

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

I am sure that those matters are being considered, and as I said, will be developed for the intranet site. There is exhibition space, but we must wait to ensure that the shop facility is adequate before considering your point.

Yr wyf yn siŵr bod y materion hynny’n cael eu hystyried, ac fel y dywedais, cânt eu datblygu ar gyfer safle’r fewnrwyd. Mae lle ar gyfer arddangosfa, ond rhaid inni aros i sicrhau bod y cyfleuster siopa yn ddigonol cyn ystyried eich pwynt.

David Davies spoken in English p. 21

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

No-one could argue against having historical exhibitions, but will you ensure that taxpayers’ money is not used to present a one-sided view of devolution, which was not supported by the majority of people in Wales. That is of particular concern to us given that taxpayers—

Ni allai unrhyw un ddadlau yn erbyn cael arddangosfeydd hanesyddol, ond a sicrhewch na ddefnyddir arian y trethdalwyr i gyflwyno barn unochrog ar ddatganoli, nas cefnogir gan fwyafrif pobl Cymru. Mae hynny’n achosi pryder arbennig inni o gofio bod trethdalwyr—

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 21

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

Order. This question is not about devolution and public spending.

Trefn. Nid yw’r cwestiwn hwn yn ymwneud â datganoli a gwariant cyhoeddus.

Datblygu Polisi Gwrthysmygu

Developing an Anti-smoking Policy

Q3 Richard Edwards spoken in English p. 21

C3 Richard Edwards siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

Does the Assembly have any plans to develop an anti-smoking policy for the entire Assembly building? (OAQ10464)

A oes gan y Cynulliad unrhyw gynlluniau i ddatblygu polisi gwrthysmygu ar gyfer adeilad y Cynulliad yn ei gyfanrwydd? (OAQ10464)

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 21

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

No.

Nac oes.

Richard Edwards spoken in English p. 21

Richard Edwards siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

I know that my question is unpopular with some Members in this Chamber, and I daresay, some individuals who work in this building. However, the Assembly should lead by example. We are promoting health and wellbeing and advocating approaches to help people in Wales stop smoking. There are smoke-free competitions in schools, ‘smokebugs’, tobacco action groups, and the ‘quit and win’ campaign. However, in the Assembly we have a classic case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’. I would like an assurance that the Assembly will seriously consider adopting an anti-smoking policy, with suitable assistance to the addicts so that they can be weaned off the weed.

Gwn fod fy nghwestiwn yn amhoblogaidd gyda rhai o’r Aelodau yn y Siambr hon, ac yn ddiau, gyda rhai unigolion sydd yn gweithio yn yr adeilad hwn. Fodd bynnag, dylai’r Cynulliad ddangos esiampl dda. Yr ydym yn hybu iechyd a lles ac yn hyrwyddo ymagweddau i helpu pobl yng Nghymru roi’r gorau i ysmygu. Mae cystadlaethau di-fwg mewn ysgolion, ‘bygiau baco’, grwpiau gweithredu tybaco a’r ymgyrch ‘gad hi mi gei di’. Fodd bynnag, yn y Cynulliad ceir enghraifft berffaith o ‘gwnewch fel y mynnaf, nid fel y gwnaf’. Hoffwn gael sicrwydd y gwnaiff y Cynulliad ystyried mabwysiadu polisi gwrthysmygu, gyda chymorth addas i’r rheini sydd yn gaeth i dybaco fel y gellir eu diddyfnu o’r arfer drwg hwn.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 22

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 22

I agree that we should do everything possible to get people to stop smoking. However, the smoking room is in line with the Health and Safety Executive’s recommendation that there should be a smoking facility with air-vents in the building. Unfortunately, if you get rid of the smoking facility, because smoking is an addiction, you will find that people congregate outside, sometimes in the wet and snow, continuing to smoke. Simply getting rid of the smoking room is not the answer; we must try other ways.

Cytunaf y dylem wneud popeth posibl i gael pobl i roi’r gorau i ysmygu. Fodd bynnag, mae’r ystafell ysmygu yn unol ag argymhelliad yr Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch y dylid cael cyfleuster ysmygu, gyda thyllau awyr, yn yr adeilad. Yn anffodus, os cewch wared ar y cyfleuster ysmygu, gan fod pobl yn gaeth i’r arfer, fe welwch y bydd pobl yn ymgynnull y tu allan, weithiau yn y glaw a’r eira, gan barhau i ysmygu. Nid cael gwared ar yr ystafell ysmygu yw’r ateb; rhaid rhoi cynnig ar ffyrdd eraill.

Rod Richards spoken in English p. 22

Rod Richards siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 22

Does the Dirprwy Lywydd appreciate that, if the Assembly adopts a non-smoking policy for the entire building, those of us who currently spend time in room 101, as it happens to be called, would have to retreat to the underground car park. The Dirprwy Lywydd may be aware that there has been a sudden dramatic increase in traffic accidents in the underground car park. [Laughter.] Therefore, if the Committee introduced a non-smoking policy in the building, would he also consider introducing a scheme whereby some Members could have further instruction in driving their cars into, and out of, their car parking spaces?

A yw’r Dirprwy Lywydd yn gwerthfawrogi, os bydd y Cynulliad yn mabwysiadu polisi dim ysmygu ar gyfer yr adeilad cyfan, byddai’r rheini ohonom sydd yn treulio amser yn ystafell 101, sef ei rhif fel mae’n digwydd, yn gorfod mynd i’r maes parcio ceir tanddaearol. Efallai bod y Dirprwy Lywydd yn ymwybodol y bu cynnydd dramatig sydyn yn nifer y damweiniau traffig yn y maes parcio ceir tanddaearol. [Chwerthin.] Felly, pe bai’r Pwyllgor yn cyflwyno polisi dim ysmygu yn yr adeilad, a fyddai hefyd yn ystyried cyflwyno cynllun lle y gallai rhai o’r Aelodau gael hyfforddiant pellach ar yrru eu ceir i mewn ac allan o’u lleoedd parcio?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 22

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 22

Rod, I certainly have your interests at heart. I sympathise with your addiction, and realise that you cannot conquer it. That is why we must keep that smoking room. Clearly, it is dangerous to go into the underground car park, and smoking down there would add to the danger that already exists.

Rod, mae eich lles yn bwysig imi. Cydymdeimlaf â chi a sylweddolaf eich bod yn gaeth i ysmygu ac na allwch ei oresgyn. Dyna pam y mae’n rhaid inni gadw’r ystafell ysmygu honno. Yn amlwg, mae’n beryglus mynd i’r maes parcio ceir tanddaearol a byddai ysmygu yno yn ychwanegu at y perygl sydd eisoes yn bodoli.

Janice Gregory spoken in English p. 22

Janice Gregory siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 22

I am concerned about equal opportunities, as a weaned addict. At least I hope that I am weaned, after nine weeks of not smoking. [Applause.] Thank you. I appreciate the anxiety of Richard, who has probably never smoked, and Alun, who I know has never smoked, for those who do. If we banned smoking in this building in Cardiff Bay, then in the interests of equal opportunities, we would need to consider doing so in every National Assembly building in Wales.

Pryderaf ynglŷn â chyfle cyfartal, fel un a arferai fod yn gaeth i’r arfer. Dywedaf ‘arferai’ gan obeithio fy mod wedi llwyddo i roi’r gorau iddi, ar ôl naw wythnos o beidio ag ysmygu. [Cymeradwyaeth.] Diolch yn fawr. Gwerthfawrogaf bryder Richard, y tybiaf nad yw erioed wedi ysmygu, ac Alun, y gwn nad yw erioed wedi ysmygu, am y rheini sydd yn ysmygu. Pe baem yn gwahardd ysmygu yn yr adeilad hwn ym Mae Caerdydd, byddai’n rhaid inni ystyried gwneud hynny ym mhob adeilad arall yng Nghymru sydd yn perthyn i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 23

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

The House Committee is responsible for this building, but not for Cathays Park. However, the Assembly is responsible and if it wished to give guidance or instructions to Cathays Park, it could do so. It is not the House Committee’s job.

Mae Pwyllgor y Tŷ yn gyfrifol am yr adeilad hwn, ond nid am Barc Cathays. Fodd bynnag, mae’r Cynulliad yn gyfrifol a phe bai’n dymuno rhoi arweiniad neu gyfarwyddiadau i Barc Cathays, gallai wneud hynny. Nid gwaith Pwyllgor y Tŷ yw hynny.

Datblygu Cyfleusterau’r Cynulliad i’r Cyhoedd yng Ngogledd Cymru

Developing Assembly Facilities for the Public in North Wales

Q4 Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 23

C4 Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

What plans are there to develop a similar facility to that provided via the Pierhead building, in north Wales? (OAQ10534)

Pa gynlluniau sydd ar y gweill i ddatblygu cyfleusterau tebyg yng ngogledd Cymru i’r hyn a ddarperir yn adeilad y Pierhead? (OAQ10534)

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 23

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

There are no plans to develop a similar facility in the north to that provided at the Pierhead building, and the Presiding Office’s budget would prohibit it. However, there are plans to provide some of the Assembly’s education services via outreach provision to schools and colleges. Public information staff will visit individual schools to tell students about the Assembly and how it works. It will also be possible to view and copy some of the electronic material that is available about the Assembly at the Pierhead and a virtual tour of the exhibition is already in place on the Assembly’s internet site. Public information is currently exploring how National Assembly information publications can be made available to the public, locally, across Wales. However, there are learning opportunities related to coming to the Assembly buildings that cannot be replicated elsewhere. We must make every effort to ensure that such visits are successful in every respect.

Nid oes unrhyw gynlluniau i ddatblygu cyfleuster tebyg yn y gogledd i’r un a ddarperir yn adeilad y Pierhead, ac ni fyddai cyllideb Swyddfa’r Llywydd yn caniatáu hynny. Fodd bynnag, mae cynlluniau i ddarparu rhai o wasanaethau addysg y Cynulliad drwy ddarpariaeth allgyrch i ysgolion a cholegau. Bydd staff gwybodaeth i’r cyhoedd yn ymweld ag ysgolion unigol i ddweud wrth y disgyblion am y Cynulliad a sut mae’n gweithio. Bydd hefyd yn bosibl gweld a chopïo peth o’r deunydd electronig sydd ar gael ynglŷn â Glanfa’r Cynulliad ac mae taith rithwir o’r arddangosfa eisoes yn ei lle ar safle rhyngrwyd y Cynulliad. Mae gwybodaeth gyhoeddus yn ymchwilio ar hyn o bryd i weld sut y gellir sicrhau bod cyhoeddiadau gwybodaeth am y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ar gael i’r cyhoedd, yn lleol, ledled Cymru. Fodd bynnag, mae cyfleoedd dysgu yn gysylltiedig ag ymweld ag adeiladau’r Cynulliad na ellir eu hailgreu mewn unrhyw le arall. Rhaid inni wneud pob ymdrech i sicrhau bod ymweliadau o’r fath yn llwyddiannus ym mhob ystyr.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 24

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 24

I am pleased that steps are being taken to increase accessibility to the Assembly in the north, especially for school children. You mentioned previously how difficult it is for them to travel to south Wales to this building. Do you agree that developing a similar centre in the north would create a focus and centre-point for the Assembly where we still need to raise the Assembly’s profile and make it more accessible?

Yr wyf yn falch bod camau’n cael eu cymryd i gynyddu hygyrchedd i’r Cynulliad yn y gogledd, yn enwedig ar gyfer plant ysgol. Soniasoch o’r blaen pa mor anodd y mae iddynt deithio i dde Cymru i’r adeilad hwn. A gytunwch y byddai datblygu canolfan debyg yn y gogledd yn creu ffocws a chanolbwynt i’r Cynulliad lle mae angen inni godi proffil y Cynulliad o hyd a’i wneud yn fwy hygyrch?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 24

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 24

That was a useful question and I agree that we must raise the Assembly’s profile in north Wales. However, we must bear costs in mind, and when resources allow, we must ensure that we do everything possible. At present, I repeat that the Presiding Office’s budget will not allow the extra expenditure.

Yr oedd hwnnw’n gwestiwn defnyddiol a chytunaf fod yn rhaid inni godi proffil y Cynulliad yng ngogledd Cymru. Fodd bynnag, rhaid inni ystyried y costau, a phan fydd adnoddau’n caniatáu, rhaid inni sicrhau y gwnawn bopeth posibl. Ar hyn o bryd, dywedaf unwaith eto na fydd cyllideb Swyddfa’r Llywydd yn caniatáu’r gwariant ychwanegol.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 24

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 24

There will be a shop in the Pierhead building. Given that twin currency tills are a standard stock item, can I have an assurance that the public, staff and Members will be able to pay in euros next year?

Bydd siop yn adeilad y Pierhead. O gofio bod tiliau arian cyfred dwbl yn eitem stoc safonol, a gaf i sicrwydd y bydd y cyhoedd, y staff a’r Aelodau yn gallu talu mewn arian ewro y flwyddyn nesaf?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 24

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 24

That will brought to the attention of the House Committee for their consideration in due course.

Caiff hynny ei ddwyn i sylw Pwyllgor y Tŷ er mwyn iddynt ei ystyried maes o law.

Peter Law spoken in English p. 24

Peter Law siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 24

Do you agree that democracy is never cheap, but that it is vital, particularly under your enlightened chairmanship, to project to the people of north and west Wales the National Assembly’s wish to ensure that it is entirely inclusive and that their views count? Do you agree that we should consider an occasional sitting of the National Assembly in the north, not only with an information centre as has been suggested, but to encourage Ministers to visit on a weekly basis, particularly throughout the recess period? That would be an important message to people in north Wales.

A gytunwch nad yw democratiaeth fyth yn rhad, ond ei bod yn hanfodol, yn arbennig o dan eich cadeiryddiaeth oleuedig, cyfleu i bobl gogledd a gorllewin Cymru ddymuniad y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol i sicrhau ei fod yn gynhwysol a bod eu safbwyntiau’n cyfrif? A gytunwch y dylai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ystyried eistedd yn achlysurol yn y gogledd, nid yn unig â chanolfan wybodaeth fel yr awgrymwyd, ond er mwyn annog Gweinidogion i ymweld yn wythnosol, yn arbennig drwy gydol y cyfnod ar doriad? Byddai hynny’n neges bwysig i bobl yng ngogledd Cymru.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 24

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 24

I agree. We must do everything possible to unify the country and pay particular attention to ensuring that north Wales has facilities whereby people can understand what the Assembly does. I hope that Ministers heard what you said about visits to north Wales.

Cytunaf. Rhaid inni wneud popeth posibl i uno’r wlad a thalu sylw arbennig i sicrhau bod gan ogledd Cymru gyfleusterau lle y gall pobl ddeall beth mae’r Cynulliad yn ei wneud. Gobeithiaf y clywodd y Gweinidogion yr hyn a ddywedasoch am ymweliadau â gogledd Cymru.

Defnyddio’r Fewnrwyd Seneddol

Access to the Parliamentary Intranet Service

Q5 Alison Halford spoken in English p. 25

C5 Alison Halford siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 25

What progress has been made to give Assembly Members access to the Parliamentary intranet service? (OAQ10462)

Pa ddatblygiadau a fu o ran galluogi Aelodau’r Cynulliad i ddefnyddio’r fewnrwyd Seneddol? (OAQ10462)

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 25

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 25

The National Assembly, the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly are in discussion with the House of Commons about securing limited access to their intranet. Arrangements are being sought that would allow controlled access to certain services that will be provided by the library.

Mae’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, Senedd yr Alban a Chynulliad Gogledd Iwerddon wrthi’n trafod â Thŷ’r Cyffredin ynglŷn â sicrhau mynediad cyfyngedig i’w mewnrwyd. Gwneir trefniadau a fyddai’n caniatáu mynediad rheoledig i rai gwasanaethau a ddarperir gan y llyfrgell.

Alison Halford spoken in English p. 25

Alison Halford siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 25

Your own long and distinguished service as a Member of Parliament puts you in a strong position to judge whether the Parliamentary intranet has something to offer the National Assembly. It is suggested that the MPs system gives up to date briefings on major national issues, a greater number of press resources and would enable all Assembly Members to respond to Welsh parliamentary matters in a more timely manner. Will you pursue the need for Assembly Members to have greater access soon to the Parliamentary system?

Mae eich gwasanaeth hir a disglair fel Aelod Seneddol yn eich rhoi mewn sefyllfa gref i farnu a oes gan y fewnrwyd Seneddol rywbeth i’w gynnig i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Awgrymir bod system yr Aelodau Seneddol yn rhoi’r briffiadau diweddaraf ar faterion cenedlaethol o bwys, nifer fwy o adnoddau i’r wasg ac y byddai’n galluogi pob Aelod o’r Cynulliad i ymateb i faterion seneddol Cymreig mewn modd mwy amserol. A wnewch chi fwrw ymlaen â’r angen i Aelodau’r Cynulliad gael mwy o fynediad yn fuan i’r system Seneddol?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 25

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 25

We are trying to do that. However, I urge caution. POLIS is available as a stand-alone system in the library, but any further access via OSIRIS is unlikely. The House of Commons authorities are rightly concerned about security. Opening up the intranet as opposed to POLIS to external access exposes the Westminster parliamentary site to malicious and unauthorised use. Nevertheless, we are in negotiations. I am not hopeful, but we will do our best.

Ceisiwn wneud hynny. Fodd bynnag, awgrymaf ein bod yn pwyllo. Mae POLIS ar gael fel system ar ei phen ei hun yn y llyfrgell, ond nid yw unrhyw fynediad pellach drwy OSIRIS yn debygol. Mae awdurdodau Tŷ’r Cyffredin yn iawn i bryderu ynglŷn â diogelwch. Mae agor y fewnrwyd yn lle POLIS i fynediad allanol yn amlygu safle seneddol San Steffan i ddefnydd maleisus ac anawdurdodedig. Serch hynny, yr ydym wrthi’n negodi. Nid wyf yn obeithiol, ond gwnawn ein gorau.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 25

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 25

I will take a point of order from the business manager of the Welsh Conservative group after the following statement.

Cymeraf bwynt o drefn gan reolwr busnes grŵp Ceidwadwyr Cymru ar ôl y datganiad canlynol.

Datganiad ar Effaith Clwy’r Traed a’r Genau ar Dwristiaeth a Busnesau Gwledig yng Nghymru

Statement on the Effects of Foot and Mouth Disease on Tourism and Rural Businesses in Wales

Michael German The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development spoken in English p. 26

Michael German Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 26

I will update the Assembly on the main developments regarding the effects of the foot and mouth disease on the tourism industry and rural businesses in Wales since my last statement a week ago. Our first priority is to eradicate foot and mouth disease as soon as possible. The position is serious and I still receive large numbers of letters and e-mails from businesses that are being badly affected by the situation. I continue to receive daily reports on the position from the Wales Tourist Board. I will meet with tourism operators in north and mid Wales tomorrow, together with the Wales Tourist Board chairman, Phillip Evans, to discuss the situation face to face.

Rhoddaf y newyddion diweddaraf i’r Cynulliad ar y prif ddatblygiadau o ran effeithiau clwy’r traed a’r genau ar y diwydiant twristiaeth a busnesau gwledig yng Nghymru ers fy natganiad wythnos yn ôl. Ein blaenoriaeth gyntaf yw dileu clwy’r traed a’r genau cyn gynted â phosibl. Mae’r sefyllfa’n ddifrifol a derbyniaf nifer fawr o lythyrau a negeseuon e-bost o hyd gan fusnesau y mae’r sefyllfa yn effeithio’n wael arnynt. Parhaf i dderbyn adroddiadau dyddiol ar y sefyllfa gan Fwrdd Croeso Cymru. Byddaf yn cyfarfod â gweithredwyr twristiaeth gogledd a chanolbarth Cymru yfory, ynghyd â chadeirydd Bwrdd Croeso Cymru, Phillip Evans, i drafod y sefyllfa wyneb yn wyneb.

Yesterday, I met with the major clearing banks, insurance companies and mortgage lenders to urge them to be sympathetic towards businesses that are facing problems as a result of the restrictions. I am pleased to report that it was a positive meeting and that I was, in effect, knocking at an open door. The policy in most banks is that they should be as flexible as possible in the current circumstances and that they should not exacerbate the position.

Ddoe, cyfarfûm â’r banciau clirio mawr, cwmnïau yswiriant a benthycwyr morgeisi i’w hannog i fod yn gydymdeimladol tuag at fusnesau sydd yn wynebu problemau o ganlyniad i’r cyfyngiadau. Yr wyf yn falch o nodi y bu’n gyfarfod cadarnhaol ac yr oeddwn, mewn gwirionedd, yn curo ar ddrws agored. Y polisi yn y rhan fwyaf o fanciau yw y dylent fod mor hyblyg â phosibl o dan yr amgylchiadau presennol ac na ddylent waethygu’r sefyllfa.

Many managers have maximum discretion to make decisions quickly. They are looking at ways of reducing the impact by deferring interest payments. Some banks are prepared to grant loan breaks and increase overdraft facilities. Businesses that are experiencing difficulties should approach their banks, lenders or other creditors to discuss how they can help to alleviate problems. Businesses will be given a sympathetic hearing. I have agreed to meet banks and other organisations in the next two weeks to review the position. Banks have informed me that, in the current circumstances, it would be helpful to extend the small firms loan guarantee fund, a scheme that is led by the Department of Trade and Industry. I have written to the relevant minister suggesting greater flexibility in the operation of the scheme for businesses affected by the foot and mouth outbreak. I have also written to the major utilities to urge them to be sympathetic in terms of the payment of bills in the present circumstances.

Mae gan lawer o reolwyr y disgresiwn mwyaf i wneud penderfyniadau’n gyflym. Edrychant ar ffyrdd o leihau’r effaith drwy oedi taliadau llog. Mae rhai banciau’n barod i ganiatáu toriad rhag benthyciadau a chynyddu cyfleusterau gorddrafft. Dylai busnesau sydd yn cael anawsterau gysylltu â’u banciau, benthycwyr neu gredydwyr eraill i drafod sut y gallant helpu i leddfu problemau. Caiff busnesau wrandawiad cydymdeimladol. Cytunais i gyfarfod â banciau a sefydliadau eraill yn y pythefnos nesaf i adolygu’r sefyllfa. Mae banciau wedi’m hysbysu, o dan yr amgylchiadau presennol, y byddai’n ddefnyddiol ymestyn y gronfa gwarantu benthyciadau i gwmnïau bach, cynllun o dan arweiniad yr Adran Masnach a Diwydiant. Ysgrifennais at y gweinidog perthnasol yn awgrymu mwy o hyblygrwydd wrth weithredu’r cynllun ar gyfer busnesau yr effeithir arnynt gan glwy’r traed a’r genau. Ysgrifennais hefyd at y cyfleustodau mawr i’w hannog i fod yn gydymdeimladol o ran talu biliau o dan yr amgylchiadau presennol.

I take this opportunity to say again that Wales is still open for business. A key element of getting that message across is ensuring that visitors have clear and unambiguous information on the situation here, on where they can go, what they can and cannot do, and which attractions are open. On Tuesday, Carwyn issued new access guidance for Wales. I believe that this is vital in ensuring that everyone has the right information. This includes local authorities that have statutory responsibility regarding public footpaths and other rights of way. I support Carwyn in encouraging local authorities to review which public footpaths may be reopened as a result of the guidance and, importantly, without increasing the risk of spreading the disease. Gwynedd County Council is doing this already, based on risk assessment, in order to open some paths and beaches. I welcome this. Making clearer information available in the marketplace will help hard-pressed tourism and rural businesses.

Manteisiaf ar y cyfle hwn i ddweud unwaith eto bod Cymru yn dal i fod ar agor i fusnes. Un o elfennau allweddol cyfleu’r neges honno yw sicrhau bod gan ymwelwyr wybodaeth glir a diamwys am y sefyllfa yma, ble y gallant fynd, beth y gallant ac na allant ei wneud, a pha atyniadau sydd ar agor. Ar ddydd Mawrth, cyhoeddodd Carwyn arweiniad newydd o ran mynediad i Gymru. Credaf fod hyn yn holl bwysig wrth sicrhau bod gan bawb yr wybodaeth gywir. Mae hyn yn cynnwys awdurdodau lleol sydd â chyfrifoldeb statudol o ran llwybrau troed cyhoeddus a ffyrdd tramwy eraill. Cefnogaf Carwyn wrth annog awdurdodau lleol i adolygu pa lwybrau troed cyhoeddus y gellir eu hailagor o ganlyniad i’r canllawiau, ac yn bwysicach, heb gynyddu’r risg o ledaenu’r clwyf. Eisoes mae Cyngor Sir Gwynedd yn gwneud hyn yn seiliedig ar asesu risg, er mwyn agor rhai llwybrau a thraethau. Croesawaf hyn. Bydd sicrhau bod gwybodaeth gliriach ar gael yn y farchnad yn helpu twristiaeth a busnesau gwledig sydd yn dioddef.

The guidance also clarifies the responsibilities of those visiting the countryside. In this context, I was delighted to launch the Tourism Charter for Wales yesterday, which aims to promote a responsible attitude among tourism operators and the public. It is designed to ensure that as many tourist attractions and locations as possible remain open, without adding to the burden on farmers. The charter states this in plain language and contains useful telephone numbers and information on websites.

Mae’r canllawiau hefyd yn egluro cyfrifoldebau’r rheini sydd yn ymweld â chefn gwlad. Yn y cyd-destun hwn, yr oeddwn yn falch o lansio’r Siarter Twristiaeth i Gymru ddoe, sydd yn anelu at hyrwyddo agwedd gyfrifol ymhlith gweithredwyr twristiaeth a’r cyhoedd. Ei bwriad yw sicrhau bod cymaint â phosibl o atyniadau a lleoliadau twristiaeth yn parhau i fod ar agor, heb ychwanegu at y baich ar ffermwyr. Noda’r siarter hyn mewn iaith glir ac mae’n cynnwys rhifau ffôn defnyddiol a gwybodaeth ar wefannau.

The Wales Tourist Board’s communications campaign also began yesterday. There is a freephone helpline: 080 80 1000000; and a website: www.visitwales.com. The Wales Tourist Board campaign is being developed alongside, and is fully integrated with, the UK public information campaign. There are advertisements in the press today. The provision of sensible and responsible information will help to stimulate the marketplace.

Dechreuodd ymgyrch gyfathrebu Bwrdd Croeso Cymru ddoe hefyd. Mae llinell gymorth rhadffon ar agor: 080 80 1000000; a gwefan: www.visitwales.com. Caiff ymgyrch Bwrdd Croeso Cymru ei datblygu yr un pryd, ac mae wedi ei hintegreiddio’n llawn ag ymgyrch gwybodaeth gyhoeddus y DU. Mae hysbysebion yn y wasg heddiw. Bydd darparu gwybodaeth synhwyrol a chyfrifol yn helpu i ysgogi’r farchnad.

Organisations such as Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments and the National Trust are reviewing which of their sites can reopen. A large number of attractions are already open and many more will be reopening for Easter. The Wales Tourist Board is preparing for the relaunch of tourism when the disease has abated. I will be involved fully in getting the message across to our main markets. The Welsh Development Agency has also been active in co-ordinating Wales’s largest presence ever at the International Food Exhibition, which will be held in London next week. Some 25 Welsh food and drink companies will exhibit. This is aimed at developing a strong agri-food sector in Wales.

Mae sefydliadau fel Cadw a’r Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol yn adolygu’r sefyllfa i weld pa safleoedd y gallant eu hailagor. Mae nifer fawr o atyniadau eisoes ar agor a bydd llawer mwy yn ailagor ar gyfer y Pasg. Mae Bwrdd Croeso Cymru yn paratoi i ail-lansio twristiaeth pan fydd y clwyf wedi cilio. Byddaf yn chwarae rhan lawn yn y broses o gyfleu’r neges i’n prif farchnadoedd. Bu Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru yn weithgar wrth gydlynu presenoldeb mwyaf Cymru erioed yn yr Arddangosfa Fwyd Ryngwladol, a gynhelir yn Llundain yr wythnos nesaf. Bydd tua 25 o gwmnïau bwyd a diod Cymru yn arddangos. Anelir hyn at ddatblygu sector bwyd-amaeth cryf yng Nghymru.

I attended a meeting of the UK rural taskforce on Tuesday. Michael Meacher chaired the meeting, and ministers from the relevant UK Government departments and the devolved administrations attended. Michael Meacher subsequently made a statement to the House of Commons. I spoke at the daily press conference and issued a press statement on the matter.

Mynychais gyfarfod o dasglu gwledig y DU ddydd Mawrth. Cadeiriodd Michael Meacher y cyfarfod, ac fe’i mynychwyd gan weinidogion o adrannau perthnasol Llywodraeth y DU a’r gweinyddiaethau datganoledig. Yn dilyn hyn, cyflwynodd Michael Meacher ddatganiad i Dŷ’r Cyffredin. Siaradais yn y gynhadledd ddyddiol i’r wasg a chyhoeddais ddatganiad i’r wasg ar y mater.

A preliminary package of measures was announced to alleviate the immediate financial hardship of small businesses in rural areas. First, the Inland Revenue and Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise have been asked to adopt a sympathetic approach to businesses experiencing financial problems as a result of the outbreak. This includes exercising their flexibilities to defer payments of taxes and National Insurance contributions, and agree extended arrangements for time to pay.

Cyhoeddwyd pecyn cychwynnol o fesurau i leddfu’r caledi ariannol uniongyrchol ar fusnesau bach mewn ardaloedd gwledig. Yn gyntaf, gofynnwyd i Gyllid y Wlad a Thollau Tramor a Chartref Ei Mawrhydi fabwysiadu ymagwedd gydymdeimladol tuag at fusnesau sydd yn wynebu problemau ariannol o ganlyniad i’r clwyf. Mae hyn yn cynnwys ymarfer eu hyblygrwydd i oedi taliadau treth a chyfraniadau Yswiriant Gwladol a chytuno ar drefniadau estynedig ar gyfer amser i dalu.

Secondly, rural businesses will have access, via Business Connect and the relevant agencies, to advice on the support available to them. Thirdly, the Job Seekers Allowance may be available to employees and self-employed people who are out of work as a result of the foot and mouth disease. The Department of Social Security will ensure that its procedures are as fast and as flexible as possible. Fourthly, the UK Government announced that it would match the public donations that have been made to the voluntary organisations to relieve rural distress.

Yn ail, bydd gan fusnesau gwledig yr hawl i gael cyngor ar y cymorth sydd ar gael iddynt drwy Gyswllt Busnes a’r asiantaethau perthnasol. Yn drydydd, efallai y bydd y Lwfans Ceisio Gwaith ar gael i gyflogeion a phobl hunan-gyflogedig sydd yn ddi-waith o ganlyniad i glwy’r traed a’r genau. Bydd yr Adran Nawdd Cymdeithasol yn sicrhau bod ei gweithdrefnau mor gyflym a hyblyg â phosibl. Yn bedwerydd, cyhoeddodd Llywodraeth y DU y byddai’n rhoi arian yn cyfateb i’r rhoddion cyhoeddus a wnaethpwyd i’r sefydliadau gwirfoddol i leddfu trallod gwledig.

The rural taskforce also discussed the possibility of help to rural businesses through the rates system. This is a devolved matter and the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities and I are currently considering all aspects of this issue, and there will be a Cabinet statement next week. The Valuation Office Agency has already indicated that it will consider valid applications from businesses for reductions in rateable value as a result of a material change in circumstances. Michael Meacher’s statement also referred to extra funding for the tourist boards. We have not yet received further information on this, but the matter is under active consideration, and I will make a statement shortly.

Trafododd y tasglu gwledig hefyd y posibilrwydd o gymorth i fusnesau gwledig drwy’r system trethi. Mae hwn yn fater datganoledig ac mae’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau, a minnau yn ystyried ar hyn o bryd pob agwedd ar y mater hwn, a bydd datganiad gan y Cabinet yr wythnos nesaf. Eisoes mae Asiantaeth y Swyddfa Brisio wedi awgrymu y bydd yn ystyried ceisiadau dilys gan fusnesau ar gyfer gostyngiadau mewn gwerth trethadwy o ganlyniad i newid perthnasol mewn amgylchiadau. Cyfeiria datganiad Michael Meacher hefyd at arian ychwanegol ar gyfer y byrddau croeso. Ni chawsom wybodaeth bellach am hyn, ond mae’r mater yn cael ei ystyried ar hyn o bryd, a gwnaf ddatganiad yn fuan.

These are the main developments at present. It is too early to say whether we have turned the corner in terms of re-establishing the rural tourism industry, but I assure Members that we are pulling out all the stops to ensure that everything possible is being done. I shall, of course, continue to keep the Assembly informed.

Dyma’r prif ddatblygiadau ar hyn o bryd. Mae’n rhy gynnar dweud a ydym wedi goresgyn yr anawsterau o ran ailsefydlu’r diwydiant twristiaeth gwledig, ond rhoddaf sicrwydd i’r Aelodau ein bod yn gwneud ein gorau i sicrhau bod popeth posibl yn cael ei wneud. Wrth gwrs, parhaf i hysbysu’r Cynulliad yn rheolaidd.

Dafydd Wigley spoken in English p. 29

Dafydd Wigley siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 29

We have had a statement that was gushing with sympathy, but totally devoid of firm commitments. We have heard Mike passing the buck to everyone else—the banks, the utilities, the DTI, the WDA, Cadw, local government and the Wales Tourist Board, but not a single extra penny in firm commitment to tourism operators. Does he realise that tourist-related and agricultural-related businesses are facing destitution as a result of the failure of public policy to prevent the importation of foot and mouth affected meat from abroad and that cash is needed now to avoid a serious cashflow crisis? All the Minister seems to be advising them to do is to speak to their bank manager. That is an abdication of responsibility. Does he realise that bookings in north-west Wales are down 80 per cent on a comparable period last year? The industry is now losing between £10 million and £20 million a week. Does he accept that there is no need whatsoever to cancel meetings and conferences in which people do not need to interface with animals and agricultural land? Why, therefore, did his department cancel the Objective 1 meeting in Llandudno last week on the pretext of the effect of the foot and mouth disease outbreak crisis? Will he clarify whether he is a full member of the UK taskforce, or is he only there as an observer?

Cawsom ddatganiad a oedd yn byrlymu â chydymdeimlad, ond yn amddifad o ymrwymiadau cadarn. Clywsom Mike yn taflu’r baich ar bawb arall—y banciau, y cyfleustodau, yr Adran Masnach a Diwydiant, y WDA, Cadw, llywodraeth leol a Bwrdd Croeso Cymru, ond nid un geiniog ychwanegol mewn ymrwymiad cadarn i weithredwyr twristiaeth. A yw’n sylweddoli bod busnesau sydd yn gysylltiedig â thwristiaeth ac amaethyddiaeth yn wynebu tlodi o ganlyniad i fethiant y polisi cyhoeddus i atal cig wedi ei effeithio gan glwy’r traed a’r genau rhag cael ei fewnforio o dramor a bod angen yr arian yn awr i osgoi argyfwng llif arian difrifol? Y cyfan y mae’r Gweinidog yn eu cynghori i’w wneud yn ôl pob tebyg yw siarad â’u rheolwr banc. Mae hynny’n ymwrthod â chyfrifoldeb. A yw’n sylweddoli bod archebion yng ngogledd-orllewin Cymru 80 y cant yn is nag yr oeddent mewn cyfnod cyfatebol y llynedd? Mae’r diwydiant yn colli rhwng £10 miliwn ac £20 miliwn yr wythnos erbyn hyn. A yw’n derbyn nad oes unrhyw angen diddymu cyfarfodydd a chynadleddau lle nad oes angen i bobl ddod i gysylltiad ag anifeiliaid a thir amaethyddol? Pam, felly, y canslodd ei adran y cyfarfod Amcan 1 yn Llandudno yr wythnos diwethaf dan esgus effaith argyfwng clwy’r traed a’r genau? A wnaiff egluro a yw’n aelod llawn o dasglu’r DU neu a yw yno fel sylwedydd yn unig?

I press you to give hard facts, not woolly words, on four specific matters. First, what guidance are you giving to local authorities on providing a business rate holiday for businesses hit by this crisis? What is the mechanism for reimbursing local authorities of the costs that are entailed in this? Michael Meacher gave details of proposals for England, what is the situation for Wales? Secondly, what additional funds have been requested by the Wales Tourist Board to market our tourism products? How much money have you promised you will make available to them to ensure that they can do so? Thirdly, will you establish a fund in Wales to help by way of interest-free loans to sustain cashflow? Fourthly, is the Government willing to underwrite the banks if they extend credit beyond what they would normally do on a commercial basis? Finally, will you give an assurance that the additional cost of dealing with this crisis will be met entirely out of the consolidated fund over and above the Barnett block, and that it will not need to be funded at the expense of other services that fall on the National Assembly?

Pwysaf arnoch i roi ffeithiau go iawn, nid geiriau aneglur, ar bedwar mater penodol. Yn gyntaf, pa arweiniad a roddwch i awdurdodau lleol ar ddarparu gwyliau trethi busnes i fusnesau yr effeithiwyd arnynt gan yr argyfwng? Beth yw’r mecanwaith ar gyfer ad-dalu’r costau sydd ynghlwm wrth hyn i awdurdodau lleol? Rhoddodd Michael Meacher fanylion am gynigion ar gyfer Lloegr. Beth yw’r sefyllfa ar gyfer Cymru? Yn ail, pa arian ychwanegol y gofynnodd Bwrdd Croeso Cymru amdano i farchnata ein cynnyrch twristiaeth? Faint o arian a addawsoch y byddech yn ei roi iddynt i sicrhau y gallant wneud hynny? Yn drydydd, a sefydlwch gronfa yng Nghymru i helpu drwy gyfrwng benthyciadau di-log i gynnal y llif arian? Yn bedwerydd, a yw’r Llywodraeth yn fodlon gwarantu banciau os ymestynnant y credyd y tu hwnt i’r hyn y byddent yn ei wneud ar sail fasnachol? Yn olaf, a roddwch sicrwydd y caiff y gost ychwanegol o ddelio â’r argyfwng hwn ei thalu o’r gronfa atgyfnerthu yn ychwanegol at floc Barnett, ac na fydd angen ei ariannu ar draul gwasanaethau eraill y mae’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn gyfrifol amdanynt?

Michael German spoken in English p. 30

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

I am well aware of the distress that has been caused in rural areas, as well as in some urban areas, where tourism has been affected through the lack of tourists coming to Wales, and to the United Kingdom as a whole. The agencies to which you refer are the responsibility of the National Assembly and will carry out most of the work that needs to be done to assist people. The Welsh Development Agency, Cadw, the Wales Tourist Board, the National Museums and Galleries of Wales are all part of and are responsible to the National Assembly and will be involved in the recovery plan that must take place. The decision to cancel the Objective 1 monitoring committee was taken by its Chair on behalf of the Committee. I repeat that the Assembly does not control the monitoring committee. The guidance that has now been issued to local authorities and across the board has made it much clearer for people who are organising meetings. The papers that Carwyn issued made those points clear.

Yr wyf yn ymwybodol iawn o’r trallod a achoswyd mewn ardaloedd gwledig, yn ogystal â rhai ardaloedd trefol, lle yr effeithiwyd ar dwristiaeth oherwydd prinder twristiaid yn dod i Gymru, ac i’r Deyrnas Unedig yn gyffredinol. Cyfrifoldeb y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yw’r asiantaethau hynny y cyfeiriwch atynt a byddant yn cyflawni’r rhan fwyaf o’r gwaith y mae angen ei wneud i helpu pobl. Mae Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru, Cadw, Bwrdd Croeso Cymru, Amgueddfeydd ac Orielau Cenedlaethol Cymru oll yn rhan o’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ac yn atebol iddo a byddant yn ymwneud â’r cynllun adfer sydd yn gorfod cael ei lunio. Gwnaethpwyd y penderfyniad i ganslo’r pwyllgor monitro Amcan 1 gan y Cadeirydd ar ran y Pwyllgor. Dywedaf unwaith eto nad yw’r Cynulliad yn rheoli’r pwyllgor monitro. Mae’r arweiniad a gyhoeddwyd i awdurdodau lleol ac yn gyffredinol wedi egluro pethau’n well o lawer i’r bobl sydd yn trefnu cyfarfodydd. Gwnaeth y papurau a gyhoeddodd Carwyn y pwyntiau hynny’n glir.

On the four points that you raised, I made it clear in my statement that the issues of funding and how this will be approached will be dealt with in further announcements. It is not true to say that the detail of the business rates scheme for England has been made clear. It is only the shell and outline of that that has been made clear. The detail has not yet been made public, but that will happen shortly. The negotiation discussions about funding are crucial and are ongoing. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to make a comment at this time.

O ran y pedwar pwynt a godwyd gennych, eglurais yn fy natganiad yr ymdrinnir â materion ariannu a sut yr eir i’r afael â hyn mewn cyhoeddiadau pellach. Nid yw’n wir dweud yr eglurwyd manylion y cynllun trethi busnes ar gyfer Lloegr. Dim ond cragen ac amlinelliad y cynllun a eglurwyd. Nid yw’r manylion yn gyhoeddus eto, ond bydd hynny’n digwydd cyn bo hir. Mae’r trafodaethau negodi ynglŷn ag ariannu yn holl bwysig ac yn parhau. Felly, ni fyddai’n briodol imi roi sylwadau ar hynny ar yr adeg hon.

I note your point about interest-free loans and I will pursue that matter with Finance Wales, to see whether it would be necessary and possible for the Assembly to undertake such work. In respect of the underwriting of the banks, I asked them if there was anything that I could do to support them in their work. No such request was made to me, but I will raise the matter again with them when I see them at the next meeting. I offered to assist them in anything that would help them but, to date, there has been no request for that assistance from me.

Nodaf eich pwynt ynglŷn â benthyciadau di-log a byddaf yn bwrw ymlaen â’r mater hwnnw gyda Chyllid Cymru, i weld a fyddai angen ac a fyddai’n bosibl i’r Cynulliad ymgymryd â gwaith o’r fath. Mewn perthynas â gwarantu’r banciau, gofynnais iddynt a oedd unrhyw beth y gallwn i ei wneud i’w cynorthwyo yn eu gwaith. Ni chefais gais o’r fath, ond codaf y mater unwaith eto gyda hwy pan welaf hwy yn y cyfarfod nesaf. Cynigiais eu cynorthwyo gydag unrhyw beth a fyddai’n eu helpu, ond hyd yn hyn, ni chefais unrhyw gais am y cymorth hwnnw.

To answer Dafydd Wigley’s question, I am a full member of the UK rural taskforce.

I ateb cwestiwn Dafydd Wigley, yr wyf yn aelod llawn o dasglu gwledig y DU.

Val Feld spoken in English p. 31

Val Feld siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 31

Mike, I commend you on the statement and on the time and effort that I know that you are putting into this urgent and serious problem. I appreciate that the situation changes daily. However, in view of the importance that you have rightly placed on getting information out, will you undertake to find a means of updating Members daily on the new initiatives, press releases and statements that you are issuing? I understand from our discussions in the Economic Development Committee meeting yesterday that you are holding press conferences that other Members can attend if they so wish. Therefore, will you undertake to find a way of updating us so that we can pass on information directly to the people who contact us?

Fe’ch cymeradwyaf ar y datganiad ac am yr amser a’r ymdrech y gwn y treuliwch ar y broblem bwysig a difrifol hon. Gwerthfawrogaf fod y sefyllfa’n newid yn ddyddiol. Fodd bynnag, yng ngoleuni’r pwysigrwydd a osodwyd gennych ar ddosbarthu gwybodaeth, a ydych yn addo dod o hyd i ffordd o roi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i’r Aelodau yn ddyddiol ar y mentrau newydd a’r datganiadau i’r wasg a gyhoeddwch? Deallaf o’n trafodaethau yng nghyfarfod y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd ddoe eich bod yn cynnal cynadleddau’r wasg y gall Aelodau eraill eu mynychu os dymunant. Felly, a ymrwymwch i ddod o hyd i ffordd o roi’r newyddion diweddaraf inni fel y gallwn gyfleu’r wybodaeth yn uniongyrchol i’r bobl sydd yn cysylltu â ni?

My second question relates to the financial assistance available to businesses. Many of them may already have applied and had approval for a European grant or a grant under Section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969, for development of their tourism business. Have you had an opportunity to consider whether these might be rescheduled, so that businesses can use them more flexibly to assist them through the current crisis and to market their business?

Mae fy ail gwestiwn yn ymwneud â’r cymorth ariannol sydd ar gael i fusnesau. Eisoes gwnaeth llawer ohonynt gais a chawsant gymeradwyaeth am grant Ewropeaidd neu grant o dan Adran 4 Deddf Datblygu Twristiaeth 1969, i ddatblygu eu busnes twristiaeth eu hunain. A gawsoch gyfle i ystyried a ellid ad-drefnu’r rhain fel y gall busnesau eu defnyddio yn fwy hyblyg i’w helpu drwy’r argyfwng presennol a’u helpu i farchnata eu busnes?

Michael German spoken in English p. 32

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 32

On your first point about keeping Members informed, it is difficult, as you know, in a situation that changes not just daily but hourly, to ensure that the best information is available. I gave a commitment to the Economic Development Committee yesterday—and I give it to the Assembly now—that I will circulate a note to all Members, which will indicate when press conferences are scheduled so that Members can be aware of them. Where any written statements have been issued, I will ensure that they are placed on the intranet.

Mewn perthynas â’ch pwynt cyntaf ynglŷn â hysbysu’r Aelodau yn rheolaidd, mae’n anodd, fel y gwyddoch, mewn sefyllfa sydd nid yn unig yn newid yn ddyddiol, ond bob awr, sicrhau bod yr wybodaeth orau ar gael. Rhoddais ymrwymiad i’r Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd ddoe—a rhoddaf un i’r Cynulliad yn awr—yr anfonaf nodyn at bob Aelod, a fydd yn nodi pryd y cynhelir cynadleddau’r wasg fel y gall yr Aelodau fod yn ymwybodol ohonynt. Pan gyhoeddir unrhyw ddatganiadau ysgrifenedig, byddaf yn sicrhau eu bod ar gael ar y fewnrwyd.

I suggest that Members take advice from our website. I have also circulated to Members the website address of the Wales Tourist Board. That website gives access to information about which attractions, events and so forth are open across Wales. It will be tricky to keep everybody fully informed but, whenever there is a written statement or a website available for information, I will ensure that you know where it is.

Awgrymaf fod yr Aelodau yn cael cyngor o’n gwefan. Anfonais gyfeiriad gwefan Bwrdd Croeso Cymru at yr Aelodau hefyd. Rhydd y wefan honno fynediad i wybodaeth am ba atyniadau, digwyddiadau ac yn y blaen sydd ar agor ledled Cymru. Bydd yn anodd rhoi’r newyddion diweddaraf i bawb, ond pryd bynnag y bydd datganiad ysgrifenedig neu wefan ar gael am wybodaeth, byddaf yn sicrhau eich bod yn gwybod ble y mae.

On your second point about grants under Section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969, most of these are capital grants that deal with the extension of properties. However, where it is possible to use those for assistance, I will ensure that the Wales Tourist Board is aware of that and ensure that their clients know that.

O ran eich ail bwynt ynglŷn â grantiau o dan Adran 4 Deddf Datblygu Twristiaeth 1969, grantiau cyfalaf yw’r rhan fwyaf o’r rhain sydd yn delio ag ymestyn eiddo. Fodd bynnag, lle mae’n bosibl defnyddio’r rheini er mwyn rhoi cymorth, byddaf yn sicrhau bod Bwrdd Croeso Cymru yn ymwybodol o hynny ac yn sicrhau bod y clientau yn gwybod hynny.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 33

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 33

I have five points. The first relates to the somewhat mixed messages that are being sent out to potential tourists and visitors to Wales. You say that Wales is open for business, but we understand from information received yesterday that many travel firms are advising people from the Republic of Ireland, for example, that they should not visit the United Kingdom. We understand that some travel firms are advising visitors from the United States of America that, if they do visit Wales, they should not eat red meat. Mixed messages are being sent out about the viability of Wales and the United Kingdom as a tourist destination. What information do you have about that and what action will you take?

Mae gennyf bum pwynt. Mae’r cyntaf yn ymwneud â’r negeseuon cymysglyd braidd a gyflëir i ddarpar dwristiaid ac ymwelwyr â Chymru. Yr ydych yn dweud bod Cymru ar agor ar gyfer busnes, ond deallwn o’r wybodaeth a gafwyd ddoe fod llawer o gwmnïau teithio yn cynghori pobl o Weriniaeth Iwerddon, er enghraifft, i beidio ag ymweld â’r Deyrnas Unedig. Deallwn fod rhai cwmnïau teithio yn cynghori ymwelwyr o Unol Daleithiau America, os ydynt yn ymweld â Chymru, i beidio â bwyta cig coch. Cyflëir negeseuon cymysglyd ynglŷn â dichonolrwydd Cymru a’r Deyrnas Unedig fel cyrchfan i dwristiaid. Pa wybodaeth sydd gennych am hynny a pha gamau a gymerwch?

Your statement referred to footpaths. We would support the reopening of footpaths, but only if vets and officials gave clear and unambiguous advice about the potential risks. We want to know the risks. We would not sanction the reopening of footpaths if the spread of the disease continued as a result. We would be concerned if it were to contribute to prolonging this crisis.

Cyfeiriodd eich datganiad at lwybrau troed. Byddem yn cefnogi ailagor llwybrau troed, ond dim ond os bydd milfeddygon a swyddogion yn rhoi cyngor clir a diamwys ynglŷn â’r risgiau posibl. Yr ydym am wybod am y risgiau. Ni fyddem yn cymeradwyo ailagor llwybrau troed pe bai’r clwyf yn parhau i ledaenu. Byddem yn pryderu pe bai’n cyfrannu at ymestyn yr argyfwng hwn.

My third point is similar to that raised by Dafydd Wigley on the UK rural taskforce. I want clarification about your role as the permanent representative. We would be concerned if the First Minister was not participating in those discussions. We understand that it falls within your remit of economic development, but this is a national crisis that demands national leadership. We would be concerned if you alone were the permanent representative on the taskforce.

Mae fy nhrydydd pwynt yn debyg i’r un a godwyd gan Dafydd Wigley ar dasglu gwledig y DU. Yr wyf am gael eglurhad o’ch rôl fel y cynrychiolydd parhaol. Byddem yn pryderu pe na bai’r Prif Weinidog yn cymryd rhan yn y trafodaethau hynny. Deallwn fod hwn o fewn eich cylch gwaith datblygu economaidd, ond mae’n argyfwng cenedlaethol sydd yn galw am arweinyddiaeth genedlaethol. Byddem yn pryderu os mai chi yn unig oedd y cynrychiolydd parhaol ar y tasglu.

My fourth point refers to the measures taken to alleviate this crisis, either now or when the crisis comes to a head. We want to see a clear commitment from the administration and Westminster as to what will be done not only in the short term but also in the long term. If measures were to apply in England, we would wish to see measures applied in Wales to alleviate the hardship that is being caused and which will still be caused when the crisis is stemmed. We want to see that clear commitment from you and from your colleagues in Westminster.

Mae fy mhedwerydd pwynt yn cyfeirio at y mesurau a gymerwyd i leddfu’r argyfwng hwn, naill ai yn awr neu pan ddaw’r argyfwng i ben. Yr ydym am weld ymrwymiad clir gan y weinyddiaeth a San Steffan ynglŷn â beth a gaiff ei wneud nid yn unig yn y tymor byr ond yn y tymor hir hefyd. Pe câi mesurau eu cymhwyso yn Lloegr, byddem am weld mesurau’n cael eu cymhwyso yng Nghymru i leddfu’r caledi a achosir ac a fydd yn parhau i gael ei achosi pan gaiff yr argyfwng ei atal. Yr ydym am weld yr ymrwymiad clir hwnnw gennych chi a chan eich cydweithwyr yn San Steffan.

My fifth point is another serious issue. Our researchers telephoned the hotline that you announced had been established. I must report the disturbing news to the Assembly that the hotline is a recorded message providing more telephone numbers for people to ring. That is not a proactive way of ensuring that people in the agriculture and tourism sectors receive messages and communications. We need to ensure that people have access to information that is readily available and that they are not diverted from one freephone number to another.

Mae fy mhumed pwynt yn fater difrifol arall. Ffoniodd ein hymchwilwyr y llinell gymorth y cyhoeddasoch ei bod wedi ei sefydlu. Rhaid imi gyfleu’r newyddion brawychus i’r Cynulliad mai neges wedi ei recordio yw’r llinell gymorth sydd yn darparu mwy o rifau ffôn i bobl eu ffonio. Nid yw hon yn ffordd ragweithiol o sicrhau bod pobl yn y sectorau amaethyddiaeth a thwristiaeth yn cael negeseuon. Mae angen inni sicrhau bod pobl yn cael gafael ar wybodaeth yn hawdd ac na chânt eu harallgyfeirio o un rhif rhadffon i un arall.

I would be grateful if you could deal with those five points.

Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallech ddelio â’r pum pwynt hynny.

Michael German spoken in English p. 34

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 34

You are right that mixed messages are being sent out about the viability of Wales and the United Kingdom as a tourist destination, with people being told that the situation is not good here in terms of eating and visiting. I am undertaking, along with UK tourism Ministers, to ensure that we put this right and restore confidence. You will know that the UK Minister responsible for tourism in England was in the United States yesterday to ensure that happened. I spoke to the United States Embassy last weekend and I met representatives of the United States Embassy to put this point to them. The United States Embassy website now carries up to date information about tourism and visiting the United Kingdom. Hopefully, we will continue to convey that message to travel agents and to the travel market. That work will continue and I will play my part.

Yr ydych yn iawn pan ddywedwch fod negeseuon cymysglyd yn cael eu cyfleu ynglŷn â dichonolrwydd Cymru a’r Deyrnas Unedig fel cyrchfan i dwristiaid, gyda phobl yn cael eu hysbysu nad yw’r sefyllfa yn dda yma o ran bwyta ac ymweld. Yr wyf yn ymrwymo, ynghyd â Gweinidogion twristiaeth y DU, i sicrhau ein bod yn unioni pethau ac yn adfer hyder. Fe wyddoch y bu Gweinidog y DU sydd yn gyfrifol am dwristiaeth yn Lloegr yn yr Unol Daleithiau ddoe er mwyn sicrhau bod hynny’n digwydd. Siaradais â Llysgenhadaeth yr Unol Daleithiau y penwythnos diwethaf a chyfarfûm â chynrychiolwyr o Lysgenhadaeth yr Unol Daleithiau gan wneud y pwynt hwnnw. Bellach mae gwefan Llysgenhadaeth yr Unol Daleithiau yn cynnwys yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am dwristiaeth ac ynglŷn ag ymweld â’r Deyrnas Unedig. Gobeithio y byddwn yn parhau i gyfleu’r neges honno i asiantau teithio ac i’r farchnad deithio. Bydd y gwaith hwnnw yn parhau a byddaf yn chwarae fy rhan.

Risk assessment is essential before local authorities reopen their footpaths. That work is ongoing. I am pleased to report that the national parks met yesterday and they are undertaking a risk assessment with a view to opening footpaths where appropriate, as is Pembrokeshire coast national park. Carwyn announced that veterinary help would be available to any local authority that requires assistance to undertake that risk assessment.

Mae asesu risg yn hanfodol cyn bod awdurdodau lleol yn ailagor eu llwybrau troed. Mae’r gwaith hwnnw’n mynd rhagddo. Yr wyf yn falch o nodi bod y parciau cenedlaethol wedi cyfarfod ddoe a’u bod yn cynnal asesiad risg gyda’r nod o agor llwybrau troed lle bo hynny’n briodol, fel y mae parc cenedlaethol arfordir Sir Benfro yn ei wneud. Cyhoeddodd Carwyn y byddai cymorth milfeddygon ar gael i unrhyw awdurdod lleol sydd yn gofyn am gymorth i gynnal yr asesiad risg hwnnw.

I note your comments about the taskforce but we are a team in the National Assembly and we are managing well. With regard to the measures to alleviate the situation in the longer term, you may not have heard the commitment that the Wales Tourist Board gave to the Economic Development Committee that they have a marketing plan ready to run as soon as the crisis is over.

Nodaf eich sylwadau am y tasglu ond yr ydym yn dîm yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ac yn ymdopi’n dda. O ran y mesurau i leddfu’r sefyllfa yn y tymor hwy, efallai na chlywsoch am yr ymrwymiad a wnaeth Bwrdd Croeso Cymru i’r Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd, sef bod ganddynt gynllun marchnata yn barod i’w redeg cyn gynted ag y daw’r argyfwng i ben.

I checked the hotline yesterday morning. There is a recorded message that invites people to push one of three buttons depending on whether they want to get through to north, mid and west or south Wales. I left a message for the hotline operators in the three areas to wish them well. They are asked difficult questions about what attractions are open and what attractions are closed.

Ffoniais y llinell gymorth fore ddoe. Mae neges wedi ei recordio arni yn gwahodd pobl i wasgu un o dri botwm yn dibynnu ar yr ardal y maent am gysylltu â hi sef naill ai gogledd, canolbarth a gorllewin neu dde Cymru. Gadewais neges ar gyfer gweithredwyr y llinell gymorth yn y tair ardal i ddymuno’n dda iddynt. Gofynnir cwestiynau anodd iddynt ynglŷn â pha atyniadau sydd ar agor a pha atyniadau sydd ar gau.

Our task is to encourage people to come back to Wales. We do not need trite points. We want to show how our system works. The Wales Tourist Board staff in north, mid and west and south Wales work hard and efficiently to satisfy the needs of our future customers. We have spread the task across the piece to all parts of Wales.

Ein tasg yw annog pobl i ddychwelyd i Gymru. Nid oes angen pwyntiau ystrydebol arnom. Yr ydym am ddangos sut mae ein system yn gweithio. Gweithia staff Bwrdd Croeso Cymru yng ngogledd, canolbarth a gorllewin a de Cymru yn galed ac effeithlon iawn i ddiwallu anghenion ein cwsmeriaid yn y dyfodol. Rhannwyd y dasg gennym ar draws pob rhan o Gymru.

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 35

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 35

I welcome your statement, Mike. It is important that the Assembly is seen to be giving regular updates on the steps taken to assist the tourism industry. I welcome your statement on assistance with business rates. Will you confirm that a range of businesses will be entitled to such support? Powys County Council has a good scheme, but it is limited to post offices and single village shops and pubs. Businesses across the rural economy are being affected. Will you confirm that this assistance will be open to all businesses in rural areas that have suffered as a result of this crisis?

Croesawaf eich datganiad, Mike. Mae’n bwysig bod y Cynulliad yn cael ei weld yn rhoi’r newyddion diweddaraf yn rheolaidd am y camau a gymerwyd i helpu’r diwydiant twristiaeth. Croesawaf eich datganiad ar gymorth gyda threthi busnes. A gadarnhewch y bydd hawl gan ystod o fusnesau i gymorth o’r fath? Mae gan Gyngor Sir Powys gynllun da, ond fe’i cyfyngir i swyddfeydd post a siopau a thafarndai pentref unigol. Effeithir ar fusnesau ar draws yr economi wledig. A gadarnhewch y bydd y cymorth hwn ar gael i bob busnes mewn ardaloedd gwledig sydd wedi dioddef o ganlyniad i’r argyfwng hwn?

Furthermore, will you press the Government to put extra resources into the Valuation Office Agency in Merthyr Tydfil, which deals with mid Wales? There is sometimes a two-year waiting list for business rates revaluation, and that was before this crisis. If we now ask people to submit claims for business rates revaluation, they will need to be handled quickly. The Valuation Office Agency in Merthyr will need extra personnel to deal with this re-valuation work.

Yn ogystal, a bwyswch ar y Llywodraeth i roi adnoddau ychwanegol i Asiantaeth y Swyddfa Brisio ym Merthyr Tudful, sydd yn delio â chanolbarth Cymru? Weithiau mae rhestr aros o ddwy flynedd ar gyfer adbrisio trethi busnes ac yr oedd hynny cyn yr argyfwng hwn. Os gofynnwn yn awr i bobl gyflwyno ceisiadau am adbrisio trethi busnes, bydd angen ymdrin â hwy yn gyflym. Bydd angen personél ychwanegol ar Asiantaeth y Swyddfa Brisio i ddelio â’r gwaith adbrisio hwn.

The opening up of areas presents a dilemma in many rural areas as a balance needs to be struck between supporting tourism and protecting farms from the spread of the disease. I note today that the Brecon Beacons national park is meeting with tourism operators and the farming unions to discuss a way forward. Will you advise all bodies to look at how to open up countryside areas, take action in consultation with agricultural industries in order to allay farmers’ fears about the potential opening up of footpaths and larger areas of the countryside? It is important that they, and other organisations, are informed of the process and of the location of suspected and confirmed cases. We have a ‘moveable feast’ and they need to be informed about the spread of the disease so that they can revaluate the situation as regards to what is open and what is closed.

Mae agor ardaloedd yn creu dilema mewn sawl ardal wledig gan fod angen taro cydbwysedd rhwng cefnogi twristiaeth a diogelu ffermydd rhag ymlediad y clwyf. Nodaf heddiw fod parc cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog yn cyfarfod â gweithredwyr twristiaeth a’r undebau ffermio i drafod ffordd ymlaen. A gynghorwch bob corff i edrych ar sut i agor ardaloedd cefn gwlad, cymryd camau drwy ymgynghori â diwydiannau amaethyddol er mwyn lleddfu pryderon ffermwyr ynglŷn â’r posibilrwydd o agor llwybrau troed ac ardaloedd mwy o gefn gwlad? Mae’n bwysig y cânt hwy, a sefydliadau eraill, eu hysbysu o’r broses ac o leoliad achosion posibl ac achosion wedi eu cadarnhau. Mae gennym ‘ŵyl symudol’ ac mae angen eu hysbysu o ymlediad y clwyf fel y gallant ailasesu’r sefyllfa o ran yr hyn sydd ar agor a’r hyn sydd ar gau.

I have spoken before about the devastating effects of rural stress and suicide. Many people in the tourism industry and in the agricultural community are under a great deal of stress, especially those who have lost their jobs as a result of this epidemic. Will you give further details about the rural stress helpline and help for those who have lost their jobs?

Yr wyf wedi sôn o’r blaen am effeithiau dinistriol straen gwledig a hunanladdiad. Mae llawer o bobl yn y diwydiant twristiaeth ac yn y gymuned amaethyddol o dan lawer iawn o bwysau, yn enwedig y rheini sydd wedi colli eu swyddi o ganlyniad i’r epidemig hwn. A roddwch ragor o fanylion am y llinell gymorth straen gwledig a help i’r rheini sydd wedi colli eu swyddi?

Michael German spoken in English p. 36

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 36

The Treasury statement—and I checked the verbatim report that was distributed at the UK’s rural taskforce meeting—states that business rate reduction would extend to farming, hotels and tourism related businesses, transport and haulage. It would be as broad as possible and would include catering and shops. There was certainty that there would be flexibility.

Noda datganiad y Trysorlys—a darllenais yr adroddiad gair am air a ddosbarthwyd yng nghyfarfod tasglu gwledig y DU—y byddai’r gostyngiad yn y dreth fusnes yn ymestyn i ffermio, gwestai a busnesau sydd yn gysylltiedig â thwristiaeth, trafnidiaeth a chludiant. Byddai mor eang â phosibl a byddai’n cynnwys arlwyo a siopau. Yr oedd sicrwydd y byddai hyblygrwydd.

Valuation is an important mater. We will guarantee that people will not have to worry about getting their applications in before 31 March for this financial year. It is my impression that the end date will be flexible so that people will be able to make applications at the beginning of the next financial year concerning matters in this financial year. I hope to make a definitive statement on that in my next statement to the Assembly. You are right about speed and the National Assembly is engaged in discussions on resourcing with the Valuation Office Agency’s offices in Wales, particularly the office in Merthyr Tydfil, to enable them to meet the demands placed on them.

Mae prisio yn fater pwysig. Byddwn yn gwarantu na fydd pobl yn gorfod gofidio ynglŷn ag anfon eu ceisiadau cyn 31 Mawrth ar gyfer y flwyddyn ariannol hon. Fy argraff i yw y bydd y dyddiad olaf yn hyblyg fel y gall pobl wneud ceisiadau ar ddechrau’r flwyddyn ariannol nesaf o ran materion yn y flwyddyn ariannol hon. Gobeithiaf wneud datganiad pendant ar hynny yn fy natganiad nesaf i’r Cynulliad. Yr ydych yn iawn ynglŷn â chyflymder ac mae’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol mewn trafodaethau ar adnoddau gyda swyddfeydd Asiantaeth y Swyddfa Brisio yng Nghymru, yn arbennig y swyddfa ym Merthyr Tudful, i’w galluogi i ateb y galwadau arnynt.

On the opening up of areas, the guidance issued by the Assembly, which was in addition to the general guidance issued to the whole of the UK, was specific as to what you can and cannot do in infected and non-infected areas. The guidance was accompanied by a map. However, the map changes daily. We tell people who contact the Assembly that any changes must be made in consultation with the appropriate veterinary advice. There is no point in exacerbating the situation. I encourage local authorities and bodies in Wales to work in partnership with the tourism and agricultural industries to ensure that we have responsible tourism so that there is no danger of spreading the disease in areas that have been opened up.

O ran agor ardaloedd, yr oedd yr arweiniad a gyhoeddwyd gan y Cynulliad, a oedd yn ychwanegol at yr arweiniad cyffredinol a gyhoeddwyd i’r DU gyfan, yn benodol o ran yr hyn y gallwn ei wneud a’r hyn na allwn ei wneud mewn ardaloedd heintus ac ardaloedd heb eu heintio. Yr oedd map ynghlwm wrth yr arweiniad. Fodd bynnag, mae’r map yn newid bob dydd. Dywedwn wrth bobl sydd yn cysylltu â’r Cynulliad fod yn rhaid i unrhyw newidiadau gael eu gwneud drwy ymgynghori â’r cyngor priodol a roddir gan filfeddygon. Nid oes diben gwneud y sefyllfa’n waeth. Anogaf awdurdodau lleol a chyrff yng Nghymru i weithio mewn partneriaeth â’r diwydiannau twristiaeth ac amaethyddiaeth i sicrhau bod gennym ddiwydiant twristiaeth cyfrifol fel nad oes unrhyw berygl o ledaenu’r clwyf mewn ardaloedd a agorwyd.

Information is probably the most difficult area, and I alluded to it earlier. I have assured the Assembly that I will inform it of information sources. The information given by Carwyn Jones at the press conferences is up to date. However, nothing is available on paper. Assembly Members’ support staff may want to be present at those press conferences to listen to the current and up to date information and pass it on to Members. That is important.

Gwybodaeth yw’r maes anoddaf siŵr o fod, a chyfeiriais ato yn gynharach. Yr wyf wedi sicrhau’r Cynulliad y byddaf yn ei hysbysu o ffynonellau gwybodaeth. Yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf yw’r wybodaeth a roddodd Carwyn Jones yn y gynhadledd i’r wasg. Fodd bynnag, nid oes unrhyw beth ar gael ar bapur. Efallai y bydd staff cymorth Aelodau’r Cynulliad am fod yn bresennol yn y cynadleddau hynny i’r wasg er mwyn gwrando ar yr wybodaeth gyfredol a diweddaraf a’i throsglwyddo i’r Aelodau. Mae hynny’n bwysig.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Smith, gave a guarantee on stress lines. Most of the organisations represented on the rural taskforce appreciated his promise to match any public donations to rural stress lines with new Treasury money.

Rhoddodd Prif Ysgrifennydd y Trysorlys, Andrew Smith, sicrwydd ynglŷn â’r llinellau ffôn straen. Gwerthfawrogodd y rhan fwyaf o’r sefydliadau a gynrychiolir ar y tasglu gwledig ei addewid i roi swm o arian newydd gan y Trysorlys sydd yn cyfateb ag unrhyw roddion cyhoeddus i’r llinellau ffôn straen gwledig.

I mentioned the jobseeker’s allowance earlier. Help will also be available through the working families tax credit to those whose incomes are reduced. This will be made much more flexible. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has made the Department of Social Security aware of this and informed it that its approaches must be more flexible and that information must be available much more rapidly. I will give Members more detailed information on this when it becomes available.

Soniais am y lwfans ceisio gwaith yn gynharach. Bydd help ar gael hefyd drwy’r credyd treth i deuluoedd sy’n gweithio i’r rheini y gostyngir eu hincwm. Gwneir hyn yn llawer mwy hyblyg. Gwnaeth y Weinyddiaeth Amaethyddiaeth, Pysgodfeydd a Bwyd yr Adran Nawdd Cymdeithasol yn ymwybodol o hyn a’i hysbysu bod yn rhaid i’w hymagweddau fod yn fwy hyblyg ac y dylai’r wybodaeth fod ar gael yn gyflymach. Rhoddaf wybodaeth fanylach i’r Aelodau am hyn pan fydd ar gael.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 38

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 38

Before I call Janet Ryder, I remind Members of the statement made on Tuesday, namely that I have allowed extensive questions by lead speakers from each group. I will extend the time for questions on this statement beyond the usual 30 minutes because of the importance of this matter to all Members, particularly those who represent rural constituencies and regions. However, I ask Members to be succinct in their questions, as I am sure the Minister has and will be in his informative responses.

Cyn imi alw ar Janet Ryder, atgoffaf yr Aelodau o’r datganiad a wnaethpwyd ddydd Mawrth, sef fy mod wedi caniatáu cwestiynau helaeth gan brif siaradwyr pob grŵp. Ymestynnaf yr amser ar gyfer cwestiynau ar y datganiad hwn y tu hwnt i’r 30 munud arferol oherwydd pwysigrwydd y mater hwn i bob Aelod, yn arbennig y rheini sydd yn cynrychioli etholaethau a rhanbarthau gwledig. Fodd bynnag, gofynnaf i’r Aelodau fod yn gryno wrth ofyn eu cwestiynau, fel y gwnaeth y Gweinidog ac fel y gwnaiff mae’n siŵr yn ei atebion llawn gwybodaeth.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 38

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 38

I will press you again on business rates. Will you give me assurance on that? Michael Meacher yesterday gave clear indications of what he will do in England. When you give similar indications in Wales, what kind of evidence will claimants have to submit to prove hardship in terms of business rates? Will you give a firm commitment that any extra money will be over and above the Barnett block grant? Can I also ask—

Pwysaf arnoch unwaith eto ar fater trethi busnes. A roddwch sicrwydd imi ar hynny? Rhoddodd Michael Meacher arwyddion clir ddoe o’r hyn a wna yn Lloegr. Pan roddwch arwyddion tebyg yng Nghymru, pa fath o dystiolaeth y bydd hawlwyr yn gorfod ei chyflwyno i brofi caledi o ran trethi busnes? A roddwch ymrwymiad clir y bydd unrhyw arian ychwanegol yn fwy na grant bloc Barnett? A allaf ofyn hefyd—

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 38

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 38

Order. I cannot allow a further question. Plaid Cymru’s lead spokesperson had substantial time to ask questions. I cannot allow other party spokespeople—

Trefn. Ni allaf ganiatáu cwestiwn arall. Cafodd prif lefarydd Plaid Cymru ddigon o amser i ofyn cwestiynau. Ni allaf ganiatáu i lefarwyr eraill y pleidiau—

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 39

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

The Minister did not answer those questions.

Nid atebodd y Gweinidog y cwestiynau hynny.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 39

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

Order. I am not responsible for the content of answers. I am only responsible for the timing of questions and answers.

Trefn. Nid wyf yn gyfrifol am gynnwys yr atebion. Dim ond am amseriad y cwestiynau a’r atebion yr wyf yn gyfrifol.

Michael German spoken in English p. 39

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

Guidance to local authorities on the eligibility of businesses affected by the crisis for hardship rate relief will be issued within the next seven days.

Cyhoeddir arweiniad i awdurdodau lleol o fewn y saith niwrnod nesaf ar gymhwysedd y busnesau yr effeithir arnynt gan yr argyfwng i gael rhyddhad trethi caledi.

Dafydd Wigley spoken in English p. 39

Dafydd Wigley siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

Will it be over and above Barnett?

A fydd yn uwch na Barnett?

Michael German spoken in English p. 39

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

I answered that question in my statement.

Atebais y cwestiwn hwnnw yn fy natganiad.

Dafydd Wigley spoken in English p. 39

Dafydd Wigley siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

You did not.

Na wnaethoch.

Michael German siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 39

Michael German spoken in Welsh p. 39

I did.

Do, fe wneuthum.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 39

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

Order. I will not allow this to deteriorate into an argument. If Members listed to ask questions would like to raise the question that my soon to be former parliamentary colleague has raised from a sedentary position, he has provided a draft question for you.

Trefn. Ni chaniatâf i hyn droi yn ffrae. Os hoffai’r Aelodau a restrwyd i ofyn cwestiynau godi’r cwestiwn y cododd fy nghyd-Aelod Seneddol, a fydd yn gyn Aelod Seneddol cyn bo hir, ar ei eistedd, mae wedi darparu cwestiwn drafft i chi.

Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 39

Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

We all realise that this problem is concentrated in rural areas. However, even in my constituency, which I think is the most industrialised in Wales, I have received representations from constituents who have been affected by the fallout from foot and mouth disease. A widely circulated e-mail message stated that up to 10 businesses in my constituency have been affected by the fallout from foot and mouth. Your statement indicated that assistance would be available for rural areas. Will provision be made for businesses that are not strictly in a rural area but are dependent on rural business, such as would exist in my constituency?

Mae pob un ohonom yn sylweddoli bod hon yn broblem ddwys mewn ardaloedd gwledig. Fodd bynnag, hyd yn oed yn fy etholaeth i, sef yr un fwyaf diwydiannol yng Nghymru fe gredaf, derbyniais sylwadau gan etholwyr yr effeithiwyd arnynt gan ganlyniadau clwy’r traed a’r genau. Nododd neges e-bost a ddosbarthwyd yn eang fod canlyniadau clwy’r traed a’r genau wedi effeithio ar hyd at 10 o fusnesau yn fy etholaeth i. Awgrymodd eich datganiad y byddai cymorth ar gael ar gyfer ardaloedd gwledig. A wneir darpariaeth ar gyfer busnesau nad ydynt mewn ardal wledig ond sydd yn ddibynnol ar fusnesau gwledig, fel rhai sydd yn bodoli yn fy etholaeth i?

Michael German spoken in English p. 39

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

In respect of temporary respite because of valuation, it will apply universally across Wales. The valuation office will want proof that there has been a material change in business as a result of the foot and mouth epidemic. As I indicated, a statement on the reduction of business rates will be made to the Assembly shortly.

Mewn perthynas â gohiriad dros dro oherwydd prisio, bydd yn berthnasol ledled Cymru. Bydd y swyddfa brisio am gael tystiolaeth y bu newid perthnasol yn y busnes o ganlyniad i glwy’r traed a’r genau. Fel y nodais, gwneir datganiad ar ostwng trethi busnes i’r Cynulliad yn fuan.

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 40

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

Please tell me, Minister, that the small steps you have announced today are nothing more than an initial gesture in dealing with what I would describe as a national problem. Do you agree with Professor Roy Anderson, a leading epidemiologist, who said yesterday that this crisis will probably last throughout the summer and that we have seen nothing yet? I have been saying that for some time.

A wnewch chi ddweud wrthyf, Weinidog, nad yw’r camau bach a gyhoeddasoch heddiw fawr mwy nag arwydd cychwynnol wrth ddelio â’r hyn y byddwn yn ei ddisgrifio fel problem genedlaethol. A gytunwch â’r Athro Roy Anderson, epidemiolegydd blaenllaw, a ddywedodd ddoe y bydd yr argyfwng hwn yn parhau siŵr o fod drwy gydol yr haf ac mai dim ond dechrau yr ydym? Bûm yn dweud hynny ers peth amser.

I also have a question related to agriculture. I am disappointed that a statement has not been made on that.

Mae gennyf gwestiwn hefyd ynglŷn ag amaethyddiaeth. Yr wyf yn siomedig na wnaethpwyd datganiad ar hynny.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 40

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

You may only ask one question.

Dim ond un cwestiwn y gallwch ei ofyn.

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 40

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

This is related to the tourism aspect of the way in which we are not dealing with the current welfare problems in the agriculture industry. Thousands of sheep are dying on farms. Will you come forward with a clear decision about when farmers will know what will happen to their animals, so that they are not left lying dead in fields and putting tourists off visiting the countryside forever?

Mae hwn yn ymwneud â’r agwedd dwristiaeth ar y ffordd y methwn â delio â’r problemau lles presennol yn y diwydiant amaethyddiaeth. Mae miloedd o ddefaid yn marw ar ffermydd. A wnewch chi benderfyniad clir ynglŷn â phryd y bydd ffermwyr yn gwybod beth sydd yn mynd i ddigwydd i’w hanifeiliaid, fel na chânt eu gadael i farw ar y caeau gan arwain at sefyllfa lle y bydd twristiaid yn cadw draw o gefn gwlad am byth?

Michael German spoken in English p. 40

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

As you rightly say, this is not a statement on agriculture and I am neither an epidemiologist nor a vet. I would not, therefore, venture to say when the disease will be eradicated. The Minister for Rural Affairs is meeting with other UK Ministers in Downing Street to discuss this matter, and is, therefore, unable to give a verbal report to the Assembly this morning. However, he has prepared a written statement, which has been circulated, or will be circulated shortly.

Fel y dywedasoch, a hynny’n gywir, nid datganiad ar amaethyddiaeth yw hwn ac nid wyf yn epidemiolegydd nac yn filfeddyg. Felly ni fentraf ddweud pryd y caiff y clwyf ei ddileu. Mae’r Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig yn cyfarfod â Gweinidogion eraill y DU yn Stryd Downing i drafod y mater hwn ac felly nid yw’n gallu rhoi adroddiad ar lafar i’r Cynulliad y bore yma. Fodd bynnag, paratôdd ddatganiad ysgrifenedig, a gafodd ei ddosbarthu, neu a gaiff ei ddosbarthu’n fuan.

This is a moving scene, as you say, and my statement today will be followed by others. We will respond as circumstances dictate and as matters progress.

Mae hon yn sefyllfa sydd yn newid yn barhaus, fel y dywedwch, a dilynir fy natganiad heddiw gan eraill. Byddwn yn ymateb yn ôl yr amgylchiadau ac wrth i faterion ddatblygu.

Mick Bates spoken in English p. 41

Mick Bates siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

Thank you for your timely statement, given yesterday’s announcement by Professor Roy Anderson. You will be aware of the importance of outdoor education in constituencies such as Montgomeryshire. Will there be a specialist advice service available on the helpline, particularly for outdoor education groups, which face access problems and are in discussions with the British Waterways Board and county councils? This involves a complex structure. Will you commit extra resources to ensure that they can continue with their activities, so that businesses involved will not go bankrupt?

Diolch ichi am eich datganiad amserol, o gofio cyhoeddiad ddoe gan yr Athro Roy Anderson. Byddwch yn ymwybodol o bwysigrwydd gweithgareddau addysg awyr agored mewn etholaethau fel Sir Drefaldwyn. A fydd gwasanaeth cynghori arbenigol ar gael ar y llinell gymorth, yn arbennig ar gyfer grwpiau gweithgareddau addysg awyr agored, sydd yn wynebu problemau mynediad ac sydd wrthi’n trafod gyda Bwrdd Dyfrffyrdd Prydain a chynghorau sir? Mae hyn yn golygu strwythur cymhleth. A wnewch chi ymrwymo i roi adnoddau ychwanegol er mwyn sicrhau y gallant barhau â’u gweithgareddau, fel na aiff y busnesau dan sylw yn fethdalwyr?

Michael German spoken in English p. 41

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

Access is a matter for Carwyn Jones. We have provided clear guidance for outdoor events and organisations, and I would commend you, Mick, to ask those organisations to contact the Assembly’s helpline to secure information about outdoor activities in specific areas. It depends whether events take place in an infected or non-infected area. There is clear guidance on what should be open, depending on whether the access passes farmland and so on. I commend you, therefore, to contact the helpline and pass on the question to Carwyn Jones.

Mae mynediad yn fater i Carwyn Jones. Darparasom arweiniad clir ar gyfer digwyddiadau a sefydliadau awyr agored, ac fe’ch cymeradwyaf, Mick, i ofyn i’r sefydliadau hynny gysylltu â llinell gymorth y Cynulliad i sicrhau gwybodaeth am weithgareddau awyr agored mewn ardaloedd penodol. Mae’n dibynnu ar pa un a gynhelir y digwyddiadau mewn ardal heintus neu ardal heb ei heintio. Mae arweiniad clir ar beth ddylai fod ar agor, yn dibynnu ar pa un a yw’r mynediad yn mynd drwy dir fferm ai peidio ac yn y blaen. Fe’ch cymeradwyaf, felly, i gysylltu â’r llinell gymorth a throsglwyddo’r cwestiwn i Carwyn Jones.

Elin Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 41

Elin Jones spoken in Welsh p. 41

Pam fod Cymru yn gorfod aros cymaint yn hwy na Lloegr am gynllun rhyddhad trethi busnes? A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnahau, pan roddir y cynllun hwnnw a chynlluniau i gefnogi busnesau gwledig ar waith, y bydd yr arian sydd ei angen i’w cynnal yn gwbl ychwanegol i floc Barnett?

Why does Wales have to wait so much longer than England for a business rate relief scheme? Will the Minister confirm that, when that scheme and schemes to support rural businesses are implemented, the money needed for their operation will be completely over and above the Barnett block?

Michael German spoken in English p. 41

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

As I have indicated, a statement on this matter will be made to the Assembly during the next week. [PLAID CYMRU ASSEMBLY MEMBERS: ‘Disgrace.’]

Fel y nodais, gwneir datganiad ar y mater hwn i’r Cynulliad yn ystod yr wythnos nesaf. [AELODAU PLAID CYMRU O’R CYNULIAD: ‘Gwarth.’]

Gwenda Thomas spoken in English p. 41

Gwenda Thomas siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

Will you seek clarification on the first point in your statement about the Inland Revenue as to whether the deferment of payment of National Insurance contributions will apply to employee and employer? Will the contribution agency have this authority to defer payments into accounts, particularly where this straddles the tax year, when deciding future entitlement to benefits, given that contribution conditions require a fully paid record in specific tax years?

A geisiwch gael eglurhad ar y pwynt cyntaf yn eich datganiad ynglŷn â Chyllid y Wlad ar ba un a fydd oedi taliadau cyfraniadau Yswiriant Gwladol yn berthnasol i gyflogai a chyflogwr? A fydd gan yr asiantaeth cyfraniadau yr awdurdod hwn i oedi taliadau i gyfrifon yn arbennig pan fydd hyn yn pontio’r flwyddyn dreth, wrth benderfynu ar yr hawl i fudd-daliadau yn y dyfodol, o gofio bod amodau cyfraniadau yn galw am gofnod a dalwyd yn llawn mewn blynyddoedd treth penodol?

Michael German spoken in English p. 42

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

The deferment issue was clear. Each local inland revenue office must make those decisions on a case by case basis, based on the evidence they receive from the people concerned. In respect of whether it applies to the employee and employer, I will make enquiries with the Treasury.

Yr oedd y mater ynglŷn ag oedi yn eglur. Rhaid i bob swyddfa cyllid y wlad leol wneud y penderfyniadau hynny fesul achos, yn seiliedig ar y dystiolaeth a gânt gan y bobl dan sylw. O ran a yw’n berthnasol i’r cyflogai a’r cyflogwr, gwnaf ymholiadau â’r Trysorlys.

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 42

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

The Minister’s statement is long on talk, but short on action. We welcome any discussions with banks, utilities, the Inland Revenue and Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise. However, he can act on business rate relief. Will he act, and if so, when? Secondly, in relation to support over and above the Barnett block, does he accept that the foot and mouth disease outbreak will not be confined to just five per cent of the English spend to alleviate pressures on the disease? When will he make an announcement on that?

Mae’r geiriau’n niferus yn natganiad y Gweinidog ond y camau’n brin. Croesawn unrhyw drafodaethau â banciau, cyfleustodau, Cyllid y Wlad a Thollau Tramor a Chartref Ei Mawrhydi. Fodd bynnag, gall weithredu ar ryddhad trethi busnes. A wnaiff weithredu, ac os felly, pryd? Yn ail, mewn perthynas â chymorth yn ychwanegol at floc Barnett, a yw’n derbyn na fydd yr achosion o glwy’r traed a’r genau yn gyfyngedig i ddim ond pump y cant o wariant Lloegr i leddfu pwysau ar y clwyf? Pryd y gwnaiff gyhoeddiad ar hynny?

Michael German spoken in English p. 42

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

In the next seven days.

Yn y saith niwrnod nesaf.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 42

Rhodri Glyn Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 42

A wnaiff Mike German dderbyn bod busnesau yng nghefn gwlad ac mewn ardaloedd trefol yn wynebu methdaliad ar hyn o bryd? Ni allant aros iddo wneud ei gyhoeddiad. A yw am wneud cyhoeddiad heddiw a rhoi rhyw obaith i’r busnesau hyn sydd yn wynebu methdaliad?

Will Mike German accept that businesses in rural and urban areas are facing bankruptcy at present? They cannot wait for him to make his announcement. Will he make an announcement today and give some hope to these businesses that are facing bankruptcy?

Michael German spoken in English p. 42

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

As I indicated, business rates are only one element in the support package that is available for those businesses that are affected. I am aware of the difficulties that they are facing. I will make an announcement in the next seven days.

Fel y nodais, dim ond un elfen o’r pecyn cymorth sydd ar gael ar gyfer y busnesau hynny yr effeithir arnynt yw’r trethi busnes. Yr wyf yn ymwybodol o’r anawsterau a wynebant. Gwnaf gyhoeddiad yn y saith niwrnod nesaf.

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 42

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

Can you remind me whether the Conservatives at the time called for rate relief for businesses when they closed all the pits in the Valleys? They are crying crocodile tears.

A allwch fy atgoffa a wnaeth y Ceidwadwyr ar y pryd alw am ryddhad trethi i fusnesau pan gaeasant pob pwll glo yn y Cymoedd? Maent yn ffug-wylofain.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 42

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

The present Minister for Economic Development does not have ministerial responsibilities for that period, so he need not answer that question.

Nid oes gan y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd presennol gyfrifoldebau gweinidogol am y cyfnod hwnnw, felly nid oes angen iddo ateb y cwestiwn hwnnw.

Michael German spoken in English p. 43

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

I agree with the statement.

Cytunaf â’r datganiad.

David Davies spoken in English p. 43

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

Will the Minister tell us why he cannot make a statement on business rates today and why we must wait seven days? Will he man the telephone, because it is an answerphone at present? Will he answer Plaid Cymru Members’ questions on whether the help for rural areas will be over and above Barnett? Yes, or no?

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddweud wrthym pam na all wneud datganiad ar drethi busnes heddiw a pham y mae’n rhaid inni aros saith niwrnod? A fydd yn ateb y ffôn, oherwydd peiriant ateb sydd yno ar hyn o bryd? A fydd yn ateb cwestiynau Aelodau Plaid Cymru ar a fydd y cymorth ar gyfer ardaloedd gwledig yn ychwanegol at Barnett ai peidio? Bydd neu na fydd?

Michael German spoken in English p. 43

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

The answer will be given in the next seven days. No statement has been made to the House of Commons on that matter either.

Rhoddir yr ateb yn y saith niwrnod nesaf. Ni wnaethpwyd unrhyw ddatganiad i Dŷ’r Cyffredin ar y mater hwnnw ychwaith.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 43

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

What was the point in coming here today to give a statement that you will give another statement in seven days and that you are unable to do anything constructive in the meantime? I was in Pembrokeshire yesterday speaking to tourism operators and I have also visited Powys to talk to hotel owners. They need to know about business rate reduction now. You said you were not an expert on agriculture—which I accept—but you are not an expert on business rates either. We are not talking about rate relief; hardship funds can be organised through the Minister for Finance. That is different from rate relief. Why will you not announce that today? What is the point of you being on the taskforce if we cannot assist our tourism industry now?

Beth oedd diben dod yma heddiw i ddatgan y gwnewch ddatganiad arall mewn saith niwrnod ac na allwch wneud unrhyw beth adeiladol yn y cyfamser? Yr oeddwn yn Sir Benfro ddoe yn siarad â rhai sydd yn gweithio mewn twristiaeth ac ymwelais â Phowys hefyd i siarad â pherchnogion gwestai. Mae angen iddynt wybod am y gostyngiad mewn trethi busnes yn awr. Dywedasoch nad oeddech yn arbenigwr ar amaethyddiaeth—a derbyniaf hynny—ond nid ydych yn arbenigwr ar drethi busnes ychwaith. Nid ydym yn sôn am ryddhad trethi; gellir trefnu cronfeydd caledi drwy’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid. Mae hynny’n wahanol i ryddhad trethi. Pam na chyhoeddwch hynny heddiw? Oes diben ichi fod ar y tasglu os na allwch gynorthwyo ein diwydiant twristiaeth yn awr?

Michael German spoken in English p. 43

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

I am pleased to know that you would prefer to have no further statements and no further information. If that is the way the Conservatives want it, fine, please do not listen to anything I have to say in future, which may not be of help to you. You will want to know. I said that I would make a statement on business rate relief in the next seven days. You will understand that that is a matter for discussion, and there are ongoing discussions as I explained in my statement. However, the package of measures that I have already announced today is only one element. I hope that you will take the message back to those hard-pressed businesses. They have been told by their banks and their lenders today that they should begin by approaching them for a sympathetic hearing. There is not a question of any business being taken to the wall by its bank as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Yr wyf yn falch o wybod y byddai’n well gennych beidio â chael unrhyw ddatganiadau pellach na rhagor o wybodaeth. Os mai dyna yw dymuniad y Ceidwadwyr, iawn, peidiwch â gwrando ar unrhyw beth a ddywedaf yn y dyfodol, na fydd o gymorth ichi o bosibl. Byddwch am wybod. Dywedais y byddwn yn gwneud datganiad ar ryddhad trethi busnes yn y saith niwrnod nesaf. Deallwch fod hynny’n fater i’w drafod, ac mae trafodaethau’n mynd rhagddynt fel yr eglurais yn fy natganiad. Fodd bynnag, dim ond un elfen yw’r pecyn o fesurau a gyhoeddais eisoes heddiw. Gobeithiaf y byddwch yn cyfleu’r neges i’r busnesau hynny sydd yn dioddef. Dywedwyd wrthynt gan eu banciau a’u benthycwyr heddiw y dylent ddechrau drwy gysylltu â hwy i gael gwrandawiad cydymdeimladol. Yn sicr, ni fydd unrhyw fanc yn gwneud i fusnes fethu o ganlyniad i glwy’r traed a’r genau.

Karen Sinclair spoken in English p. 44

Karen Sinclair siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 44

I was late coming into the Chamber this morning because I was talking to a distressed farmer about disinfection facilities. He has had to move his wagon seven times to bring his sheep back to the farm under licence. Each time farmers move, they are subject to a £50 fee for cleansing their trailers. Can we aid them? Paying £50 seven times to bring sheep back to farms will devastate these farmers and cause economic disaster for many people to whom I have spoken over the last few days.

Yr oeddwn yn hwyr yn dod i mewn i’r Siambr y bore yma gan fy mod yn siarad â ffermwr gofidus ynglŷn â chyfleusterau diheintio. Mae wedi gorfod symud ei wagen saith gwaith i ddod â’i ddefaid yn ôl i’r fferm o dan drwydded. Bob tro y bydd y ffermwyr yn symud, maent yn agored i dalu ffi o £50 i lanhau eu hôl-gerbydau. A allwn eu cynorthwyo? Bydd talu £50 saith gwaith i ddod â defaid yn ôl i’r ffermydd yn dinistrio’r ffermwyr hyn ac yn achosi trychineb economaidd i lawer o bobl y siaradais â hwy dros yr ychydig ddyddiau diwethaf.

Michael German spoken in English p. 44

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 44

I appreciate the concerns felt across the board by agricultural and rural businesses in every sector of the rural economy. Hardship is being felt right across the piece and people are desperate. They should be reassured that no-one will take them to the wall at this stage and that they can expect to receive a sympathetic hearing from those to whom they owe money. In terms of business rates, those do not apply to agricultural holdings.

Gwerthfawrogaf y pryderon a deimlir yn gyffredinol gan fusnesau amaethyddol a gwledig ym mhob sector o’r economi wledig. Teimlir caledi ym mhob man ac mae pobl yn anobeithio. Dylid eu sicrhau na fydd unrhyw un yn gwneud iddynt fethu ar yr adeg hon ac y gallant ddisgwyl cael gwrandawiad cydymdeimladol gan y rheini y mae arnynt arian iddynt. O ran trethi busnes, nid yw’r rheini yn berthnasol i ddeiliadaethau amaethyddol.

Pwyntiau o Drefn

Points of Order

Dafydd Wigley spoken in English p. 44

Dafydd Wigley siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 44

Point of order. Is it not an abuse of this Chamber’s procedures for a Minister to purport to make a statement of material fact on the crisis facing us when, in fact, he is not providing any substantive information and is unable to answer the questions that our constituents are asking? In these circumstances, and in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the statement, we will seek an opportunity for an early urgent debate on this crisis.

Pwynt o drefn. Onid yw’n gamddefnydd o weithdrefnau’r Siambr hon i Weinidog gymryd arno i wneud datganiad ffeithiol perthnasol ar yr argyfwng a’n hwyneba pan nad yw, mewn gwirionedd, yn darparu unrhyw wybodaeth sylweddol ac na all ateb y cwestiynau y mae ein hetholwyr yn eu gofyn? Yn yr amgylchiadau hyn, ac yng ngoleuni natur anfoddhaol y datganiad, gofynnwn am gyfle i gael dadl frys gynnar ar yr argyfwng hwn.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 44

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 44

As Dafydd Wigley is aware, the content of ministerial statements is not a matter for me and I will not comment on it. However, it is open to him, as an Assembly Member, to put a request to me for a further urgent debate on this subject, if he so wishes.

Fel y gŵyr Dafydd Wigley, nid mater i mi yw cynnwys datganiadau gweinidogion ac ni wnaf sylw arno. Fodd bynnag, mae rhwydd hynt iddo ef, fel Aelod o’r Cynulliad, wneud cais imi am ddadl frys bellach ar y pwnc hwn, os dymuna.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 45

Rhodri Glyn Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 45

Pwynt o drefn. Codaf hwn dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 6.3, ynglŷn ag atebion i gwestiynau. Ceisiais ofyn cwestiwn atodol ar gwestiwn 3 i’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol y bore yma ond, oherwydd hyd yr ateb i’r cwestiwn cychwynnol, nid oedd amser ar gyfer cwestiwn atodol. Mae hynny’n tanseilio hawl Aelodau i ofyn cwestiynau atodol. Derbyniaf nad mater i’r Llywydd yw cynnwys atebion Gweinidogion, ond mae hyd eu hatebion yn fater i chi. A oes modd ichi ofyn i Weinidogion fod ychydig yn fwy cryno yn eu hatebion, fel y gallwn sicrhau bod modd gofyn cwestiynau atodol?

Point of order. I raise this under Standing Order No. 6.3, regarding answers to questions. I tried to ask a supplementary question on question 3 to the Minister for Health and Social Services this morning but, because of the length of the reply to the initial question, there was no time for supplementary questions. That undermines the Members’ right to ask supplementary questions. I accept that the content of Ministers’ replies is not a matter for the Presiding Officer, but the length of their replies is. Could you ask Ministers to be a little more succinct in their answers, so that we can ensure that supplementary questions can be asked?

William Graham spoken in English p. 45

William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 45

Further to that point of order—and I gave the Presiding Officer notice that I intended to raise this point; I was unaware that Rhodri Glyn Thomas was going to raise the same point—I was struck this morning by the length of answers by to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Minister for Health and Social Services. We were unable to get through the usual number of questions and you were unable to call Members to ask supplementary questions, primarily due to the length of the answers. Will you please rule on this?

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwnnw o drefn—a hysbysais y Llywydd fy mod yn bwriadu codi’r pwynt hwn; nid oeddwn yn ymwybodol bod Rhodri Glyn Thomas yn mynd i godi’r un pwynt—fe’m trawyd y bore yma gan hyd atebion y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes a’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol. Nid fu’n bosibl inni ymdrin â’r nifer arferol o gwestiynau ac ni fu’n bosibl ichi alw ar Aelodau i ofyn cwestiynau atodol, yn bennaf oherwydd hyd yr atebion. A wnewch ddyfarniad ar hyn?

Rod Richards siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 45

Rod Richards spoken in Welsh p. 45

Ymhellach i’r pwynt o drefn hwnnw, ddydd Mawrth, yr oedd Carwyn Jones yn siarad a dywedodd na allai ildio am nad oedd ganddo ddigon o amser i wneud hynny. Os mai dim ond 10 munud a ganiateir i Weinidogion siarad, a ystyriwch stopio’r cloc os gofynnir iddynt ildio, yn ystod yr ymyrraeth a’r ateb iddo, fel bod y Gweinidog yn cael 10 munud llawn i siarad?

Further to that point of order, on Tuesday, Carwyn Jones was speaking and said that he could not give way because he did not have enough time to do so. If Ministers are only allowed 10 minutes in which to speak, will you consider stopping the clock if they are asked to give way, both during the intervention and the response to it, so that the Minister has the full 10 minutes in which to speak?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 45

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 45

Gwneuthum ddatganiad sylweddol fore Mawrth diwethaf ynglŷn ag amseru yn y Siambr. Yr wyf yn siomedig â’r hyn a ddigwyddodd yn ystod y cwestiynau y bore yma. Methais ddwywaith â galw cwestiwn atodol, heblaw am hwnnw gan yr Aelod a ofynnodd y cwestiwn gwreiddiol. Nid yw hynny’n addas o ran rhoi cyfle i Aelodau holi Gweinidogion. Gwneuthum gais ddydd Mawrth ar i gwestiynau atodol ac atebion fod mor gryno â phosibl. Ni ufuddhawyd i’r cais hwnnw.

I made a lengthy statement last Tuesday morning about timing in the Chamber. I am disappointed with what happened during questions this morning. I twice failed to call a supplementary question, apart from that by the Member who asked the original question. That is not appropriate in terms of giving Members an opportunity to question Ministers. I made a request on Tuesday for supplementary questions and answers to be as succinct as possible. That request was not obeyed.

Rhoddaf rybudd difrifol, oherwydd nad yw’n rhan o’m harddull i ddefnyddio’r botwm coch i ddiffodd meicroffonau Aelodau. Fodd bynnag, yn y dyfodol, os yw atebion yn mynd dros derfyn amser rhesymol fel nad oes modd i Aelodau ofyn cwestiynau atodol, byddaf yn defnyddio’r botwm, hyd yn oed yn ystod atebion Gweinidogion.

I give a serious warning, because it is not my style to use the red button to cut off Members’ microphones. However, in future, if answers exceed a reasonable time limit so that Members are unable to ask supplementary questions, I will use the red button, even during Minister’s answers.

Gallai’r Pwyllgor Busnes ystyried y mater o amseru hyd yr atebion a chyfraniadau mewn areithiau a chwestiynau. Gallwn hefyd ei ystyried fel rhan o’n hadolygiad o weithdrefnau. Mae’n rhaid i mi amddiffyn hawl bob Aelod, gan gynnwys yr Aelod annibynnol, i ofyn cwestiynau ac i godi materion.

The Business Committee could consider the issue of timing the length of answers and contributions in speeches and questions. We could also consider it as part of our review of procedures. I must defend the rights of all Members, including the independent Member, to ask questions and raise issues.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 46

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

Point of order. I raise this under Standing Order No. 6.11 relating to the order of business. We understood from the Business Committee that the Minister for Rural Affairs would make a statement today on the situation regarding foot and mouth disease. I understand that he is engaged elsewhere. That is understandable. However, we heard from the Deputy First Minister, in his wholly unsatisfactory statement, that this is a team that represents Wales. Surely the Deputy Minister could update us on the seriousness—

Pwynt o drefn. Codaf hyn o dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 6.11 mewn perthynas â threfn busnes. Deallom gan y Pwyllgor Busnes y byddai’r Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig yn gwneud datganiad heddiw ar sefyllfa clwy’r traed a’r genau. Deallaf ei fod yn rhywle arall. Mae hynny’n ddealladwy. Fodd bynnag, clywsom gan y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, yn ei ddatganiad cwbl anfoddhaol, mai tîm sydd yn cynrychioli Cymru yw hwn. Oni allai’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog roi’r newyddion diweddaraf inni ar ddifrifoldeb—

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 46

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

Or the First Minister.

Neu Brif Weinidog Cymru.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 46

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

There is, indeed, a First Minister, although it is easy to forget that sometimes. There is also a Deputy Minister who could deal with questions on this matter. More importantly, the First Minister could do so. There are serious issues relating to the situation on Anglesey, such as whether there will be a cull and whether the army will be brought in. We have been unable to raise these issues today, because as the Deputy First Minister said in a moment of rare clarity, he is not an expert on agriculture. Therefore, when can we raise these issues?

Yn wir, mae Prif Weinidog Cymru, er ei bod yn hawdd anghofio hynny weithiau. Mae Dirprwy Weinidog hefyd a allai ddelio â chwestiynau ar y mater hwn. Yn bwysicach, gallai Prif Weinidog Cymru wneud hynny. Mae materion difrifol mewn perthynas â’r sefyllfa ar Ynys Môn, er enghraifft a gaiff anifeiliaid eu difa ac a ddefnyddir y fyddin. Ni fu’n bosibl inni godi’r materion hyn heddiw, oherwydd fel y dywedodd y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog mewn enyd prin o eglurder, nid yw’n arbenigwr ar amaethyddiaeth. Felly, pryd y cawn godi’r materion hyn?

Michael German spoken in English p. 47

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

I did not say that.

Ni ddywedais hynny.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 47

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

Well, you are not an expert on agriculture, whether you said it or not.

Wel, nid ydych yn arbenigwr ar amaethyddiaeth, pa un a ddywedoch hynny ai peidio.

Michael German spoken in English p. 47

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

Point of order.

Pwynt o drefn.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 47

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

Order. I cannot hear two points of order at the same time. I will call you when the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has finished his point of order.

Trefn. Ni allaf glywed dau bwynt o drefn ar yr un pryd. Galwaf arnoch pan fydd Arweinydd Ceidwadwyr Cymru wedi gorffen ei bwynt o drefn.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 47

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

I have finished.

Yr wyf wedi gorffen.

Michael German spoken in English p. 47

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

Point of order. I said that I was not an expert on epidemiology. I would be surprised if the Conservative leader were.

Pwynt o drefn. Dywedais nad oeddwn yn arbenigwr ar epidemioleg. Byddwn yn synnu pe byddai arweinydd y Ceidwadwyr yn arbenigwr ar hynny.

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 47

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

Further to that point of order, my office e-mailed business managers this morning to inform them that Carwyn Jones would make a written rather than an oral statement today. That is because he is attending an important meeting in Whitehall on the foot and mouth crisis. We had a full, urgent debate on this on Tuesday and Carwyn will make a fuller statement next week, keeping Members—as he promised—up to date. Meanwhile, a written statement will be issued today on the agricultural perspective of this crisis.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwnnw o drefn, anfonodd fy swyddfa neges e-bost at y rheolwyr busnes y bore yma i’w hysbysu mai datganiad ysgrifenedig yn hytrach na llafar a wnâi Carwyn Jones heddiw. Y rheswm am hynny yw ei fod yn mynd i gyfarfod pwysig yn Whitehall ar argyfwng clwy’r traed a’r genau. Cawsom ddadl frys, lawn ar hyn ddydd Mawrth a gwnaiff Carwyn ddatganiad llawnach yr wythnos nesaf, gan roi’r newyddion diweddaraf i’r Aelodau—fel yr addawodd. Yn y cyfamser, cyhoeddir datganiad ysgrifenedig heddiw ar bersbectif amaethyddol yr argyfwng hwn.

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 47

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

Further to that point of order, time and again we hear that the situation regarding the foot and mouth disease changes daily. It is not acceptable to debate it last Tuesday and then ignore it for at least a week, when there has been an opportunity in the interim for a statement to be made.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwnnw o drefn, clywn yn barhaus fod sefyllfa clwy’r traed a’r genau yn newid bob dydd. Nid yw’n dderbyniol cynnal dadl arni ddydd Mawrth diwethaf ac yna ei hanwybyddu am o leiaf wythnos, pan fu cyfle yn y cyfamser i wneud datganiad.

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 47

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

On this point of order, can the Minister for Assembly Business tell us what Members are supposed to do when they are asked a series of questions daily to which they need answers? We not only need statements but the opportunity to ask questions.

O ran y pwynt hwn o drefn, a all y Trefnydd ddweud wrthym beth y mae’r Aelodau i’w wneud pan ofynnir cyfres o gwestiynau iddynt bob dydd y mae angen atebion iddynt? Nid datganiadau yn unig sydd eu hangen arnom ond y cyfle i ofyn cwestiynau.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 47

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

To the extent that I am able to answer that question, we have e-mail facilities, through which we can—

I’r graddau y gallaf ateb y cwestiwn hwnnw, mae gennym gyfleusterau e-bost, y gallwn eu defnyddio i—

Kirsty Williams a gododd—

Kirsty Williams rose—

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 48

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 48

Order. We have e-mail facilities through which we can convey questions directly to Ministers. For those of us who are unable to speak, for obvious reasons, on these issues in this Chamber, that is how we ask questions. I encourage all Members to do that, because that is a direct service. If the Conservative group will contain itself, I am about to agree with it and say that on matters of public importance it is essential that statements should be made to this Assembly in the first instance. In fairness to the Cabinet, it has produced a statement today on the economic aspects of the foot and mouth disease outbreak and it has indicated that there will be further statements next week. In the meantime, I encourage and recommend Members to use our electronic facility, which is always available, to obtain responses from the hard-working officials that deal with this issue.

Trefn. Mae gennym gyfleusterau e-bost y gallwn eu defnyddio i gyfleu cwestiynau yn uniongyrchol i’r Gweinidogion. I’r rheini ohonom na allwn siarad ar y materion hyn yn y Siambr, am resymau amlwg, dyna sut y gofynnwn gwestiynau. Anogaf bob Aelod i wneud hynny, gan fod hynny’n wasanaeth uniongyrchol. Os ymatalia grŵp y Ceidwadwyr, yr wyf ar fin cytuno ag ef a dweud ei bod yn hanfodol, o ran materion o bwys i’r cyhoedd, y dylid gwneud datganiadau i’r Cynulliad hwn yn y lle cyntaf. Er tegwch i’r Cabinet, cynhyrchodd ddatganiad heddiw ar agweddau economaidd clwy’r traed a’r genau ac mae wedi nodi y bydd datganiadau pellach yr wythnos nesaf. Yn y cyfamser, anogaf yr Aelodau i ddefnyddio ein cyfleuster electronig, sydd ar gael bob amser, ac argymhellaf eu bod yn gwneud hynny, er mwyn cael ymatebion gan y swyddogion diwyd sydd yn delio â’r mater hwn.

The Clerk has reminded me that on Rod Richard’s earlier point, I said in my statement on Tuesday that, as a referee, I would allow a reasonable amount of injury time for Ministers who give way. Therefore, that point is partially covered by my earlier statement. However, I am sure that we will return to this matter again.

O ran pwynt cynharach Rod Richards, mae’r Clerc wedi’m hatgoffa imi ddweud yn fy natganiad ddydd Mawrth y byddwn, fel dyfarnwr, yn caniatáu hyd rhesymol o amser anafiadau i Weinidogion sydd yn ildio. Felly, cwmpaswyd y pwynt hwnnw’n rhannol gan fy natganiad cynharach. Fodd bynnag, yr wyf yn siŵr y dychwelwn at y mater hwn eto.

Elin Jones spoken in English p. 48

Elin Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 48

Point of order. In encouraging Members to use electronic communications to question Ministers on foot and mouth disease issues, will you also encourage Ministers to reply to the electronic questions?

Pwynt o drefn. Wrth annog Aelodau i ddefnyddio cyfleusterau cyfathrebu electronig i holi Gweinidogion ar faterion clwy’r traed a’r genau, a anogwch Weinidogion hefyd i ateb y cwestiynau electronig?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 48

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 48

Yes, clearly. I thought that all Assembly Members replied to their e-mails assiduously.

Gwnaf, yn amlwg. Credwn fod holl Aelodau’r Cynulliad yn ateb eu negeseuon e-bost yn ddyfal.

Cynnig Trefniadol

Procedural Motion

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 48

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 48

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business (continued) spoken in English p. 49

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 49

I have already informed Members, in my business statement on Tuesday, that I would seek to move a procedural motion today, under Standing Order No. 6.16, to allow the proposal of a composite motion to approve five items of subordinate legislation.

Yr wyf eisoes wedi hysbysu’r Aelodau, yn fy natganiad busnes ddydd Mawrth, y ceisiwn gynnig cynnig trefniadol heddiw, o dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 6.16, er mwyn ei gwneud yn bosibl i gyflwyno cynnig cyfansawdd i gymeradwyo pum eitem o is-ddeddfwriaeth.

Cynnig trefniadol Andrew Davies t. 49

Procedural motion Andrew Davies p. 49

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 43 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (43)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Val Feld
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • John Griffiths
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams
  • Phil Williams

Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo Gorchmynion

Composite Motion: Approval of Orders

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 50

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 50

O dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 22.25, ni chynhelir dadl ar y cynnig hwn.

Under Standing Order No. 22.25, this motion is not subject to debate.

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 50

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 50

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Cynnig cyfansawdd Andrew Davies t. 51

Composite motion Andrew Davies p. 51

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 43 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (43)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Val Feld
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • John Griffiths
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams
  • Phil Williams

Cymeradwyo’r Trosglwyddiadau yn ystod y Flwyddyn rhwng y Prif Grwpiau Gwariant

Approval of the In-year Transfers between the Main Expenditure Groups

Edwina Hart The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities spoken in English p. 52

Edwina Hart Y Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 52

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Edwina Hart The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities (continued) spoken in English p. 52

Edwina Hart Y Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 52

A table showing the proposed changes to the 2000-01 main expenditure groups was laid in the Table Office on 14 March.

Gosodwyd tabl yn dangos y newidiadau arfaethedig i Brif Grwpiau Gwariant 2000-2001 yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 14 Mawrth.

Details of the changes to the main expenditure groups are set out in the table attached to the motion and the accompanying notes. This is one of a series of motions that I bring to the Assembly each year to explain the changes that need to be made to the budget in-year. Most of the changes are of a technical nature, but I have added about £11.75 million to the Assembly budget for the current financial year. That increase is as a result of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s pre-budget statement; the take-up and carry-forward provisions; net transfers to and from Government departments; allocation from the modernising government fund; and additional support for flood defence.

Nodir manylion y newidiadau i’r prif grwpiau gwariant yn y tabl a atodir i’r cynnig a’r nodiadau sydd gydag ef. Mae hwn yn un o gyfres o gynigion y dof â hwy gerbron y Cynulliad bob blwyddyn er mwyn esbonio’r newidiadau y mae angen eu gwneud i gyllideb y flwyddyn. Mae’r rhan fwyaf o’r newidiadau yn rhai technegol, ond yr wyf wedi ychwanegu tua £11.75 miliwn at gyllideb y Cynulliad ar gyfer y flwyddyn ariannol bresennol. Daw’r cynnydd hwnnw o ganlyniad i ddatganiad Canghellor y Trysorlys cyn y gyllideb; y darpariaethau o ran ymateb a chario drosodd; trosglwyddiadau net i adrannau’r Llywodraeth ac ohonynt; dyraniadau o’r gronfa moderneiddio llywodraeth; a chymorth ychwanegol i amddiffyn rhag llifogydd.

On 12 December 2000, I mentioned that I was looking at ways of finding the necessary resources to assist local authorities to cope with the exceptionally severe weather conditions. I have arranged for £6 million to be transferred to a new budget expenditure line, entitled ‘Bellwin scheme 2000’. I have also increased the Wales Tourist Board and the Sports Council for Wales’s budgets to help them promote Wales during the forthcoming major football events. These changes are included in the table attached to the motion.

Ar 12 Rhagfyr 2000, soniais fy mod yn edrych ar ffyrdd o ddod o hyd i’r adnoddau angenrheidiol i gynorthwyo awdurdodau lleol i ymdopi â’r amgylchiadau eithriadol ddifrifol o ran y tywydd. Yr wyf wedi trefnu bod £6 miliwn yn cael ei drosglwyddo i linell gwariant gyllidebol newydd, yn dwyn y teitl ‘cynllun Bellwin 2000’. Yr wyf hefyd wedi cynyddu cyllidebau Bwrdd Croeso Cymru a Chyngor Chwaraeon Cymru er mwyn eu helpu i hyrwyddo Cymru yn ystod y digwyddiadau pêl-droed mawr arfaethedig. Cynhwysir y newidiadau hyn yn y tabl a atodir i’r cynnig.

I propose to provide Members with a fully-updated list of revised budgets for this financial year on the management information system, and I would be happy to respond to any points in my closing speech.

Bwriadaf ddarparu rhestr wedi’i diweddaru’n llawn i’r Aelodau o’r cyllidebau a adolygwyd ar gyfer y flwyddyn ariannol hon o ran y system gwybodaeth rheoli, a byddwn yn falch o ymateb i unrhyw bwyntiau yn fy araith gloi.

Phil Williams spoken in English p. 53

Phil Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 53

I thank Edwina and her officials for the willing help that they always give in explaining the details of the budget at all stages. These changes involve relatively minor sums, and most of them are straightforward and do not raise questions.

Diolchaf i Edwina a’i swyddogion am y cymorth parod a roddant bob amser wrth esbonio manylion y gyllideb ar bob cam. Mae’r newidiadau hyn yn ymwneud â symiau cymharol fach, ac mae’r rhan fwyaf ohonynt yn syml ac ni chodant gwestiynau.

However, there are two items that raise a serious point of principle, which may become more serious next year. This small, dark cloud on the horizon may blow into a major storm. I refer to the two transfers, from economic development and from education and training, into the Bellwin scheme for flood relief, totalling nearly £5 million. At the time of the flooding, money was allocated for flood relief. The consequential allocation to our budget was governed strictly and mechanically by the Barnett formula. Therefore, we simply received 5.9 per cent of the England allocation, which is £3 million in total, despite the fact that the total damage in Wales was a far higher proportion than 5.9 per cent.

Fodd bynnag, mae dwy eitem sydd yn codi pwynt difrifol o egwyddor, a allai ddatblygu’n fwy difrifol y flwyddyn nesaf. Gallai’r cwmwl tywyll bach hwn ar y gorwel chwythu’n storm fawr. Cyfeiriaf at y ddau achos o drosglwyddo, o ddatblygu economaidd ac o addysg a hyfforddiant, i gynllun Bellwin ar gyfer cymorth llifogydd, a ddaw i gyfanswm o £5 miliwn bron. Ar adeg y llifogydd, dyrannwyd arian ar gyfer cymorth llifogydd. Rheolwyd yr hyn a ddyrannwyd i’n cyllideb o ganlyniad i hynny mewn ffordd gaeth a mecanyddol gan fformwla Barnett. Felly, dim ond 5.9 y cant a dderbyniasom o’r hyn a ddyrannwyd yn Lloegr, sef cyfanswm o £3 miliwn, er gwaethaf y ffaith bod cyfanswm y niwed yng Nghymru yn gyfran llawer uwch na 5.9 y cant.

There was no question of allocation according to need, although in this case, the need could have been assessed accurately. As a result, extra money must be taken from other budgets. I expressed concern in Plenary on Tuesday at the education budget. Yesterday at a meeting of the Economic Development Committee, I expressed concern at the substantial extra demands being made already on the economic budget. This will increase as a result of, in future, the crisis in steel making and the economic consequences of the foot and mouth disease. That is the cloud on the horizon. Next year we may need substantial extra funds to meet the possible consequences of restructuring in the steel industry and the certain consequences of the economic impact of the foot and mouth disease. In both cases, Wales’s needs are far above the 5.9 per cent decreed by the Barnett formula, and which hitherto has determined consequentials. Although our needs will be much greater, the operation of the Barnett formula will mean that we are unable to meet those needs without transferring substantial sums of money from other main expenditure groups. Time and time again we have pressed for a root and branch reform of the Barnett mechanism. It was adopted as a short-term stopgap in 1979, based on an earlier, if rather crude, needs assessment. In the ensuing 20 years, the relationship with need has disappeared. I point to those two items as an indication of a mechanism that fails to do justice.

Nid ystyriwyd dyrannu yn ôl yr angen, er yn yr achos hwn, gellid bod wedi asesu’r angen yn gywir. O ganlyniad, rhaid cymryd arian ychwanegol o gyllidebau eraill. Mynegais bryder yn y Cyfarfod Llawn ddydd Mawrth ynglŷn â’r gyllideb addysg. Ddoe mewn cyfarfod o’r Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd, mynegais bryder ynglŷn â’r gofynion sylweddol ychwanegol a wneir eisoes ar y gyllideb economaidd. Bydd hyn yn cynyddu o ganlyniad i’r argyfwng ym maes cynhyrchu dur yn y dyfodol a chanlyniadau economaidd clwy’r traed a’r genau. Dyna’r cwmwl ar y gorwel. Y flwyddyn nesaf gallai fod angen arian ychwanegol sylweddol arnom i ddelio â chanlyniadau posibl ailstrwythuro yn y diwydiant dur a chanlyniadau sicr effaith economaidd clwy’r traed a’r genau. Yn y ddau achos, mae anghenion Cymru ymhell uwchlaw’r 5.9 y cant a ddyfarnwyd gan fformwla Barnett, ac a benderfynodd, hyd yn hyn, ar y canlyniadau. Er y bydd ein hanghenion yn llawer mwy, golyga gweithredu fformwla Barnett nad yw’n bosibl inni ddiwallu’r anghenion hynny heb drosglwyddo symiau sylweddol o arian o brif grwpiau gwariant eraill. Dro ar ôl tro yr ydym wedi pwyso am ddiwygio’r dull Barnett o’r bôn i’r brig. Fe’i mabwysiadwyd fel mesur tymor byr yn 1979, yn seiliedig ar asesiad anghenion cynharach, moel braidd. Yn ystod yr 20 mlynedd ers hynny, diflannodd y berthynas ag angen. Nodaf y ddwy eitem honno fel enghraifft o ddull a fetha â sicrhau cyfiawnder.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 54

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 54

I also thank Edwina Hart and her officials, who are always open in this process. I have specific questions, some of which are on the issues raised by Phil Williams, for example, the money spent on flood defences and repairing damage caused by the recent floods. As Edwina will be aware, the Welsh Conservative group believes that there is a case for a different formula to the normal Barnett formula in relation to types of national disaster such as flooding. We are concerned that money is being transferred from the economic development budget and, particularly, from education and training. There is already a funding gap vis-à-vis England in the higher education sector, as indicated by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales—an Assembly sponsored public body—of some 4 per cent. This will further exacerbate it. I would be grateful for reassurance from the Minister as to how that gap will be made good. We do not want it to be made worse, which is what I fear will happen.

Diolchaf finnau hefyd i Edwina Hart a’i swyddogion, sydd bob amser yn agored yn y broses hon. Mae gennyf gwestiynau penodol, ac mae rhai ohonynt yn ymwneud â’r materion a godwyd gan Phil Williams, er enghraifft, yr arian a wariwyd ar amddiffynfeydd llifogydd ac atgyweirio difrod a achoswyd gan y llifogydd diweddar. Fel y bydd Edwina yn ymwybodol, cred grŵp Ceidwadwyr Cymru bod achos am fformwla gwahanol i fformwla arferol Barnett mewn perthynas â mathau o drychinebau cenedlaethol fel llifogydd. Yr ydym yn pryderu y caiff arian ei drosglwyddo o’r gyllideb datblygu economaidd ac, yn arbennig, o addysg a hyfforddiant. Mae bwlch ariannol eisoes rhyngom ni a Lloegr o ran y sector addysg uwch, fel y nododd Cyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru—corff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad—o tua 4 y cant. Bydd hyn yn ei waethygu ymhellach. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe byddai’r Gweinidog yn cadarnhau sut y bwriedir cau’r bwlch hwnnw. Nid ydym am iddo waethygu, sef yr hyn yr wyf yn ei ofni.

My second point is on the expenditure that is now likely to be necessary in relation to marketing Welsh tourism and Welsh agriculture. We need to make contingency plans for marketing these two key areas of our economy now, and particularly once the virus is eventually brought under control. I would be grateful if the Minister could say something about that. Thirdly, I have a specific question on what is, no doubt, a technical matter. Could you explain the apparent reduction of some £6.698 million in agriculture market support? There may be a ready explanation, but I do not see it in the papers.

Mae fy ail bwynt yn ymwneud â’r gwariant sydd yn debygol bellach o fod yn angenrheidiol mewn perthynas â marchnata twristiaeth Gymreig ac amaethyddiaeth Gymreig. Mae angen inni wneud cynlluniau wrth gefn ar gyfer marchnata’r ddau faes allweddol hwn o’n heconomi yn awr, ac yn arbennig unwaith y bydd y firws dan reolaeth o’r diwedd. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai’r Gweinidog ddweud rhywbeth ynglŷn â hynny. Yn drydydd, mae gennyf gwestiwn penodol ar yr hyn sydd, yn ddi-os, yn fater technegol. A allech esbonio’r gostyngiad ymddangosiadol o tua £6.698 miliwn yn y cymorth i’r farchnad amaethyddol? Efallai bod esboniad parod, ond ni welaf mohono yn y papurau.

David Davies a gododd—

David Davies rose—

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 55

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 55

I have already called one Welsh Conservative speaker and we are short of time. Do you have a specific point?

Yr wyf eisoes wedi galw un o siaradwyr Ceidwadwyr Cymru ac yr ydym yn brin o amser. A oes gennych bwynt penodol?

David Davies spoken in English p. 55

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 55

The special grant report no. 6, annex C refers to supporting crime reduction schemes. Would it not be better to adequately fund the police authorities so that we do not have this sort of nonsense, with e-mails being sent out and misdirected, police authorities being told that they will be capped by you, and then meetings where you try to deny that this ever happened?

Cyfeiria adroddiad grant arbennig rhif 6, atodiad C, at roi cymorth i gynlluniau lleihau troseddau. Oni fyddai’n well rhoi digon o arian i awdurdodau’r heddlu fel na fyddai’n rhaid inni gael y math hwn o ffwlbri, gyda negeseuon e-bost yn cael eu hanfon a’u camgyfeirio, awdurdodau heddlu yn clywed eich bod am eu capio, a chyfarfodydd wedyn lle y ceisiwch wadu i hyn ddigwydd erioed?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 55

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 55

I will ignore David Davies’s extraordinary contribution and turn to the crux of this issue, which is the partnership development fund. The Home Office has 10 crime reduction units in Wales. Additional money has been provided for them, and has now been focused. The Welsh share of the money was £112,000, which has been approved for a wide range of small crime reduction schemes across Wales. That is an important area.

Anwybyddaf gyfraniad hynod David Davies a throi at graidd y mater, sef y gronfa datblygu partneriaeth. Mae gan y Swyddfa Gartref 10 uned lleihau troseddau yng Nghymru. Darparwyd arian ychwanegol ar eu cyfer, ac mae wedi ei ffocysu bellach. Y gyfran o’r arian a roddwyd i Gymru oedd £112,000, a gymeradwywyd ar gyfer amrywiaeth eang o gynlluniau bach i leihau troseddau ar draws Cymru. Mae hwnnw’n faes pwysig.

Phil mentioned transfers into the Bellwin scheme. These are technical transfers, of which Committees have been advised, resulting from the additional money and the necessary trawl of budgets that I undertook to ensure that there were sufficient funds to deal with some of the flooding issues. Sue Essex announced last November that Wales would receive £3 million of the floods money announced in England.

Soniodd Phil am drosglwyddo arian i gynllun Bellwin. Achosion o drosglwyddo technegol yw’r rhain, y cynghorwyd y Pwyllgorau yn eu cylch, o ganlyniad i’r arian ychwanegol a’r llwyth o gyllidebau yr ymgymerais â hwy er mwyn sicrhau bod digon o arian i ddelio â rhai o’r materion yn ymwneud â’r llifogydd. Cyhoeddodd Sue Essex fis Tachwedd diwethaf y derbyniai Cymru £3 miliwn o’r arian llifogydd a gyhoeddwyd yn Lloegr.

These transfers raise the issue of pressure points. I am under no illusion, as Phil and Nick suggested, that there are currently pressure points, particularly in terms of foot and mouth disease and the ongoing implications of Corus’s restructuring plans. We have heard that Corus’s local management has rejected trade union plans to keep the industry afloat. That is a great disappointment. I am sure that the Assembly is mystified that, when good business plans of that nature are put forward, the company is not prepared to do anything about them. That obviously indicates that we will encounter pressure points. I am currently assessing the position as regards end of year figures and the underlying nature of budgets. I can then consider what provision I can make available from the Assembly’s block to tackle the effects of Corus’s restructuring plans and the foot and mouth outbreak, if necessary.

Cwyd y trosglwyddiadau hyn y mater o fannau sydd dan bwysau. Gwn yn iawn, fel yr awgrymodd Phil a Nick, bod mannau sydd dan bwysau, yn arbennig yn nhermau clwy’r traed a’r genau a’r goblygiadau cyfredol i gynlluniau ailstrwythuro Corus. Clywsom fod rheolwyr lleol Corus wedi gwrthod cynlluniau’r undebau llafur i gynnal y diwydiant. Mae hynny’n siom fawr. Yr wyf yn siŵr bod y Cynulliad yn methu â deall, pan gyflwynir cynlluniau busnes da o’r math hwnnw, pam nad yw’r cwmni yn barod i wneud unrhyw beth ynglŷn â hwy. Dynoda hynny’n amlwg y down ar draws mannau sydd dan bwysau. Yr wyf wrthi ar hyn o bryd yn asesu’r sefyllfa o ran ffigurau diwedd y flwyddyn a natur sylfaenol cyllidebau. Gallaf wedyn ystyried pa ddarpariaeth y gallaf ei sicrhau o floc y Cynulliad er mwyn mynd i’r afael ag effeithiau cynlluniau ailstrwythuro Corus a chlwy’r traed a’r genau, os bydd angen.

Nick’s point on Welsh tourism and agriculture was well made. Discussions are ongoing on this. The Wales Tourist Board’s strategy for tourism in Wales must be relaunched when the foot and mouth epidemic has abated. We must also consider what has happened in terms of agriculture. I am discussing a package of measures with other Ministers that I will bring to the Assembly in order to deal with some of these issues.

Yr oedd pwynt Nick ar dwristiaeth ac amaethyddiaeth yng Nghymru yn un da. Mae trafodaethau yn cael eu cynnal ar hyn. Rhaid i strategaeth Bwrdd Croeso Cymru ar gyfer twristiaeth yng Nghymru gael ei hail-lansio pan fydd yr epidemig traed a’r genau wedi cilio. Rhaid inni ystyried hefyd yr hyn a ddigwyddodd yn nhermau amaethyddiaeth. Yr wyf wrthi’n trafod pecyn o fesurau gyda Gweinidogion eraill, a dof â hwy i’r Cynulliad er mwyn delio â rhai o’r materion hyn.

It is important that we recognise that we received a Barnett-plus settlement as a result of the last comprehensive spending review. The way forward in terms of Barnett is to consider Barnett-plus in real terms and consider how we can move in that direction. I am concerned about this. I hope that Treasury money will be forthcoming in a number of key areas, especially to tackle the effects of the foot and mouth disease outbreak, which is a national tragedy. I hope that we will receive additional funds. I must emphasise that the proportion of Wales that is affected in terms of agriculture is much higher than that covered in the straight Barnett consequential allocation. If the Treasury is to make funds available, we must consider the nature of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in that context.

Mae’n bwysig cydnabod inni dderbyn setliad Barnett-a-mwy o ganlyniad i’r adolygiad cynhwysfawr o wariant diwethaf. Y ffordd ymlaen yn nhermau Barnett yw ystyried Barnett-a-mwy mewn termau real ac ystyried sut y gallwn symud i’r cyfeiriad hwnnw. Yr wyf yn pryderu am hyn. Gobeithio y daw arian gan y Trysorlys mewn nifer o feysydd allweddol, yn arbennig i fynd i’r afael ag effeithiau clwy’r traed a’r genau, sydd yn drychineb genedlaethol. Gobeithiaf y derbyniwn arian ychwanegol. Rhaid imi bwysleisio bod y gyfran o Gymru yr effeithiwyd arni yn nhermau amaethyddiaeth yn llawer uwch na’r hyn a gwmpesir yn nyraniad canlyniadol syml Barnett. Os bydd y Trysorlys yn sicrhau arian, rhaid inni ystyried natur Cymru, yr Alban a Gogledd Iwerddon yn y cyd-destun hwnnw.

Dafydd Wigley spoken in English p. 57

Dafydd Wigley siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 57

Will the Minister accept that, whereas Wales only has 5 per cent of the population of the UK—on which the Barnett formula is based—it has 25 per cent of the sheep?

A dderbynia’r Gweinidog er mai dim ond 5 y cant o boblogaeth y DU sydd gan Gymru—sef yr hyn y seilir fformwla Barnett arno—fod ganddi 25 y cant o’r defaid?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 57

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 57

I understand that Wales has 25 per cent of the UK’s sheep. That will be taken into account. Representations on the impact of agriculture on Wales’s communities will be made in terms of allocating additional money. There will be discussions in London as to how the Government will deal with this national crisis. It is important that we recognise that these pressure points exist. They must be dealt with within the context of Wales.

Deallaf fod gan Gymru 25 y cant o ddefaid y DU. Caiff hynny ei ystyried. Gwneir sylwadau ar effaith amaethyddiaeth ar gymunedau Cymru yn nhermau dyrannu arian ychwanegol. Cynhelir trafodaethau yn Llundain ar sut yr ymdrinia’r Llywodraeth â’r argyfwng cenedlaethol hwn. Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn cydnabod bodolaeth y mannau hyn sydd dan bwysau. Rhaid delio â hwy o fewn cyd-destun Cymru.

Cynnig Edwina Hart t. 57

Motion Edwina Hart p. 57

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 35 YmatalAbstain 4 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (35)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Val Feld
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams
  • Phil Williams
YmatalAbstain (4)
  • Geraint Davies
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas

Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd i’r Gadair am 10.54 a.m.

The Deputy Presiding Officer took the Chair at 10.54 a.m.

Adroddiad Grant Arbennig y Cynllun Cychwyn Cadarn

The Sure Start Scheme Special Grant Report

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services spoken in English p. 58

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 58

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services (continued) spoken in English p. 58

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 58

The Sure Start programme was launched in Wales in 1999, with £25 million available over three years. I seek Members’ agreement to this motion, which will ensure that the statutory mechanism is in place to allow grant payments to be made to local authorities during the financial year 2001-02. As Members will be aware, Sure Start aims to provide integrated, locally based services to support families with young children. The scheme has a number of key aims. The first is to improve social and emotional development and support early bonding between parents and their children.

Lansiwyd y rhaglen Cychwyn Cadarn yng Nghymru yn 1999, gyda £25 miliwn ar gael dros dair blynedd. Ceisiaf gytundeb yr Aelodau ar y cynnig hwn, a sicrha bod y mecanwaith statudol yn ei le i ganiatáu i daliadau grant gael eu gwneud i awdurdodau lleol yn ystod y flwyddyn ariannol 2001-02. Fel y bydd yr Aelodau yn ymwybodol, nod Cychwyn Cadarn yw darparu gwasanaethau integredig, lleol i gynorthwyo teuluoedd â phlant ifanc. Mae i’r cynllun nifer o nodau allweddol. Y cyntaf yw gwella datblygiad cymdeithasol ac emosiynol a chynorthwyo rhieni a’u plant i fondio’n gynnar.

Second, improving health. This may include encouraging smoking cessation or trying to reduce childhood accidents. Sure Start also aims to improve children’s ability to learn, encourage stimulating and enjoyable play, improve language skills and enhance parenting skills, all within the community context. A key element that we are fostering is parental involvement in scheme planning and partnerships.

Yn ail, gwella iechyd. Gallai hyn gynnwys annog pobl i roi’r gorau i ysmygu neu geisio lleihau lefel damweiniau plant. Mae hefyd yn fwriad gan Gychwyn Cadarn i gynyddu gallu plant i ddysgu, eu hannog i chwarae mewn ffordd sydd yn eu hysgogi ac y maent yn ei fwynhau, gwella sgiliau iaith a sgiliau rhieni, a’r cyfan o fewn cyd-destun y gymuned. Yr ydym yn meithrin y broses o gynnwys rhieni wrth gynllunio cynlluniau a phartneriaethau, sydd yn elfen allweddol.

What has this meant on the ground? There is a partnership in Carmarthenshire between social services, the Children’s Society and NCH Action for Children, which is also running a playbus scheme. In Abertillery Youth Centre, a crèche leader works with children and parents, promoting stimulating and enjoyable opportunities for parents to undertake courses. The Gwersyllt project in Wrexham, which I have visited, has parent and toddler groups in English and Welsh and a toy library. All over Wales, projects are meeting the needs of local children and their families and Members will be aware of them.

Beth a olygodd hyn yn ymarferol? Mae partneriaeth yn Sir Gaerfyrddin rhwng y gwasanaethau cymdeithasol, Cymdeithas y Plant a NCH Gweithredu Dros Blant, sydd hefyd yn cynnal cynllun bws chwarae. Yng Nghanolfan Ieuenctid Abertyleri, gweithia arweinydd meithrinfa gyda phlant a rhieni, gan hyrwyddo cyfleoedd i rieni ymgymryd â chyrsiau mewn ffordd sydd yn eu hysgogi ac y maent yn ei fwynhau. Mae gan brosiect Gwersyllt yn Wrecsam, yr wyf wedi ymweld ag ef, grwpiau rhieni a phlant bach yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg a llyfrgell deganau. Dros Gymru gyfan, mae prosiectau yn diwallu anghenion plant lleol a’u teuluoedd a bydd yr Aelodau yn ymwybodol ohonynt.

The scheme is delivered by 22 local partnerships, which consist of health authorities, local authorities and the voluntary sector. Local partnerships are best able to meet the needs of local people and communities. They can target resources where they are most needed. The partnerships are in their infancy and relationships are still being built. Partnership co-ordinators have a key role in delivering this scheme and I have witnessed their commitment across Wales, working to deliver Sure Start and to embrace the new way of working. Many Members know that some partnerships have encountered stumbling blocks. Partnerships are not always easy and they are being developed slowly, but they are overcoming the problems. They are recognising the challenges of partnership. Last year there were problems in recruiting staff which had a knock-on effect in bringing the projects forward. We are through the worst of that now and we look forward to a year of heightened activity.

Darperir y cynllun gan 22 o bartneriaethau lleol, sydd yn cynnwys awdurdodau iechyd, awdurdodau lleol a’r sector gwirfoddol. Partneriaethau lleol all ddiwallu anghenion pobl a chymunedau lleol orau. Gallant dargedu adnoddau lle y mae eu hangen fwyaf. Megis dechrau y mae’r partneriaethau ac mae’r perthnasau yn y broses o gael eu ffurfio o hyd. Mae gan gydlynwyr partneriaethau rôl allweddol yn y gwaith o gyflwyno’r cynllun hwn a bûm yn dyst i’w hymrwymiad ar draws Cymru, yn gweithio i gyflwyno Cychwyn Cadarn a chroesawu’r ffordd newydd hon o weithio. Gŵyr sawl Aelod i rai partneriaethau daro ar rwystrau. Nid yw partneriaethau yn hawdd bob amser a chânt eu datblygu’n araf, ond maent yn goresgyn y problemau. Cydnabyddant yr heriau sydd i bartneriaeth. Y llynedd yr oedd problemau wrth recriwtio staff a gafodd effaith yn ei dro ar ddatblygu’r prosiectau. Yr ydym dros y gwaethaf bellach yn hynny o beth ac edrychwn ymlaen at flwyddyn o weithgarwch cynyddol.

Ron Davies spoken in English p. 60

Ron Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 60

There have been difficulties getting the schemes off the ground in many local health authority areas. As a result, not all the allocations have been spent within the financial year for which they were made. I understand that the health authorities have not had guidance on allowing some degree of flexibility in transferring money unspent in one financial year over to the next financial year. The Minister will not be in a position to give me a definitive answer to that today. However, will she undertake to look sympathetically at this position and, if she considers it appropriate, give guidance to health authorities that they should allow the transfer of money unspent in one financial year to the following financial year?

Bu anawsterau wrth geisio dechrau’r cynlluniau mewn sawl ardal awdurdod iechyd lleol. O ganlyniad, ni wariwyd yr holl arian a ddyrannwyd o fewn y flwyddyn ariannol y’i bwriadwyd ar ei chyfer. Deallaf na chafodd yr awdurdodau iechyd ganllawiau o ran caniatáu rhywfaint o hyblygrwydd wrth drosglwyddo arian nas gwariwyd yn un flwyddyn ariannol i’r flwyddyn ariannol nesaf. Ni fydd y Gweinidog mewn sefyllfa i roi ateb pendant imi ar hynny heddiw. Fodd bynnag, a ymgymera i edrych â chydymdeimlad ar y sefyllfa hon ac, os ystyria bod hynny’n briodol, rhoi arweiniad i awdurdodau iechyd y dylent ganiatáu i arian nas gwariwyd yn un flwyddyn ariannol gael ei drosglwyddo i’r flwyddyn ariannol ganlynol?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 60

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 60

I will come to that point.

Dof at y pwynt hwnnw.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 60

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 60

I do not want to interrupt you earlier than necessary, but Members should remember that there is a short debate and a minority party debate to follow. If we are to finish on time we must begin the minority party debate at 11.05 a.m., which is in seven minutes’ time. We have two special grant reports, which I cannot curtail, but I ask, where possible, that speakers be succinct, so that we do not need a procedural motion seeking to extend this Plenary session. However, these are important debates, and if Members want to speak, I will allow them to do so.

Nid wyf am dorri ar eich traws yn gynt nag sydd angen, ond dylai’r Aelodau gofio bod dadl fer a dadl plaid leiafrifol i ddilyn. Er mwyn gorffen mewn pryd rhaid inni ddechrau dadl y blaid leiafrifol am 11.05 a.m., sef ymhen saith munud. Mae gennym ddau adroddiad grant arbennig, na allaf eu cwtogi, ond gofynnaf, lle y bo’n bosibl, i siaradwyr fod yn gryno, fel na fydd angen cynnig trefniadol arnom i geisio ymestyn y Cyfarfod Llawn hwn. Fodd bynnag, mae’r rhain yn ddadleuon pwysig, ac os yw’r Aelodau am siarad, caniatâf iddynt wneud hynny.

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 60

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 60

I will conclude my opening remarks shortly. Sure Start has long-term aims and needs to be well evaluated locally. The Assembly has also included Wales in a nationwide longitudinal study, called the millennium cohort study, which includes a sample of children born this year.

Dof â’m sylwadau agoriadol i ben cyn hir. Mae gan Gychwyn Cadarn nodau tymor hir ac mae angen ei werthuso’n lleol. Mae’r Cynulliad hefyd wedi cynnwys Cymru mewn astudiaeth hydredol genedlaethol, o’r enw astudiaeth carfan y mileniwm, sydd yn cynnwys sampl o blant a anwyd eleni.

The special grant report solely relates to local authority expenditure, not to health authority expenditure. Of the £11 million available this year, partnerships say that £8.3 million should be made available to local authorities and £2.7 million to health authorities. The special grant report provides the maximum local authority expenditure on these initiatives for next year.

Mae’r adroddiad grant arbennig yn ymwneud â gwariant awdurdodau lleol yn unig, nid â gwariant awdurdodau iechyd. O’r £11 miliwn sydd ar gael eleni, dywed partneriaethau y dylid sicrhau bod £8.3 miliwn ar gael i awdurdodau lleol a £2.7 miliwn i awdurdodau iechyd. Darpara’r adroddiad grant arbennig uchafswm gwariant awdurdodau lleol ar y mentrau hyn ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf.

Four partnerships in Wales have informed the Assembly that their capital projects have slipped, and exceptional agreement has been given for carry forward of this slippage. Details will have to be approved and partnerships will have to demonstrate how they will use resources carried forward. That includes the flexibility that you are seeking, Ron. The Assembly does not expect the situation to re-occur in the next financial year, as the plans are firmly in place.

Mae pedair partneriaeth yng Nghymru wedi hysbysu’r Cynulliad bod eu prosiectau cyfalaf wedi llithro, a chytunwyd y câi’r llithriant hwn ei gario drosodd, sydd yn eithriadol. Bydd yn rhaid i’r manylion gael eu cymeradwyo a bydd yn rhaid i’r partneriaethau ddangos sut y defnyddiant yr adnoddau a gaiff eu cario drosodd. Mae hynny’n cynnwys yr hyblygrwydd a geisiwch, Ron. Ni ddisgwylia’r Cynulliad i’r sefyllfa godi eto yn ystod y flwyddyn ariannol nesaf, gan fod y cynlluniau yn gadarn yn eu lle.

Sure Start is being implemented all over Wales, in different ways. Many Members are pleased with the way that matters are developing. I urge Members to support the motion.

Gweithredir Cychwyn Cadarn ledled Cymru mewn gwahanol ffyrdd. Mae llawer o’r Aelodau yn fodlon ar y ffordd y mae pethau’n datblygu. Anogaf yr Aelodau’n daer i gefnogi’r cynnig.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 61

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 61

I am sure that everyone welcomes the good work undertaken through the Sure Start scheme and many of the initiatives that have been set up as a result. However, last year there were comments on a lack of cohesion in the delivery of some of those initiatives. Jane has touched on that, and others have said that it was due to the fact that the scheme was in its early days. However, other comments suggested that there was an insufficient exchange of information between authorities. What are you doing to encourage the sharing of best practices? What lessons have been drawn from last year’s schemes and what measures will you take to ensure that those lessons will be learnt?

Yr wyf yn siŵr bod pawb yn croesawu’r gwaith da yr ymgymerwyd ag ef drwy’r cynllun Cychwyn Cadarn a llawer o’r mentrau a sefydlwyd o ganlyniad. Fodd bynnag, y llynedd yr oedd sylwadau ynglŷn â diffyg cydlyniad yn y ffordd y cyflawnwyd rhai o’r mentrau hynny. Mae Jane wedi crybwyll hynny, ac mae eraill wedi dweud mai’r ffaith mai megis dechrau yr oedd y cynllun oedd yn gyfrifol. Fodd bynnag, awgrymai sylwadau eraill na chyfnewidiwyd digon o wybodaeth rhwng awdurdodau. Beth yr ydych yn ei wneud i annog pobl i rannu arferion gorau? Pa wersi a dynnwyd o gynlluniau y llynedd a pha fesurau a gymerwch i sicrhau y dysgir y gwersi hynny?

There were also complaints from local authorities that the process of administering grants was a cumbersome and bureaucratic one involving detailed spending profiles, quarterly financial monitoring returns and much more. The report seems to suggest that those burdens will continue. Accountability is important, but authorities have expressed concerns that the level of bureaucracy attached to these grants is becoming excessive.

Cafwyd cwynion hefyd gan awdurdodau lleol bod y broses o weinyddu grantiau yn un feichus a biwrocrataidd, a olygai broffiliau gwario manwl, ffurflenni monitro ariannol chwarterol a llawer mwy. Awgryma’r adroddiad, i bob golwg, y parha’r beichiau hynny. Mae atebolrwydd yn bwysig, ond mae awdurdodau wedi mynegi pryderon bod lefel y fiwrocratiaeth sydd ynghlwm wrth y grantiau hyn yn mynd yn ormodol.

Specific grants are another way of hypothecating local government money. What discussions have you had with local authorities to develop a policy agreement with them, so that we can move to a policy agreement that is tied into outcomes rather than specific grants?

Mae grantiau penodol yn ffordd arall o bridiannu arian llywodraeth leol. Pa drafodaethau a gawsoch gydag awdurdodau lleol i ddatblygu cytundeb polisi gyda hwy, er mwyn inni allu symud i gytundeb polisi sydd yn gysylltiedig â chanlyniadau yn hytrach na grantiau penodol?

Peter Law spoken in English p. 62

Peter Law siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 62

I welcome this excellent initiative and the good work that is being undertaken in Wales through the Sure Start scheme. It is making a big difference in my constituency. We should be pleased about this £8 million of expenditure. I recently visited the Sure Start schemes in Abertillery and Ebbw Vale—and we were delighted that the Minister for Health and Social Services visited us in Ebbw Vale recently—and I was impressed to see at first hand what people are doing on the ground to make a difference to the lives of single parents who are living in great deprivation.

Croesawaf y fenter wych hon a’r gwaith da yr ymgymerir ag ef yng Nghymru drwy gynllun Cychwyn Cadarn. Gwna wahaniaeth mawr yn fy etholaeth i. Dylem fod yn falch o’r £8 miliwn hwn o wariant. Yn ddiweddar ymwelais â’r cynlluniau Cychwyn Cadarn yn Abertyleri a Glynebwy—ac yr oeddem wrth ein bodd i’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol ymweld â ni yng Nglynebwy yn ddiweddar—ac fe’m trawyd wrth weld â’m llygaid fy hun yr hyn a wna pobl yn ymarferol i wneud gwahaniaeth i fywydau rhieni sengl sydd yn byw mewn amddifadedd mawr.

Here, we have no idea of that kind of deprivation. We vote money through, but we have no idea of the difference it makes to people’s lives out there. I urge Members to visit these Sure Start schemes to see what they are doing. I heard from parents, supporters, district nurses and health visitors about ante-natal classes and computer courses in information technology, aromatherapy and beauty therapy. When does a woman who lives 1350 feet above sea level in a deprived community ever hear anything about beauty therapy? That is important to them, in terms of life skills and quality of life. Courses include first aid, learning IT and office skills, maquette and sign language—how many of us could do that? There is also a new mother’s group and even Welsh history classes. They all help to improve health, social development and the ability to learn.

Yma, nid oes gennym unrhyw syniad am y math hwnnw o amddifadedd. Pleidleisiwn arian drwodd, ond nid oes gennym unrhyw syniad o’r gwahaniaeth a wna i fywydau pobl. Anogaf yr Aelodau’n daer i ymweld â’r cynlluniau Cychwyn Cadarn hyn i weld yr hyn a wnânt. Clywais gan rieni, cynorthwywyr, nyrsys ardal ac ymwelwyr iechyd am ddosbarthiadau cyn geni a dosbarthiadau cyfrifiadurol mewn technoleg gwybodaeth, aromatherapi a therapi harddwch. Pryd bydd gwraig sydd yn byw 1350 o droedfeddi uwchlaw lefel y môr mewn cymuned ddifreintiedig yn clywed unrhyw beth am therapi harddwch? Mae hynny’n bwysig iddynt hwy, yn nhermau sgiliau bywyd ac ansawdd bywyd. Ymhlith y cyrsiau mae cymorth cyntaf, dysgu sgiliau swyddfa a thechnoleg gwybodaeth, braslunio ac iaith arwyddion—faint ohonom allai wneud hynny? Hefyd mae grŵp mamau newydd a dosbarthiadau hanes Cymru hyd yn oed. Maent oll yn gymorth i wella iechyd, datblygiad cymdeithasol a’r gallu i ddysgu.

I know that time is short, but it is important that I mention these points. In the words of a mother who has been a part of the scheme in Ebbw Vale:

Gwn fod amser yn brin, ond mae’n bwysig fy mod yn crybwyll y pwyntiau hyn. Yng ngeiriau mam a fu’n rhan o’r cynllun yng Nglynebwy:

‘After I started to go to parents in education, this is how I saw myself. After attending for roughly three months, I saw myself and what it was being so important to me. Now I put myself and my children first, at last. That is how it should be. I changed into a better person. There is support, there is help and there is fun throughout. I began to go only to show and to help people who had had depression that I had it and I got through it and over it and now I try to help them. Since attending, I have been able to get my women and health achievement level two certificate. I have finished plate on computers and I have more confidence in myself. I enjoy what I do and I love going to parents in education and it is the best for me and my children.’

‘Ar ôl imi ddechrau mynd ar gwrs rhieni mewn addysg, dyma sut y gwelwn fy hun. Ar ôl mynychu am tua thri mis, gwelwn fy hun a’r hyn a oedd mor bwysig imi. Bellach rhoddaf fy hun a’m plant yn gyntaf, o’r diwedd. Dyna sut y dylai fod. Trois yn berson gwell. Mae cefnogaeth yno, cymorth a hwyl drwy’r cyfan. Dechreuais fynd dim ond i ddangos i bobl a ddioddefodd o iselder ysbryd i mi ei gael ac imi ddod drwyddo a gwella, ac yn awr ceisiaf eu cynorthwyo hwy. Ers dechrau mynychu, cefais fy nhystysgrif cyrhaeddiad merched ac iechyd lefel dau. Yr wyf wedi gorffen plât ar gyfrifiaduron ac mae gennyf fwy o hyder ynof fy hun. Mwynhaf yr hyn a wnaf ac yr wyf wrth fy modd yn mynd i gwrs rhieni mewn addysg ac mae’n wych i mi a’m plant.’

I read that with humility. I hope that you all feel the same. Be proud of what health visitors, nurses, leaders and the nursing assistants are achieving for us. They are achieving what we want them to do in our deprived communities. We can be assured that we are making a difference to the lives of these families and are supporting them in the way that we want. Therefore, I am delighted to support this report today.

Darllenaf hynny’n wylaidd. Gobeithio eich bod i gyd yn teimlo’r un fath. Ymfalchïwch yn yr hyn y mae ymwelwyr iechyd, nyrsys, arweinwyr a’r cynorthwywyr nyrsio yn ei gyflawni drosom. Cyflawnant yr hyn yr ydym am iddynt ei wneud yn ein cymunedau difreintiedig. Gallwn fod yn sicr y gwnawn wahaniaeth i fywydau’r teuluoedd hyn ac ein bod yn eu cynorthwyo yn y ffordd yr ydym am wneud hynny. Felly, mae’n bleser gennyf ategu’r adroddiad hwn heddiw.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 63

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 63

I agree with Peter Law’s sentiments on the scheme’s impact. However, its impact could be greater if we narrowed its objectives, given that we are only spending £8 million. That sounds like a great deal of money to people outside this Chamber, but in terms of the overall budget, it is a small amount. If we targeted that money, it could be spent more effectively. Therefore, I agree that it is making an important impact, as Peter Law outlined, but it would make an even greater one, if we targeted the money more effectively.

Cytunaf â sylwadau Peter Law ar effaith y cynllun. Fodd bynnag, gallai ei effaith fod yn fwy pe cyfyngem ei amcanion, o gofio mai dim ond £8 miliwn yr ydym yn ei wario. Swnia hynny’n swm mawr o arian i bobl y tu allan i’r Siambr hon, ond yn nhermau’r gyllideb gyffredinol, swm bach ydyw. Os targedwn yr arian hwnnw, gellid ei wario’n fwy effeithiol. Felly, cytunaf ei fod yn cael effaith bwysig, fel yr amlinellodd Peter Law, ond câi effaith fwy hyd yn oed pe targedem yr arian yn fwy effeithiol.

However, I am concerned about the underspend, which I know occurred because of specific problems. Flintshire had an underspend of 50 per cent. If that money is carried forward, and we see from the budget heading that that will happen, we must ensure that the money is spent. We do not want to be in the same situation next year of having a similar amount of underspend, where local authorities were unable to spend a specific amount of money. If we are going to give them the money, I would rather that they get on and spend it.

Fodd bynnag, pryderaf am y tanwariant, y gwn y’i hachoswyd oherwydd problemau penodol. Yr oedd gan Sir y Fflint danwariant o 50 y cant. Os caiff yr arian hwnnw ei gario drosodd, a gwelwn o bennawd y gyllideb bod hynny am ddigwydd, rhaid inni sicrhau y gwerir yr arian. Nid ydym am fod yn yr un sefyllfa y flwyddyn nesaf, sef bod swm tebyg nas gwariwyd, lle na fu’n bosibl i awdurdodau lleol wario swm penodol o arian. Os ydym am roi’r arian iddynt hwy, byddai’n well gennyf pe byddent yn bwrw ymlaen â’i wario.

Peter Black spoken in English p. 64

Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 64

I welcome this grant. Sure Start schemes are important and, like Peter Law, I have visited some schemes and witnessed their impact on deprived communities.

Croesawaf y grant hwn. Mae cynlluniau Cychwyn Cadarn yn bwysig ac, fel Peter Law, yr wyf wedi ymweld â rhai cynlluniau a bod yn dyst i’w heffaith ar gymunedau difreintiedig.

As time is short, I will raise three brief points. The underspend has been mentioned frequently. The fact that this is the second year that an underspend on these projects has been carried forward has raised concern. Jane referred to the fact that the £300,000 carried forward this year relates to capital projects. Has there been an underspend on the revenue projects and, if so, has it been lost or will it also be carried forward?

Gan fod amser yn brin, codaf dri phwynt byr. Crybwyllwyd y tanwariant yn aml. Mae’r ffaith mai hon yw’r ail flwyddyn y cariwyd tanwariant ar y prosiectau hyn drosodd wedi peri pryder. Cyfeiriodd Jane at y ffaith fod y £300,000 a gariwyd drosodd eleni yn ymwneud â phrosiectau cyfalaf. A fu tanwariant ar y prosiectau refeniw ac, os felly, a gafodd ei golli neu a gaiff hwnnw hefyd ei gario drosodd?

My second points relates to the schemes’ sustainability. When schemes are funded by grants such as this, the funding will inevitably be short-term. A number of these schemes will only have an impact in the longer-term. I would be interested to hear the Minister’s response to that, and any ideas she may have about how these schemes can be sustained over a longer period of time.

Mae fy ail bwynt yn ymwneud â chynaliadwyedd y cynlluniau. Pan ariennir cynlluniau gan grantiau fel hyn, mae’n anochel mai rhywbeth tymor byr fydd yr arian. Dim ond yn y tymor hwy y caiff nifer o’r cynlluniau hyn effaith. Byddai o ddiddordeb imi glywed ymateb y Gweinidog i hynny, ac unrhyw syniadau a allai fod ganddi ynglŷn â sut y gellir cynnal y cynlluniau hyn dros gyfnod hwy o amser.

My third point is about how these schemes are integrated into Assembly and local government policy. In particular, are we trying to co-ordinate schemes with the early years strategy that is being pursued currently as part of education policy, to try to achieve the maximum, best use of resources?

Mae fy nhrydydd pwynt ynglŷn â sut yr integreiddir y cynlluniau hyn i mewn i bolisi’r Cynulliad a llywodraeth leol. Yn arbennig, a geisiwn gydlynu cynlluniau â’r strategaeth blynyddoedd cynnar a ddilynir ar hyn o bryd fel rhan o bolisi addysg, er mwyn ceisio cyflawni’r defnydd gorau posibl o adnoddau?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 64

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 64

We are evaluating Sure Start carefully, Janet, as we are moving into the second year of the grant scheme. Co-ordinators meet at a regional and national level, and a specialist support group will consider the evaluation. The point about the special grant is that we must ensure that the money is spent on the Assembly’s objectives for Sure Start. That is why the money for local government is hypothecated in this way. That is linked to Peter Black’s point about sustainability and Jonathan Morgan’s point about targeting. We must learn from Sure Start and ensure that it is embedded, if it works and does the sort of things that Peter Law mentioned. He spoke of the tremendous, positive response of women in communities in his constituency, Blaenau Gwent. Women will be the backbone and wage earners there, as the communities suffer the stresses of the Corus situation.

Gwerthuswn Gychwyn Cadarn yn ofalus, Janet, gan ein bod yn symud i mewn i ail flwyddyn y cynllun grant. Mae’r cyd-drefnwyr yn cyfarfod ar lefel ranbarthol a chenedlaethol, ac ystyrir y gwerthusiad gan grŵp cymorth arbenigol. Y pwynt ynglŷn â’r grant arbennig yw bod yn rhaid inni sicrhau y gwerir yr arian ar amcanion y Cynulliad ar gyfer Cychwyn Cadarn. Dyna pam y pridiennir yr arian ar gyfer llywodraeth leol yn y ffordd hon. Mae hynny’n cysylltu â phwynt Peter Black am gynaliadwyedd a phwynt Jonathan Morgan am dargedu. Rhaid inni ddysgu gan Gychwyn Cadarn a sicrhau ei fod yn gwreiddio, os yw’n gweithio ac yn gwneud y math o bethau a grybwyllodd Peter Law. Soniodd am ymateb cadarnhaol rhyfeddol gwragedd yng nghymunedau ei etholaeth, sef Blaenau Gwent. Gwragedd fydd yr asgwrn cefn a’r rhai a fydd yn cynnal teuluoedd yno, wrth i’r cymunedau ddioddef straen sefyllfa Corus.

This is about monitoring and ensuring that the money is well spent. Targets must be set, Jonathan, to ensure that money is spent. Targeting in the most disadvantaged communities will help us to learn from the different ways that Sure Start is being implemented in Wales. I think that it will reassure Peter Black, Janet and Jonathan to know that we must then look to the children and young people strategy—on which we are currently consulting—to see whether there should be a single children and young people’s fund. We will consider whether Sure Start and the Children and Youth Partnership should form a fund, which would enable local authorities—which, like the Assembly, have many partnerships—to be more strategic and joined-up in the way that they address children and young people’s needs, and the needs of their parents and communities. That will start to emerge as we move forward and consult on the Children and Youth Partnership framework.

Mae hyn yn ymwneud â monitro a sicrhau y gwerir yr arian mewn ffordd dda. Rhaid pennu targedau, Jonathan, er mwyn sicrhau y gwerir arian. Bydd targedu yn y cymunedau hynny sydd dan yr anfantais fwyaf yn ein helpu i ddysgu o’r ffyrdd gwahanol y gweithredir Cychwyn Cadarn yng Nghymru. Credaf y bydd yn tawelu meddwl Peter Black, Janet a Jonathan i wybod y bydd yn rhaid inni wedyn edrych ar y strategaeth plant a phobl ifanc—yr ymgynghorwn arni ar hyn o bryd—er mwyn gweld a ddylid cael cronfa unigol ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc. Ystyriwn a ddylai Cychwyn Cadarn a’r Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc ffurfio cronfa, a fyddai’n galluogi awdurdodau lleol—sydd, fel y Cynulliad, yn meddu ar sawl partneriaeth—i fod yn fwy strategol a chydlynus yn y ffordd yr ymdriniant ag anghenion plant a phobl ifanc, ac anghenion eu rhieni a’u cymunedau. Dechreua hynny ddod i’r amlwg wrth inni symud ymlaen ac ymgynghori ar fframwaith y Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc.

Cynnig Jane Hutt t. 65

Motion Jane Hutt p. 65

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 35 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (35)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Jane Hutt
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams

Cymeradwyo Adroddiad Grant Arbennig Plant a Phobl Ifanc

The Children and Young People Special Grant Report

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services spoken in English p. 66

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 66

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services (continued) spoken in English p. 66

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 66

We must now undertake a similar procedure for the Children and Youth Partnership Fund. I am seeking agreement today to the motion to allow grant payments to be made to local authorities during the financial year 2001-02. As with Sure Start, it is a technical process, undertaken for each of the previous two financial years.

Rhaid inni yn awr ymgymryd â gweithdrefn debyg ar gyfer y Gronfa Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc. Yr wyf yn ceisio cael cytundeb heddiw ar gyfer y cynnig i alluogi i daliadau grant gael eu gwneud i awdurdodau lleol yn ystod y flwyddyn ariannol 2001-02. Fel gyda Cychwyn Cadarn, mae’n broses dechnegol, yr ymgymerwyd â hi ar gyfer y ddwy flwyddyn ariannol flaenorol.

The Children and Youth Partnership Fund shares a similar history to Sure Start. Both schemes were introduced in 1999 as three-year schemes, with total funding of £25 million. Both are delivered through partnerships and both encountered similar start-up difficulties. The Assembly’s most recent budget also includes indicative allocations up to the end of the current planning period for the fund.

Mae’r Gronfa Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc yn rhannu hanes tebyg i Gychwyn Cadarn. Cyflwynwyd y ddau gynllun yn 1999 fel cynlluniau tair blynedd, gyda chyfanswm o £25 miliwn i’w hariannu. Cyflwynir y ddau drwy bartneriaethau a phrofodd y ddau anawsterau cychwynnol tebyg. Mae cyllideb ddiweddaraf y Cynulliad hefyd yn cynnwys dyraniadau dangosol hyd at ddiwedd y cyfnod cynllunio presennol ar gyfer y gronfa.

In 2001-02, there will be three elements to the fund, which will total £14 million. The first is the original children and youth element, which is aimed at promoting local initiatives to lift youngsters’ educational achievements, improve health, engage them in creative activities in their communities and encourage them away from crime, drugs, vandalism and truancy. The financial year 2001-02 is the third year of the original planning round. Plans have already been approved and a total of £10 million is available. A sum of £9.5 million will be released to local authorities through the special grant report tabled today and £0.5 million will be paid separately to health authorities.

Yn 2001-02, bydd tair elfen i’r gronfa, fydd yn dod i gyfanswm o £14 miliwn. Y cyntaf yw’r elfen plant a phobl ifanc wreiddiol, a anelir at hybu mentrau lleol i godi cyflawniadau addysgol pobl ifanc, gwella iechyd, eu cynnwys mewn gweithgareddau creadigol yn eu cymunedau a’u harwain oddi wrth droseddau, cyffuriau, fandaliaeth a thriwantiaeth. Y flwyddyn ariannol 2001-02 yw trydedd flwyddyn y cylch cynllunio gwreiddiol. Cymeradwywyd y cynlluniau eisoes ac mae cyfanswm o £10 miliwn ar gael. Rhyddheir swm o £9.5 miliwn i awdurdodau lleol drwy’r adroddiad grant arbennig a gyflwynwyd heddiw a thelir £0.5 miliwn ar wahân i awdurdodau iechyd.

The transition from school is a time of risk. Too many children fall out of meaningful activity in their teenage years and many remain socially excluded for the rest of their adult years. The youth access initiative helps disaffected 14 to 17-year-olds into education, training or employment. To date, it has been delivered by the training and enterprise councils. However, given the similarity of objectives, it has been incorporated as the second element of the Children and Youth Partnership Fund. A sum of £3 million will be made available in 2001-02. For technical reasons, this element is not included in this special grant report but it will be managed in all other respects as part of the fund.

Mae newid o’r ysgol yn gyfnod o risg. Bydd gormod o blant yn troi eu cefnau ar weithgareddau ystyrlon yn ystod eu harddegau a bydd gormod yn parhau i fod wedi’u hallgau yn gymdeithasol am weddill eu blynyddoedd fel oedolion. Mae’r fenter mynediad i’r ifanc yn helpu pobl ifanc 14 i 17 oed sydd wedi ymddieithrio i ymgymryd ag addysg, hyfforddiant neu gyflogaeth. Hyd yn hyn, fe’i darparwyd gan y cynghorau hyfforddiant a menter. Fodd bynnag, o ystyried tebygrwydd yr amcanion, cafodd ei ymgorffori fel ail elfen y Gronfa Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc. Bydd swm o £3 miliwn ar gael yn 2001-02. Am resymau technegol, ni chaiff yr elfen hon ei chynnwys yn yr adroddiad grant arbennig hwn ond caiff ei rheoli ym mhob agwedd arall fel rhan o’r gronfa.

The third element of the Children and Youth Partnership Fund in 2001-02 will be the play grant. Last year, £1 million was provided for the Play 2000 scheme, which took place during the summer and was extremely successful. Its aim was to meet the need for improved open access play provision in the most deprived communities in Wales. I am glad to say that, as a result of that successful initiative, we have allocated a further £1 million to the play grant, which is also included in this special grant report.

Trydedd elfen y Gronfa Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc yn 2001-02 fydd y grant chwarae. Y llynedd, darparwyd £1 miliwn ar gyfer y cynllun Chwarae 2000, a gynhaliwyd yn ystod yr haf ac a oedd yn eithriadol o lwyddiannus. Ei nod oedd cwrdd â’r angen am well darpariaeth chwarae â mynediad agored yn y cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig yng Nghymru. Yr wyf yn falch o ddweud, o ganlyniad i’r fenter lwyddiannus honno, ein bod wedi dyrannu £1 miliwn arall i’r grant chwarae, sydd hefyd wedi’i gynnwys yn yr adroddiad grant arbennig hwn.

To develop these transitional arrangements, the Assembly organised a planning conference in December. Officials informed partnerships of their indicative allocations and details of arrangements to help them plan for 2001-02. Plans have already begun to arrive and I thank those who have been involved in developing those plans, which are the results of partnerships. They are about managing change and developing services for children and young people.

Er mwyn datblygu’r trefniadau trosiannol hyn, trefnodd y Cynulliad gynhadledd gynllunio ym mis Rhagfyr. Hysbyswyd y partneriaethau gan y swyddogion o’u dyraniadau dangosol a manylion y trefniadau i’w helpu i gynllunio ar gyfer 2001-02. Mae cynlluniau eisoes wedi dechrau cyrraedd a diolchaf i’r rheini oedd yn gysylltiedig â datblygu’r cynlluniau hynny, sydd wedi deillio o bartneriaethau. Maent yn ymwneud â rheoli newid a datblygu gwasanaethau ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc.

I am pleased to note that there is no need for a carry-forward of revenue expenditure because there was almost a full spend in 2000-01. No partnerships have informed us of any capital slippage.

Mae’n bleser gennyf nodi nad oes angen cario gwariant refeniw ymlaen oherwydd cafwyd gwariant llawn bron yn 2000-01. Nid oes unrhyw bartneriaethau wedi ein hysbysu o unrhyw lithriad mewn cyfalaf.

The first page of ‘Betterwales.com’ sets out our vision of Wales as a place that values its children and where young people want to live, work and enjoy a high quality of life. These initiatives contribute to that. I urge you to support the motion.

Mae tudalen gyntaf ‘Gwellcymru.com’ yn nodi ein gweledigaeth o Gymru fel lle sydd yn rhoi gwerth ar ei blant a lle mae pobl ifanc am fyw, gweithio a mwynhau bywyd o ansawdd uchel. Mae’r mentrau hyn yn cyfrannu at hynny. Fe’ch anogaf i gefnogi’r cynnig.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 68

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 68

Rhaid inni groesawu’r mathau hyn o flaengareddau a rhaid inni gytuno â’r hyn a ddywedwyd yn y ddadl flaenorol. Maent i’w croesawu a’u cefnogi.

We must welcome these kinds of initiatives and we must agree with what was said in the previous debate. They are to be welcomed and supported.

Mae trefn fiwrocrataidd, weinyddol ynghlwm wrth bob un o’r blaengareddau hyn. Felly, po fwyaf o flaengareddau a geir, mwyaf oll o waith gweinyddol a grëir. Yr oeddwn dan yr argraff, mewn dadl rhai wythnosau yn ôl pan drafodasom ymestyn hawliau pobl ifanc, ein bod hefyd wedi cyfeirio at fframwaith a fyddai’n rhesymoli’r holl flaengareddau hyn ac yn dod â hwy ynghyd. Byddai hynny’n ein harbed rhag y broses gyfredol o ddyblygu gweinyddol. Mae hynny’n digwydd heddiw—rhaid inni bleidleisio ar ddau grant. Pa gynnydd a wnaethom i ddatblygu’r math hwnnw o fframwaith a fyddai’n symleiddio’r gwaith ac yn ei wneud yn llawer mwy effeithlon ac effeithiol?

Bureaucratic, administrative arrangements are linked to each of these initiatives. Therefore, the more initiatives you have, the more administration work is created. I was under the impression that, in a debate some weeks ago when we discussed extending the rights of young people, we referred to a framework that would rationalise all these initiatives and combine them. That would save us from the current process of administration duplication. That is happening today—we have to vote on two grants. What progress have we made to develop that kind of framework that would simplify the work and make it much more efficient and effective?

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 68

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 68

What reassurances can Jane give the Assembly that, when considering how to spend this special grant report, the local authorities involved will give true weighting and consideration to the needs of local communities? We need reassurance that the local authorities will engage in true consultation with communities, rather than tell them what they think they need.

Pa sicrwydd all Jane ei roi i’r Cynulliad, wrth ystyried sut i wario’r adroddiad grant arbennig hwn, y bydd yr awdurdodau lleol sydd ynghlwm â hyn yn rhoi pwysoliad ac ystyriaeth lawn i anghenion cymunedau lleol? Mae angen sicrwydd arnom y bydd yr awdurdodau lleol yn ymgymryd ag ymgynghoriad gwirioneddol â chymunedau, yn hytrach na dweud yr hyn y credant sydd ei angen arnynt.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 69

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 69

We welcome the use of a special grant report for this purpose. As you know, the Welsh Conservative group would like to see the use of special grant reports extended much further, particularly in the education budget generally. This scheme has wide objectives and they are laudable. However, with that amount of money, it would be far more effective if we narrowed down some of those objectives and set some specific targets to use for that purpose. The scheme addresses the difficulties that some young people experience in re-engaging with the education sector, such as the problems of truancy and fighting social exclusion. However, it does little to encourage parental responsibility and their involvement in the educational welfare of their children. In the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee yesterday, we heard from Estyn that over the past year, 32 per cent of secondary schools in Wales were listed as being unsatisfactory in terms of pupil attendance. There are clear secondary school pupil attendance problems in Wales, and there are also a high number of behavioural problems. Young people are increasingly misbehaving in school and teachers are spending more time bringing those children back up to speed with educational developments. That has a general impact on the education of other schoolchildren.

Croesawn y defnydd o adroddiad grant arbennig at y diben hwn. Fel y gwyddoch, byddai grŵp Ceidwadwyr Cymru’n hoffi gweld y defnydd o adroddiadau grant arbennig yn cael ei ymestyn yn llawer pellach, yn arbennig yn y gyllideb addysg yn gyffredinol. Mae gan y cynllun hwn amcanion eang ac maent i’w canmol. Fodd bynnag, gyda chymaint â hynny o arian, byddai’n llawer mwy effeithiol os byddem yn lleihau nifer yr amcanion a gosod rhai targedau penodol i’w defnyddio i’r diben hwnnw. Mae’r cynllun yn ymdrin â’r anawsterau y bydd rhai pobl ifanc yn eu profi wrth ailgysylltu â’r sector addysgol, fel problemau triwantiaeth a brwydro yn erbyn cael eu hallgau yn gymdeithasol. Fodd bynnag, ni wna lawer i annog cyfrifoldeb rhieni a’u cyfranogiad tuag at les addysgol eu plant. Yn y Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes ddoe, clywsom gan Estyn y rhestrwyd 32 y cant o ysgolion uwchradd yng Nghymru fel ysgolion anfoddhaol yn nhermau presenoldeb disgyblion dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf. Mae problemau amlwg yn ymwneud â phresenoldeb disgyblion mewn ysgolion uwchradd yng Nghymru, a hefyd ceir nifer fawr o broblemau ymddygiad. Mae pobl ifanc yn camymddwyn fwyfwy mewn ysgolion ac mae athrawon yn treulio mwy o amser yn ceisio annog cynnydd gan y plant o ran datblygiadau addysgol. Caiff hynny effaith gyffredinol ar addysg plant ysgol eraill.

This money could be used to target truancy specifically. It could be used for a wide variety of areas as it stands. However, it could be used to target truancy and the issues relating to special educational needs in the primary sector. It could also be used to employ additional classroom assistants in the primary sector. More targeted measures would have a greater impact. I am particularly concerned that the scheme does nothing to involve parents and address the issue of parental responsibility.

Gellid defnyddio’r arian hwn i dargedu triwantiaeth yn benodol. Gellid ei ddefnyddio ar gyfer amrywiaeth eang o feysydd fel y saif. Fodd bynnag, gellid ei ddefnyddio i dargedu triwantiaeth a’r materion sydd yn ymwneud ag anghenion addysgol arbennig yn y sector cynradd. Hefyd gellid ei ddefnyddio i gyflogi cynorthwywyr ystafelloedd dosbarth ychwanegol yn y sector cynradd. Gallai mesurau wedi’u targedu gael mwy o effaith. Yr wyf yn arbennig o bryderus na wna’r cynllun unrhyw beth i gynnwys rhieni ac ymdrin â’r mater o gyfrifoldeb rhieni.

Ron Davies spoken in English p. 70

Ron Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

I feel slightly under pressure in this debate, Llywydd, because you are urging us to be brief. The special grant report is on an important subject and it gets to the heart of this Assembly’s objective of dealing with the problems of our more deprived communities. It is a pity that we have such a heavy agenda that forces this pressure. I recognise the fact that the Conservative Party has a minority debate and I do not want to trample on its rights, but perhaps the business managers should look at the volume of business that is placed on the Thursday agendas.

Teimlaf o dan ychydig o bwysau yn y ddadl hon, Lywydd, oherwydd eich bod yn ein hannog i fod yn gryno. Mae’r adroddiad grant arbennig ar bwnc pwysig ac mae’n mynd at wraidd amcan y Cynulliad hwn o ymdrin â phroblemau ein cymunedau mwy difreintiedig. Mae’n drueni bod gennym agenda mor drom sydd yn gorfodi’r pwysau hwn. Cydnabyddaf y ffaith fod gan y Blaid Geidwadol ddadl leiafrifol ac nid wyf am sathru ar ei hawliau, ond efallai y dylai’r rheolwyr busnes edrych ar faint y busnes a roddir ar agendâu dydd Iau.

I will make four brief points to Jane. I repeat the question that I asked about Sure Start. If I heard correctly, she said that there was no need for any carry-over on revenue expenditure. That is not my understanding. If she receives any representations from local authorities, will she agree to the same degree of flexibility with revenue expenditure for the Children and Youth Partnership Fund as she has indicated will be available for the capital programmes under the Sure Start scheme? That is an important point. The establishment of the schemes has been delayed, which means that local authorities’ expenditure needs are being piled up towards the end of this financial year and need to carry over spend into the next financial year. My second point is that I checked with the two departments on whether any written guidance had been given about the administration of these schemes. I acknowledge the fact that local authorities and health authorities must be free to develop their own schemes of co-operation, but I was surprised that they were not given any guidance on the basic administrative ground rules of the scheme. Will Jane reflect on whether there is a need for some guidance, particularly given the fact health authorities and local authorities must co-operate? In the absence of any ground rules it is more difficult for those two types of authorities to agree on their methods of co-operation.

Gwnaf bedwar pwynt byr i Jane. Ailadroddaf y cwestiwn a ofynnais am Gychwyn Cadarn. Os clywais yn gywir, dywedodd nad oedd angen cario gwariant refeniw ymlaen. Nid dyna a ddeallais i. Os bydd yn derbyn unrhyw sylwadau gan awdurdodau lleol, a fydd yn cytuno i’r un graddau o hyblygrwydd gyda gwariant refeniw ar gyfer y Gronfa Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc y nododd y bydd ar gael ar gyfer y rhaglenni cyfalaf o dan y cynllun Cychwyn Cadarn? Mae hynny’n bwynt pwysig. Gohiriwyd sefydlu’r cynlluniau, sydd yn golygu fod anghenion gwariant awdurdodau lleol yn cael eu cronni tuag at ddiwedd y flwyddyn ariannol hon a bod angen cario’r gwariant drosodd i’r flwyddyn ariannol nesaf. Fy ail bwynt yw fy mod wedi holi’r ddwy adran ynghylch a roddwyd unrhyw arweiniad ysgrifenedig am weinyddu’r cynlluniau hyn. Cydnabyddaf y ffaith fod yn rhaid i awdurdodau lleol ac awdurdodau iechyd fod yn rhydd i ddatblygu eu cynlluniau cydweithredu eu hunain, ond cefais fy synnu na roddwyd unrhyw arweiniad iddynt ar reolau sylfaenol gweinyddol y cynllun. A ystyria Jane yr angen am beth arweiniad, yn enwedig o ystyried y ffaith fod yn rhaid i awdurdodau iechyd ac awdurdodau lleol gydweithredu? Yn absenoldeb unrhyw reolau sylfaenol mae’n anoddach i’r ddau fath hwn o awdurdod gytuno ar eu dulliau cydweithredu.

The third point concerns training. Peter Law mentioned it in respect of Sure Start. I understand that a great deal of pressure has been exerted now on trained health visitors in respect of the Sure Start scheme, and particularly, trained teachers and youth workers with regard to the Children and Youth Partnership Fund. I understand that there is a real shortage and that local authorities are having difficulty in recruiting people. Is Jane monitoring the extent to which training programmes are available for those who wish to train in teaching or youth services? Will a corresponding amount of money be offered to train people if these schemes are made available?

Mae’r trydydd pwynt yn ymwneud â hyfforddiant. Crybwyllodd Peter Law hyn mewn perthynas â Chychwyn Cadarn. Deallaf y rhoddwyd llawer o bwysau erbyn hyn ar ymwelwyr iechyd wedi’u hyfforddi mewn perthynas â’r cynllun Cychwyn Cadarn, ac yn arbennig, athrawon a gweithwyr ieuenctid wedi’u hyfforddi mewn perthynas â’r Gronfa Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc. Deallaf fod prinder mawr a bod awdurdodau lleol yn cael anhawster wrth recriwtio pobl. A yw Jane yn monitro’r graddau y mae rhaglenni hyfforddi ar gael i’r rhai hynny sydd am hyfforddi mewn addysgu neu wasanaethau ieuenctid? A gynigir swm cyfatebol o arian i hyfforddi pobl os bydd y cynlluniau hyn ar gael?

I am racing through these points, Llywydd. However, in the earlier debate on the Sure Start programme, Jane referred to its long-term future and the review of that programme. Has she carried out that same review in respect of the Children and Youth Partnership and can she indicate the likely long-term future of such schemes? If local authorities and health authorities are prepared to involve themselves if they train or take on new staff and incur capital expenditure, surely they should been given some indication about the future? I acknowledge that it is a special report and an initiative that needs to be tested. I understand that. However, if they commit themselves as fully as we would want to make these schemes a success, they are entitled to some indication as to whether the National Assembly views these as long-term and ongoing schemes.

Yr wyf yn brysio drwy’r pwyntiau hyn, Lywydd. Fodd bynnag, yn y ddadl ar raglen Cychwyn Cadarn yn gynharach, cyfeiriodd Jane at ei dyfodol yn y tymor hir ac adolygiad o’r rhaglen honno. A yw wedi cynnal yr un adolygiad hwnnw mewn perthynas â’r Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc ac a all nodi dyfodol tymor hir tebygol cynlluniau o’r fath? Os yw awdurdodau lleol ac awdurdodau iechyd yn barod i gynnwys eu hunain os byddant yn hyfforddi neu’n penodi staff newydd ac yn cronni gwariant cyfalaf, oni ddylid rhoi rhywfaint o syniad iddynt am y dyfodol? Cydnabyddaf fod hwn yn adroddiad arbennig ac yn fenter y mae angen ei phrofi. Deallaf hynny. Fodd bynnag, os byddant yn ymrwymo eu hunain mor llawn ag y byddem am iddynt ei wneud er mwyn i’r cynlluniau hyn fod yn llwyddiant, mae ganddynt hawl i gael rhyw syniad a yw Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yn eu gweld fel cynlluniau tymor hir a pharhaol.

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 71

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 71

I endorse your comments that racing through these motions is not good. It is not good for how policies should be developed and approved in the Assembly. However, starting with Gareth’s points, every one of these priorities is covered by the special grant. It is important when we begin an initiative that we ring-fence this money and clarify our spending objectives. In developing new partnerships between local government, health authorities, the health service and the voluntary sector, we are breaking new ground. These partnerships do not already exist, they have to be made and developed. We must ensure that the money is spent as we wish. Some administrative arrangements are needed for that. However, it is important that, as we move forward with these schemes, we consider whether we should—and this relates to Ron’s last point—integrate what we have learnt and what works from Children and Youth Partnership and Sure Start into a children and young people support grant. That relates to the revenue support grant and local authorities’ decisions regarding their priorities. It also relates to Ron’s point about how this is embedded in the long term. It must be about what we learn through evaluation about what works and what is appropriate through Children and Youth Partnership and Sure Start to take this forward.

Cefnogaf eich sylwadau nad yw’n dda brysio drwy’r cynigion hyn. Nid yw’n dda ar gyfer y ffordd y dylid datblygu a chymeradwyo polisïau yn y Cynulliad. Fodd bynnag, gan ddechrau â phwyntiau Gareth, cwmpesir pob un o’r blaenoriaethau hyn gan y grant arbennig. Mae’n bwysig pan gychwynnwn fenter ein bod yn neilltuo’r arian hwn ac yn egluro ein hamcanion gwario. Wrth ddatblygu partneriaethau newydd rhwng llywodraeth leol, awdurdodau lleol, y gwasanaeth iechyd a’r sector gwirfoddol, yr ydym yn torri tir newydd. Nid yw’r partneriaethau hyn yn bodoli eisoes, rhaid eu llunio a’u datblygu. Rhaid inni sicrhau y caiff yr arian ei wario yn ôl ein dymuniad ni. Rhaid wrth rai trefniadau gweinyddol ar gyfer hynny. Fodd bynnag, mae’n bwysig, wrth inni symud ymlaen gyda’r cynlluniau hyn, ein bod yn ystyried a ddylem—ac mae hyn yn ymwneud â phwynt olaf Ron—gyfuno’r hyn yr ydym ni wedi ei ddysgu a’r hyn sydd yn gweithio o’r Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc a Chychwyn Cadarn yn grant cymorth ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc. Mae hynny’n ymwneud â’r grant cymorth refeniw a phenderfyniadau awdurdodau lleol o ran eu blaenoriaethau. Mae hefyd yn ymwneud â phwynt Ron am sut y caiff hyn ei osod yn y tymor hir. Dylai ymwneud â’r hyn a ddysgwn drwy werthusiad am yr hyn sydd yn gweithio a’r hyn sydd yn briodol drwy Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc a Chychwyn Cadarn i fynd â hyn yn ei flaen.

Kirsty raised the point about the partnership. Concerns have been expressed about the voluntary sector. Is it a true member of the partnership and do local communities need it? With Sure Start and Children and Youth Partnership community involvement is critical to ensure success. We are monitoring the role of the voluntary sector and as part of our evaluation, we are also considering how funding has been spent.

Cododd Kirsty y pwynt ynglŷn â’r bartneriaeth. Mynegwyd pryderon am y sector gwirfoddol. A yw’n aelod gwirioneddol o’r bartneriaeth ac a oes ei angen ar gymunedau lleol? Gyda Cychwyn Cadarn a’r Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc mae cyfranogiad y gymuned yn hanfodol i sicrhau llwyddiant. Yr ydym yn monitro rôl y sector gwirfoddol ac fel rhan o’n gwerthusiad, yr ydym hefyd yn ystyried sut y gwariwyd yr arian.

I say to Jonathan that the Sure Start initiative is the starting point of encouraging parental responsibility. If you look at the most deprived communities, where these initiatives are targeted, we are—as Peter Law and others have demonstrated—enabling parents to become more involved with their children from the beginning. If we can get Sure Start right and enable that parental capacity and skill to develop that will set them in good stead for the rest of their children’s lives. It is important that this is targeted at the social, health and wellbeing development of children and young people. It is not to supplement educational initiatives, priorities or objectives. It is to ensure that our children and young people have access to play and to youth access initiatives, employment and educational opportunities.

Dywedaf wrth Jonathan mai dechreubwynt annog cyfrifoldeb rhieni yw’r fenter Cychwyn Cadarn. Os edrychwch ar y cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig, lle y targedwyd y mentrau hyn, yr ydym—fel y dangosodd Peter Law ac eraill—yn galluogi i rieni gymryd mwy o ran gyda’u plant o’r cychwyn. Os gallwn gael Cychwyn Cadarn yn iawn a chaniatáu i allu a sgiliau rhieni ddatblygu, bydd hynny’n sylfaen da ar gyfer gweddill bywydau eu plant. Mae’n bwysig y caiff hyn ei dargedu tuag at ddatblygiad cymdeithasol, iechyd a lles plant a phobl ifanc. Nis bwriedir ychwanegu at fentrau, blaenoriaethau neu amcanion addysgol. Ei fwriad yw sicrhau y caiff ein plant a phobl ifanc fynediad i chwarae ac i fentrau mynediad i’r ifanc, cyflogaeth a chyfleoedd addysgol.

Outside of Wales people look with envy at our Children and Youth Partnership scheme. It is unique to Wales. I recently visited Northern Ireland, where the play 2000 grant, which is now incorporated into this project, is also regarded with envy. We had lost the open access play that was so important in communities where parents do not have the money or resources to pay for private provision for their children.

Y tu allan i Gymru mae ein cynllun Partneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc yn destun edmygedd. Mae’n unigryw i Gymru. Yn ddiweddar ymwelais â Gogledd Iwerddon, lle mae’r grant chwarae 2000, a ymgorfforir yn y prosiect hwn bellach, hefyd yn destun edmygedd. Collasom y mynediad agored i chwarae a oedd mor bwysig mewn cymunedau lle nad oes gan rieni arian neu adnoddau i dalu am ddarpariaeth breifat i’w plant.

We must consider the fundamental importance and objectives of the Children and Youth Partnership. In ensuring that we spend this money appropriately with the Children and Youth Partnership, Ron, my officials advise me at present that we have not had any requests for carry forward, but we will be flexible on the need for carry forward. It is also important in terms of how we monitor the partnerships that we are not heavy-handed. They are partnerships, so they must be developed and nurtured. We need to have a light touch. That is the dilemma with the special grant facility. We must ensure that local authorities work in partnership with the health service and the voluntary sector, and embed what they have learnt into their funding streams and their policy development, which I believe they will do as a result of Sure Start and the Children and Youth Partnership. It breaks new ground, because it will be in partnership with the health service. We will move forward with youth access and the play grant into much wider environmental, leisure, and sporting opportunities for children and young people. On training and staff shortages, Ron, the Extending Entitlement paper, on which we are also consulting, will bring about a rebirth of the youth service in Wales. That will require training and retraining for our youth service, and will offer new opportunities. That, alongside the children and young people framework, which I mentioned in relation to Sure Start, is presently out to consultation. That is about the possibility of this Children and Young People Support Grant that I mentioned earlier. We need to bring these together.

Rhaid inni ystyried pwysigrwydd ac amcanion sylfaenol y Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc. Wrth sicrhau ein bod yn gwario’r arian hwn yn briodol gyda’r Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc, Ron, caf fy nghynghori gan fy swyddogion ar hyn o bryd nad ydym wedi cael unrhyw geisiadau i gario arian drosodd, ond byddwn yn hyblyg o ran yr angen i wneud hynny. Mae hefyd yn bwysig nad ydym yn llawdrwm yn y modd y byddwn yn monitro’r partneriaethau. Partneriaethau ydynt, felly rhaid eu datblygu a’u meithrin. Mae angen inni fod yn ofalus. Dyna’r dilema gyda’r cyfleuster grant arbennig. Rhaid inni sicrhau bod yr awdurdodau lleol yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth â’r gwasanaeth iechyd a’r sector gwirfoddol, ac yn cynnwys yr hyn a ddysgwyd ganddynt yn eu llif arian a’u datblygiad polisi. Credaf y gwnânt hynny o ganlyniad i Gychwyn Cadarn a’r Bartneriaeth Plant a Phobl Ifanc. Mae’n torri tir newydd, oherwydd bydd mewn partneriaeth â’r gwasanaeth iechyd. Byddwn yn symud ymlaen â mynediad i bobl ifanc a’r grant chwarae i gyfleoedd amgylcheddol, hamdden a chwaraeon llawer ehangach i blant a phobl ifanc. O ran prinder hyfforddiant a staff, Ron, bydd y papur Ymestyn Hawliau, yr ydym hefyd yn ymgynghori arno, yn atgyfodi’r gwasanaeth ieuenctid yng Nghymru. Bydd hynny’n galw am hyfforddi ac ailhyfforddi ar gyfer ein gwasanaeth ieuenctid, a bydd yn cynnig cyfleoedd newydd. Mae ymgynghori ynghylch hwnnw, ynghyd â’r fframwaith plant a phobl ifanc, a grybwyllais mewn perthynas â Chychwyn Cadarn, yn digwydd ar hyn o bryd. Mae hynny ynghylch y posibilrwydd o’r Grant Cymorth Plant a Phobl Ifanc y crybwyllais yn gynharach. Mae angen inni ddod â’r rhain ynghyd.

Finally, it is important for children and young people that we give due time, thought and consideration to the important initiatives that the Assembly is driving forward. I agree that £25 million for each of these schemes is not enough, but it is an important indicator of what we can achieve in partnership with local government, the health service, the voluntary sector, parents, as well as with children and young people.

Yn olaf, mae’n bwysig i blant a phobl ifanc ein bod yn rhoi amser, meddwl ac ystyriaeth briodol i’r mentrau pwysig y mae’r Cynulliad yn eu llywio. Cytunaf nad yw £25 miliwn ar gyfer pob un o’r cynlluniau hyn yn ddigon, ond mae’n ddangosydd pwysig o’r hyn y gallwn ei gyflawni mewn partneriaeth â llywodraeth leol, y gwasanaeth iechyd, y sector gwirfoddol, rhieni, yn ogystal â chyda phlant a phobl ifanc.

Cynnig Jane Hutt t. 74

Motion Jane Hutt p. 74

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 39 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (39)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Cynog Dafis
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Alison Halford
  • Jane Hutt
  • Gareth Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams
  • Phil Williams

Dadl Plaid Leiafrifol (Y Blaid Geidwadol): Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru

Minority Party Debate (The Conservative Party): Improving Health in Wales

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 74

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 74

I have selected amendments 1 and 2 in the name of Jocelyn Davies and amendments 3 and 4 in the names of Andrew Davies and Kirsty Williams.

Yr wyf wedi dethol gwelliannau 1 a 2 yn enw Jocelyn Davies a gwelliannau 3 a 4 yn enw Andrew Davies a Kirsty Williams.

David Melding spoken in English p. 75

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 75

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

David Melding (continued) spoken in English p. 75

David Melding (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 75

The National Assembly calls upon the Liberal Democrat/Labour administration to:

Mae’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn galw ar y weinyddiaeth Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol/ Llafur i wneud y canlynol:

1. confirm that no existing accident and emergency department will be closed;

1. cadarnhau na fydd unrhyw adran damweiniau ac achosion brys yn cael ei chau;

2. reject any plans to reduce the number of district general hospitals so as to reflect a population catchment of 500,000 or more;

2. gwrthod unrhyw gynllun i leihau nifer yr ysbytai cyffredinol rhanbarthol fel bod dalgylch poblogaeth o 500,000 yn cael ei adlewyrchu;

3. confirm that the district general hospital model is not being abandoned;

3. cadarnhau na roir y gorau i’r model ysbyty cyffredinol rhanbarthol;

4. provide £20 million for the construction of a national children’s hospital for Wales.

4. darparu £20 miliwn i adeiladu ysbyty plant cenedlaethol i Gymru.

The time has come to seriously consider the future of acute hospitals in Wales. We must face, in particular, the place of district general hospitals in that future. That is why we have introduced today’s minority party debate.

Mae’n bryd inni ystyried dyfodol ysbytai gofal aciwt yng Nghymru o ddifrif. Rhaid inni wynebu, yn arbennig, rôl yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth yn y dyfodol hwnnw. Dyna pam ein bod wedi cyflwyno dadl plaid leiafrifol heddiw.

I will spend some time discussing district general hospitals and their background. They have been the backbone of the national health service at secondary level for over 40 years. They are the pride of communities all over Wales. They are our current network for secondary care, including, crucially, accident and emergency services.

Treuliaf beth amser yn trafod ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth a’u cefndir. Buont yn asgwrn cefn y gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol ar lefel eilaidd ers dros 40 mlynedd. Maent yn destun balchder i gymunedau ledled Cymru. Hwy yw ein rhwydwaith cyfredol ar gyfer gofal eilaidd, gan gynnwys, yn holl bwysig, wasanaethau damweiniau ac achosion brys.

The central questions that we face are as follows: are district general hospitals to be the essential building blocks of a modernised national health service and, can district general hospitals survive in an NHS that has greater specialisation and clinical concentration? If we cannot confidently answer these questions in the affirmative, we are seeing the first signs of a dramatically different model emerging—a model based on a few regional super-hospitals, supported by satellites offering a reduced range of acute services. No doubt the Minister will be reluctant to respond to this essential point—perhaps I should not anticipate, but it is a difficult political issue to grapple with.

Mae’r cwestiynau canolog a wynebwn fel a ganlyn: a fydd ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth yn gonglfaen i wasanaeth iechyd gwladol wedi ei foderneiddio ac, a all ysbytai cyffredinol rhanbarthol oroesi mewn NHS sydd â mwy o arbenigo a gwaith clinigol dwysach? Os na allwn ateb y cwestiynau hyn yn hyderus yn gadarnhaol, yr ydym yn gweld yr arwyddion cyntaf o fodel tra gwahanol yn datblygu—model sydd yn seiliedig ar ychydig o uwch-ysbytai rhanbarthol, wedi eu hategu gan is-ysbytai yn cynnig ystod lai o wasanaethau aciwt. Yn sicr bydd y Gweinidog yn amharod i ymateb i’r pwynt holl bwysig hwn—efallai na ddylwn ragdybio, ond mae’n fater gwleidyddol anodd i fynd i’r afael ag ef.

I remind Members that there is one question that goes to the heart of this matter and will be thrown back at you in years to come if you do not take a stance now, namely will the number of accident and emergency departments be cut? Of the current 15, how many can we expect to see, if we follow a regional model for secondary care in Wales? There are two key documents at the centre of this debate. First, ‘Improving Health in Wales’, which contains the notorious ‘page 16’ to which I will refer shortly—perhaps that was anticipated, but I will not deny you that pleasure. The other document is ‘Access and Excellence’ produced by NHS Cymru, which provides a proposed model for future secondary care provision.

Atgoffaf yr Aelodau fod un cwestiwn sydd yn ganolog i’r mater hwn ac a gaiff ei daflu yn ôl atoch yn y dyfodol oni wnewch safiad yn awr, sef a gaiff nifer yr adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys eu cwtogi? O’r 15 adran bresennol, faint ohonynt fydd ar ôl, os dilynwn fodel rhanbarthol ar gyfer gofal eilaidd yng Nghymru? Mae dwy ddogfen allweddol wrth wraidd y ddadl hon. Yn gyntaf, ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’ sydd yn cynnwys y ‘dudalen 16’ fondigrybwyll y cyfeiriaf ati yn y man—efallai ichi ragweld hynny, ond ni wnaf wrthod y pleser hwnnw ichi. Y ddogfen arall yw ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’ a gynhyrchwyd gan NHS Cymru, sydd yn cynnig model arfaethedig ar gyfer darpariaeth gofal eilaidd yn y dyfodol.

‘Improving Health in Wales’ includes two clauses that have caused considerable concern among people in Wales, including all political parties. I quote directly from the document:

Mae ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’ yn cynnwys dau gymal sydd wedi achosi cryn bryder ymhlith pobl Cymru, gan gynnwys pob plaid wleidyddol. Dyfynnaf yn uniongyrchol o’r ddogfen:

‘the traditional district general hospital has served a population of around 200,000 to 250,000 people. Effective planning of secondary care now requires us to look at a population base of 500,000 people or more.’

‘mae’r ysbyty cyffredinol rhanbarthol traddodiadol wedi gwasanaethu poblogaeth o tua 200,000 i 250,000 o bobl. Mae cynllunio effeithiol o ofal eilaidd bellach yn gofyn inni ystyried poblogaeth sylfaenol o 500,000 o bobl neu fwy.’

Notice the ‘or more’—that is half a million people as a basis. The second clause is as follows:

Sylwer ar ‘neu fwy’—mae hynny’n sylfaen o hanner miliwn o bobl. Mae’r ail gymal fel a ganlyn:

‘developing this new model will, over time, bring about substantial change in the hospital network in Wales. We will see an overall reduction in the number of traditional hospitals.’

‘bydd datblygu’r model newydd hwn, â threigl amser, yn achosi newid sylweddol yn y rhwydwaith ysbytai yng Nghymru. Byddwn yn gweld gostyngiad cyffredinol yn y nifer o ysbytai traddodiadol.’

It is quite simple; each district general hospital currently serves, on average, a quarter of a million people. If the minimum catchment area is to include half a million people, we are facing a 50 per cent cut in acute general hospital provision to offer those services comprehensively on one site. That matter must be addressed today, and I hope that the Minister will respond. Clearly, this is a decisive move away from the provision of district general hospitals. It must be said, in fairness to the Minister, that when she presented ‘Improving Health in Wales’, she was adding to the detail of ‘Access and Excellence’, which considers a model based on half a million people. The NHS Confederation picked up on this matter and does not particularly help my case because it supports the Minister. However, it also identifies the current political context and essential nature of this debate and how aware of it we must be. Therefore, I will quote from the NHS Confederation’s reflection on the Minister’s executive document.

Mae’n syml iawn; ar hyn o bryd mae pob ysbyty cyffredinol y dosbarth yn gwasanaethu chwarter miliwn o bobl, ar gyfartaledd. Os bydd y dalgylch lleiaf yn cynnwys hanner miliwn o bobl, yr ydym yn wynebu cwtogiad o 50 y cant yn narpariaeth ysbytai cyffredinol aciwt er mwyn cynnig yr holl wasanaethau hynny ar un safle. Rhaid ymdrin â’r mater hwnnw heddiw, a gobeithiaf y bydd y Gweinidog yn ymateb. Yn amlwg, mae hyn yn gam pendant oddi wrth ddarpariaeth yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Rhaid dweud, a bod yn deg â’r Gweinidog, pan gyflwynodd ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’, iddi ategu manylion ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’ sydd yn ystyried model sydd yn seiliedig ar hanner miliwn o bobl. Sylwodd Cydffederasiwn yr NHS ar y mater hwnnw ac nid yw fawr o gymorth i’m hachos am ei fod yn cefnogi’r Gweinidog. Fodd bynnag, mae hefyd yn nodi’r cyd-destun gwleidyddol presennol a natur holl bwysig y ddadl hon a pha mor ymwybodol ohoni y mae’n rhaid inni fod. Felly, dyma sylwadau Cydffederasiwn yr NHS ar ddogfen weithredol y Gweinidog:

‘We welcome the plan to give a new role to hospitals with specialist care being concentrated in fewer locations. In our view, it is difficult to justify either in terms of service improvement or cost effectiveness maintaining the existing number of district general hospitals offering the same range of specialisms as they do at present. If this view is shared by political figures in the UK Government, the Assembly and in local government, they will have to accept that extremely difficult and controversial decisions on hospital closures will need to be made.’

‘Croesawn y cynllun i roi swyddogaeth newydd i ysbytai a chrynhoi gofal arbenigol mewn llai o leoliadau. Ein barn ni yw ei bod yn anodd cyfiawnhau cynnal nifer bresennol yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth a chynnig yr ystod gyfredol o arbenigeddau; mae’n anodd cyfiawnhau o ran gwella gwasanaethau neu fod yn gost-effeithiol. Os bydd gwleidyddion yn Llywodraeth y DU, y Cynulliad, a llywodraeth leol o’r un farn, rhaid iddynt dderbyn y bydd angen gwneud penderfyniadau eithafol o anodd a dadleuol.’

That is a fair assessment of the current position, that supports, to a certain extent, what the Executive may decide to do. When we consider the essential development of secondary care and what the next stage may be, I am not simply saying that we can easily preserve the status quo—that is not my position. However, we must have a clear vision and leadership from the Executive so that it can be scrutinised properly. It seems that the Executive is determined to move to a model of abandoning district general hospitals in favour of a network based on four health economies. None of this is fixed and final, but we are talking about what are termed ‘health economies’. In other words, the secondary care model will be based on regional—not district—general hospitals.

Mae hwnnw’n asesiad teg o’r sefyllfa bresennol, sydd yn cefnogi, i ryw raddau, yr hyn y bydd y Weithrediaeth yn ei wneud o bosibl. Pan ystyriwn ddatblygiad hanfodol gofal eilaidd a’r cam posibl nesaf, ni ddywedaf y gallwn lynu wrth y sefyllfa sydd ohoni—nid dyna fy safbwynt. Fodd bynnag, rhaid inni gael gweledigaeth ac arweinyddiaeth glir gan y Weithrediaeth fel y gellir ei archwilio’n briodol. Ymddengys fod y Weithrediaeth yn benderfynol o symud i fodel sydd yn mabwysiadu rhwydwaith yn seiliedig ar bedair economi iechyd yn lle’r ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Nid yw unrhyw agwedd ar hyn yn derfynol, ond yr ydym yn sôn am yr hyn a elwir yn ‘economïau iechyd’, hynny yw, bydd y model gofal eilaidd yn seiliedig ar ysbytai cyffredinol rhanbarthol—yn hytrach na rhai dosbarth.

These regional, super hospitals will provide a comprehensive range of acute services including inpatient and major trauma, while the reduced former district general hospitals will provide most outpatient services, day care treatment along with some diagnostic and maternity services. However, crucially, they will not provide accident and emergency services. The number of accident and emergency departments will be reduced from the current 15 to five or six.

Bydd yr uwch-ysbytai rhanbarthol hyn yn darparu ystod gynhwysfawr o wasanaethau aciwt gan gynnwys gwasanaethau i gleifion mewnol a gwasanaethau trawma difrifol, tra y bydd y cyn-ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth llai yn darparu’r rhan fwyaf o’r gwasanaethau i gleifion allanol, triniaeth gofal dydd ynghyd â rhai gwasanaethau diagnostig a gwasanaethau mamolaeth. Fodd bynnag, yn holl bwysig, ni fyddant yn darparu gwasanaethau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Caiff nifer yr adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys eu cwtogi o’r 15 adran bresennol i bump neu chwech.

I turn to the evidence for this approach. As I hinted earlier, there is a fair amount of evidence supporting the executive, but I contend that it is by no means conclusive. However, it would be wrong to say that we do not face a challenging environment in delivering secondary care. There is a growing body of opinion among clinicians that such developments are needed. There are no easy answers. Many hold the view that was clearly expressed by the Royal College of Surgeons that acute general hospitals need a catchment of 500,000. The figure of half a million comes from the clinicians, and their views are not to be dismissed lightly. However, it would be wrong to assume that these views are conclusive, or particularly well developed and supported by much published research. Indeed the Royal College of Surgeons, in its submission on this matter, accepts that there was little published evidence that supports their view that there was a need for a greater concentration of workload. It was their inference that that would be substantiated by research, but it is not currently available.

Trof at y dystiolaeth ar gyfer yr ymagwedd hon. Fel yr awgrymais yn gynharach, mae cryn dipyn o dystiolaeth sydd yn cefnogi safbwynt y weithrediaeth, ond dadleuaf nad tystiolaeth ddiymwad ydyw o bell ffordd. Fodd bynnag, byddai’n amhriodol gwadu nad ydym yn wynebu amgylchedd heriol o ran datblygu gofal eilaidd. Mae nifer gynyddol o glinigyddion o’r farn bod angen datblygiadau o’r fath. Nid oes atebion hawdd. Mae llawer yn cyd-fynd â’r hyn a nodwyd yn glir gan Goleg Brenhinol y Llawfeddygon sef bod angen dalgylch o 500,000 ar gyfer ysbytai cyffredinol aciwt. Y clinigyddion sydd yn nodi’r ffigur o hanner miliwn ac ni ellir diystyru eu barn yn rhwydd. Fodd bynnag, byddai’n amhriodol tybio bod y farn hon yn ddiymwad, neu yn bendant iawn ac wedi ei hategu gan doreth o ymchwil gyhoeddedig. Yn wir, mae Coleg Brenhinol y Llawfeddygon, yn ei gyflwyniad ar y mater hwn, yn derbyn mai prin yw’r dystiolaeth gyhoeddedig sydd yn ategu eu barn hwy bod angen baich gwaith dwysach. Yn eu tyb hwy, byddai hynny yn cael ei gadarnhau drwy ymchwil, ond nid yw ar gael ar hyn o bryd.

Other studies, notably those undertaken by the universities of York and Sheffield, have questioned the basis of the Royal College of Surgeons’s report. They argued that there is no evidence to support a move to fewer and larger accident and emergency departments. Therefore this question is clearly open. No orthodoxy has been established yet. Also, we have yet to debate this matter in great detail in the Assembly or in the Health and Social Services Committee.

Mae astudiaethau eraill, yn arbennig y rhai a wnaethpwyd gan brifysgol Efrog a phrifysgol Sheffield, yn amau sylfaen adroddiad Coleg Brenhinol y Llawfeddygon. Dadleuasant nad oedd tystiolaeth i gefnogi’r newid i ostwng nifer yr adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys a chyflwyno rhai mwy yn eu lle. Felly, mae’r cwestiwn yn amlwg yn un agored. Nid oes barn gyffredin ar hyn o bryd. Hefyd, nid ydym wedi cynnal dadl fanwl ar y mater hwn yn y Cynulliad nac yn y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol.

I have been talking about hospitals, I should focus on patients. We are all patients, we all represent patients, and the electorate are all patients. We must ask what patients want from current secondary hospital provision. There has been much research into public opinion and, in fairness, ‘Excellence and Access’ quotes it in a non-arbitrary way, giving full details of the research that has been conducted. The public’s view is clear: there is a firm finding that accident and emergency services should be locally accessible. There is little support for concentrating services. People want maternity and paediatric services provided locally. In other words, the services that will be transferred to region super hospitals are those most desired at a district level.

Bûm yn trafod ysbytai, dylwn ganolbwyntio ar gleifion. Yr ydym oll yn gleifion, yr ydym oll yn cynrychioli cleifion, ac mae’r etholwyr oll yn gleifion. Rhaid inni ofyn beth y mae cleifion am ei gael o ddarpariaeth eilaidd gyfredol yr ysbytai. Gwnaethpwyd cryn ymchwil i farn y cyhoedd ac, a bod yn deg, mae ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’ yn ei dyfynnu mewn ffordd gytbwys, gan roi manylion llawn yr ymchwil a wnaethpwyd. Mae barn y cyhoedd yn glir: mae canfyddiad pendant y dylai gwasanaethau damweiniau ac achosion brys fod ar gael yn lleol. Nid oes fawr o gefnogaeth i ganoli gwasanaethau. Mae pobl am gael gwasanaethau mamolaeth a phediatrig sydd wedi eu darparu’n lleol, hynny yw, y gwasanaethau a gaiff eu trosglwyddo i uwch-ysbytai rhanbarthol yw’r rhai a chwenychir fwyaf ar lefel dosbarth.

We reject all the amendments with the exception of amendment 3. I am prepared to support that because it leaves open the question of the situation of district general hospitals. I welcome the fact that the Minister for Health and Social Services and the Minister for Assembly Business are doing that.

Gwrthodwn bob un o’r gwelliannau heblaw gwelliant 3. Yr wyf yn barod i’w gefnogi am ei fod yn benagored ynglŷn â sefyllfa’r ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Croesawaf y ffaith bod y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a’r Trefnydd yn gwneud hynny.

In conclusion I say that district general hospitals are to be abandoned without debate. We have started that debate today. I hope that you consider it constructive. Instead of district general hospitals we will have regional super hospitals, that is the core of today’s debate. Surely this new orthodoxy needs to be tested further before we abandon the tried and tested model of district general hospitals. However much it may need modification, we must think about how we could support that model before we move to another.

I gloi, haeraf fod bwriad i ddileu ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth heb ddadl. Yr ydym wedi dechrau’r ddadl honno heddiw. Gobeithiaf y credwch y bydd yn adeiladol. Yn lle ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth bydd gennym uwch-ysbytai rhanbarthol, dyna graidd y ddadl heddiw. Oni ddylai’r farn newydd hon gael ei phrofi ymhellach cyn inni roi gorau i fodel yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth sydd wedi ennill eu plwyf. Faint bynnag y mae angen ei addasu, rhaid inni ystyried sut y gallem gefnogi’r model hwnnw cyn inni symud ymlaen at fodel arall.

Dafydd Wigley siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 80

Dafydd Wigley spoken in Welsh p. 80

Cynigiaf y gwelliannau canlynol yn enw Jocelyn Davies. Gwelliant 1: dileu pwynt 3 a rhoi’r canlynol yn ei le:

I propose the following amendments in the name of Jocelyn Davies. Amendment 1: delete point 3 and replace with:

Dafydd Wigley (parhad) siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 80

Dafydd Wigley (continued) spoken in Welsh p. 80

Ac ychwanegu pwyntiau newydd ar ddiwedd y cynnig:

And add as new points at the end of motion:

5. adolygu effeithiau fformwla Barnett ar y setliad ariannol ar gyfer iechyd;

5. review the effects of the Barnett formula on the financial settlement for health.

6. adolygu’r cysyniad o’r model economi iechyd, a drafodwyd yn y ddogfen ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’ i sicrhau bod:

6. review the concept of the health economy model, discussed in the document ‘Access and Excellence’ so that the:

y capasiti i ddarparu gwasanaethau yng Nghymru yn cael ei ddatblygu; ac

capacity to deliver services in Wales is developed; and

anghenion rhanbarthol Cymru yn cael eu hystyried.

the regional needs of Wales are taken into account.

Cynigiaf welliant 2. Dileu pwynt 3 a rhoi’r canlynol yn ei le:

I propose amendment 2. Delete original point 3 and replace with:

Dafydd Wigley (parhad) siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 80

Dafydd Wigley (continued) spoken in Welsh p. 80

Ychwanegu pwyntiau newydd ar ddiwedd y cynnig:

Add new points at the end of the motion:

5. datblygu NHS yng Nghymru a fydd yn canolbwyntio ar y gymuned, ehangu a chryfhau rhwydwaith Cymru gyfan o ysbytai cymuned;

5. develop a NHS in Wales that has its focus firmly in the community, expanding and strengthening the all Wales network of community hospitals;

6. cynyddu capasiti’r NHS yng Nghymru.

6. increase the capacity of the NHS in Wales.

Mae Plaid Cymru yn cydnabod bod y gwasanaeth iechyd er lles pawb, ac nid er cyfleustra arbenigwyr yn unig. Siaradaf felly o safbwynt y defnyddwyr, sef y bobl a ddaw i’n gweld yn ein cymorthfeydd. Siaradaf hefyd o ran defnyddwyr o fewn yr NHS, nid y rhai sydd yn cael meddygaeth breifat yn ateb i’r problemau.

Plaid Cymru recognises that the health service exists for everybody’s benefit, and not just for the convenience of experts. I speak therefore from the consumers’ point of view, that is the people who come to see us in our surgeries. I also speak on behalf of the consumers within the NHS, not those who find that private medicine is a solution to the problems.

O’r dystiolaeth o’n hetholaethau, mae problemau mawr yn parhau yn y gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol. Yn sicr, nid yw’r drefn bresennol yn gweithio’n effeithiol ac mae’r ffigurau’n siarad drosynt eu hunain. Mae nifer y cleifion sydd yn disgwyl dros 12 mis am driniaeth fel cleifion mewnol yng Nghymru wedi cynyddu o 6,200 ym Mawrth 1997, i 11,000 yn Ionawr eleni. Mae nifer y cleifion sydd yn disgwyl dros 18 mis wedi cynyddu, yn ystod yr un cyfnod, o 1,400 i 4,800. Mae’r un patrwm yn bodoli gyda chleifion allanol, gyda’r rhestrau o gleifion sydd yn aros dros dri mis am driniaeth wedi cynyddu o 28,000 yn 1997 i 93,000 yn Ionawr eleni. Mae nifer y cleifion sydd yn disgwyl dros 6 mis am driniaeth wedi cynyddu, yn ystod yr un cyfnod, o 6,000 i dros 48,000. Mae hwnnw’n gynnydd o 700 y cant. Mae’r ffigurau hyn yn gwbl annerbyniol a gwarthus, ac yn adlewyrchu methiant y Llywodraeth Lafur yn San Steffan ac yn y Cynulliad i gadw at eu haddewidion.

From the evidence from our constituencies, major problems remain in the national health service. Certainly, the current system is not working efficiently and the figures speak for themselves. The number of patients waiting over 12 months for treatment as in-patients in Wales has increased from 6,200 in March 1997, to 11,000 in January of this year. The number of patients waiting over 18 months has increased, over the same period, from 1,400 to 4,800. The same pattern exists with out-patients, with lists of patients waiting over 3 months for treatment increasing from 28,000 in 1997 to 93,000 in January this year. The number of patients waiting over 6 months for treatment has increased, during the same period, from 6,000 to over 48,000. That represents an increase of 700 per cent. These figures are totally unacceptable and disgraceful, and reflect the failure of the Labour Government at Westminster and in the Assembly to keep their promises.

Achoswyd y ffigurau hynny gan amharodrwydd y Trysorlys rhwng 1997 a 2000 i ryddhau arian ychwanegol i’w wario ar wasanaethau cyhoeddus, ac yn arbennig ar y gwasanaeth iechyd. Derbyniaf, er mor hir hwyr ac ar ôl oedi a thindroi am dair blynedd, fod peth arian ychwanegol ar ddod. Bydd Lloegr yn derbyn cynnydd o 9.3 y cant yn ei chyllideb iechyd ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf. Bydd cyllideb iechyd Cymru’n cynyddu o £2.985 biliwn i £3.241 biliwn, sydd yn gynnydd o 8.6 y cant. Mae perygl, felly, y bydd Cymru’n disgyn ymhellach y tu ôl i Loegr o sabwynt y gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol. Hyd nes y cawn fformwla newydd sydd yn adlewyrchu anghenion Cymru, i gymryd lle fformwla Barnett, mae’n debyg y bydd y patrwm hwn yn parhau.

These figures are a result of the Treasury’s unwillingness between 1997 and 2000 to release additional funding to be spent on public services, and on the health service in particular. I acknowledge, despite it being late in the day and after three years of delay and procrastination, that some additional money is about to become available. England will receive an increase of 9.3 per cent in its health budget for next year. Wales’s health budget will increase from £2.985 billion to £3.241 billion, which is an increase of 8.6 per cent. There is a danger, therefore, that Wales will fall further behind England in terms of the national health service. Until we have a new formula that reflects the needs of Wales, instead of the Barnett formula, it is likely that this pattern will continue.

Os ydym am ddatrys problem y rhestrau aros, rhaid inni sicrhau mwy o capasiti o fewn ein hysbytai er mwyn i’r NHS ddelio â chleifion. Mae hynny’n golygu cyflogi mwy o ddoctoriaid a nyrsus a darparu mwy o welyau. Croesawaf parodrwydd Jane Hutt i ymateb i argymhellion Dai Lloyd i sefydlu darpariaeth hyfforddi meddygol yn Abertawe ac ym Mangor. Gorau po gyntaf y bydd y ddarpariaeth honno ar gael. Serch hynny, ni fydd hynny’n ateb digonol. Yr ydym yn pryderu ynglŷn â’r strwythur i sicrhau darpariaeth feddygol sydd o fewn cyrraedd rhwydd i gymunedau ym mhob rhan o Gymru.

If we are to solve the problem of waiting lists, we must ensure more capacity within our hospitals for the NHS to deal with patients. That means employing more doctors and nurses and providing more beds. I welcome Jane Hutt’s willingness to respond to Dai Lloyd’s recommendations for the establishment of a medical training facility in Swansea and Bangor. The sooner that that facility is available, the better. However, it will not provide an adequate answer. We are concerned about the structure for providing healthcare that can be easily accessed by communities throughout Wales.

Soniaf, felly, am y model y mae Plaid Cymru yn ei gefnogi. Mae ein gweledigaeth yn wahanol i weledigaeth y Llywodraeth Lafur yn San Steffan sydd yn seiledig ar ganoli a model ‘hub and spoke’, fel y’i gelwir. Mae cynllun corfforaethol yr NHS yn tybio bod ysbytai, fel y soniodd David, yn gwasanaethu 500,000 o bobl. Mae hynny’n dybiaeth anaddas ar gyfer Cymru. Mae’r Torïaid, hyd y gwelaf, eisiau cadw popeth fel ag y mae, a ffosileiddio’r patrwm gwasanaethau iechyd ar y seiliau sydd, ar hyn o bryd, yn methu cyflawni’r amcanion. Mae hynny’n annerbyniol ac, felly, yn sail i’n gwelliannau.

I will, therefore, mention the model that Plaid Cymru supports. We have a different vision to that of the Labour Government in Westminster, which is based on centralisation and a ‘hub and spoke’ model, as it is called. The NHS corporate plan assumes that hospitals, as David mentioned, serve 500,000 people. That is an inappropriate assumption for Wales. The Tories, as far as I can see, want to retain the status quo, and fossilise the health services pattern on the foundations that, at present, fail to achieve the objectives. That is unacceptable and, therefore, forms the basis of our amendments.

Mae Plaid Cymru am weld darpariaeth a gwasanaethau ysbytai cymuned yn ehangu ac yn cryfhau. Yr ydym am i gleifion gael y cyfle i wella mewn ysbytai yn eu cymunedau eu hunain. Mae angen datblygu telefeddyginiaeth fel bod arbenigeddau mewn gwahanol rannau o Gymru ar gael drwy’r wlad i gyd. Nid ydym am i unedau damweiniau, y soniodd David amdanynt, gael eu canoli a’u lleihau, ond yn hytrach eu sefydlu mewn cymunedau. Mae hynny hefyd yn sail i’n gwelliannau.

Plaid Cymru wants to see the provision and services of community hospitals expanded and strengthened. We want patients to have the opportunity to recover in hospitals in their own communities. Telemedicine needs to be developed so that specialisms in different parts of Wales are available throughout the country. We do not want to see accident units, which David mentioned, centralised and scaled down, but rather established in communities. That is also the basis of our amendments.

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services spoken in English p. 82

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 82

I propose the following amendments in the name of Andrew Davies and Kirsty Williams. Amendment 3: replace point 3 with new point 3:

Cynigiaf y gwelliannau canlynol yn enwau Andrew Davies a Kirsty Williams. Dileu pwynt 3 gan roi’r pwynt canlynol yn ei le:

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services (continued) spoken in English p. 82

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 82

I propose amendment 4. Replace clause 4 with new clause 4:

Cynigiaf welliant 4. Dileu pwynt 4 gan rhoi’r pwynt 4 canlynol yn ei le:

Jane Hutt The Minister for Health and Social Services (continued) spoken in English p. 83

Jane Hutt Y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 83

I welcome this debate because I hope that it will serve to clarify the intentions behind ‘Improving Health in Wales’. The NHS plan sets out our vision for hospitals: to ensure that they are fit for their role and function, meet the demands of a modern NHS and deliver better patient care, backed by a £1 billion boost. The extra £1 billion that I have secured for health services in Wales represents a 37 per cent increase in health expenditure between 1999 and 2003. That will be extra to the consequential money that we received as a result of the UK budget increase last year.

Croesawaf y ddadl hon oherwydd y gobeithiaf y bydd yn fodd o egluro’r bwriadau sydd yn sail i ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’. Noda’r cynllun NHS ein gweledigaeth ar gyfer ysbytai: sicrhau eu bod yn addas ar gyfer eu rôl a’u swyddogaeth, yn ateb gofynion NHS modern a darparu gwell gofal i gleifion, wedi ei ategu gan hwb o £1 biliwn. Bydd y £1 biliwn ychwanegol a sicrhawyd gennyf i’r gwasanaethau iechyd yng Nghymru yn cynyddu gwariant ar iechyd 37 y cant rhwng 1999 a 2003. Bydd hynny’n ychwanegol at yr arian dilynol a gawsom o ganlyniad i’r cynnydd yng nghyllideb y DU y llynedd.

The vision and thinking for the future, as David rightly said, was laid out in ‘Access and Excellence’, which was published last year and which was widely consulted upon and backed. It identified a secure future for the network of all the major acute hospitals in Wales. I will stress that it secured the future for the network of all the major acute hospitals. Hopefully, that will nail the myth that has been spread in the Assembly once and for all. Our plan, ‘Improving Health in Wales’—

Amlinellwyd y weledigaeth a’r meddylfryd ar gyfer y dyfodol, fel y dywedodd David, yn ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’, a gyhoeddwyd y llynedd. Ymgynghorwyd yn eang arno a chafodd gefnogaeth gyffredinol. Nododd ddyfodol diogel i rwydwaith yr holl brif ysbytai aciwt yng Nghymru. Pwysleisiaf iddo sicrhau dyfodol i rwydwaith yr holl brif ysbytai aciwt. Gobeithiaf y bydd hyn yn dinoethi’r myth a fu ar led yn y Cynulliad unwaith ac am byth. Mae ein cynllun, ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’—

David Melding spoken in English p. 83

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 83

To be secure, a district general hospital needs an accident and emergency department. Will you cut any such departments?

Er mwyn bod yn ddiogel, mae angen adran damweiniau ac achosion brys ar ysbyty cyffredinol y dosbarth. A wnewch gau unrhyw adrannau o’r fath?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 83

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 83

When you are trying to find other issues with which to scare people, you raise the issue of accident and emergency departments. There is nothing in the plan about accident and emergency units. We are not only keeping accident and emergency units, we are improving and investing in them. We are also, to pick up on Dafydd’s point, developing minor injuries units, using telemedicine to link them to specialists. In terms of ‘Access and Excellence’, it is important that people can have access to minor injury support services that are linked to specialists who can ensure that they receive treatment for their minor injuries, as well as having access to accident and emergency departments. That happens in Cornwall and we want it to happen in Wales. We will have better accident and emergency services as a result of our plans. Our plan, ‘Improving Health in Wales’, confirms that the future of acute hospitals is secure. Far from endangering their future, David, we are securing it for the people in Wales.

Pan fyddwch yn ceisio dod o hyd i faterion eraill i godi braw ar bobl, codwch fater adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Nid oes unrhyw beth yn y cynllun am unedau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Yr ydym nid yn unig yn cadw unedau damweiniau ac achosion brys, ond yr ydym yn eu gwella ac yn buddsoddi ynddynt. Yr ydym hefyd, gan ateb pwynt Dafydd, yn datblygu unedau mân anafiadau, gan ddefnyddio telefeddygaeth i’w cysylltu ag arbenigwyr. O ran ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’, mae’n bwysig y gall pobl gael mynediad i wasanaethau cymorth mân anafiadau sydd â chysylltiad ag arbenigwyr a all sicrhau eu bod yn cael triniaeth ar gyfer eu mân anafiadau, yn ogystal â chael mynediad i adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Digwydd hynny yng Nghernyw ac yr ydym am i hynny ddigwydd yng Nghymru. Bydd gennym wasanaethau damweiniau ac achosion brys gwell o ganlyniad i’n cynlluniau. Mae ein cynllun ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’ yn cadarnhau bod dyfodol yr ysbytai aciwt yn ddiogel. Yn hytrach na rhoi eu dyfodol yn y fantol, David, yr ydym yn ei sicrhau i bobl Cymru.

Ron Davies spoken in English p. 84

Ron Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 84

I listened carefully to David Melding’s speech. You have reassured me, Jane, about accident and emergency departments. However, you will be aware of a proposal to remove a consultant-led maternity service from Caerphilly District Miners’ Hospital and to centralise it in Newport. That rang warning bells with me when I heard David Melding’s comments. Admittedly, in this case, the proposal is being led by inspections by the Royal College of Surgeons which has raised questions about the suitability of the maternity unit at the hospital for training. Will you give me an assurance, Jane, that the Caerphilly District Miners’ Hospital’s maternity unit will not be closed for want of finance?

Gwrandewais yn astud ar araith David Melding. Yr ydych wedi tawelu fy meddwl, Jane, ynglŷn â’r adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Fodd bynnag, byddwch yn ymwybodol bod cynnig i symud gwasanaeth mamolaeth a lywir gan ymgynghorwyr o Ysbyty Dosbarth Glowyr Caerffili a’i ganoli yng Nghasnewydd. Bu hynny’n seinio rhybudd imi pan glywais sylwadau David Melding. Rhaid dweud, yn yr achos hwn, i’r cynnig gael ei lywio gan arolygiadau Coleg Brenhinol y Llawfeddygon a gododd amheuon ynghylch addasrwydd uned famolaeth yn yr ysbyty ar gyfer hyfforddiant. A wnewch chi roi sicrwydd imi, Jane, na fydd uned mamolaeth Ysbyty Dosbarth Glowyr Caerffili yn cau oherwydd diffyg arian?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 84

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 84

It will not be closed for want of finance. As you know, ‘Access and Excellence’ is about clinical governance, effectiveness and ensuring that we have safe services. These are key issues in terms of how we move forward in Wales. We must have the best services, which are as accessible as possible. That is what patients want to hear. They do not want to hear politicians arguing about definitions and misinterpreting sentences in a 80-page plan.

Ni fydd yn cau oherwydd diffyg arian. Fel y gwyddoch, mae ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’ yn ymwneud â rheolaeth glinigol, effeithiolrwydd a sicrhau bod gennym wasanaethau diogel. Dyma’r materion allweddol o ran sut yr ydym yn symud ymlaen yng Nghymru. Rhaid inni gael y gwasanaethau gorau, sydd mor hygyrch â phosibl. Dyna beth y mae cleifion am ei glywed. Nid ydynt am glywed gwleidyddion yn dadlau ynghylch diffiniadau a chamddehongli brawddegau mewn cynllun 80 tudalen.

Nick Bourne a gododd—

Nick Bourne rose—

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 84

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 84

I will not give way; I have already done so once. I will see if I can come back to you. What I have to say may help you to understand how we are moving forward. The key to the future is developing a new culture that rids us once and for all of the internal market and competitiveness between hospitals, and encourages effective working between hospitals at secondary and tertiary levels, and in primary care throughout Wales. That is essential. Primary care is the main point of contact with the health service for 90 per cent of people in Wales. It means that traditional roles will change to meet the needs of the twenty-first century. That is what is meant by traditional hospitals in the plan. The traditional role of hospitals will change. That is the clarification that I give you today.

Nid ildiaf. Yr wyf eisoes wedi ildio unwaith. Efallai y bydd modd imi ddychwelyd atoch. Efallai y bydd yr hyn a ddywedaf o gymorth ichi ddeall sut yr ydym yn symud ymlaen. Yr allwedd i’r dyfodol yw datblygu diwylliant newydd sydd yn cael gwared ar y farchnad fewnol a chystadleuaeth unwaith ac am byth ac yn annog cydweithio effeithiol rhwng ysbytai ar lefel eilaidd a lefel drydyddol, ac o fewn gofal sylfaenol ledled Cymru. Mae hynny’n hanfodol. Gofal sylfaenol yw’r prif fan cyswllt â’r gwasanaeth iechyd i 90 y cant o bobl Cymru. Golyga y bydd y rolau traddodiadol yn newid er mwyn diwallu anghenion yr unfed ganrif ar hugain. Dyna’r hyn a olygwyd gan ysbytai traddodiadol yn y cynllun. Bydd rôl draddodiadol ysbytai yn newid. Dyna’r eglurhad a roddaf ichi heddiw.

Dafydd, we aim to remove barriers to effective and efficient service planning and delivery, and I welcome Andrew and Kirsty’s amendments, which I have proposed.

Dafydd, ein nod yw dileu’r rhwystrau i gynllunio a darparu gwasanaethau yn effeithiol ac effeithlon, a chroesawaf welliannau Andrew a Kirsty, a gynigiwyd gennyf.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 85

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 85

You are right, this does not need to be clarified as it is in ‘Access and Excellence’. On accident and emergency departments, we are not scaremongering. These points are in the document and that has given rise to the concern. The position is similar for accident and emergency services with only four of the main 15 sites seeing the recommended level of new attendancies each year. That is why it is assumed that the accident and emergency units are under threat. What is your response to that?

Yr ydych yn gywir, nid oes angen egluro hyn gan ei fod wedi ei gynnwys yn ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’. Ynglŷn ag adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys, nid ydym yn codi bwganod. Mae’r pwyntiau hyn yn y ddogfen ac mae hynny wedi codi pryderon. Mae’r sefyllfa yn debyg i’r gwasanaethau damweiniau ac achosion brys lle mai dim ond pedwar o’r 15 prif safle sydd yn cyrraedd lefel y cleifion newydd a argymhellwyd bob blwyddyn. Dyna pam y tybir bod yr unedau damweiniau ac achosion brys o dan fygythiad. Beth yw eich ymateb i hynny?

Jane Hutt spoken in English p. 85

Jane Hutt siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 85

I have not proposed an amendment to the part of your motion that refers to accident and emergency units. I recognise the importance of accident and emergency units. You are talking about a document that informs the debate about future health services in Wales. I hope that we have nailed down the myth that this plan is a threat to accident and emergency units. Andrew and Kirsty’s amendments, which I have welcomed and proposed, and David’s expressed support for amendment 3, shows that I have won the debate. [CONSERVATIVE ASSEMBLY MEMBERS: ‘Oh.’] I have won the debate, because you are backing what I am saying. The public trusts a Labour Minister who has brought an extra £1 billion into the health service in Wales more than it trusts the scaremongering of the Welsh Conservatives. Amendment 3 states that the National Assembly will ‘continue to value the work of district general hospitals and ensure that, in the future, hospitals offering secondary level care are fit for the new roles and functions which a modern and effective NHS will require’.

Nid wyf wedi cynnig gwelliant ar y rhan o’ch cynnig sydd yn cyfeirio at unedau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Cydnabyddaf bwysigrwydd unedau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Yr ydych yn sôn am ddogfen sydd yn llywio’r ddadl ar wasanaethau iechyd Cymru yn y dyfodol. Gobeithiaf inni ddinoethi’r myth bod y cynllun hwn yn bygwth unedau damweiniau ac achosion brys. Dengys gwelliannau Andrew a Kirsty, a groesawyd ac a gynigiwyd gennyf, a’r gefnogaeth a leisiodd David i welliant 3, imi ennill y ddadl. [AELODAU CEIDWADOL O’R CYNULLIAD: ‘O.’] Enillais y ddadl am eich bod yn cefnogi’r hyn yr wyf yn ei ddweud. Mae’r cyhoedd yn ymddiried yng Ngweinidog Llafur sydd wedi cyflwyno £1 biliwn i’r gwasanaeth iechyd yng Nghymru yn fwy nag y mae’n ymddiried yng Ngheidwadwyr Cymru sydd yn codi bwganod. Noda gwelliant 3 y bydd y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn ‘parhau i werthfawrogi gwaith yr ysbytai cyffredinol rhanbarthol a sicrhau, yn y dyfodol, bod ysbytai sy’n cynnig gofal lefel eilaidd yn gymwys i’r rolau a’r swyddogaethau newydd y bydd NHS modern ac effeithiol eu hangen’.

I hope that all Members will support that amendment. I will not support amendment 1, which Dafydd Wigley proposed. However, I welcome amendment 2 because, as Plaid Cymru has recognised, we cannot fossilise our current position. To say that what we have now is the only way forward would not be good for patients in Wales. We must recognise that patients’ needs are best met through the delivery of integrated care and by moving care beyond the hospital walls to include family doctors—the first point of call for 90 per cent of people—community nurses, social care, the independent and voluntary sectors and the vital role played by carers and patients themselves.

Gobeithiaf y bydd pob Aelod yn cefnogi’r gwelliant hwnnw. Ni chefnogaf welliant 1, a gynigwyd gan Dafydd Wigley. Fodd bynnag, croesawaf welliant 2, am na allwn ffosileiddio ein sefyllfa bresennol, fel y cydnabu Plaid Cymru. Ni fyddai o les i gleifion yng Nghymru pe baem yn dweud mai’r hyn sydd gennym yn awr yw’r unig ffordd ymlaen. Rhaid inni gydnabod mai’r ffordd orau o fodloni anghenion cleifion yw darparu gofal integredig a symud gofal y tu hwnt i furiau’r ysbyty gan gwmpasu meddygon teulu—y man cyswllt cyntaf i 90 y cant o bobl—nyrsys cymuned, gofal cymdeithasol, y sector annibynnol a’r sector gwirfoddol a rôl hanfodol y cynhalwyr a’r cleifion eu hunain.

Hospitals will develop new roles, David. We recognise that across the Assembly. Some hospitals will become the natural loci for specialist services, ensuring continued access to high technology care. Other hospitals will focus increasingly on ambulatory care, rehabilitation and continuing care. Hospitals will also provide access to outpatients, minor casualty, diagnostics, day case surgery and endoscopy services, which we have discussed. People want access to those services in their communities. The key to that is hospitals being run in partnership with primary care services with intermediate services developing along the lines that Dafydd mentioned in amendment 2.

Bydd ysbytai yn datblygu rolau newydd, David. Cydnabyddwn hynny ar draws y Cynulliad. Daw rhai ysbytai yn lleoliadau naturiol ar gyfer gwasanaethau arbenigol, gan sicrhau mynediad parhaus i ofal uwch-dechnoleg. Bydd ysbytai eraill yn canolbwyntio fwyfwy ar ofal symudol, adsefydlu a gofal parhaus. Bydd ysbytai hefyd yn cynnig gwasanaethau i gleifion allanol, mân anafiadau, diagnosteg, llawdriniaeth ddydd a gwasanaeth endosgopi. Mae pobl am i’r gwasanaethau hynny fod ar gael iddynt yn eu cymunedau. Yr allwedd i hynny yw bod ysbytai yn cael eu rhedeg mewn partneriaeth â gwasanaethau gofal sylfaenol gan ddatblygu gwasanaethau canolradd yn debyg i’r hyn a grybwyllodd Dafydd yng ngwelliant 2.

Our vision for the future is not about getting rid of what we have now. It is not about centralising services and forcing patients to travel long distances. It is about the organisation of clinical services to achieve the best balance between easy and fair access and sustainable good quality clinical practice, which goes back to Ron’s point. Telemedicine is vital to this and is being considered by the Health and Social Services Committee.

Nid yw ein gweledigaeth ar gyfer y dyfodol yn golygu gwaredu’r hyn sydd gennym yn awr. Nid yw’n ymwneud â chanoli gwasanaethau a gorfodi cleifion i deithio pellteroedd mawr. Mae’n ymwneud â threfnu gwasanaethau clinigol er mwyn cael y cydbwysedd gorau rhwng mynediad hawdd a theg a phractis clinigol cynaliadwy o safon dda, sydd yn cwmpasu pwynt Ron. Mae telefeddygaeth yn hanfodol i hyn ac yn cael ei hystyried gan y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol.

In response to Plaid Cymru’s amendment 2, our vision is not about fossilising the current model of services. The plan is about being more effective and providing access to high quality services. I am glad that the Welsh Conservatives will support our amendments 3 and 4, because I hope that we will provide reassurance to the patients of Wales. It is irresponsible to frighten people by selectively quoting from a document and perversely misinterpreting its intent and purpose. Any reasonable reader will see that the plan has a fundamental commitment to improving and modernising our health services in Wales.

Mewn ymateb i welliant 2 Plaid Cymru, nid yw ein gweledigaeth yn golygu ffosileiddio’r model presennol o ddarparu gwasanaethau. Mae’r cynllun yn ymwneud â bod yn fwy effeithiol a rhoi mynediad i wasanaethau o safon uchel. Yr wyf yn falch y bydd Ceidwadwyr Cymru yn cefnogi ein gwelliannau 3 a 4, a gobeithiaf y byddwn yn tawelu meddyliau cleifion Cymru. Mae’n anghyfrifol dychryn pobl drwy ddyfynnu’n ddethol o ddogfen a chamddehongli ei bwriad a’i diben mewn ffordd wrthnysig. Bydd unrhyw ddarllenydd rhesymol yn gweld bod ymrwymiad sylfaenol yn y cynllun i wella a moderneiddio ein gwasanaethau iechyd yng Nghymru.

I mentioned during questions, although it must be given justice in the debate, that I have shown and continue to show my support for a children’s hospital. I recognise the strategic importance of the overall scheme that is developing in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area, which will meet the needs of a wider population. However, it is important that we look at the needs of children in other parts of Wales. Improving services for children in Wales should not be about political point scoring.

Soniais yn ystod y cwestiynau, er y dylai gael sylw teg yn y ddadl, fy mod wedi rhoi cefnogaeth i ysbyty plant ac yn dal i’w gefnogi. Cydnabyddaf bwysigrwydd strategol y cynllun cyffredinol sydd yn datblygu yn ardal Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg, a fydd yn ateb anghenion poblogaeth ehangach. Fodd bynnag, mae’n bwysig inni edrych ar anghenion plant mewn rhannau eraill o Gymru. Ni ddylai gwella gwasanaethau i blant yng Nghymru ymwneud â sgorio pwyntiau gwleidyddol.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 87

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 87

On improving children’s services, I wish to speak about the issues relating to the Government’s amendment 4. I listened carefully to the Minister’s response. Much of it was rather self-congratulatory. The Labour Party and its colleagues fail to understand that there are real concerns in the health sector at present regarding this plan, and real concerns in our communities about the lack of a children’s hospital. We recognise that we are fortunate in Wales in having people and organisations willing to give up time and money to pursue a campaign to build a children’s hospital. We are fortunate that we have people and organisations that are so charitable in providing resources to get this building project off the ground. However, in this new era of Welsh politics, and in this new century, surely we could have found the money to build it ourselves. It is not a huge amount of money in the overall budget; it is some £21 million. We are probably the only nation in western Europe that does not have a children’s hospital. Why should children in Wales have to leave Wales to receive treatment in Bristol, or even London? I have always believed that children recover quicker when they are treated closer to home and closer to their families. It would have been a testament to our new politics in Wales, and our so-called new approach, if we had put our money where our support apparently lies, and provided the money to build this important project.

O ran gwella gwasanaethau plant, hoffwn siarad am y materion sydd yn ymwneud â gwelliant 4 y Llywodraeth. Gwrandewais yn astud ar ymateb y Gweinidog. Yr oedd llawer o’r hyn a ddywedwyd braidd yn hunanfodlon. Nid yw’r Blaid Lafur a’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn deall bod pryderon gwirioneddol yn y sector iechyd ar hyn o bryd ynglŷn â’r cynllun hwn, a phryderon gwirioneddol yn ein cymunedau am nad oes ysbyty plant. Cydnabyddwn ein bod yn ffodus yng Nghymru bod gennym bobl a sefydliadau sydd yn barod i roi o’u hamser a’u harian i ymgymryd ag ymgyrch i adeiladu ysbyty plant. Yr ydym yn ffodus bod gennym bobl a sefydliadau sydd mor hael wrth roi adnoddau a fydd yn sicrhau cychwyn y prosiect adeiladu hwn. Fodd bynnag, yn y cyfnod newydd hwn yng ngwleidyddiaeth Cymru, ac yn y ganrif newydd hon, oni allwn fod wedi dod o hyd i’r arian i’w adeiladu ein hunain? Nid yw’n swm mawr o fewn y gyllideb gyffredinol; tua £21 miliwn ydyw. Ni, mae’n debyg, yw’r unig genedl yng ngorllewin Ewrop sydd heb ysbyty plant. Pam y dylai plant yng Nghymru orfod gadael Cymru i gael triniaeth ym Mryste neu yn Llundain hyd yn oed? Yr wyf erioed wedi bod o’r farn bod plant yn gwella’n gyflymach pan gânt eu trin yn nes at eu cartrefi a’u teuluoedd. Byddai wedi bod yn dyst i’n gwleidyddiaeth newydd yng Nghymru, a’n hymagwedd newydd fondigrybwyll, pe baem wedi rhoi ein harian lle y mae ein cefnogaeth honedig, ac yn darparu’r arian i adeiladu’r prosiect pwysig hwn.

I ask the Government to consider withdrawing amendment 4. It does not provide the adequate support that we want. If the Government truly supports a children’s hospital, it is imperative that the Minister for Health and Social Services finds the £21 million to build this project. People will look at this amendment and rightly conclude that the Assembly has its priorities wrong and that it sees other building projects, such as the extension to the Assembly, as having greater priority than a children’s hospital. People will rightly draw their own conclusions, and the Government and the other parties will be held to account. The Noah’s Ark appeal is desperate for money and is doing sterling work to raise the money to construct a children’s hospital for Wales. However, it may take years for this to get off the ground unless public funding, through the Assembly, is identified and provided. We should not have to rely on charity to build such an important project.

Gofynnaf i’r Llywodraeth ystyried tynnu gwelliant 4 yn ôl. Ni rydd y cymorth digonol yr ydym am ei gael. Os yw’r Llywodraeth yn gwirioneddol gefnogi ysbyty plant, mae’n hanfodol i’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol ddod o hyd i’r £21 miliwn i adeiladu’r prosiect hwn. Bydd pobl yn edrych ar y gwelliant hwn ac yn dod i’r casgliad, a hynny’n gwbl deg, fod blaenoriaethau’r Cynulliad yn anghywir. Er enghraifft, rhoddir mwy o flaenoriaeth i’r estyniad i’r Cynulliad nac i ysbyty plant. Daw pobl i’w casgliadau eu hunain, a hynny’n gwbl deg, a bydd y Llywodraeth a phleidiau eraill yn atebol. Mae angen arian ar apêl Arch Noa yn ddybryd ac mae’n gwneud gwaith gwych i godi’r arian er mwyn adeiladu ysbyty plant yng Nghymru. Fodd bynnag, efallai y bydd yn cymryd blynyddoedd i hyn lwyddo oni chaiff arian cyhoeddus ei nodi a’i ddarparu, drwy’r Cynulliad. Ni ddylem orfod dibynnu ar elusen i adeiladu prosiect pwysig o’r fath.

Several times during the past two years we have heard debates in this Chamber asking the Assembly to sanction large amounts of expenditure on buildings projects. I will not reopen the debate on the Assembly extension, but that is one example. We were expected to stump up a large sum of money to give ourselves a new debating Chamber. We have also been asked to provide considerable sums of money for the Wales Millennium Centre. It is an important project in Cardiff, but it will require Assembly financial support. People in Wales will rightly ask where our priorities lie. They will ask whether we are more committed to giving ourselves another home and to providing an artistic and cultural centre than to prioritising public expenditure, and providing children in Wales with a hospital that is suited to their needs. They will ask those questions, and unless they get suitable answers from this Government, they will draw their own conclusions.

Sawl gwaith yn ystod y ddwy flynedd diwethaf, clywsom ddadleuon yn y Siambr hon yn gofyn i’r Cynulliad gymeradwyo symiau mawr o wariant ar brosiectau adeiladu. Nid ailagoraf y ddadl hon ar estyniad y Cynulliad ond dyna un enghraifft. Yr oedd disgwyl inni dalu arian mawr i roi Siambr ddadlau newydd inni. Gofynnwyd inni hefyd roi symiau mawr i Ganolfan Mileniwm Cymru. Mae’n brosiect pwysig yng Nghaerdydd, ond bydd angen cymorth ariannol gan y Cynulliad arni. Bydd pobl yng Nghymru yn gofyn beth yw ein blaenoriaethau a hynny’n hollol deg. Byddant yn gofyn a ydym yn fwy ymrwymedig i roi inni gartref arall a chanolfan gelfyddydol a diwylliannol nac i flaenoriaethu gwariant cyhoeddus, a rhoi ysbyty i blant yng Nghymru sydd yn addas i’w hanghenion. Byddant yn gofyn y cwestiynau hynny ac oni fyddant yn cael atebion priodol gan y Llywodraeth hon, deuant at eu casgliadau eu hunain.

The Chancellor has allocated roughly £100 million to Wales in the UK budget. Why can we not use £21 million from that £100 million to construct this building? There are demands from each Assembly department, but would it not be terrific if we could say that we have identified £21 million out of the £100 million, and that we will build the project for Wales and its children?

Dyrannodd y Canghellor tua £100 miliwn i Gymru yng nghyllideb y DU. Pam na allwn ddefnyddio £21 miliwn o’r £100 miliwn i godi’r adeilad hwn? Mae gofynion gan bob adran o’r Cynulliad, ond oni fyddai’n wych pe gallem ddweud ein bod wedi nodi £21 miliwn o’r £100 miliwn, a byddwn yn adeiladu’r prosiect ar gyfer Cymru a’i phlant?

We have heard much about the partnership agreement and how it has revolutionised the way in which we do business and how public services will be delivered in Wales. Why do the Liberal Democrats not use their so-called influence to persuade the Labour Party to pursue this project? It would be wonderful—not only for south Wales, but for Wales in general—if this project were to go ahead. This is not a huge sum of money. We are not talking about hundreds of millions of pounds, but about £21 million. What better way is there to show the Assembly’s achievements in its first term than by making a commitment to our children’s future, not only in the wording of an amendment, but in allocating public funds for this project?

Clywsom lawer am y cytundeb partneriaeth a sut y mae wedi chwyldroi ein ffordd o weithredu a’r ffordd y caiff gwasanaethau cyhoeddus eu darparu yng Nghymru. Pam nad yw’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn defnyddio eu dylanwad honedig i ddarbwyllo’r Blaid Lafur i ymgymryd â’r prosiect hwn? Byddai’n wych—nid unig ar gyfer de Cymru, ond Cymru yn gyffredinol—pe bai’r prosiect hwn yn mynd rhagddo. Nid yw hyn yn swm mawr o arian. Nid ydym yn sôn am gannoedd o filiynau o bunnau, ond tua £21 miliwn. Pa ffordd orau o ddangos cyflawniadau’r Cynulliad yn ei dymor cyntaf na thrwy wneud ymrwymiad i ddyfodol ein plant, nid yn unig yng ngeiriad gwelliant, ond drwy ddyrannu arian cyhoeddus i’r prosiect hwn?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 89

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 89

There are more Members wishing to speak than we have time available. If everybody takes five minutes, a couple will miss out. If you can curtail speeches, please do, but you may have five minutes if you need it.

Mae mwy o’r Aelodau yn dymuno siarad nag y bydd amser yn ei ganiatáu. Os bydd pawb yn cymryd pum munud, ni chaiff rhai gyfle i siarad. Os gallwch gwtogi ar eich areithiau, a wnewch chi hynny, ond cewch bum munud os bydd angen hynny arnoch.

Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 89

Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 89

I do not often criticise Jane Hutt in public but I must correct her and state that the increase in NHS expenditure in Wales from 2000-04 will be in excess of 38 per cent, not 37 per cent, as she said. That is an indication of our commitment to investing in health in Wales.

Nid yn aml y byddaf yn beirniadu Jane Hutt yn gyhoeddus ond rhaid imi ei chywiro a nodi y bydd cynnydd o dros 38 y cant, nid 37 y cant fel y dywedodd hi, yng ngwariant yr NHS yng Nghymru o 2000-04. Mae hynny’n arwydd o’n hymrwymiad i fuddsoddi mewn iechyd yng Nghymru.

I gather that William Shakespeare wrote a play called Much Ado About Nothing. I am not an expert on the works of the bard, but it would not surprise me if he had had the Conservative group’s motion in mind when he wrote it. From the Conservatives’ original reaction when our NHS plan was launched by ‘Commissar Jane Hutt’, as David Melding referred to her, and given the amount of vitriol that was thrown on the plan, you might have thought that it was a new spectre to haunt Wales. We might have expected an incisive and decisive resolution from the Welsh Conservatives given their utmost disdain for the NHS plan which, incidentally, the latest issue of the BMA News Review characterises as being the most radical of the three NHS plans. It is all the more remarkable because it has attracted such widespread support among the staff that work in the service. That is a unique achievement by Jane Hutt.

Credaf i William Shakespeare ysgrifennu drama o’r enw Much Ado About Nothing. Nid wyf yn arbenigwr ar waith y bardd, ond ni fyddai’n syndod imi os mai cynnig y grŵp Ceidwadol oedd ganddo mewn golwg pan y’i hysgrifennodd. O gofio ymateb gwreiddiol y Ceidwadwyr pan lansiwyd ein cynllun NHS gan ‘y Comisâr Jane Hutt’ fel y cyfeiriodd David Melding ati, a’r feirniadaeth hallt a fu ar y cynllun, byddech wedi credu ei fod yn hunllef newydd i Gymru. Gallem fod wedi disgwyl cynnig diamwys a phenderfynol gan Geidwadwyr Cymru o ystyried eu dirmyg llwyr o’r cynllun NHS sydd, gyda llaw, yn cael ei ddisgrifio fel y cynllun mwyaf radicalaidd o blith y tri chynllun NHS yn y rhifyn diweddaraf o BMA News Review. Mae’n fwy o syndod byth am iddo gael cymaint o gefnogaeth yn gyffredinol ymhlith y staff sydd yn gweithio yn y gwasanaeth. Dyna gamp unigryw gan Jane Hutt.

It is clear that the Conservative motion is a desperate attempt to make a mountain out of a molehill. I have read the NHS plan several times. I do not remember reading the apocalyptic rhetoric that David Melding and his colleagues have continually bombarded us with over the last few weeks and which is encompassed in this motion. I therefore turned to page 16 of ‘Improving Health in Wales’—

Mae’n amlwg bod cynnig y Ceidwadwyr yn ymgais anobeithiol i wneud môr a mynydd o’r mater hwn. Yr wyf wedi darllen y cynllun NHS sawl gwaith. Ni chofiaf ddarllen y rhethreg apocalyptaidd y mae David Melding a’i gyd-Aelodau wedi ei lluchio atom yn ystod yr ychydig wythnosau diwethaf ac a gwmpesir yn y cynnig hwn. Felly troais i dudalen 16 o ‘Gwella Iechyd yng Nghymru’—

David Melding a gododd—

David Melding rose—

Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 90

Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 90

Let me finish. I must admit that the words in the motion appear on page 16. However, the document goes on to state that these changes will take place

Gadewch imi orffen. Rhaid imi gyfaddef bod y geiriau yn y cynnig yn ymddangos ar dudalen 16. Fodd bynnag, mae’r ddogfen yn mynd yn ei blaen a nodi’r bydd y newidiadau hyn yn digwydd

‘over the next generation with the commensurate development of radical new forms of local provision’.

‘dros y genhedlaeth nesaf ond gyda datblygu cymesurol o ffurfiau newydd radicalaidd o ddarpariaeth leol’.

That is quite different from the scare tactics that David Melding has tried to—

Mae hynny’n dra gwahanol i ymgais David Melding i godi bwganod—

David Melding spoken in English p. 90

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 90

I am astonished that you think that I used scare tactics, as I aimed to deliver a measured speech. It is for others to judge whether I did so. However, I did not accuse you of closing all, or many, of the hospitals in Wales. I said that you were going to reduce the number of district general hospitals by reducing the number of accident and emergency departments and concentrate them in health economy regions and have super-regional hospitals. That has not been contradicted.

Yr wyf yn synnu’n fawr eich bod yn credu imi godi bwganod, gan mai traddodi araith bwyllog oedd fy nod. Pobl eraill a fydd yn barnu a lwyddais i wneud hynny. Fodd bynnag, ni’ch cyhuddais o gau pob un o ysbytai Cymru, neu lawer ohonynt. Dywedais eich bod yn bwriadu gostwng nifer yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth drwy ostwng nifer yr adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys a’u lleoli mewn rhanbarthau economi iechyd a chyflwyno uwch-ysbytai rhanbarthol. Ni chafodd hynny ei wrth-ddweud.

As for the motion being bombastic, your party supports the motion. It has tabled two amendments which add to it, but it supports the bulk of the motion.

O ran y cyhuddiad bod y cynnig yn un rhwysgfawr, mae eich plaid yn ei gefnogi. Cyflwynodd ddau welliant sydd yn ychwanegu ato ond mae’n cefnogi prif gynnwys y cynnig.

Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 91

Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 91

I do not think that the words ‘traditional hospital’, which you use in the motion mean the same as ‘district general hospital’. You would be an extremely conservative Conservative if you did not envisage that there would be considerable change in the configuration of hospitals and the delivery of services over a generation. David Melding has taken a phrase out of context in a slight of hand. It is a piece of inelegant plastic surgery of which no doctor, apart from a pretty desperate Conservative spin doctor, would be proud.

Ni chredaf fod y geiriau ‘ysbyty traddodiadol’, a ddefnyddir gennych yn y cynnig yn gyfystyr ag ‘ysbyty cyffredinol y dosbarth’. Byddech yn Geidwadwr tra cheidwadol pe na baech yn rhagweld y byddai cryn newid yn y ffordd y caiff ysbytai eu cyflunio a’r ffordd y caiff gwasanaethau eu darparu dros genhedlaeth. Mae David Melding wedi tynnu ymadrodd o’i gyd-destun yn eithaf deheuig. Mae’n llawdriniaeth gosmetig amrwd na fyddai unrhyw ddoctor, ar wahân i sbinddoctor anobeithiol o Geidwadwr, yn falch ohoni.

Changes will take place in hospital services and their configuration over the next generation. These changes must be patient-focused and based on the principles in ‘Access and Excellence’. The changes must not be driven by mere financial concerns, as Ron Davies said. They must also not be driven by the sectional interests of certain professional groups that have damned an informed debate on this subject, as David Melding rightly pointed out during the measured elements of his contribution.

Bydd newidiadau yn digwydd yng ngwasanaethau ysbytai ac yn y ffordd y cânt eu cyflunio dros y genhedlaeth nesaf. Rhaid i’r newidiadau hyn ganolbwyntio ar gleifion a bod yn seiliedig ar yr egwyddorion yn ‘Mynediad a Rhagoriaeth’. Rhaid i’r newidiadau beidio â chael eu llywio gan bryderon ariannol yn unig, fel y dywedodd Ron Davies. Rhaid iddynt beidio â chael eu llywio ychwaith gan fuddiannau adrannol rhai grwpiau o weithwyr proffesiynol sydd wedi lladd ar ddadl hyddysg ar y pwnc hwn, fel y nododd David Melding yn ystod y rhannau pwyllog o’i gyfraniad.

There is nothing much to the Conservative group’s motion. The only issue in it is whether the nit picked or the pip squeaked.

Nid oes llawer o sylwedd i gynnig y grŵp Ceidwadol. Yr unig fater yw a holltwyd y blew.

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 91

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 91

I have a particular interest in the structure of the health service in Wales. When I fought the general election for the Conservatives in Montgomeryshire in 1997, the dominant issue at the time was a misguided proposal by the Dyfed Powys Health Authority to close most of the region’s community hospitals.

Mae gennyf ddiddordeb arbennig yn strwythur y gwasanaeth iechyd yng Nghymru. Pan sefais yn yr etholiad cyffredinol dros y Ceidwadwyr yn Sir Drefaldwyn yn 1997, y pwnc llosg ar y pryd oedd cynnig cyfeiliornus Awdurdod Iechyd Dyfed Powys i gau’r rhan fwyaf o ysbytai cymuned y rhanbarth.

I know, Deputy Presiding Officer, that you discourage references to the general election in this Chamber but, having mentioned it, I want to share with Members the utter dismay that so many people in the countryside have articulated to me about the suggestion that there should be a general election while Britain’s countryside is experiencing such anguish and stress. There is disbelief that that could happen.

Gwn, Ddirprwy Lywydd, eich bod yn anghymeradwyo cyfeiriadau at yr etholiad cyffredinol yn y Siambr hon ond, ar ôl cyfeirio ato, hoffwn rannu’r digalondid llwyr y mae cymaint o bobl yng nghefn gwlad wedi ei fynegi imi ynghylch yr awgrym y dylid cynnal etholiad cyffredinol ar adeg pan fo cymaint o drallod a straen yng nghefn gwlad Prydain. Ni chred pobl y gallai hynny ddigwydd.

I return to the issue of community hospitals. Whenever we talk about the structure of healthcare delivery in Wales, I emphasise the crucial role of community hospitals. There is widespread agreement on that. The flagship NHS plan causes me concern with regard to district general hospitals despite what the Minister has said today. It seems clear from the plan that there is some threat to district general hospitals. The number of people that the plan anticipates as justifying having a district general hospital must mean that a cloud hangs over these much valued institutions.

Dychwelaf at ysbytai cymuned. Pa bryd bynnag y byddwn yn trafod strwythur darparu gofal iechyd yng Nghymru, pwysleisiaf rôl holl bwysig ysbytai cymuned. Mae cytundeb cyffredinol ar hynny. Mae’r cynllun NHS blaenllaw yn achos pryder imi o ran ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth er gwaethaf yr hyn a ddywedodd y Gweinidog heddiw. Ymddengys yn glir o’r cynllun fod ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth o dan rywfaint o fygythiad. Rhaid bod y sefydliadau gwerthfawr hyn o dan gwmwl o ystyried nifer y bobl y mae’r cynllun yn rhagweld y bydd ei hangen i gyfiawnhau cael ysbyty cyffredinol y dosbarth.

Many of us recognise the importance of Bronglais General Hospital in mid Wales, for example. It is the only general hospital supporting mid Wales. I am not suggesting that it is going to be closed, but we know that only 250,000 live in mid Wales, including Blaenau Ffestiniog, Ystradgynlais and Crickhowell, which do not normally orientate towards Aberystwyth. That indicates how few people surround that hospital. You can understand therefore, that there will inevitably be concerns.

Mae llawer ohonom yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd Ysbyty Cyffredinol Bronglais yn y canolbarth, er enghraifft. Dyma’r unig ysbyty cyffredinol sydd yn gwasanaethu’r canolbarth. Nid awgrymaf y caiff ei gau, ond gwyddom mai dim ond 250,000 sydd yn byw yn y canolbarth, gan gynnwys Blaenau Ffestiniog, Ystradgynlais a Chrucywel, nad ydynt fel arfer yn edrych tuag at Aberystwyth. Dengys hynny cyn lleied o bobl sydd yng nghyffiniau’r ysbyty hwnnw. Gallwch ddeall felly, y bydd pryderon wrth reswm.

The Minister’s NHS plan is not the first mention by the Labour Party of slashing the number of district general hospitals. It is not the first time that the cat has inadvertently been let out of the bag. My colleague, David Melding, and the talented Greg Walker who works in his office, reminded me this morning that one of the Minister’s predecessors with responsibility for health in Wales, Jon Owen Jones, talked about cutting the number of district general hospitals in Wales from 16 to six. Under Mr Jon Owen Jones, there was a threat to Bronglais hospital. He said that

Nid am y tro cyntaf yng nghynllun NHS y Gweinidog y cyfeiria’r Blaid Lafur at gwtogi nifer yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Nid dyna’r tro cyntaf iddynt ollwng y gath o’r cwd. Fe’m hatgoffwyd y bore yma gan fy nghyd-Aelod, David Melding, a’r dyn dawnus Greg Walker sydd yn gweithio yn ei swyddfa, i un o ragflaenwyr y Gweinidog â chyfrifoldeb dros iechyd yng Nghymru, Jon Owen Jones, siarad am gwtogi nifer yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth o 16 i chwech. O dan Mr Jon Owen Jones, bu bygythiad i ysbyty Bronglais. Dywedodd fod

‘Ceredigion and south Pembrokeshire are too remote and Withybush (Haverfordwest) and Bronglais (Aberystwyth) should operate as satellites of Carmarthen.’

It is no wonder that cats have been let out of bags. We must wonder how many cats are left in bags and have not yet found their way out into the wider world.

Nid oes ryfedd i gathod gael eu gollwng o gydau. Tybed faint o gathod sydd mewn cydau o hyd a heb ddianc i’r byd ehangach.

Yet again, David Melding has made an outstanding contribution to the debate on the health infrastructure in Wales. It was enhanced by the fact that he spoke from the podium in this Chamber. I take this opportunity to say that I hope that there is no truth in the appalling rumours that there will not be a podium in the new Assembly chamber, and that people will be required to make contributions from their seats. That would remove the last shred of dignity from this place.

Unwaith eto, gwnaeth David Melding gyfraniad nodedig i’r ddadl ar isadeiledd iechyd Cymru. Cafodd ei ddyrchafu gan y ffaith iddo siarad o’r ddarllenfa yn y Siambr hon. Manteisiaf ar y cyfle hwn i ddweud fy mod yn gobeithio nad oes unrhyw wirionedd yn y sïon erchyll sydd ar led na fydd darllenfa yn siambr newydd y Cynulliad, a bydd yn ofynnol i bobl wneud eu cyfraniadau o’u seddau. Byddai hynny yn diddymu’r gronyn olaf o urddas yn y lle hwn.

I have one or two comments about the Liberal Democrats who champion the cause of every hospital faced with the remotest threat of closure. We were expecting them to stand with us today, but they are standing full square behind the Minister’s NHS plan. They are Labour’s little puppets. It seems that they will pay any price, abandon any principle and clutch at any straw in order to sit, however temporarily, in the big chairs around the Cabinet table: ‘Whatever you say, Rhodri; whatever you say, Jane’, they say.

Mae gennyf un neu ddau o sylwadau am y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol sydd yn amddiffyn pob ysbyty sydd yn wynebu’r posibilrwydd lleiaf o gau. Yr oeddem yn disgwyl iddynt ein cefnogi ni heddiw ond cefnogant gynllun NHS y Gweinidog i’r carn. Pypedau bach y Blaid Lafur ydynt. Ymddengys eu bod yn fodlon talu unrhyw bris, amddifadu unrhyw egwyddor a chrafangu am unrhyw welltyn er mwyn eistedd, am faint bynnag y bo, yn y cadeiriau mawr o amgylch bwrdd y Cabinet: ‘Fel y mynnoch, Rhodri; fel y mynnoch, Jane’, dywedant.

Let the people of Wales understand that today and on 3 April and 3 May and on the third of every month, the Conservative Party will guarantee the NHS in Wales. The Conservative Party recognises the importance of hospitals. The people of Wales must take every opportunity to dispense with these sorry coalition partners. The Labour Party, including the Tory-hunters, are losing all credibility in the countryside as they disappear down the foxholes. Even the Labour Party wants the Liberal Democrats to be dispensed with. The people of Wales care about their NHS and their country. It is time to bring back the Tories.

Gadewch i bobl Cymru ddeall y bydd y Blaid Geidwadol heddiw ac ar 3 Ebrill a 3 Mai ac ar y trydydd o bob mis, yn gwarantu’r NHS yng Nghymru. Mae’r Blaid Geidwadol yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd ysbytai. Rhaid i bobl Cymru fachu ar bob cyfle i waredu partneriaid truenus y glymblaid. Mae’r Blaid Lafur, gan gynnwys helwyr y Torïaid, yn colli pob gronyn o hygyrchedd yng nghefn gwlad wrth iddynt ddiflannu i mewn i dyllau llwynogod. Mae hyd yn oed y Blaid Lafur am waredu’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol. Mae’r NHS a’u gwlad yn bwysig i bobl Cymru. Mae’n bryd i’r Torïaid ddychwelyd.

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 94

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 94

There are few issues in political life that are more emotive than the future provision of healthcare services, particularly when it is wrapped up in the language of the Conservative motion and its mention of supposed closure. If ever there were a party that knew something about closure, it is the Conservative Party. I remind Glyn of the Conservatives’ record on small hospitals in Wales, because during their administration, eight hospitals with less than 50 beds were closed.

Nid oes llawer o faterion mewn gwleidyddiaeth sydd yn fwy emosiynol na darpariaeth gwasanaethau gofal iechyd yn y dyfodol, yn enwedig pan gaiff ei eirio yn ieithwedd cynnig y Ceidwadwyr a’i sôn bod cau ysbytai yn yr arfaeth. Os gŵyr unrhyw blaid unrhyw beth am gau ysbytai, y Blaid Geidwadol ydyw. Atgoffaf Glyn o record y Ceidwadwyr o ran ysbytai bach yng Nghymru, oherwydd yn ystod eu gweinyddiaeth, caewyd wyth ysbyty â llai o 50 o welyau.

There is no doubt that the district general hospitals of Wales have provided first-class care for the people of Wales. Neither is there any doubt that the traditional district general hospitals, to which the Conservatives referred, no longer exist. Each has developed its services to meet the needs of the local population and each has played its part in the strategic approach to healthcare throughout the principality. Those developments and changes will continue. They have to continue to reflect the changes in public needs, and the developments in patient care and treatment.

Nid oes amheuaeth bod ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth Cymru wedi rhoi gofal o’r radd flaenaf i bobl Cymru. Nid oes amheuaeth ychwaith nad yw’r ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth traddodiadol, y cyfeiria’r Ceidwadwyr atynt, yn bodoli bellach. Datblygodd pob un ei wasanaethau i ateb anghenion y boblogaeth leol ac mae pob un wedi chwarae ei ran yn yr ymagwedd strategol tuag at ofal iechyd ar draws Cymru. Bydd y datblygiadau a’r newidiadau hynny yn parhau. Rhaid iddynt barhau i adlewyrchu’r newidiadau yn anghenion y cyhoedd, a’r datblygiadau o ran gofal a thriniaeth cleifion.

The ever-increasing demands of the clinical governance agenda as well as the changing minimum standards issued by the Royal Colleges, and most importantly, the demands and expectations of Welsh patients, cannot be ignored by politicians of any political party. Yes, David, people want district general hospitals to be local—but they also want them to be safe. Neither can we ignore the advances in the treatment of patients’ conditions. I am sure that the Conservatives would not suggest for one moment, simply on the basis of tradition, that a procedure should be continued in a district general hospital when clinical judgment states that outcomes are improved if that treatment is provided in a specialist centre. Neither would they suggest that rural patients should continue to have to travel long distances to these hospitals for treatment that can be easily carried out in a community facility, simply because that could threaten the traditional district general hospital. I welcome proposals for planned surgery in Llandrindod Wells and Brecon community hospitals, even if they prove to be a threat to the traditional model that the Conservatives seem to be determined to keep.

Ni all gwleidyddion mewn unrhyw blaid ddiystyru gofynion cynyddol yr agenda llywodraethu clinigol yn ogystal â’r isafswm safonau newydd a gyhoeddir gan y Colegau Brenhinol, ac yn bwysicach oll, gofynion a disgwyliadau cleifion Cymru. Ie, David, mae pobl am i ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth fod yn lleol—ond maent hefyd am iddynt fod yn ddiogel. Ni allwn ychwaith ddiystyru’r datblygiadau newydd ar gyfer trin cleifion. Yr wyf yn siŵr na fyddai’r Ceidwadwyr yn awgrymu am eiliad, ar sail traddodiad yn unig, y dylid parhau â gweithdrefn mewn ysbyty cyffredinol y dosbarth pan fo’r farn glinigol yn nodi y gellid gwella canlyniadau pe bai’r driniaeth honno yn cael ei darparu mewn canolfan arbenigol. Ni fyddent yn awgrymu ychwaith y dylai cleifion yn y wlad barhau i deithio pellteroedd mawr i’r ysbytai hyn am driniaeth y gellir ei rhoi’n hawdd iddynt yn lleol, dim ond oherwydd y gallai hynny fygwth yr ysbyty cyffredinol y dosbarth traddodiadol. Croesawaf y cynigion ar gyfer llawdriniaeth a gynlluniwyd yn ysbytai cymuned Llandrindod ac Aberhonddu, hyd yn oed os byddant yn bygwth y model traddodiadol y mae’r Ceidwadwyr yn benderfynol o’i gadw yn ôl pobl golwg.

Healthcare and patient needs are changing and facilities will have to do the same. District general hospitals will also have to change because they will need to be fit for purpose and for Wales. We need to challenge the Royal Colleges’ ever-increasing pressure to centralise services. David was right to state that we needed to consider the model of 500,000 people because it does not fit Wales’s needs. We need to challenge that, and develop a system of community hospitals at secondary and tertiary levels that are fit for the principality.

Mae anghenion gofal iechyd ac anghenion cleifion yn newid a bydd yn rhaid i gyfleusterau newid yn yr un modd. Bydd yn rhaid i ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth newid hefyd oherwydd y bydd angen iddynt fod yn addas at eu diben ac i Gymru. Mae angen inni herio pwysau cynyddol y Colegau Brenhinol i ganoli gwasanaethau. Yr oedd David yn llygad ei le i nodi bod angen inni ystyried y model o 500,000 am nad yw’n gydnaws ag anghenion Cymru. Mae angen inni herio hynny, a datblygu system o ysbytai cymuned ar lefel eilaidd a thrydyddol sydd yn addas i Gymru.

The children’s hospital for Wales that Jonathan mentioned is, perhaps, an even more emotive subject than the district general hospitals. After all, what could be more emotive than sick children? Let us be clear that it is well documented that children’s clinical outcomes are improved when they are treated in designated facilities, and we need consider how paediatric services can be improved in Cardiff and the Vale. However, we must be cautious about the language that Jonathan used when discussing these developments in terms of a hospital for Wales, without considering the role of any new facility in the strategic Welsh provision of paediatric services. Have the Conservatives given any consideration—

Mae ysbyty plant i Gymru, y cyfeiriodd Jonathan ato, yn bwnc mwy emosiynol byth na’r ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Wedi’r cyfan, beth a allai fod yn fwy emosiynol na phlant sydd yn sâl? Gadewch inni nodi’n glir bod tystiolaeth dda i ganlyniadau clinigol plant wella pan gânt eu trin mewn cyfleusterau unswydd, ac mae angen inni ystyried sut y gellir gwella gwasanaethau pediatrig yng Nghaerdydd a’r Fro. Fodd bynnag, rhaid inni fod yn ochelgar ynglŷn â’r iaith a ddefnyddiwyd gan Jonathan pan drafododd y datblygiadau hyn yn nhermau ysbyty i Gymru, heb ystyried rôl unrhyw gyfleuster newydd yn y ffordd y byddai gwasanaethau pediatrig yn cael eu darparu’n strategol yng Nghymru. A yw’r Ceidwadwyr wedi ystyried—

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 95

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 95

Will you give way?

A ildiwch?

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 95

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 95

Perhaps, at the end.

Efallai, ar y diwedd.

Have the Conservatives considered the critical mass of patients needed to sustain the type of facility that they suggest? Have they considered the effects that that facility may have on paediatric services at Morriston, Singleton and Neath hospitals? How will they be affected if we concentrate those services—the very thing that frightens the Conservatives—in a super-hospital for children in Wales? Have they considered paediatric services in other parts of Bro Taf Health Authority?

A yw’r Ceidwadwyr wedi ystyried nifer y cleifion y byddai eu hangen i gynnal y math o gyfleuster y maent yn ei awgrymu? A ydynt wedi ystyried yr effaith y câi’r cyfleuster hwnnw ar wasanaethau pediatrig yn ysbyty Treforys, Singleton a Chastell-nedd? Pa effaith a gâi hyn arnynt pe baem yn canolbwyntio’r gwasanaethau hynny—yr union beth sydd yn dychryn y Ceidwadwyr—mewn uwch-ysbyty ar gyfer plant yng Nghymru? A ydynt wedi ystyried gwasanaethau pediatrig mewn rhannau eraill o Awdurdod Iechyd Bro Taf?

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 96

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 96

Will you give way?

A wnewch ildio?

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 96

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 96

No.

Na wnaf.

Prince Charles Hospital is already battling to keep its special care baby unit and resists attempts to centralise the service in Cardiff. If ever there were a population—

Mae Ysbyty’r Tywysog Siarl eisoes yn brwydro i gadw ei uned gofal arbennig i fabanod ac yn gwrthsefyll pobl ymgais i ganoli’r gwasanaeth yng Nghaerdydd. Os oedd unrhyw boblogaeth—

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 96

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 96

Will you give way?

A wnewch ildio?

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 96

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 96

No, I will not.

Na wnaf.

If ever there were a population whose socio-economic statistics indicated propensity towards premature and low birth weight babies, it is that of Merthyr, where that special care baby unit needs to stay. We need clarity on the effects that this grandly named ‘children’s hospital for Wales’ will have on existing provision, as well as its relevance to people who live north of Builth Wells. Children who live north of Builth Wells will continue to receive services in Birmingham, as children in north Wales will continue to receive services in Manchester and Liverpool, because it is more convenient for them. We need to improve facilities for children in Wales, but we cannot do so at the expense of existing paediatric services. The Conservative motion ignores the fact that children who live north of Builth Wells receive their services elsewhere.

Os oedd unrhyw boblogaeth erioed y dangosodd ei hystadegau cymdeithasol-economaidd duedd ymhlith y boblogaeth i gael babanod cynamserol a babanod pwysau geni isel, Merthyr ydyw, lle y mae angen i’r uned gofal arbennig i fabanod aros. Mae angen eglurder ynglŷn â’r effaith a gaiff yr hyn a elwir, yn rhwysgfawr, yn ‘ysbyty plant Cymru’ ar y ddarpariaeth gyfredol, yn ogystal â’i berthnasedd i bobl sydd yn byw i’r gogledd o Lanfair-ym-Muallt a fydd yn parhau i gael gwasanaethau yn Birmingham, yn ogystal â phlant yng ngogledd Cymru a fydd yn parhau i gael gwasanaethau ym Manceinion a Lerpwl, am eu bod yn fwy cyfleus iddynt. Mae angen inni wella cyfleusterau i blant yng Nghymru, ond ni allwn wneud hynny ar draul y gwasanaethau pediatrig sydd yn bodoli eisoes. Mae cynnig y Ceidwadwyr yn anwybyddu’r ffaith bod plant sydd yn byw i’r gogledd o Lanfair-ym-Muallt yn cael eu gwasanaethau mewn rhannau eraill.

David Lloyd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg t. 96

David Lloyd spoken in Welsh and English p. 96

Datganaf fuddiant fel meddyg teulu. Mae gan Gymru yr ystadegau iechyd gwaethaf yn y Deyrnas Unedig. O ganlyniad, rhaid inni wneud rhywbeth ar fyrder i fynd i’r afael ag achosion afiechyd a gwella mynediad pobl i’r driniaeth fodern ddiweddaraf yn eu cymunedau. Nid canoli triniaethau ymhell i ffwrdd mewn ysbytai mawr yw’r ateb, na ffosileiddio triniaethau, fel y gwnaethpwyd yn y gorffennol. Rhaid inni ddatblygu triniaethau modern, cyfoes yn ein cymunedau, lle y caiff 90 y cant o gleifion eu trin yn awr.

in Welsh I declare an interest as a general practitioner. Wales has the worst health statistics in the United Kingdom. As a result, we must do something quickly to tackle the causes of ill-health and improve people’s access to the latest modern treatment in their communities. Centralising treatment in large hospitals far away is not the answer, nor is fossilising treatment, as has been done in the past. We must develop modern, contemporary treatments in our communities, where 90 per cent of patients are now treated.

To improve Wales’s health statistics, which are the worst in the UK, we must improve local access to treatment and improve short and long-term capacity to treat. We should not only increase capacity, in terms of nurses, beds, doctors and professions allied to medicine, but also make innovative use of the increased capacity. We should increase capacity in local ambulatory care, telemedicine, day surgery and endoscopy services. We need meaningful, active rehabilitation in NHS intermediate care. We must improve care for those who are terminally ill from non-cancer causes in our district general hospitals. We must also increase the capacity to treat illness in Wales. We need all-Wales strategies. It is not about centralisation. As I said earlier, 90 per cent of people currently receive their care in the community. The NHS in Wales should have the same focus. It is also not about fossilising what we have, as Wales has the worst health statistics in the UK.

yn Saesneg I wella ystadegau iechyd Cymru, sef y rhai gwaethaf yn y DU, rhaid inni wella’r mynediad i driniaeth yn lleol a gwella’r capasiti tymor byr a thymor hir i drin cleifion. Dylem gynyddu nid yn unig y capasiti, yn nhermau nyrsys, gwelyau, meddygon a phroffesiynau sydd yn gysylltiedig â meddygaeth, ond dylem wneud defnydd arloesol hefyd o’r capasiti cynyddol. Dylem gynyddu capasiti ym maes gofal symudol lleol, telefeddygaeth, llawdriniaeth dydd a gwasanaethau endosgopi. Mae angen proses ailsefydlu ystyrlon, gweithredol arnom ym maes gofal canolradd yr NHS. Rhaid inni wella gofal i’r rheini sydd ag afiechydon angheuol nad ydynt yn gysylltiedig â chanser yn ein hysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Rhaid inni gynyddu’r capasiti i drin salwch yn Nghymru hefyd. Mae angen strategaethau Cymru gyfan arnom. Nid yw’n ymwneud â chanoli. Fel y dywedais yn gynharach, mae 90 y cant o bobl yn derbyn gofal yn y gymuned ar hyn o bryd. Dylai’r NHS yng Nghymru fod â’r un ffocws. Nid yw’n ymwneud â ffosileiddio’r hyn sydd gennym, gan fod gan Gymru yr ystadegau iechyd gwaethaf yn y DU.

Increasing capacity and providing innovative access to treatment locally will require more funding. We need fair funding. The Barnett formula is outmoded and merits replacement by a system that reflects our health needs. In the UK budget, £100 million was earmarked for Wales. How will that money be spent? As we have heard, waiting times are longer in Wales than in England. The number of outpatients in Wales waiting for over six months for a first appointment has risen by 700 per cent since 1997. Yet, last year, England received a funding increase of 9.3 per cent, compared to an 8.6 per cent increase in Wales.

yn Saesneg Bydd cynyddu capasiti a darparu dulliau arloesol o gael triniaeth yn lleol yn galw am ragor o arian. Mae angen cyllid teg arnom. Mae fformwla Barnett yn hen ffasiwn ac yn haeddu cael ei disodli gan system sydd yn adlewyrchu ein hanghenion o ran iechyd. Yng nghyllideb y DU, neilltuwyd £100 miliwn i Gymru. Sut y caiff yr arian hwnnw ei wario? Fel y clywsom, mae amserau aros yn hwy yng Nghymru nag yn Lloegr. Mae nifer y cleifion allanol yng Nghymru sydd yn aros mwy na chwe mis am apwyntiad cyntaf wedi codi 700 y cant ers 1997. Ac eto, y llynedd, cafodd Lloegr gynnydd o 9.3 y cant yn ei chyllid, o’i gymharu â chynnydd o 8.6 y cant yng Nghymru.

The way forward is to increase the capacity for innovative treatment in the community, in primary and NHS intermediate care, and to secure the resources to achieve that. It is not about privatising intermediate care. The Conservatives privatised long-term care, denying overnight automatic consultant access to older people. It is not about turning our community hospitals into day centres or about turning the majority of district general hospitals into glorified community hospitals. Being locked into a private finance initiative contract mitigates against changes in delivery.

yn Saesneg Y ffordd ymlaen yw cynyddu’r capasiti ar gyfer triniaeth arloesol yn y gymuned, mewn gofal sylfaenol a gofal canolradd yr NHS, a sicrhau’r adnoddau i gyflawni hynny. Nid yw’n ymwneud â phreifateiddio gofal canolradd. Preifateiddiodd y Ceidwadwyr ofal tymor hir, gan wrthod mynediad awtomatig pobl hŷn i ymgynghorwyr dros nos. Nid yw’n ymwneud â throi ein hysbytai cymuned yn ganolfannau dydd nac ychwaith â throi mwyafrif yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth yn ysbytai sydd fawr gwell nag ysbytai cymuned. Mae cael eich cloi mewn contract menter cyllid preifat yn milwrio yn erbyn newidiadau wrth gyflwyno.

Serious challenges face the Government in Wales. My patients do not want their healthcare to be centralised by stealth. At the end of the day, it is about capacity. Frankly, this motion is rich coming from a Conservative Party that did so much to undermine the capacity of the NHS in Wales. Between 1988 and 1998, we lost 27 per cent of our beds. You cannot argue with the figures. We lost 6,000 beds in Wales in a decade.

yn Saesneg Mae heriau dybryd yn wynebu’r Llywodraeth yng Nghymru. Nid yw fy nghleifion am i’w gofal iechyd gael ei ganoli yn llechwraidd. Yn y pen draw, mae’n ymwneud â chapasiti. A dweud y gwir, mae’r cynnig hwn yn wirion o gofio y daw o Blaid Geidwadol a wnaeth gymaint i danseilio capasiti yr NHS yng Nghymru. Rhwng 1988 a 1998, collasom 27 y cant o’n gwelyau. Ni allwch ddadlau â’r ffigurau. Collasom 6,000 o welyau yng Nghymru mewn degawd.

David Davies spoken in English p. 98

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 98

Will you give way?

A ildiwch?

David Lloyd spoken in English p. 98

David Lloyd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 98

No. You have had your chance in Wales, David. You will never be given that opportunity again.

Na wnaf. Cawsoch eich cyfle yng Nghymru, David. Ni chewch y cyfle hwnnw byth eto.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 98

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 98

We are nearing the end of the time allocated for this debate. There are still four minutes left before I have to call the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives to respond to the debate. I can allow John Griffiths and Peter Law two minutes each to speak.

Agosawn at ddiwedd yr amser a ddyrennir ar gyfer y ddadl hon. Mae pedair munud yn weddill cyn y bydd yn rhaid imi alw ar Arweinydd Ceidwadwyr Cymru i ymateb i’r ddadl. Gallaf ganiatáu dwy funud yr un i John Griffiths a Peter Law siarad.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 98

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 98

I will follow on from some earlier contributions and respond to Glyn Davies’s contribution. This debate should not be allowed to pass without proper exposure of the Welsh Conservatives’ hypocrisy. It is no wonder that the people of Wales have rejected them in election after election, culminating in the last general election, which made Wales a Tory-free zone. Long may it remain so.

Af ymlaen â rhai cyfraniadau cynharach gan ymateb i gyfraniad Glyn Davies. Ni ddylid caniatáu i’r ddadl hon ddod i ben heb amlygu rhagrith Ceidwadwyr Cymru yn y ffordd briodol. Nid oes ryfedd bod pobl Cymru wedi eu gwrthod mewn un etholiad ar ôl y llall, gan ddod i uchafbwynt yn yr etholiad cyffredinol diwethaf, a wnaeth Cymru yn barth di-Dori. Hir y parhaed felly.

I will use statistics to show that those long, grim, seemingly endless years of Conservative rule from 1979 to 1997 caused the NHS in Wales to suffer greatly. The Conservatives do not have a commitment to public service. During those 18 years, 70 hospitals were closed in Wales. Seven of those were in my area, Gwent. Well over 8,000 general and acute beds were lost—that is around 36 per cent—reducing bed capacity from some 23,000 to around 15,000.

Defnyddiaf yr ystadegau i ddangos cymaint y dioddefodd yr NHS yng Nghymru o ganlyniad i’r blynyddoedd hir, llym, a ymddangosai’n ddiddiwedd o lywodraeth Geidwadol o 1979 i 1997. Nid oes gan y Ceidwadwyr ymrwymiad i wasanaeth cyhoeddus. Yn ystod y 18 mlynedd hynny, caewyd 70 o ysbytai yng Nghymru. Yr oedd saith ohonynt yn fy ardal i, Gwent. Collwyd mwy nag 8,000 o welyau cyffredinol ac aciwt—mae hynny tua 36 y cant—gan leihau nifer y gwelyau o tua 23,000 i oddeutu 15,000.

In contrast, the people of Wales recognise the commitment of the Labour movement to the national health service. They know that one of our favourite and best-known sons, Nye Bevan, was the architect of the national health service and that we have always given it the highest priority.

Ar y llaw arall, mae pobl Cymru yn cydnabod ymrwymiad y mudiad Llafur i’r gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol. Gwyddant mai un o’n meibion mwyaf poblogaidd ac adnabyddus, Nye Bevan, oedd pensaer y gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol a’n bod wedi rhoi’r flaenoriaeth uchaf iddo bob amser.

David Davies a gododd—

David Davies rose—

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 99

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 99

I do not have time to take an intervention.

Nid oes amser gennyf i dderbyn ymyriad.

The principles of our public health service fully accord with the Labour movement’s own principles—provision according to need, paid for according to ability. That is anathema to Conservative ideology, which favours private care over public care and would see ever-increasing, creeping privatisation following the developments inflicted on Wales by previous Conservative Governments.

Mae egwyddorion ein gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol yn llwyr gydnaws ag egwyddorion y mudiad Llafur ei hun—darpariaeth yn ôl yr angen, wedi’i thalu amdani yn ôl gallu. Mae hynny’n wrthun i ideoleg y Ceidwadwyr, sydd yn ffafrio gofal preifat yn lle gofal cyhoeddus ac a fyddai’n gweld preifateiddio bythol gynyddol, graddol yn dilyn y datblygiadau a orfodwyd ar Gymru gan Lywodraethau Ceidwadol blaenorol.

Peter Law spoken in English p. 99

Peter Law siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 99

First, I declare an interest as some members of my family work in the national health service.

Yn gyntaf, datganaf fuddiant gan fod rhai o aelodau fy nheulu yn gweithio yn y gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol.

The fact that this debate was tabled by the Conservatives smacks of crass hypocrisy. We have heard scaremongering from the Conservative Members—the people whom we have come to know as the National Assembly leper colony. They are facing a wipe-out at the future general election. They are whistling in the dark and are looking for reasons to distract people from their terrible record. They are the no-hope party. They will still be in oblivion after the future election; they will still be part of a Tory-free zone in Wales.

Mae’r ffaith mai’r Ceidwadwyr a gyflwynodd y ddadl hon yn sawru o ragrith llwyr. Codwyd bwganod gan yr Aelodau Ceidwadol—y bobl y daethom i’w hadnabod fel gwahangleifion y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Wynebant ddifodiad yn yr etholiad cyffredinol nesaf. Maent yn chwibanu yn y tywyllwch ac yn edrych am resymau i dynnu sylw pobl oddi ar eu hanes ofnadwy. Plaid dim gobaith ydynt. Byddant wedi mynd i ebargofiant ar ôl yr etholiad nesaf fel y maent ar hyn o bryd, byddant yn rhan o barth di-Dori yng Nghymru o hyd.

On hospitals, where is the children’s hospital that the Conservatives built during their 18 years of power in Wales? I am still looking for it. Where is that hospital? We never saw it. They have amnesia about those 18 years. We are proud of the Noah’s Ark appeal. Many of us support it and we wish it well. The Minister’s commitment to revenue funding was a commitment for millions of pounds, because it costs—

O ran ysbytai, ble mae’r ysbyty plant a adeiladwyd gan y Ceidwadwyr yn ystod eu 18 mlynedd o lywodraeth yng Nghymru? Edrychaf amdano o hyd. Ble mae’r ysbyty hwnnw? Ni welsom ef erioed. Ni allant gofio unrhyw beth am y 18 mlynedd hynny. Ymfalchïwn yn apêl Arch Noa. Mae llawer ohonom yn ei chefnogi ac yn dymuno’n dda iddi. Yr oedd ymrwymiad y Gweinidog i arian refeniw yn ymrwymiad i filiynau o bunnoedd, oherwydd mae’n costio—

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 100

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 100

Will you give way?

A ildiwch?

Peter Law spoken in English p. 100

Peter Law siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 100

No, I do not have time, but I will abuse you on another day.

Na wnaf, nid oes amser gennyf, ond gwnaf eich dwrdio ar ddiwrnod arall.

We need to remind the Tories, including Uncle Mott, about hospital closures. They were the experts on that. During their 18 years of power, they closed 72 hospitals across Wales. These are the people who have the audacity to criticise to us. Let us get this in perspective. We are supporting the Noah’s Ark appeal as much as possible and we are reinforcing the district general hospital service throughout Wales. We are securing a future and we do not want scaremongering. We will see an overall increase of 37 per cent in spending over the next three or four years in the health service in Wales. We have also seen nurses’ pay increase by 20 per cent in cash terms since 1997. They have a special place in our health service and are valued, as are all health service employees. We are working on many other developments, such as increasing trainees GPs’ salaries by 10.3 per cent from 1 April. We are also introducing special salaried GP services in deprived areas. The health service has a strong future because we are caring for it and for the communities of Wales.

Mae angen inni atgoffa’r Torïaid, gan gynnwys Ewythr Mott, ynglŷn â chau ysbytai. Hwy oedd yr arbenigwyr ar hynny. Yn ystod eu 18 mlynedd o lywodraeth, caewyd 72 o ysbytai ledled Cymru. Dyma’r bobl sydd â’r hyfrdra i’n beirniadu ni. Gadewch inni roi hyn mewn persbectif. Cefnogwn apêl Arch Noa gymaint â phosibl ac atgyfnerthwn y gwasanaeth ysbyty cyffredinol y dosbarth ledled Cymru. Sicrhawn y dyfodol ac nid ydym am godi bwganod. Byddwn yn gweld cynnydd cyffredinol o 37 y cant mewn gwariant dros y tair neu bedair blynedd nesaf yn y gwasanaeth iechyd yng Nghymru. Gwelsom gyflogau nyrsys yn cynyddu hefyd 20 y cant yn nhermau ariannol ers 1997. Mae iddynt le arbennig yn ein gwasanaeth iechyd ac fe’u gwerthfawrogir, fel y gwerthfawrogir pob un o gyflogeion ein gwasanaeth iechyd. Gweithiwn ar lawer o ddatblygiadau eraill, fel cynyddu cyflogau meddygon teulu o dan hyfforddiant 10.3 y cant o 1 Ebrill. Cyflwynwn wasanaethau meddygon teulu cyflogedig arbennig mewn ardaloedd difreintiedig. Mae dyfodol cadarn i’r gwasanaeth iechyd gan ein bod yn gofalu amdano ac am gymunedau Cymru.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 100

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 100

One would not generally associate arrogance with Jane Hutt but it was extraordinary when she said that the people will trust a Labour Minister because they know that it makes sense. Given a waiting list in your constituency of six years for hip and knee replacements, perhaps they will soon reconsider that. I am staggered that you should be so arrogant. It is the arrogance of the ruling elite. One can only imagine Marie Antoinette in pre-Bastille days making such a comment—

Ni fyddai rhywun fel arfer yn cysylltu haerllugrwydd â Jane Hutt ond yr oedd yn rhyfeddol pan ddywedodd y gwnaiff pobl ymddiried mewn Gweinidog Llafur gan eu bod yn gwybod ei fod yn gwneud synnwyr. O gofio bod rhestr aros yn eich etholaeth o chwe blynedd am lawdriniaeth ar gyfer cluniau a phen-gliniau newydd, efallai yr ailystyriant hynny’n fuan. Synnaf eich bod mor haerllug. Haerllugrwydd yr etholedigion mewn grym yw hyn. Dychmygwch Marie Antoinette yn y dyddiau cyn y Bastille yn gwneud sylw o’r fath—

Mick Bates spoken in English p. 100

Mick Bates siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 100

I thought that you were going to say Maggie Thatcher.

Credais eich bod am ddweud Maggie Thatcher.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 101

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 101

I will refer to the Liberal Democrats in a minute. They do not deserve such praise. We heard some good points from Labour, and if it were not for the document, we could almost believe that there was no proposal to reduce the number of district general hospitals. It is clear why they want to refer to history rather than the present position. The document clearly states that there will be an overall reduction and we have not heard that countermanded.

Cyfeiriaf at y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn y fan. Ni haeddant ganmoliaeth o’r fath. Clywsom rai pwyntiau da gan Lafur, ac oni bai am y ddogfen, gallem bron â chredu nad oedd unrhyw gynnig i ostwng nifer yr ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Mae’n amlwg pam y dymunant gyfeirio at hanes yn hytrach na’r sefyllfa bresennol. Noda’r ddogfen yn glir y bydd gostyngiad cyffredinol ac ni chlywsom hynny’n cael ei wadu.

We remember Jon Owen Jones’s letter in which he talks about his hopes that Jane will receive the backing she needs to implement these difficult decisions. The decisions, which he supported, are now incorporated in the document. Let us have the truth. There will be a reduction. That is clear. Jon Owen Jones was your predecessor. You have taken his mantle and you will reduce the number of hospitals. Therefore, it is not surprising that people are concerned. We fought for community hospitals. We must now fight for district general hospitals. Nothing you have said today, Jane, will reassure anyone that that is not on the agenda, because it is clearly stated in the document.

Cofiwn am lythyr Jon Owen Jones lle mae’n sôn am ei obeithion y bydd Jane yn cael y gefnogaeth sydd ei hangen arni i weithredu’r penderfyniadau anodd hyn. Erbyn hyn, mae’r penderfyniadau a gefnogodd wedi eu cynnwys yn y ddogfen. Gadewch inni gael y gwirionedd. Bydd gostyngiad. Mae hynny’n amlwg. Jon Owen Jones oedd eich rhagflaenydd ac yr ydych yn parhau â’i waith a byddwch yn gostwng nifer yr ysbytai. Felly, nid yw’n syndod bod pobl yn pryderu. Ymladdasom dros ysbytai cymuned. Rhaid inni ymladd yn awr dros ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Ni wnaiff unrhyw beth a ddywedasoch heddiw, Jane, dawelu meddwl unrhyw un nad yw hynny ar yr agenda, oherwydd fe’i nodir yn glir yn y ddogfen.

I refer to the children’s hospital and wonder whether the Liberal Democrats are in their pre- or post-merger mode. I presume that their hands were guided on amendment 4, which states that the Government will

Cyfeiriaf at yr ysbyty plant a thybiaf a yw’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn eu meddylfryd cyn uno neu wedi uno. Tybiaf iddynt gael eu cyfarwyddo ar welliant 4, sydd yn nodi y bydd y Llywodraeth yn

‘continue its support for the development of a children’s hospital in Wales’,

‘parhau gyda’i gefnogaeth i ddatblygu ysbyty plant yng Nghymru’,

because they seemed unaware of it. I find it staggering that we had a contribution that indicated that that was not the case. At least—

gan yr ymddengys nad oeddent yn ymwybodol ohono. Synnaf ein bod wedi cael cyfraniad a awgrymodd nad felly y mae. O leiaf—

Kirsty Williams a gododd –

Kirsty Williams rose—

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 101

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 101

I am not giving way. You have had your opportunity.

Nid ildiaf. Cawsoch eich cyfle.

Kirsty Williams spoken in English p. 101

Kirsty Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 101

Not at the expense of hospitals in Swansea or north Wales.

Nid ar draul ysbytai yn Abertawe neu ogledd Cymru.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 101

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 101

Order. We are running late. Let us finish this debate as quickly as possible.

Trefn. Yr ydym yn mynd yn brin o amser. Gadewch inni orffen y ddadl hon cyn gynted â phosibl.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 102

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 102

If Kirsty does not contain herself I am afraid that there will be a by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire. She must learn to calm down.

Os na fydd Kirsty yn ymatal ofnaf y bydd isetholiad ym Mrycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed. Rhaid iddi ddysgu ymdawelu.

At least the Minister gave lip service to the Noah’s Ark appeal and I believe that she is genuine in that. However, the Liberal Democrats do not seem to want a children’s hospital for Wales. Let me make it clear that we do. We are committed to it and the money would be found from elsewhere. We heard all this nonsense about Conservative—[Interruption.]

O leiaf, cefnogodd y Gweinidog apêl Arch Noa mewn enw a chredaf ei bod yn ddiffuant wrth wneud hynny. Fodd bynnag, ymddengys nad yw’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol am gael ysbyty plant yng Nghymru. Gadewch imi bwysleisio ein bod ni am gael un. Yr ydym wedi ein hymrwymo iddo a chawn yr arian o rywle arall. Clywsom yr holl nonsens hwn ynglŷn â Cheidwadwyr—[Torri ar draws.]

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 102

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 102

Order. Nick Bourne must be heard.

Trefn. Rhaid clywed Nick Bourne.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 102

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 102

We heard all this nonsense about the Welsh Conservatives not being committed to public services, but we have made it clear that we would spend more, Mr Peter Law, on the health service than Labour is doing in Wales. You look relieved at that commitment. However, at a time when there is rural decline due to the closure of small schools and the threat to small schools—I visited some of them yesterday—the closure of post offices and the decline in farming, we do not need the threat to our district general hospitals. That is what we are facing, because of this administration’s attitude and nothing that has been said today will reassure anyone. Let me clarify that the Welsh Conservatives would spend more than this administration and we would keep these district general hospitals open.

Clywsom yr holl nonsens hwn ynglŷn â Cheidwadwyr Cymru, nad ydynt wedi eu hymrwymo i wasanaethau cyhoeddus, ond eglurasom y byddem yn gwario mwy, Mr Peter Law, ar y gwasanaeth iechyd nag y mae Llafur yn ei wneud yng Nghymru. Mae’r ymrwymiad hwnnw yn amlwg yn rhyddhad ichi. Fodd bynnag, ar adeg pan fo dirywiad gwledig am fod ysgolion bach yn cau a’r bygythiad i ysgolion bach—ymwelais â rhai ohonynt ddoe—swyddfeydd post yn cau a’r dirywiad mewn ffermio, nid oes angen y bygythiad arnom i’n hysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth. Dyna’r hyn a wynebwn, oherwydd agwedd y weinyddiaeth hon ac ni fydd unrhyw beth a ddywedwyd heddiw yn tawelu meddwl unrhyw un. Gadewch imi bwysleisio y byddai Ceidwadwyr Cymru yn gwario mwy na’r weinyddiaeth hon a byddem yn cadw’r ysbytai cyffredinol dosbarth hyn ar agor.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 102

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 102

If amendment 1 is adopted, amendments 2 and 3 will fall. If amendment 1 is rejected and amendment 2 adopted, then amendment 3 will fall.

Os derbynnir gwelliant 1, bydd gwelliannau 2 a 3 yn methu. Os gwrthodir gwelliant 1 a derbynnir gwelliant 2 yna bydd gwelliant 3 yn methu.

Gwelliant 1 Dafydd Wigley t. 102

Amendment 1 Dafydd Wigley p. 102

GwrthodwydRejected O blaidFor 12 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 33

Gwrthodwyd y gwelliant.

Amendment rejected.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (12)
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Geraint Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • David Lloyd
  • Janet Ryder
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
Yn erbynAgainst (33)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Delyth Evans
  • Val Feld
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams

Gwelliant 2 Dafydd Wigley t. 103

Amendment 2 Dafydd Wigley p. 103

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 38 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 8

Derbyniwyd y gwelliant.

Amendment adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (38)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Delyth Evans
  • Val Feld
  • Brian Gibbons
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams
  • Phil Williams
Yn erbynAgainst (8)
  • Nick Bourne
  • Alun Cairns
  • David Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • William Graham
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rod Richards

Methodd gwelliant 3.

Amendment 3 fell.

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 28 YmatalAbstain 13 Yn erbynAgainst 7

Derbyniwyd y gwelliant.

Amendment adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (28)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Christine Chapman
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Delyth Evans
  • Sue Essex
  • Val Feld
  • Brian Gibbons
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams
YmatalAbstain (13)
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Geraint Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • David Lloyd
  • Janet Ryder
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Phil Williams
Yn erbynAgainst (7)
  • Nick Bourne
  • Alun Cairns
  • David Davies
  • William Graham
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rod Richards

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 47 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig wedi’i ddiwygio.

Amended motion adopted.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (47)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Val Feld
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Kirsty Williams
  • Phil Williams

Pwynt o Drefn

Point of Order

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 107

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 107

Point of order. I made a mistake in voting for amendment 4, which I intended to vote against. I wish that to be placed on record.

Pwynt o drefn. Gwneuthum gamgymeriad wrth bleidleisio dros welliant 4, y bwriedais bleidleisio yn ei erbyn. Dymunaf i hynny gael ei gofnodi.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 107

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 107

That will be placed on record.

Caiff hynny ei gofnodi.

Dadl Fer

Short Debate

Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol

Communities First and Social Justice

Huw Lewis spoken in English p. 107

Huw Lewis siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 107

I have agreed to take contributions from Janet Ryder, William Graham and Peter Black. I hope that that will be sufficient.

Cytunais i dderbyn cyfraniadau gan Janet Ryder, William Graham a Peter Black. Gobeithiaf y bydd hynny’n ddigon.

I have entitled my short debate ‘Communities First and Social Justice’ because I remain concerned about the connection between the two elements. We are still in the consultation period on the implementation of Communities First. I hope that this debate will be an opportunity to highlight the importance of Communities First, and its key role in tackling poverty and inequality. Communities First is our contribution to a wider governmental programme of tackling poverty and building opportunity. Alongside Objective 1 and the national economic development strategy, it will drive our anti-poverty agenda.

Yr wyf wedi galw fy nadl fer yn ‘Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol’ oherwydd fy mod yn parhau i bryderu am y cysylltiad rhwng y ddwy elfen. Yr ydym yn dal yn y cyfnod ymgynghori o ran gweithredu Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf. Gobeithiaf y bydd y ddadl hon yn gyfle i amlygu pwysigrwydd Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf, a’i swyddogaeth allweddol wrth fynd i’r afael â thlodi ac anghydraddoldeb. Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf yw ein cyfraniad i raglen lywodraethol ehangach o fynd i’r afael â thlodi a chreu cyfle. Ochr yn ochr ag Amcan 1 a’r strategaeth datblygu economaidd genedlaethol, bydd yn llywio ein hagenda gwrth-dlodi.

This programme is part of a wider Labour agenda to tackle poverty and inequality. It is part of a programme that has seen the introduction of the first ever minimum wage—which will soon stand at £4.10 an hour—raising the wages of one in 10 workers in Wales. The programme has also seen youth unemployment slashed by the New Deal, unemployment fall below 1 million for the first time in 25 years and over 1 million children lifted out of poverty. This is Labour’s contribution as a party. Communities First reflects a Labour agenda to tackle the 18-year mess that brought mass unemployment, poverty, ill-health and low aspiration to my constituency and to swathes of other Welsh communities.

Mae’r rhaglen hon yn rhan o agenda Llafur ehangach i fynd i’r afael â thlodi ac anghydraddoldeb. Mae’n rhan o raglen a welodd gyflwyno’r isafswm cyflog cyntaf erioed—fydd yn £4.10 yr awr cyn hir—gan godi cyflogau un gweithiwr o bob 10 yng Nghymru. Hefyd gwelodd y rhaglen y Fargen Newydd yn gostwng diweithdra yn sylweddol ymysg pobl ifanc, diweithdra yn disgyn islaw 1 miliwn am y tro cyntaf mewn 25 mlynedd a thros 1 miliwn o blant yn cael eu hachub o dlodi. Dyma gyfraniad Llafur fel plaid. Adlewyrcha Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf agenda Llafur i ymdrin â’r llanastr 18 mlynedd a ddaeth â llawer o ddiweithdra, tlodi, salwch a dyheadau isel i’m hetholaeth i ac i sawl cymuned arall yng Nghymru.

Communities First will also be a test of devolution—not a test of how well we stand up to anyone or how tough we talk, but of how well we can deliver a programme that tackles chronic inequality, that redistributes wealth and that implements a little bit of socialism.

Bydd Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf hefyd yn brawf o ddatganoli—nid yn brawf o ba mor dda y byddwn yn gwrthwynebu rhywun neu pa mor galed y byddwn yn siarad, ond o ba mor dda y gallwn gyflwyno rhaglen sydd yn ymdrin ag anghydraddoldeb difrifol, sydd yn ailddosbarthu cyfoeth ac sydd yn gweithredu ychydig o sosialaeth.

The commitment to long-term funding of approved schemes will be welcome news to community groups in all constituencies. It demonstrates our commitment to those communities and to enabling them to control and direct the raising of aspiration and opportunity. Over the next three years, Communities First will commit £83 million of Assembly money to the regeneration of our most deprived communities.

Bydd yr ymrwymiad i roi arian tymor hir i gynlluniau a gymeradwywyd yn newyddion calonogol i grwpiau cymunedol ym mhob etholaeth. Mae’n arddangos ein hymrwymiad i’r cymunedau hynny ac i’w galluogi i reoli a llywio’r gwaith o godi dyheadau a chyfle. Dros y tair blynedd nesaf, bydd Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf yn ymrwymo £83 miliwn o arian y Cynulliad i adfywio ein cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig.

For my constituents, this fund and this programme are long overdue. The facts and figures speak for themselves. Astonishingly, one third of my constituents will die prematurely because of where they live. Twenty-two per cent of my constituents suffer from a limiting long-term illness. Every ward in my constituency hits the highest index score for employment deprivation in the index of multiple deprivation. These problems are not common to the whole of Wales. People in my constituency, neighbouring constituencies and similar places in north-east Wales face a higher rate of poverty, sickness and lack of opportunity than in many other parts of Wales.

Bu hen ddisgwyl am yr arian hwn a’r rhaglen hon ymysg fy etholwyr. Mae’r ffeithiau a’r ffigurau yn siarad drostynt eu hunain. Yn rhyfeddol, bydd traean o’m hetholwyr yn marw cyn eu hamser oherwydd lle maent yn byw. Mae 22 y cant o’m hetholwyr yn dioddef o salwch tymor hir sydd yn cyfyngu arnynt. Mae pob ward yn fy etholaeth yn taro’r sgôr mynegrif uchaf ar gyfer amddifadedd cyflogaeth yn y mynegrif amddifadedd lluosog. Nid yw’r problemau hyn yn gyffredin i Gymru gyfan. Mae pobl yn fy etholaeth i, etholaethau cymdogol a lleoedd tebyg yng ngogledd-ddwyrain Cymru yn wynebu cyfradd uwch o dlodi, salwch a diffyg cyfle nag mewn sawl rhan arall o Gymru.

This programme is designed to tackle poverty and inequality. It therefore requires solutions that accurately reflect this. This should not be a catch-all programme that reflects geographical or spatial fair shares. This is not about giving a little bit to everyone. This should be about attacking poverty where it lives.

Mae’r rhaglen hon wedi’i chynllunio i fynd i’r afael â thlodi ac anghydraddoldeb. Felly mae angen atebion sydd yn adlewyrchu hyn yn gywir. Ni ddylai hon fod yn rhaglen ‘dal popeth’ sydd yn adlewyrchu cyfrannau teg o safbwynt daearyddol neu ofodol. Nid yw’n golygu rhoi ychydig i bawb. Dylai ymwneud ag ymosod ar dlodi lle mae’n bodoli.

We will all fight our corners for our constituents. That is valid. However, this programme must be built on a robust and objective set of data that deals with the facts of poverty—what and where it is. I have serious concerns as to how far this current stage of the consultation will ensure that this happens. The question of whether the mechanism for defining and selecting the communities that will qualify for Communities First funding will accurately reflect real need has still to be answered. I contend that it would be a fundamental denial of social justice to fail to use the index of multiple deprivation as the basis for measuring which communities will qualify for inclusion. I challenge you to try to justify to any community in the top 100 of that index that they do not warrant inclusion on the criteria that this document proposes. I want those Members who would vote Rhyl West or Gurnos or Maerdy to be knocked off the list to give this commitment: go to those communities and explain to those people why others were placed ahead of them. The consultation suggests that the number of communities that warrant inclusion will be limited if there are too many of them in a single local authority area. That profoundly daft statement makes a case for excluding a deprived community because there is too much deprivation around it. We are also told that we cannot entirely trust the index of multiple deprivation because it is essentially flawed in not being able to adequately measure hidden pockets of deprivation, particularly in rural Wales. I comprehensively reject that argument. On the basis of even a simple piece of research, that argument can be rejected, and that concept of hidden poverty can be resisted.

Bydd pawb ohonom yn brwydro dros ein hetholwyr. Mae hynny’n ddilys. Fodd bynnag, rhaid adeiladu’r rhaglen hon ar set gadarn a gwrthrychol o ddata sydd yn ymdrin â ffeithiau tlodi—beth bynnag a ble bynnag y bo. Mae gennyf bryderon mawr ynghylch i ba raddau y bydd y cam presennol hwn o’r ymgynghoriad yn sicrhau bod hyn yn digwydd. Mae a fydd y mecanwaith ar gyfer diffinio a dethol y cymunedau a fydd yn gymwys i gael arian Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf yn adlewyrchu yn gywir wir angen yn gwestiwn sydd yn parhau heb ei ateb. Mynnaf y byddai methu â defnyddio’r mynegrif o amddifadedd lluosog fel sail ar gyfer mesur pa gymuned a fydd yn gymwys i gael ei chynnwys yn wadiad sylfaenol o gyfiawnder cymdeithasol. Fe’ch heriaf i geisio cyfiawnhau i unrhyw gymuned yn y 100 uchaf o’r mynegrif hwnnw nad oes ganddynt hawl i gael eu cynnwys yn ôl y meini prawf a gynigir gan y ddogfen hon. Yr wyf am i’r Aelodau hynny a fyddai’n pleidleisio i Orllewin y Rhyl neu’r Gurnos neu Maerdy gael eu tynnu oddi ar y rhestr roi’r ymrwymiad hwn: ewch i’r cymunedau hynny ac esboniwch i’r bobl hynny pam y rhoddwyd blaenoriaeth i eraill yn hytrach nag iddynt hwy. Awgryma’r ymgynghoriad y bydd nifer y cymunedau sydd â hawl i gael eu cynnwys yn gyfyngedig os bydd gormod ohonynt mewn ardal awdurdod lleol unigol. Mae’r datganiad hollol dwp hwnnw’n creu achos dros allgáu cymuned ddifreintiedig oherwydd bod gormod o amddifadedd o’i chwmpas. Dywedir wrthym hefyd na allwn ymddiried yn llwyr yn y mynegrif amddifadedd lluosog oherwydd ei fod yn ei hanfod yn ddiffygiol gan na all fesur pocedi cudd o amddifadedd yn ddigonol, yn enwedig yng Nghymru wledig. Gwrthodaf y ddadl honno’n gyfan gwbl. Ar sail hyd yn oed darn syml o ymchwil, gellir gwrthod y ddadl honno, a gellir gwrthwynebu’r syniad hwnnw o dlodi cudd.

To take just one measurement that is proposed in the index, the level of incapacity benefit as a measurement of deprivation is not affected by how sparsely populated or rural an area is. The people on that benefit are either in that area or they are not. The measurement of income deprivation in the index gives you the proportion of people in a community on low income. The proportion does not change according to whether the homes are close together or far apart. The proportion of unemployed people in a ward is the proportion of unemployed in a ward; there is no way of hiding the figure. Health deprivation is health deprivation. The figures are not distorted by population density. That is not to argue that rural poverty does not exist, but it is to argue that it is not hidden. Such arguments are disingenuous to say the least. I challenge anyone to tell me what this hidden poverty is hiding behind.

I gymryd dim ond un mesur a gynigir yn y mynegrif, nid yw natur wasgaredig ei phoblogaeth neu natur wledig ardal yn effeithio ar lefel y budd-dâl analluogrwydd fel mesur o amddifadedd. Mae’r bobl sydd yn derbyn y budd-dâl hwnnw naill ai yn yr ardal honno neu ddim. Noda’r mesur o amddifadedd incwm yn y mynegrif gyfran y bobl mewn cymuned sydd ar incwm isel. Ni fydd y gyfran yn newid yn ôl a yw’r cartrefi yn agos neu’n bell oddi wrth ei gilydd. Cyfran y bobl ddi-waith mewn ward yw’r gyfran diweithdra mewn ward; ni ellir cuddio’r ffigur. Amddifadedd iechyd yw amddifadedd iechyd. Nid yw dwysedd poblogaeth yn effeithio ar y ffigurau. Nid wyf yn dweud nad yw tlodi gwledig yn bodoli, ond dadleuaf nad yw wedi’i guddio. Mae dadleuon o’r fath yn annidwyll a dweud y lleiaf. Heriaf unrhyw un i ddweud wrthyf y tu ôl i beth y mae’r tlodi cudd hwn yn cuddio.

My final argument with the rural red herring in our debates on Communities First, which has not been addressed previously, is that the people who make this argument deny the rurality of a large chunk of the wards in the top 100 of the index of multiple deprivation. Around 20 per cent of those wards are rural, out of all proportion to the population that live in rural areas in Wales. However, because they are not in traditionally rural counties, that fact is discarded. Across south Wales—forgive me, I have only had time to look at the south Wales wards—a total of 14 communities are rural, as defined by the European Commission for the purposes of Objective 1 priority 5, and are also among the most deprived on the basis of their inclusion in the top 100 of the index. Their deprivation is not hidden. They are rural, they are deprived, and they appear on the index. I am talking about communities such as Darran Valley, Bedlinog, Treherbert, Cymmer, Onllwyn, Llangeinor. That is quite a list. They are rural as defined by the European Commission, and they are deprived as defined on the same basis as urban or valley communities are. That has been ignored. Why is that? Could it be that these wards are rural and poor, but simply in an inconvenient location for some people to acknowledge that? The index is the only robust and fair method of allocating funds to communities under this programme. To do anything else is to remove a key element of social justice from what will prove to be the key driver behind our anti-poverty strategy.

Fy nadl olaf â’r ysgyfarnog wledig yn ein dadleuon ar Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf, nas ymdriniwyd â hi yn flaenorol, yw fod y bobl sydd yn arddel hyn yn gwadu pa mor wledig yw rhan fawr o’r wardiau yn 100 uchaf y mynegrif amddifadedd lluosog. Mae tua 20 y cant o’r wardiau hyn yn wledig, sydd yn hollol anghymesur â’r boblogaeth sydd yn byw mewn ardaloedd gwledig yng Nghymru. Fodd bynnag, oherwydd nad ydynt mewn siroedd sydd yn draddodiadol wledig, caiff y ffaith honno ei hanwybyddu. Ar draws de Cymru—maddeuwch i mi, dim ond amser i edrych ar wardiau de Cymru a gefais—mae cyfanswm o 14 o gymunedau yn rhai gwledig, yn ôl diffiniad y Comisiwn Ewropeaidd at ddibenion Amcan 1 blaenoriaeth 5, ac sydd hefyd ymysg y rhai mwyaf difreintiedig ar y sail eu bod wedi’u cynnwys yn 100 uchaf y mynegrif. Nid yw eu hamddifadedd wedi’i guddio. Maent yn wledig, yn ddifreintiedig, ac yn ymddangos yn y mynegrif. Yr wyf yn sôn am gymunedau fel Dyffryn Darran, Bedlinog, Treherbert, Cymer, Onllwyn a Llangeinor. Mae honno’n dipyn o restr. Maent yn wledig yn ôl diffiniad y Comisiwn Ewropeaidd, ac yn ddifreintiedig fel y diffinnir ar yr un sail â chymunedau trefol neu gymunedau’r cymoedd. Anwybyddwyd hynny. Pam? A yw oherwydd bod y wardiau hyn yn wledig ac yn dlawd, ond eu bod mewn lleoliad anghyfleus i rai pobl gydnabod hynny? Y mynegrif yw’r unig ddull cadarn a theg i ddyrannu arian i gymunedau o dan y rhaglen hon. Byddai gwneud unrhyw beth arall yn tynnu elfen allweddol o gyfiawnder cymdeithasol o’r hyn fydd yn profi i fod yn yrrwr allweddol y tu ôl i’n strategaeth gwrth-dlodi.

This programme has enormous potential. I appeal to all Members, as this consultation draws to an end, to face up to poverty. It can only be beaten by the type of long-term commitment to which Edwina has committed us in Communities First. That commitment is not easy, because most communities do not win under Communities First. However, that is the price we have to pay if we want to get serious about transactions. Let us stop playing games with hidden poverty, invisible deprivation and fairies at the bottom of the garden. We should have enough integrity to follow our own quality research in the index of multiple deprivation and not shy away from an unequal distribution of Communities First across Wales. Poverty is not equally distributed across our country. We know where poverty lives. Let us pay it a visit that it will never forget.

Mae gan y rhaglen hon botensial enfawr. Apeliaf ar bob Aelod, wrth i’r ymgynghoriad hwn ddod i ben, i wynebu tlodi. Dim ond y math o ymrwymiad tymor hir y mae Edwina wedi ei addo inni yn Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf all guro hynny. Nid yw’r ymrwymiad hwnnw’n hawdd, oherwydd nad yw’r rhan fwyaf o gymunedau yn ennill o dan Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf. Fodd bynnag, dyna’r pris y mae’n rhaid inni ei dalu os ydym am fod yn ddifrifol ynghylch trafodion. Dylem roi’r gorau i chwarae gemau gyda thlodi cudd, amddifadedd anweledig a thylwyth teg yng ngwaelod yr ardd. Dylem fod yn ddigon gonest i ddilyn ein hymchwil safonol ein hunain yn y mynegrif amddifadedd lluosog a pheidio ag ofni dosbarthiad anghyfartal Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf ledled Cymru. Nid yw tlodi wedi’i ddosbarthu’n gyfartal ledled ein gwlad. Gwyddom ble mae tlodi’n bodoli. Gadewch inni ddysgu gwers iddo unwaith ac am byth.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 111

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 111

I only have a minute, so I will not debate the rights and wrongs of the index of multiple deprivation. However, I draw people’s attention to the housing domain. If you consider housing, Aberdaron is the most deprived ward. Ten out of the top 20 are in Gwynedd, 23 of the top 50 are in Gwynedd, and 38 of the top 50 are in Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Powys, which are all rural areas. We must consider what that index tells us. One other important point is that if we are to develop Communities First—wherever we are going to develop it—a great deal of work must be done in community capacity building. Many projects are now advertising for community development workers and there are many training courses for community development workers. We must ensure quality among those workers. What discussions have been held with groups such as Community Development Cymru, which is an umbrella organisation for community development workers that has come forward with good quality standards for training courses, and what discussions have taken place with the education providers to ensure the quality of community development workers?

Dim ond munud sydd gennyf, felly ni fyddaf yn dadlau nodweddion da a drwg y mynegrif amddifadedd lluosog. Fodd bynnag, tynnaf sylw pobl at dai. Os ystyriwch dai, Aberdaron yw’r ward fwyaf difreintiedig. Mae 10 o’r 20 uchaf yng Ngwynedd, 23 o’r 50 uchaf yng Ngwynedd, a 38 o’r 50 uchaf yng Ngwynedd, Ceredigion a Phowys, sydd oll yn ardaloedd gwledig. Rhaid inni ystyried beth mae’r mynegrif hwnnw’n ei ddweud wrthym. Un pwynt pwysig arall yw os ydym am ddatblygu Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf—lle bynnag yr ydym am ei ddatblygu—rhaid gwneud llawer iawn o waith i adeiladu capasiti cymunedau. Mae sawl prosiect bellach yn hysbysebu ar gyfer gweithwyr datblygu cymuned a cheir sawl cwrs hyfforddi ar gyfer gweithwyr datblygu cymuned. Rhaid inni sicrhau ansawdd ymysg y gweithwyr hynny. Pa drafodaethau a gynhaliwyd gyda grwpiau fel Datblygu Cymunedol Cymru, sydd yn sefydliad ymbarél ar gyfer gweithwyr datblygu cymunedau a gyflwynodd safonau ansawdd da ar gyfer cyrsiau hyfforddi, a pha drafodaethau a gynhaliwyd gyda darparwyr addysg i sicrhau ansawdd gweithwyr datblygu cymuned?

William Graham spoken in English p. 111

William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 111

I endorse Huw Lewis’s remarks, particularly with regard to the indices. The aims and objectives that he outlined today have cross-party support. It is an important subject and it should not be diminished. I am grateful that time has been allowed for this debate today. In endorsing Huw’s comments, I add that poverty is across the board in our nation, and across the political divide. We must all seek to eradicate it in the next generation.

Cymeradwyaf sylwadau Huw Lewis, yn enwedig o ran y mynegrifau. Mae cefnogaeth trawsbleidiol i’r nodau a’r amcanion a amlinellodd heddiw. Mae’n bwnc pwysig ac ni ddylid ei fychanu. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar y caniatawyd amser ar gyfer y ddadl hon heddiw. Wrth gymeradwyo sylwadau Huw, ychwanegaf fod tlodi yn gyffredin yn ein cenedl, ac ar draws y ffin wleidyddol. Rhaid i bob un ohonom geisio ei ddileu yn y genhedlaeth nesaf.

Peter Black spoken in English p. 112

Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 112

I welcome this debate. We have had a number of opportunities to discuss Communities First and it is important that tackling poverty remains at the front of our minds. I agree entirely with Huw about the accuracy of the data and the use of the multiple indices. We must also bear in mind that, as these indices are ward based, they do not pick up a number of communities in larger wards. That is why it is important that the programme looks at local discretion and asks local authorities in particular to examine the criteria and to find the most deprived areas in their own communities, which are not necessarily ward based. In terms of funding, we need to use it to match other funds that might be available, such as Objective 1 and other grants. Above all, we need to bear in mind that the Communities First programme must be owned by the people and by the communities, and must not be imposed on them by the National Assembly or by local government.

Croesawaf y ddadl hon. Cawsom nifer o gyfleoedd i drafod Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf ac mae’n bwysig fod mynd i’r afael â thlodi yn parhau i fod yn amlwg yn ein meddyliau. Cytunaf yn llwyr â Huw am gywirdeb y data a’r defnydd o fynegrifau lluosog. Rhaid inni gofio hefyd, gan fod y mynegrifau hyn yn seiliedig ar wardiau, nad ydynt yn dewis nifer o gymunedau mewn wardiau mwy. Dyna pam ei bod yn bwysig fod y rhaglen yn edrych ar ddisgresiwn lleol ac yn gofyn i’r awdurdodau lleol yn arbennig archwilio’r meini prawf a chanfod yr ardaloedd mwyaf difreintiedig o fewn eu cymunedau eu hunain, nad ydynt o anghenraid yn seiliedig ar wardiau. O ran arian, mae angen inni ei ddefnyddio i gyfateb ag arian arall a allai fod ar gael, fel Amcan 1 a grantiau eraill. Yn anad dim, mae angen inni ystyried bod yn rhaid i’r rhaglen Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf fod yn eiddo i’r bobl a’r cymunedau, ac ni ddylai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol na llywodraeth leol ei gorfodi arnynt.

Edwina Hart The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities spoken in English p. 112

Edwina Hart Y Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 112

Communities First is an important programme for the National Assembly in taking a lead in the anti-poverty agenda, and also for the people of Wales. It is enormously symbolic that we are prepared to put 100 communities ahead of all other communities to try to change in a generation what has happened to them in terms of poverty, poor housing, poor health and all the other issues that have been mentioned by speakers today. It is a part of the social justice agenda to which the Labour Party has always been committed. It is about equalising the balance in life for people to have opportunities and the right to be citizens and to engage across Wales.

Mae Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf yn rhaglen bwysig i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol wrth arwain yn yr agenda gwrth-dlodi, a hefyd i bobl Cymru. Mae’n symbolaidd iawn ein bod yn barod i roi blaenoriaeth i 100 o gymunedau i geisio newid mewn cenhedlaeth yr hyn sydd wedi digwydd iddynt o ran tlodi, tai gwael, iechyd gwael a’r holl faterion eraill y soniodd siaradwyr amdanynt heddiw. Mae’n rhan o’r agenda cyfiawnder cymdeithasol y mae’r Blaid Lafur wedi bod yn ymrwymedig iddi erioed. Mae’n ymwneud â chyfartalu’r cydbwysedd mewn bywyd i bobl gael cyfleoedd a’r hawl i fod yn ddinasyddion ac i gyfranogi ledled Cymru.

There has been a long consultation process on this. Some of the issues regarding the index of multiple deprivation arose as part of the consultation. I see the index as the primary vehicle for delivering for these 100 communities. It is robust in its methodology and it reflects the different types of deprivation. Any tinkering with it would make the index flawed. However, there must be recognition that some communities in urban and rural Wales will not be within these artificial boundaries. If you look at the strict criteria in the index of multiple deprivation, those communities will come forward as a group. In the second part of the consultation there will be an opportunity for local authorities and others to identify those areas. Even though I am talking about 100 communities now, in three years’ time, I could be talking about the next 100 communities. We could examine how communities work together and become one within the group of 100. We do not need to get too hung up with the figure of 100; we must recognise that it will be approximately 100 communities. We must do what we think is right, at the end of this consultation period.

Cafwyd proses ymgynghori hir ar hyn. Cododd rhai o’r materion yn ymwneud â’r mynegrif amddifadedd lluosog fel rhan o’r ymgynghoriad. Gwelaf y mynegrif fel y cyfrwng cyflwyno sylfaenol ar gyfer y 100 o gymunedau hyn. Mae’n gadarn yn ei fethodoleg ac mae’n adlewyrchu’r gwahanol fathau o amddifadedd. Byddai ei ddiwygio’n creu diffygion yn y mynegrif. Fodd bynnag, rhaid cydnabod na fydd rhai cymunedau yng Nghymru drefol a gwledig o fewn y ffiniau ffug hyn. Os edrychwch ar y meini prawf llym yn y mynegrif amddifadedd lluosog, bydd y cymunedau hynny i’w gweld fel grŵp. Yn ail ran yr ymgynghoriad ceir cyfle i’r awdurdodau lleol ac eraill nodi’r ardaloedd hynny. Er mai siarad am 100 o gymunedau yr wyf, ymhen tair blynedd, gallwn fod yn siarad am y 100 o gymunedau nesaf. Gallem archwilio sut mae cymunedau’n cydweithio ac yn dod yn un o fewn y grŵp o 100. Nid oes angen inni boeni gormod am y ffigur o 100; rhaid inni gydnabod mai tua 100 o gymunedau fydd y ffigur. Rhaid inni wneud yr hyn y credwn sydd yn iawn, ar ddiwedd y cyfnod hwn o ymgynghori.

I assure Members that we took the widest opportunity to discuss some of the issues that arose with groups, especially with community workers. I think that the group to which Janet Ryder referred might be the group that I met. I know that officials are liaising to meet as many people as possible in the field to discuss capacity building. Who will lead these communities and work with them? The voluntary sector also raised that issue with me in a recent meeting, as part of our voluntary sector agreement.

Yr wyf yn sicrhau’r Aelodau ein bod wedi cymryd y cyfle ehangaf i drafod rhai o’r materion a gododd gyda’r grwpiau, yn enwedig gyda gweithwyr cymunedol. Credaf mai’r grŵp y cyfeiriodd Janet Ryder ato oedd y grŵp y cyfarfûm ag ef. Gwn fod swyddogion yn cyd-drafod er mwyn cwrdd â chymaint o bobl â phosibl yn y maes i drafod cynyddu gallu. Pwy fydd yn arwain y cymunedau hyn ac yn gweithio â hwy? Cododd y sector gwirfoddol y mater hwnnw gyda mi hefyd mewn cyfarfod diweddar, fel rhan o’n cytundeb gyda’r sector gwirfoddol.

As regards Communities First, when decisions are taken, they will be taken on the basis that we must make a start in the most deprived communities in Wales. We must inject an element of hope, and we must recognise the National Assembly’s response. We will be judged at the end of the day on what we do on the anti-poverty and social justice agenda.

O ran Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf, pan wneir penderfyniadau, fe’u gwneir ar y sail bod yn rhaid inni ddechrau yn y cymunedau mwyaf difreintiedig yng Nghymru. Rhaid inni chwistrellu elfen o obaith, a rhaid inni gydnabod ymateb y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Cawn ein beirniadu yn y pen draw ar yr hyn a wnawn ar yr agenda gwrth-dlodi a chyfiawnder cymdeithasol.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 113

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 113

Thank you. That brings today’s proceedings to an end.

Diolch. Daw hynny â chyfarfod heddiw i ben.

Daeth y cyfarfod i ben am 12.46 p.m.

The session ended at 12.46 p.m.