Cymraeg

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol CymruNational Assembly for Wales · Cyfarfod llawnPlenary sitting

Dydd Iau 5 Gorffennaf 2001

Thursday 5 July 2001

DechreuoddMet 09:05 · Daeth i benRose 11:42

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

Heb ei wirio â llaw etoNot yet checked by hand

CynnwysContents

  1. 3Cwestiynau i Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu EconomaiddQuestions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development
    1. 3Prosiectau Amcan 1 a GymeradwywydObjective 1 Projects Approved
    2. 5Swyddi a Grëwyd Drwy’r Rhaglenni Cyllid Ewropeaidd BlaenorolJobs Created by Previous European Funding Programmes
    3. 6Hyrwyddo Creu Swyddi yn Ne CymruPromoting Job Creation in South Wales
    4. 8Y Cynllun Gweithredu EntrepreneuriaethThe Entrepreneurship Action Plan
    5. 10MasnachCymru RhyngwladolWalesTrade International
    6. 11Pecyn Cymorth i’r Cymunedau DurThe Support Package for the Steel Communities
  2. 13Cwestiynau ar Gyllid i’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a ChymunedauQuestions on Finance to the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities
    1. 13Rhoi’r Wedd Derfynol ar y Gyllideb ar Gyfer y Flwyddyn NesafFinalising Next Year’s Budget
    2. 15Tanwariant y CynulliadThe Assembly’s Underspend
    3. 15Tanwario yng Nghyllideb y CynulliadUnderspend on the Assembly Budget
    4. 17Clustnodi Cyfran o’r Dyraniadau Cyllid AddysgRing-fencing Part of the Education Budget
    5. 18Prosiectau’r Fenter Cyllid Preifat ac Iechyd Ariannol CymunedauPrivate Finance Initiative Projects and Communities’ Financial Health
    6. 19Goblygiadau Blaenoriaethau Gwario Cyllideb y DUImplications of UK Budget Spending Priorities
    7. 20Atebolrwydd Cyrff Cyhoeddus a Noddir gan y Cynulliad am eu GwariantAccountability of Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies on Expenditure
  3. 21Pwynt o DrefnPoint of Order
  4. 28Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo GorchmynionComposite Motion: Approval of Orders 1 bleidlais1 vote
  5. 30Pwynt o DrefnPoint of Order
  6. 31Cymeradwyo Rheoliadau Arolygu Addysg a Hyfforddiant (Cymru) 2001Approval of the Inspection of Education and Training (Wales) Regulations 2001 2 o bleidleisiau2 votes
  7. 35Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo GorchmynionComposite Motion: Approval of Orders 1 bleidlais1 vote
  8. 36Dirprwyo Swyddogaethau o dan Ddeddf Anghenion Addysgol Arbennig ac Anableddau 2001Delegation of Functions Introduced under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 1 bleidlais1 vote
  9. 44Diwygio Rheolau SefydlogRevision of Standing Orders 1 bleidlais1 vote
  10. 46Yr Adroddiad Blynyddol ar Drefniadau Cyfle CyfartalThe Annual Report on Equal Opportunity Arrangements 1 bleidlais1 vote
  11. 72Dyfodol y BarriThe Future of Barry

PleidleisiauVotes

PleidlaisVoteO blaidForYmatalAbstainYn erbynAgainstCanlyniadResult
Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo GorchmynionComposite Motion: Approval of Orders
Cynnig cyfansawdd NDM719Composite motion NDM7194100DerbyniwydAdopted
Cymeradwyo Rheoliadau Arolygu Addysg a Hyfforddiant (Cymru) 2001Approval of the Inspection of Education and Training (Wales) Regulations 2001
Cynnig NDM720Motion NDM7203900DerbyniwydAdopted
Cynnig NDM721Motion NDM7214200DerbyniwydAdopted
Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo GorchmynionComposite Motion: Approval of Orders
Cynnig cyfansawdd NDM718Composite motion NDM7184300DerbyniwydAdopted
Dirprwyo Swyddogaethau o dan Ddeddf Anghenion Addysgol Arbennig ac Anableddau 2001Delegation of Functions Introduced under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001
Cynnig NDM723Motion NDM7233700DerbyniwydAdopted
Diwygio Rheolau SefydlogRevision of Standing Orders
Cynnig NDM724Motion NDM7243900DerbyniwydAdopted
Yr Adroddiad Blynyddol ar Drefniadau Cyfle CyfartalThe Annual Report on Equal Opportunity Arrangements
Cynnig NDM722Motion NDM7223500DerbyniwydAdopted

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.

Cwestiynau i Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd

Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development

Prosiectau Amcan 1 a Gymeradwywyd

Objective 1 Projects Approved

Q1 Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 3

C1 Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

How many Objective 1 projects have now been approved in Wales? (OAQ12367)

Faint o brosiectau Amcan 1 sydd wedi’u cymeradwyo bellach yng Nghymru? (OAQ12367)

Michael German The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development spoken in English p. 3

Michael German Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

By 28 June, 289 projects had been approved under the Objective 1 programme, with a European grant sum in excess of £200 million. That means that over £400 million will be invested in the Objective 1 area.

Hyd at 28 Mehefin cymeradwywyd 289 o brosiectau o dan raglen Amcan 1, gyda grant Ewropeaidd o dros £200 miliwn. Golyga hynny y caiff dros £400 miliwn ei fuddsoddi yn ardal Amcan 1.

Brian Gibbons spoken in English p. 3

Brian Gibbons siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

Given the concern about Wales’s relative performance, do you have any information on how well Wales is performing compared to the other Objective 1 areas in the United Kingdom?

O gofio’r pryder ynglŷn â pherfformiad perthnasol Cymru, oes gennych unrhyw wybodaeth ynglŷn â sut y mae Cymru’n perfformio o gymharu ag ardaloedd Amcan 1 eraill yn y Deyrnas Unedig?

Michael German spoken in English p. 3

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

The comparative data for March reveals that Wales had committed £137 million, or 11.4 per cent, of what is the largest Objective 1 programme in England and Wales. The region in England that came closest to us in performance had only committed 8 per cent of its Objective 1 money at that stage. Wales has now committed 17.5 per cent of the total European funds available. In comparison, in the Merseyside Objective 1 programme area, 7.5 per cent of the total money available has been committed. Therefore, we are 10 per cent ahead of Merseyside, our nearest neighbour and we are also ahead of all the other Objective 1 programme areas.

Mae’r data cymharol ar gyfer Mawrth yn dangos fod Cymru wedi ymrwymo £137 miliwn, neu 11.4 y cant, o’r rhaglen Amcan 1 fwyaf yng Nghymru a Lloegr. Dim ond 8 y cant o’i arian Amcan 1 yr oedd y rhanbarth o Loegr a ddaeth agosaf atom o ran perfformiad wedi’i ymrwymo ar y pryd. Mae Cymru bellach wedi ymrwymo 17.5 y cant o gyfanswm yr arian Ewropeaidd sydd ar gael. Mewn cymhariaeth, yn ardal rhaglen Amcan 1 Glannau Mersi, mae 7.5 y cant o’r holl arian sydd ar gael wedi ei ymrwymo. Felly, yr ydym 10 y cant ar y blaen i Lannau Mersi, ein cymydog agosaf ac yr ydym hefyd ar y blaen i bob ardal rhaglen Amcan 1 arall.

Pauline Jarman spoken in English p. 3

Pauline Jarman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

You will recall that a week ago today you stated that eight applications for technical assistance under the Objective 1 programme had been approved. You know that that was not the case. Will you now apologise for misleading the Assembly and state the facts as they stood on 28 June?

Fe gofiwch, wythnos yn ôl i heddiw, ichi ddatgan fod wyth cais am gymorth technegol o dan raglen Amcan 1 wedi’u cymeradwyo. Gwyddoch nad felly yr oedd. A ymddiheurwch yn awr am gamarwain y Cynulliad a nodi’r ffeithiau fel yr oeddent ar 28 Mehefin?

Michael German spoken in English p. 3

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

I made it clear to you that I would check the facts. The eight projects are in the process of being approved, yours included. I understand that as soon as the information requested is provided then approval will be given within seven days. I should have made it clear that these projects are in the process of being approved. My statement last week made a point about those who have not yet applied. I am pleased that since I made that statement, two further local partnerships—one of which is in Carmarthenshire, which I am visiting today—have applied for technical assistance. I hope that those applications will also be processed quickly. It is important that money from the technical assistance budget, which is available and has been approved by the Objective 1 Programme Monitoring Committee, reaches partnerships as quickly as possible.

Gwneuthum yn glir ichi y byddwn yn gwirio’r ffeithiau. Mae’r wyth prosiect yn y broses o gael eu cymeradwyo, gan gynnwys eich un chi. Deallaf y rhoddir cymeradwyaeth o fewn saith diwrnod i dderbyn yr wybodaeth y gwnaethpwyd cais amdani. Dylwn fod wedi egluro fod y prosiectau hyn yn y broses o gael eu cymeradwyo. Yr oedd fy natganiad yr wythnos diwethaf yn gwneud pwynt ynglŷn â’r rhai sydd heb wneud ceisiadau hyd yma. Yr wyf yn falch fod dwy bartneriaeth leol arall––un yn Sir Gaerfyrddin, y byddaf yn ymweld â hi heddiw––wedi gwneud cais am gymorth technegol ers imi wneud y datganiad hwnnw. Gobeithiaf y caiff y ceisiadau hynny eu prosesu’n gyflym hefyd. Mae’n bwysig fod arian o’r gyllideb cymorth technegol, sydd ar gael ac wedi ei gymeradwyo gan Bwyllgor Monitro Rhaglen Amcan 1, yn cyrraedd partneriaethau cyn gynted â phosibl.

Nick Bourne The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives spoken in English p. 4

Nick Bourne Arweinydd Ceidwadwyr Cymru siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

I visited Carmarthenshire last week with two Assembly Members from Labour and Plaid Cymru. When you visit there today, you will find that there is concern that match funding is not coming through. It has not been received, even though money has been committed and spent. There is also concern about the involvement of the private sector. What are you doing to address those issues in Carmarthenshire and in Wales?

Ymwelais â Sir Gaerfyrddin yr wythnos diwethaf gyda dau Aelod o’r Cynulliad o’r Blaid Lafur a Phlaid Cymru. Pan ymwelwch â’r fan honno heddiw, fe welwch bod pryder nad yw arian cyfatebol yn cyrraedd. Nid yw wedi ei dderbyn, er bod yr arian wedi ei glustnodi a’i wario. Mae pryderon hefyd ynglŷn â chyfranogiad y sector preifat. Beth a wnewch i fynd i’r afael â’r materion hynny yn Sir Gaerfyrddin ac yng Nghymru?

Michael German spoken in English p. 4

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

As you know, I am waiting for the private sector’s response to the £200,000 of public money that I have put on the table to allow it to access funding. Regional advisers, who have been approved by the Objective 1 Programme Monitoring Committee and paid for by European funding and match funding, will allow the private sector to engage properly. The ball is in the private sector’s court. It told me, last week, that it hopes to have its first board meeting at the end of August. I expect to see progress on this matter as swiftly as possible.

Fel y gwyddoch, yr wyf yn disgwyl ymateb y sector preifat i’r £200,000 o arian cyhoeddus a roddais ar y bwrdd er mwyn ei alluogi i gael mynediad i ariannu. Bydd ymgynghorwyr rhanbarthol, a gymeradwywyd gan y Pwyllgor Monitro Rhaglen Amcan 1 ac y talwyd amdanynt gan arian Ewrop ac arian cyfatebol, yn galluogi’r sector preifat i gyfrannu’n briodol. Y sector preifat sydd â’r llaw uchaf. Dywedodd wrthyf, yr wythnos diwethaf, ei fod yn gobeithio cynnal cyfarfod cyntaf ei fwrdd ddiwedd Awst. Disgwyliaf weld cynnydd ar y mater hwn cyn gynted â phosibl.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 4

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

What about match funding?

Beth am arian cyfatebol?

Michael German spoken in English p. 4

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

It is match funding.

Arian cyfatebol ydyw.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 5

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

Order. We cannot have debates on the floor of the Chamber during questions, only questions or supplementary questions. Question 2 has been withdrawn.

Trefn. Ni allwn gael dadleuon ar lawr y Siambr yn ystod cwestiynau, dim ond cwestiynau neu gwestiynau atodol. Tynnwyd cwestiwn 2 yn ôl.

Swyddi a Grëwyd Drwy’r Rhaglenni Cyllid Ewropeaidd Blaenorol

Jobs Created by Previous European Funding Programmes

C3 Cynog Dafis siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 5

Q3 Cynog Dafis spoken in Welsh p. 5

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ynghylch nifer y swyddi a grëwyd drwy’r rhaglenni cyllid Ewropeaidd blaenorol yng Nghymru, sef rhaglenni Amcan 2 ac Amcan 5b o 1994 i 1999? (OAQ12398)

Will the Minister make a statement on the number of jobs created by the previous European funding programmes in Wales, namely the Objective 2 and Objective 5b programmes from 1994 to 1999? (OAQ12398)

Michael German spoken in English p. 5

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

The number of jobs created by the European funding programmes under three headings during the period 1994 to 1999, currently stands at 34,660. That includes 22,800 jobs under Objective 2 in industrial south Wales, 8,796 jobs under Objective 5b in rural Wales and 3,064 jobs under the various community initiatives. That is for the non-European social fund elements of the programme only.

Nifer y swyddi a grëwyd gan y rhaglenni cyllid Ewropeaidd o dan dri phennawd yn ystod y cyfnod 1994 i 1999, yw 34,660 ar hyn o bryd. Mae hynny yn cynnwys 22,800 o swyddi o dan Amcan 2 yn ne Cymru ddiwydiannol, 8,796 o swyddi o dan amcan 5b yng Nghymru wledig a 3,064 o swyddi o dan y mentrau cymunedol amrywiol. Mae hynny ar gyfer yr elfennau o’r rhaglen nad ydynt o dan gronfa gymdeithasol Ewrop yn unig.

Cynog Dafis siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 5

Cynog Dafis spoken in Welsh p. 5

Mae’r ffigurau hynny yn ddiddorol. Maent yn wahanol i’r rhai a gyhoeddwyd yn adroddiad perfformiad y Cynulliad ar gyfer 1999-2000. Yn ôl yr adroddiad hwnnw, y targed erbyn diwedd 2001 oedd 31,800 swydd ond dim ond 3,391 swydd a grëwyd erbyn diwedd 1999. Hoffwn i’r ffigurau hynny gael eu cymharu. Hefyd, sut y gallwn sicrhau y dysgir gwersi’r rhaglenni blaenorol? A allwch hefyd ddweud faint o adnoddau Amcan 1 a werir ar greu swyddi yn hytrach na diogelu swyddi presennol a chynnal y fiwrocratiaeth sydd yn gweinyddu’r rhaglenni? Mae llawer o bobl yn teimlo bod gormod o’r adnoddau yn mynd at hynny.

Those figures are interesting. They are different from those published in the Assembly’s performance report for 1999-2000. According to that report, the target for the end of 2001 was 31,800 jobs but only 3,391 jobs were created by the end of 1999. I would like those figures to be compared. Also, how can we ensure that lessons are learned from previous programmes? Can you also say how much Objective 1 resources are spent on creating jobs rather than safeguarding existing jobs and supporting the bureaucracy that administers the programmes? Many people feel that too much of the resources are going towards that.

Michael German spoken in English p. 5

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

On your first question, the difference between the figures arises out of the fact that people can make claims until December 2001. The actual figure will not be known until sometime next year when the programme spend has ended and the final claims have been made under the old programmes.

Ynglŷn â’ch cwestiwn cyntaf, mae’r gwahaniaethau yn y ffigurau yn codi o’r ffaith y gall pobl gyflwyno ceisiadau hyd Ragfyr 2001. Ni fydd y ffigur gwirioneddol yn hysbys tan rywbryd y flwyddyn nesaf pan fydd gwariant y rhaglen wedi dod i ben a’r ceisiadau terfynol wedi eu cyflwyno o dan yr hen raglenni.

On the second issue of the lessons to be learned, it is most important that we have made a fast start. Also, none of the expenditure on the Welsh European Funding Office is financed by European funding; it comes entirely from the National Assembly’s budget.

Ynglŷn â’r ail fater ar y gwersi sydd i’w dysgu, mae’n holl bwysig ein bod wedi dechrau’n gyflym. Hefyd, nid yw’r gwariant ar Swyddfa Cyllid Ewropeaidd Cymru yn cael ei ariannu gan arian Ewrop o gwbl; daw’n gyfan gwbl o gyllideb y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol.

Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 6

Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

While recognising that we are in the early days of the Objective 1 programme, and that the effects of the cash have yet to take full effect, can the Minister confirm that we are moving faster than we were in the same stage of the last programme and that unemployment in Wales is continuing to fall to a record low?

Tra’n cydnabod ein bod megis cychwyn ar raglen Amcan 1, ac nad yw effeithiau llawn yr arian i’w gweld eto, a all y Gweinidog gadarnhau ein bod yn symud yn gyflymach nag yr oeddem ar y cam cyfatebol o’r rhaglen ddiwethaf a bod diweithdra yng Nghymru yn parhau i ddisgyn i’r lefelau isaf erioed?

Michael German spoken in English p. 6

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

The interesting fact about Objective 2, which was the previous Objective programme for industrial south Wales, was that in the first half of its implementation it created 9,275 jobs and, in its second half, it has created 13,525 jobs to date. In other words, job creation accelerated towards the end of the programme. As you heard today, we are ahead of the game. Wales is proving that it can manage its own affairs well. In percentage terms we have committed more money than anywhere else in the UK and we are significantly ahead in terms of our profile.

Y ffaith ddiddorol ynglŷn ag Amcan 2, sef y rhaglen Amcan flaenorol ar gyfer de Cymru ddiwydiannol, yw iddi greu 9,275 o swyddi yn ystod hanner cyntaf y rhaglen, a 13,525 yn ystod ail hanner y rhaglen hyd yma. Hynny yw, yr oedd nifer y swyddi a grëwyd wedi cynyddu tuag at ddiwedd y rhaglen. Fel y clywsoch heddiw, yr ydym ar y blaen. Mae Cymru yn profi y gall reoli ei materion ei hun yn dda. Fel canran yr ydym wedi ymrwymo mwy o arian nag unman arall yn y DU ac yr ydym ar y blaen o dipyn o ran ein proffil.

On unemployment measures in Wales, we are pleased to note that as of May 2001, the unemployment rate was 4 per cent in Wales, down from 4.4 per cent a year ago. That means that 5,000 fewer people in Wales are now claiming benefit than last year. That is the lowest unemployment for 20 years or so.

Mewn perthynas â mesurau diweithdra yng Nghymru, yr ydym yn falch o nodi mai’r gyfradd ddiweithdra yng Nghymru ym Mai 2001 oedd 4 y cant, wedi gostwng o 4.4 y cant y llynedd. Golyga hynny fod 5,000 yn llai o bobl yng Nghymru yn hawlio budd-dal nag oedd y llynedd. Dyna’r diweithdra isaf ers 20 mlynedd neu fwy.

Hyrwyddo Creu Swyddi yn Ne Cymru

Promoting Job Creation in South Wales

Q4 Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 6

C4 Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

What policies is the administration pursuing to promote job creation in south Wales? (OAQ12376)

Pa bolisïau y mae’r weinyddiaeth yn eu dilyn i hyrwyddo creu swyddi yn ne Cymru? (OAQ12376)

Michael German spoken in English p. 6

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

The administration’s aim is to ensure that the whole of Wales benefits from Assembly policies that create employment and provide support to areas of social and economic need. As part of that, we are developing a national economic development strategy. It will concentrate on issues such as encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, developing the necessary skills for an advanced economy, encouraging businesses to have an international outlook and making Wales an attractive place for businesses and those who work in them. Taken with the wide range of support measures already in place, it will encourage the creation of new, high-quality jobs for the development of an advanced, competitive economy in Wales. That will benefit the people of Wales, including those who live and work in south Wales.

Nod y weinyddiaeth yw sicrhau bod Cymru gyfan yn elwa o bolisïau’r Cynulliad sydd yn creu cyflogaeth ac yn rhoi cymorth i ardaloedd sydd mewn angen cymdeithasol ac economaidd. Fel rhan o hynny, yr ydym yn datblygu strategaeth datblygu economaidd genedlaethol. Bydd yn canolbwyntio ar faterion megis hybu entrepreneuriaeth a dyfeisgarwch, datblygu’r sgiliau angenrheidiol ar gyfer economi ddatblygedig, annog busnesau i fabwysiadu ymagwedd ryngwladol a gwneud Cymru yn lle deniadol i fusnesau a’r rhai sydd yn gweithio ynddynt. Ynghyd â’r ystod eang o gymorth sydd ar gael eisoes, bydd yn hybu creu swyddi newydd o ansawdd uchel ar gyfer datblygu economi ddatblygedig, gystadleuol yng Nghymru. Bydd hynny er budd pobl Cymru, gan gynnwys y rhai sydd yn byw ac yn gweithio yn ne Cymru.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 7

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

I thank the Minister for his reply. However, as job creation and job sustainability go hand in hand, will the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development make a statement on his own prospects for employment in south Wales?

Diolch i’r Gweinidog am ei ateb. Fodd bynnag, gan fod creu swyddi a chynnal swyddi yn cyd-fynd, a wnaiff Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd ddatganiad ar ei ragolygon ei hun ar gyfer cyflogaeth yn ne Cymru?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 7

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

Order. The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development is answering questions on his portfolio.

Trefn. Mae Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd yn ateb cwestiynau ar ei bortffolio.

Peter Law spoken in English p. 7

Peter Law siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

Will the Minister explain how a company called Faurecia, which closed in Tredegar last year, making over 100 of my constituents redundant, can now reappear in north Wales? How do I explain the Minister’s socially unjust policy of endorsing the playing of musical factories to the loyal workers in my constituency who were made redundant?

A eglura’r Gweinidog sut y gall cwmni o’r enw Faurecia, a gaeodd yn Nhredegar y llynedd, gan ddiswyddo dros 100 o’m hetholwyr, ailymddangos yn awr yng ngogledd Cymru? Sut yr esboniaf bolisi cymdeithasol anghyfiawn y Gweinidog o gefnogi cwmni sydd yn symud ffatrïoedd o un lle i’r llall i’r gweithwyr ffyddlon yn fy etholaeth a ddiswyddwyd?

Michael German spoken in English p. 7

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

I understand the concerns of those who used to work for the company in Peter’s constituency. As Peter knows, the difference is that the Assembly’s public intervention to support the factory in Tredegar must be repaid. Two of the three instalments have already been repaid. The factory in north Wales makes different products in a different way. The factory had to be located within a short distance of the Vauxhall plant at Ellesmere Port due to the plant’s required delivery time. As a result, we succeeded in attracting the company to north Wales. There is an added benefit, as the 240 new jobs that were created are largely being offered to unemployed people in the area or those who lost their jobs at the Corus plant in Shotton. Although there is no satisfaction for the workers in Tredegar, we are offering satisfaction to workers who lost their jobs in Shotton by giving support. The Assembly’s public intervention to support the factory in Tredegar will be repaid in full.

Deallaf bryderon y rhai hynny a arferai weithio i’r cwmni yn etholaeth Peter. Fel y gŵyr Peter, y gwahaniaeth yw fod rhaid ad-dalu ymyrraeth gyhoeddus y Cynulliad i gefnogi’r ffatri yn Nhredegar. Mae dau o’r tri rhandaliad wedi eu had-dalu eisoes. Mae’r ffatri yng ngogledd Cymru yn gwneud cynnyrch gwahanol mewn ffordd wahanol. Yr oedd yn rhaid lleoli’r ffatri o fewn cyrraedd agos i waith Vauxhall yn Ellesmere Port oherwydd gofynion amser dosbarthu y gwaith. O ganlyniad, llwyddasom i ddenu’r cwmni i ogledd Cymru. Mae buddiant ychwanegol, gan fod y 240 o swyddi newydd a grëwyd yn cael eu cynnig yn bennaf i bobl ddi-waith yn yr ardal neu’r rhai a gollodd eu swyddi yng ngwaith Corus yn Shotton. Er nad oes boddhad i’r gweithwyr yn Nhredegar, yr ydym yn cynnig boddhad i weithwyr a gollodd eu swydd yn Shotton drwy roi cymorth. Caiff unrhyw gymorth ymyrraeth gyhoeddus y Cynulliad i gefnogi’r ffatri yn Nhredegar ei ad-dalu’n llawn.

Geraint Davies spoken in English p. 8

Geraint Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Given that the UK Government now, regretfully, wants to force people on disability benefits back into work and that the south Wales valleys have a high proportion of such people, what action is the Minister taking to ensure that there are suitable jobs for these people across the Valleys?

O gofio fod Llywodraeth y DU bellach, yn anffodus, am orfodi pobl ar fudd-daliadau anabledd i ddychwelyd i waith a bod cyfran uchel o bobl felly yng nghymoedd de Cymru, beth y mae’r Gweinidog yn ei wneud i sicrhau bod swyddi addas ar gyfer y bobl hyn ar draws y Cymoedd?

Michael German spoken in English p. 8

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

As Geraint knows, I have visited many of the factories that have been helping people. I expressed my concern to the management of some of those companies about how the changes are affecting their employees. In accordance with our equal opportunities policy, we must ensure that jobs are available to people no matter what skills they have. We must ensure, particularly through the use of the Objective 1 money for this purpose, that those people have equality of opportunity. It is a matter of concern, and I will follow it through.

Fel y gŵyr Geraint, ymwelais â nifer o’r ffatrioedd sydd wedi bod yn helpu pobl. Mynegais fy mhryderon i reolwyr rhai o’r cwmnïau hynny ynglŷn â sut y mae’r newidiadau yn effeithio ar eu gweithwyr. Yn unol â’n polisi cyfle cyfartal, rhaid inni sicrhau bod swyddi ar gael i bobl waeth beth fo’r sgiliau sydd ganddynt. Rhaid inni sicrhau, yn arbennig drwy ddefnyddio arian Amcan 1 i’r perwyl hwn, fod cyfle cyfartal i’r bobl hynny. Mae’n achos pryder, a byddaf yn mynd ar ei drywydd.

Y Cynllun Gweithredu Entrepreneuriaeth

The Entrepreneurship Action Plan

Q5 Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 8

C5 Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Will the Minister make a statement on the entrepreneurship action plan? (OAQ12399)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ynghylch y cynllun gweithredu entrepreneuriaeth? (OAQ12399)

Michael German spoken in English p. 8

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

The entrepreneurship action plan aims to help secure a stronger culture of enterprise across Wales and a much higher level of new business start-ups among all sectors of society, including under-represented groups, underpinned by significant European Commission structural funds. The private sector-led implementation panel is driving forward a comprehensive range of practical action and it is regularly reporting progress to the Economic Development Committee. As this work involves a cross-sectoral, multi-agency approach, the relevant Assembly Ministers and officials are liasing closely over the ongoing developments.

Nod y cynllun gweithredu entrepreneuriaeth yw helpu i sicrhau diwylliant cryfach o entrepreneuriaeth ar draws Cymru a lefel llawer uwch o fusnesau newydd yn dechrau ymhlith pob sector o gymdeithas, gan gynnwys grwpiau a gaiff eu tan-gynrychioli, wedi ei gynnal gan arian strwythurol sylweddol o’r Comisiwn Ewropeaidd. Mae’r panel gweithredu dan arweiniad y sector preifat yn datblygu ystod gynhwysfawr o gamau ymarferol ac yn adrodd ar y datblygiadau yn rheolaidd i’r Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd. Gan fod y gwaith hwn yn cwmpasu ymagwedd traws-sector, aml-asiantaeth, mae Gweinidogion perthnasol o’r Cynulliad a’r swyddogion yn cydlynnu’n agos ar y datblygiadau.

Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 9

Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

When will proposals be presented to justify the enormous amount of money—£235 million over three years, I think—that the promoters are seeking to implement this plan? When do you anticipate that this plan will be fully endorsed by the Economic Development Committee? The Committee has not fully endorsed it yet, despite what its promoters say.

Pryd y cyflwynir argymhellion i gyfiawnhau’r symiau anferth o arian––£235 miliwn dros dair blynedd, fe gredaf––y mae’r hyrwyddwyr am eu cael er mwyn gweithredu’r cynllun hwn? Pryd y credwch y caiff y cynllun hwn ei gymeradwyo’n llawn gan y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd? Nid yw’r Pwyllgor wedi ei gymeradwyo’n llawn hyd yn hyn, er gwaethaf yr hyn a ddywed ei hyrwyddwyr.

Michael German spoken in English p. 9

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

The Assembly as a whole has endorsed the entrepreneurship action plan. The implementation plan has been endorsed in principle by the Economic Development Committee, which wants to monitor its progress as it develops. That is perfectly proper. The Committee should see the progress as it is being made. I have agreed to report to the Committee during the course of the plan’s progress. The Committee approved the implementation plan in principle last November. Since then, we have appointed Roger Jones, formerly of Penn Pharmaceuticals Limited and known to many for his work with the BBC in Wales, as the Chair of the entrepreneurship action plan team. Work is proceeding on implementing the plan. However, the Economic Development Committee is not the only interested body; the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning is also interested, as the plan addresses issues concerning skills and the school curriculum.

Mae’r Cynulliad cyfan wedi cymeradwyo’r cynllun gweithredu entrepreneuriaeth. Cymeradwywyd y cynllun gweithredu mewn egwyddor gan y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd, sydd am fonitro’i gynnydd wrth iddo ddatblygu. Mae hynny yn gwbl briodol. Dylai’r Pwyllgor weld cynnydd fel y mae’n digwydd. Cytunais i roi adroddiad i’r Pwyllgor yn ystod datblygiad y cynllun. Cymeradwyodd y Pwyllgor y cynllun gweithredu mewn egwyddor ym mis Tachwedd y llynedd. Ers hynny, yr ydym wedi penodi Roger Jones, gynt o Penn Pharmaceuticals Limited ac sydd yn adnabyddus i lawer ohonom drwy ei waith gyda’r BBC yng Nghymru, yn Gadeirydd tîm y cynllun gweithredu entrepreneuriaeth. Mae’r gwaith o weithredu’r cynllun yn mynd rhagddo. Fodd bynnag, nid y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd yw’r unig gorff sydd â diddordeb ynddo, mae gan y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes ddiddordeb hefyd, gan fod y cynllun yn mynd i’r afael â materion yn ymwneud â sgiliau a’r cwricwlwm ysgol.

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 9

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

The Minister rightly said that the Economic Development Committee has only endorsed the document in principle. When do you intend to bring the entrepreneurship action plan’s detailed implementation plan before the Economic Development Committee, with a full breakdown of financial implications?

Yr oedd y Gweinidog yn gywir pan ddywedodd fod y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd wedi cymeradwyo’r ddogfen mewn egwyddor yn unig. Pryd y bwriadwch osod cynllun gweithredu manwl y cynllun gweithredu entrepreneuriaeth gerbron y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd, gyda manylion llawn am y goblygiadau ariannol?

Michael German spoken in English p. 9

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

I am sorry that you missed it, Alun, but the Economic Development Committee endorsed the implementation plan in principle in November 2000. If you remember, I brought the full financial breakdown to the Committee two sessions ago. There is a funding gap, which we identified. You partly supported me in that in the last Economic Development Committee meeting. I am grateful for your support in ensuring a bid for the next budget funding round.

Mae’n ddrwg gennyf ichi ei fethu, Alun, ond cymeradwyodd y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd y cynllun gweithredu mewn egwyddor ym mis Tachwedd 2000. Os cofiwch, deuthum â’r manylion ariannol llawn i’r Pwyllgor ddau gyfarfod yn ôl. Ceir bwlch yn yr ariannu, a nodwyd gennym. Yr oeddech yn fy nghefnogi i raddau yn y Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd diwethaf. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar am eich cefnogaeth wrth sicrhau cais ar gyfer y cylch ariannu cyllidebol nesaf.

MasnachCymru Rhyngwladol

WalesTrade International

C6 Rhodri Glyn Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 10

Q6 Rhodri Glyn Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 10

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ynghylch gweithredu MasnachCymru Rhyngwladol? (OAQ12403)

Will the Minister make a statement on the operation of WalesTrade International? (OAQ12403)

Michael German spoken in English p. 10

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

WalesTrade International is now the major provider of public sector international business support services in Wales. In its first year, it established a strong regional network to provide local support and it has a structure of significant overseas representation in place, which is securing substantial deals for Welsh companies. Its programmes will continue to increase with additional funds being made available year on year. An independent advisory board has been established to advise and monitor progress.

MasnachCymru Rhyngwladol bellach yw prif ddarparwr gwasanaethau cymorth busnes rhyngwladol o fewn y sector cyhoeddus yng Nghymru. Yn ei flwyddyn gyntaf, sefydlodd rwydwaith rhanbarthol cryf i ddarparu cymorth lleol ac mae wedi sefydlu cynrychiolaeth sylweddol dramor sydd yn sicrhau contractau sylweddol i gwmnïau o Gymru. Bydd ei raglenni yn parhau i ehangu gydag arian ychwanegol ar gael bob blwyddyn. Sefydlwyd bwrdd ymgynghorol annibynnol i gynghori a monitro cynnydd.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 10

Rhodri Glyn Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 10

A oes unrhyw fanylion penodol ynglŷn ag allforion o Gymru? Os oes, ble mae ein marchnadoedd allforio a pha gynlluniau sydd ganddo i dargedu buddsoddiad i wneud y gorau o’r cyfleoedd hynny?

Are there any specific details regarding exports from Wales? If so, where are our export markets and what plans does he have to target investment to make the most of those opportunities?

Michael German spoken in English p. 10

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

Since April 2000, WalesTrade International has identified £327 million of opportunities, of which £32 million has been converted into contracts. Still more are subject to negotiation. As I understand, there is one large contract, which came about as a result of the recent trade mission to South America, in which the First Minister was involved. There are plans to focus our attempt on efforts around the world in specific locations. We are currently investigating a strategic plan. That plan will be presented to the Economic Development Committee and the forum—which was established recently—at their next meetings, to identify the key markets and strategies for moving forward.

Ers Ebrill 2000, mae MasnachCymru Rhyngwladol wedi nodi £327 miliwn o gyfleoedd, gyda £32 miliwn wedi eu trosi’n gontractau. Mae mwy eto yn cael eu negodi ar hyn o bryd. Caf ar ddeall y daeth un contract mawr i fodolaeth o ganlyniad i’r ymweliad masnach diweddar â De America, yr oedd Prif Weinidog Cymru yn rhan ohono. Mae cynlluniau ar y gweill i ganolbwyntio ein hymdrechion ar draws y byd mewn lleoliadau penodol. Yr ydym ar hyn o bryd yn ymchwilio i gynllun strategol. Cyflwynir y cynllun hwnnw i’r Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd a’r fforwm––a sefydlwyd yn ddiweddar––yn eu cyfarfodydd nesaf; i nodi’r marchnadoedd a’r strategaethau allweddol ar gyfer symud ymlaen.

David Davies spoken in English p. 10

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

Many of us recall that, in opposition, you called for WalesTrade International to be part of the WDA. Were you correct to do this and, if so, will you now exercise your ministerial prerogatives and bring that body immediately under the aegis of Wales’s premier economic forum?

Mae nifer ohonom yn cofio ichi, pan oedd eich plaid yn wrthblaid, alw ar MasnachCymru Rhyngwladol i fod yn rhan o Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru. A oeddech yn iawn i wneud hyn ac, os felly, a wnewch chi yn awr weithredu eich hawliau gweinidogol a dod â’r corff hwnnw o dan nawdd prif fforwm economaidd Cymru ar unwaith?

Michael German spoken in English p. 11

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

Thank you for the repeat question, which I have answered about five times in this Chamber. I repeat that I currently have no plans to move WalesTrade International, as it has only recently been established. However, it will be kept under review. I reported that to the Assembly last Thursday—I do not know whether you were in the Chamber—it was also in the documentation before you.

Diolch am ailadrodd cwestiwn, yr atebais tua phum gwaith yn y Siambr hon. Dywedaf eto nad oes gennyf gynlluniau ar hyn o bryd i symud MasnachCymru Rhyngwladol, gan mai dim ond yn ddiweddar y cafodd ei sefydlu. Fodd bynnag, caiff ei adolygu. Adroddais hynny wrth y Cynulliad ddydd Iau diwethaf––ni wn a oeddech yn y Siambr––yr oedd hefyd yn y ddogfen sydd ger eich bron.

Pecyn Cymorth i’r Cymunedau Dur

The Support Package for the Steel Communities

C7 Ieuan Wyn Jones Arweinydd yr Wrthblaid siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 11

Q7 Ieuan Wyn Jones The Leader of the Opposition spoken in Welsh p. 11

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddweud beth yw’r ddiweddaraf o ran gweithredu’r pecyn cymorth i gymunedau dur Cymru? (OAQ12405)

Will the Minister give an update on the implementation of the support package for the steel communities in Wales? (OAQ12405)

Michael German spoken in English p. 11

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

Excellent progress is being made on the £66 million programme of support and regeneration for steelworkers and communities hit by the job losses announced by Corus earlier this year, with a further cash boost of more than £5 million, which I announced last Thursday. A special Assembly Cabinet sub-group focusing entirely on affected Corus areas meets regularly and has already agreed the strategic framework for a recovery plan. The Cabinet and the whole partnership has given the go-ahead for consultants to be brought in to help shape and deliver an exciting vision for that part of south-east Wales particularly affected by steel closures, including Blaenau Gwent and Newport.

Gwneir cynnydd ardderchog ar y rhaglen £66 miliwn o gymorth ac adfywio ar gyfer gweithwyr dur a chymunedau yr effeithiwyd arnynt gan y diswyddiadau a gyhoeddodd Corus yn gynharach eleni, gyda chymorth ariannol ychwanegol o dros £5 miliwn, a gyhoeddais ddydd Iau diwethaf. Mae is-grŵp arbennig o Gabinet y Cynulliad yn canolbwyntio’n llwyr ar ardaloedd yr effeithiwyd arnynt gan Corus yn cwrdd yn rheolaidd ac eisoes cytunodd ar fframwaith strategol ar gyfer cynllun adfer. Mae’r Cabinet a’r bartneriaeth gyfan wedi cytuno i benodi ymgynghorwyr i helpu i lunio a chyflawni gweledigaeth gyffrous ar gyfer y rhan honno o dde-ddwyrain Cymru yr effeithiwyd arni yn bennaf yn sgîl cau’r gweithfeydd dur, gan gynnwys Blaenau Gwent a Chasnewydd.

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 11

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in Welsh p. 11

Yr oeddwn yn bresennol yng nghyfarfod y Pwyllgor Materion Ewropeaidd, pan y cyhoeddoch y byddai arian o Ewrop yn cael ei ryddhau. Yr ydym yn croesawu hynny. Fodd bynnag, a ydych yn ymwybodol bod rhwystredigaeth fawr yn y cymunedau dur ynglŷn â’r ffaith, er bod £66 miliwn wedi cael ei neilltuo, nad yw’r arian hwnnw wedi cyrraedd yr ardaloedd hynny? Dywedodd Alan Howarth, Aelod Seneddol Dwyrain Casnewydd, yn y Senedd yr wythnos hon fod rhwystredigaeth fawr ynglŷn â’r ffaith nad yw arian yn cyrraedd cymunedau. Pryd y bydd yr arian hwn yn cyrraedd y cymunedau? Yr ydym yn hoff o glywed am is-bwyllgor y Cabinet sydd yn delio â’r mater hwn, ond yr hyn y mae pobl yn Llanwern, Shotton, Bryngwyn a Glyn Ebwy am glywed yw pryd y bydd yr arian yn eu cyrraedd.

I was present at the Committee on European Affairs meeting, when you announced that European funding would be released. We welcome that. However, are you aware that there is great frustration in the steel communities about the fact that, although £66 million has been set aside, that money has not reached those areas? Alan Howarth, the Member of Parliament for Newport East, said in Parliament this week that there is great frustration about the lack of money reaching communities. When will this money reach communities? We like to hear about the Cabinet sub-committee that is dealing with this issue, but what people in Llanwern, Shotton, Bryngwyn and Ebbw Vale want to hear is when will the money reach them.

Michael German spoken in English p. 12

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

I reject your assertion that the money is not getting through. If you were to attend the jobs’ fair in Llanwern, as I will be today, you would know that many activities are taking place. The companies there are seeking to recruit former Corus employees. First, we must recognise that support must be given to the individuals concerned—the former workers and their families. The £7 million training package and money for business support measures has already kicked in. Those measures are in place and all the agencies are working hard to ensure that they are delivering those services to people and their families. More than 1,000 people have made specific requests for information and assistance and we have been able to support a great number of them. People and their families are not being let down. Anybody who makes that assumption would be wrong, considering the way the programme will be developed. The larger part of the programme is for the longer-term vision and that vision will be realised over the coming years.

Gwadaf eich sylw nad yw arian yn cyrraedd pobl. Pe baech yn mynychu’r ffair gwaith yn Llanwern, fel y gwnaf fi heddiw, gwyddech fod nifer o weithgareddau yn digwydd. Mae’r cwmnïau yno yn gobeithio recriwtio cyn-weithwyr o Corus. Yn gyntaf, dylem gydnabod bod angen cynorthwyo’r unigolion perthnasol––y cyn weithwyr a’u teuluoedd. Mae’r pecyn o £7 miliwn ar gyfer hyfforddi a mesurau cymorth busnes wedi dechrau eisoes. Mae’r mesurau hynny ar waith ac mae’r holl asiantaethau yn gweithio’n galed i sicrhau eu bod yn cynnig y gwasanaethau hynny i bobl a’u teuluoedd. Mae dros 1,000 o bobl wedi gwneud ceisiadau penodol am wybodaeth a chymorth a bu’n bosibl inni gynorthwyo nifer fawr ohonynt. Nid yw pobl a’u teuluoedd yn cael eu siomi. Byddai unrhyw un a dybia hynny yn anghywir, o ystyried y ffordd y caiff y rhaglen ei datblygu. Mae’r rhan helaeth o’r rhaglen ar gyfer y weledigaeth yn y tymor hwy a gwireddir y weledigaeth honno dros y blynyddoedd i ddod.

William Graham spoken in English p. 12

William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

Will the Minister outline and indicate the employment opportunities for steelworkers who are losing their jobs? Will he also indicate how the training initiatives, announced in the last four months, are allowing these workers to gain the skills that they need to take advantage of any actual job opportunities?

A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu a nodi’r cyfleoedd gwaith ar gyfer gweithwyr dur sydd yn colli eu swyddi? A wnaiff nodi hefyd sut y mae’r mentrau hyfforddi a gyhoeddwyd yn y pedwar mis diwethaf yn galluogi’r gweithwyr hyn i ennill y sgiliau sydd eu hangen arnynt i fanteisio ar unrhyw gyfleoedd gwirioneddol am waith?

Michael German spoken in English p. 12

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

The matching process for those who are leaving Corus with jobs is crucial. We have had a trying time to get the details from Corus, but I am pleased to say that it has been co-operating. Now, before people leave, we have a full list of who they are and what skills they possess. The first job is to match those skills. ELWa has been hard at work in matching the skills of people who are leaving with the job opportunities that are available with the Employment Agency. The co-ordination between ELWa, the Benefits Agency, the Employment Agency and Careers Wales has been exemplary. They have worked together as a team. Anybody who wants to see how they are working closely should visit the job centres where these steel sites are located.

Mae’r broses gyfateb ar gyfer y rhai sydd yn gadael swyddi gyda Corus yn holl bwysig. Cawsom drafferthion cael y manylion gan Corus, ond yr wyf yn falch o ddweud y bu’n cydweithio. Yn awr, cyn i bobl adael, mae gennym restr lawn o bwy ydynt, a’r sgiliau sydd ganddynt. Y gwaith cyntaf yw cyfateb y sgiliau hynny. Bu ELWa yn gweithio’n galed ar gyfateb sgiliau pobl sydd yn gadael â’r cyfleoedd am waith sydd ar gael gyda’r Asiantaeth Gyflogaeth. Bu’r cydweithrediad rhwng ELWa, yr Asiantaeth Fudd-daliadau, yr Asiantaeth Gyflogaeth a Gyrfaoedd Cymru yn rhagorol. Maent wedi cydweithio fel tîm. Dylai unrhyw un sydd am weld sut y maent yn cydweithio’n agos ymweld â’r canolfannau gwaith yn ardaloedd y gweithfeydd dur hyn.

Cwestiynau ar Gyllid i’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau

Questions on Finance to the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 13

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

Question 1 has been transferred for written answer under the Minister’s local government porfolio.

Trosglwyddwyd cwestiwn 1 ar gyfer ateb ysgrifenedig o dan bortffolio llywodraeth leol y Gweinidog.

Rhoi’r Wedd Derfynol ar y Gyllideb ar Gyfer y Flwyddyn Nesaf

Finalising Next Year’s Budget

Q2 William Graham spoken in English p. 13

C2 William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

Will the Minister make a statement concerning the progress towards finalising next year’s Assembly budget? (OAQ12438)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ar hynt y broses o roi’r wedd derfynol ar gyllideb y Cynulliad ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf? (OAQ12438)

Edwina Hart The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities spoken in English p. 13

Edwina Hart Y Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

I launched the consultation progress for this year’s budget planning round in early May. I have asked for responses from our partners and the public by 20 July. After consulting their respective Subject Committees, Ministers will write to me setting out their priorities by 17 August. I will then lay my draft budget before the Assembly in early October.

Lansiais y broses ymgynghori ar gyfer cylch cynllunio cyllideb eleni yn nechrau mis Mai. Gofynnais am ymatebion gan ein partneriaid a’r cyhoedd erbyn 20 Gorffennaf. Ar ôl ymgynghori â’u Pwyllgorau Pwnc perthnasol, bydd Gweinidogion yn ysgrifennu ataf erbyn 17 Awst i nodi eu blaenoriaethau. Byddaf wedyn yn cyflwyno fy nghyllideb ddrafft i’r Cynulliad yn gynnar ym mis Hydref.

William Graham spoken in English p. 13

William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

Will the Minister comment on her intentions, as expressed in the paper presented to the Local Government and Housing Committee on 6 June, to focus this budget on achieving and publicising the achievements of the strategic aims outlined in ‘Betterwales.com’ and ‘Putting Wales First’ and using Assembly finances to commence the business of campaigning for the 2003 Assembly elections?

A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi sylwadau ar ei bwriadau, fel y nodwyd yn y papur a gyflwynwyd i’r Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai ar 6 Mehefin, i ddefnyddio’r gyllideb hon i ganolbwyntio ar gyflawni a chyhoeddi cyflawniadau’r cyraeddiadau amcanion strategol a amlinellwyd yn ‘Gwellcymru.com’ a ‘Rhoi Cymru’n Gyntaf’ a defnyddio arian y Cynulliad i ddechrau ar y busnes o ymgyrchu ar gyfer etholiadau’r Cynulliad yn 2003?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 14

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

I intend to focus the budget on priority areas, William. It is important that there is recognition that we are delivering the agreed priorities and strategies through the budget provisions. It is important that the Assembly has a high profile going into the 2003 elections, for all our sakes, and for the sake of democracy in Wales.

Bwriadaf ddefnyddio’r gyllideb i ganolbwyntio ar feysydd blaenoriaeth, William. Mae’n bwysig bod cydnabyddiaeth ein bod yn cyflawni’r blaenoriaethau a’r strategaethau y cytunwyd arnynt drwy ddarpariaethau cyllidebol. Mae’n bwysig bod proffil uchel gan y Cynulliad wrth wynebu ar etholiadau 2003, er ein mwyn ni oll, ac er mwyn democratiaeth yng Nghymru.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 14

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

The people of Rhuthin are grateful that you have allocated funds for flood defences in the current budget. However, the events of the last few days have shown the need for further flood defence work in Wales, including in Mochdre in my constituency. Will you sympathise with any bids for further allocations for flood defence work in the forthcoming budget?

Mae pobl Rhuthun yn ddiolchgar eich bod wedi dyrannu arian ar gyfer amddiffyn rhag llifogydd yn y gyllideb bresennol. Fodd bynnag, dangosodd digwyddiadau’r dyddiau diwethaf fod angen pellach am waith amddiffyn rhag llifogydd yng Nghymru, gan gynnwys gwaith ym Mochdre, yn fy etholaeth i. A gydymdeimlwch ag unrhyw geisiadau am ddyraniadau pellach ar gyfer amddiffyn rhag llifogydd yn y gyllideb arfaethedig?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 14

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

I am notorious for being a sympathetic and wonderful person, Alun.

Yr wyf yn adnabyddus fel person cydymdeimladol a gwych, Alun.

Elin Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 14

Elin Jones spoken in Welsh p. 14

Dywedodd y Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig y bydd yn cyflwyno pecyn adfywio gwledig, yn sgîl clwy’r traed a’r genau, ychydig o ddiwrnodau ar ôl dechrau toriad yr haf. Dylid cyflwyno cynllun o’r fath bwysigrwydd i’r Cynulliad cyn y toriad. A wnewch chi gadarnhau y bydd y pecyn adfywio gwledig hwn yn cynnwys ymrwymiadau cyllido ar gyfer adfer yr economi wledig yn y tymor hir? A wnewch hefyd gadarnhau eich bod yn hyderus y bydd arian ar gael o’r Trysorlys, yn ychwanegol i floc Barnett, i’r perwyl hwn?

The Minister for Rural Affairs has said that he will introduce a rural regeneration package in the wake of foot and mouth disease a few days after the start of the summer recess. A scheme of this importance should be presented to the Assembly before the recess. Will you confirm that this rural regeneration package will include funding commitments for the long-term regeneration of the rural economy? Will you also confirm that you are confident that money will be available from the Treasury, in addition to the Barnett block, to this end?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 14

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

I am not aware of the final discussions on that plan. I await, with interest, the submission that I will receive in due course from the Minister for Rural Affairs. It is important that we consider strategically what resources it will be possible to allocate. If the Treasury allocated resources, and we were entitled to Barnett consequential funding, we would take it. However, I am minded to look at this sympathetically, in light of what happened in the areas affected by foot and mouth disease.

Nid wyf yn ymwybodol o’r trafodaethau terfynol ar y cynllun hwnnw. Disgwyliaf, yn eiddgar, am y cyflwyniad a dderbyniaf maes o law gan y Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig. Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn ystyried yn strategol pa adnoddau y bydd yn bosibl eu dyrannu. Pe bai’r Trysorlys yn dyrannu adnoddau, a bod gennym hawl i dderbyn arian canlyniadol Barnett, byddem yn ei gymryd. Fodd bynnag, byddaf yn edrych ar hyn yn gydymdeimladol, yng ngoleuni’r hyn a ddigwyddodd mewn ardaloedd a effeithiwyd gan glwy’r traed a’r genau.

Tanwariant y Cynulliad

The Assembly’s Underspend

Q3 Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in English p. 15

C3 Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

Will the Minister give an update on the Assembly’s underspend in the financial year to date? (OAQ12432)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi’r diweddaraf am danwariant y Cynulliad hyd yma yn y flwyddyn ariannol hon? (OAQ12432)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 15

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

Expenditure during the first two months of this financial year was £1,546.1 million, which is equivalent to 17.6 per cent of the Assembly’s current budget. It is too soon to estimate what the underspend at the end of this financial year is likely to be, but I shall keep the position under constant review as the year progresses.

Y gwariant yn ystod deufis cyntaf y flwyddyn hon oedd £1,546.1 miliwn, sydd yn cyfateb â 17.6 y cant o gyllideb bresennol y Cynulliad. Mae’n rhy gynnar amcangyfrif beth fydd y tanwariant tebygol ar ddiwedd y flwyddyn ariannol hon, ond adolygaf y sefyllfa yn rheolaidd wrth i’r flwyddyn fynd yn ei blaen.

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in English p. 15

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

You recall that the First Minister made a statement to the Assembly indicating that any underspend in the health budget could be transferred forward to the health budget in future years. Will you give a similar undertaking in respect of the budgets allocated for education and economic development?

Cofiwch i Brif Weinidog Cymru ddatgan i’r Cynulliad y byddai unrhyw danwariant yn y gyllideb iechyd yn cael ei drosglwyddo ymlaen i’r gyllideb iechyd ar gyfer y dyfodol. A wnewch chi addewid debyg mewn perthynas â’r cyllidebau a ddyrannwyd i addysg a datblygu economaidd?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 15

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

I have not made a decision on that matter.

Nid wyf wedi penderfynu ar y mater hwnnw.

David Melding spoken in English p. 15

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

While many of us understand that underspend occurs on capital projects, do you agree that revenue expenditure must be spent efficiently in the year for which it is designated? Many grants are lingering on the shelf and are not being used by those who need them.

Er y dealla nifer ohonom fod tanwariant yn digwydd ar brosiectau cyfalaf, a gytunwch y dylid gwario arian refeniw yn fwy effeithiol yn ystod y flwyddyn y’i bwriadwyd? Mae nifer o grantiau yn aros ar y silff ac nad ydynt yn cael eu defnyddio gan y rhai sydd eu hangen.

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 15

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

I am concerned about underspend of that nature. During this budget round, I will be extremely vigorous in ensuring that budget profiles are correct. I have set up a firm in-year monitoring system to ensure that all the necessary money is allocated.

Yr wyf yn pryderu am danwariant o’r math hwnnw. Yn ystod y cylch cyllidebu hwn, byddaf yn eithriadol llym wrth sicrhau bod proffiliau cyllidebau yn gywir. Yr wyf wedi sefydlu system fonitro gadarn ar gyfer y flwyddyn i sicrhau y caiff yr holl arian angenrheidiol ei ddyrannu.

Tanwario yng Nghyllideb y Cynulliad

Underspend on the Assembly Budget

Q4 Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 15

C4 Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

Will the Minister make a statement on the level of underspend on the Assembly budget in the financial year 2000-01? (OAQ12422)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ar lefel y tanwario yng nghyllideb y Cynulliad yn y flwyddyn ariannol 2000-01? (OAQ12422)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 15

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

I will make a written statement, as I normally do, to all Assembly Members before the summer recess on expenditure during the 2000-01 financial year, giving details of the main areas of underspend.

Gwnaf ddatganiad ysgrifenedig, yn ôl fy arfer, i bob Aelod o’r Cynulliad cyn toriad yr haf ar wariant yn ystod blwyddyn ariannol 2000-01, gan nodi manylion y prif feysydd o danwariant.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 16

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

In addition to the £56 million underspend announced recently, of which only £49 million is likely to be reallocated into the Assembly’s education budget, will the Minister join me in expressing grave concern at Cardiff City and County Council’s failure to spend the £7 million allocated by the Assembly for capital projects? There was a huge underspend of about 68 per cent of that money.

Yn ychwanegol at y £56 miliwn o danwariant a gyhoeddwyd yn ddiweddar, y mae dim ond £49 miliwn ohono yn debygol o gael ei ail-ddosbarthu i gyllideb addysg y Cynulliad, a wnaiff y Gweinidog ymuno â mi i ddatgan pryder difrifol ynglŷn â methiant Cyngor Dinas a Sir Caerdydd i wario’r £7 miliwn a ddyrannwyd gan y Cynulliad ar gyfer prosiectau cyfalaf? Yr oedd tanwariant anferth o tua 68 y cant o’r arian hwnnw.

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 16

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

I am not in a position to comment on the expenditure patterns of local authorities. I know that local authorities try to ensure that they spend the funds available to them in-year.

Nid wyf mewn sefyllfa i wneud sylw ar batrymau gwario awdurdodau lleol. Gwn fod awdurdodau lleol yn ceisio sicrhau eu bod yn gwario’r arian sydd ar gael iddynt o fewn y flwyddyn.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 16

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Underspend amasses for various reasons, but do you agree that Committees need to be more involved in budget tracking work? Do you agree that it would be a good idea for Ministers to introduce quarterly budget reports to their Subject Committees? That would be a way of taking this matter forward enabling Committees to track budget spending. They would then be able to see where underspend is amassing early in the financial year, rather than just being involved at the time of setting the budgets.

Bydd tanwariant yn cronni am nifer o resymau, ond a gytunwch fod angen i Bwyllgorau gyfrannu mwy i’r gwaith o ddilyn trywydd cyllidebau? A gytunwch y byddai’n syniad da i Weinidogion gyflwyno adroddiadau cyllideb chwarterol i’w Pwyllgorau Pwnc? Byddai hynny yn ffordd o symud ymlaen ar hyn gan alluogi Pwyllgorau i gadw golwg ar wariant cyllidebau. Gallent felly weld lle y mae’r tanwariant yn cronni yn ystod y flwyddyn ariannol, yn hytrach na chyfrannu ar adegau pennu’r cyllidebau yn unig.

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 16

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

It is my responsibility to monitor underspend. I monitor budgets dutifully through the year to the end of each quarter. It is a complicated area, especially in the first two quarters of the year, as you are not certain what will emerge later. There would be an awful amount of work for the Committees if they were involved in that process. I am happy that we are dealing with this process properly within the administration.

Fy nghyfrifoldeb i yw monitro tanwariant. Byddaf yn monitro cyllidebau yn ffyddlon drwy’r flwyddyn i ddiwedd bob chwarter. Mae’n faes cymhleth, yn arbennig dau chwarter cyntaf y flwyddyn, gan nad ydych yn sicr beth a ddaw i’r golwg yn ddiweddarach. Byddai cryn dipyn o waith i’r Pwyllgorau pe baent yn cyfrannu i’r broses honno. Yr wyf yn fodlon ein bod yn ymdrin â’r broses hon yn gywir o fewn y weinyddiaeth.

Mick Bates spoken in English p. 16

Mick Bates siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Will the Minister give a commitment to transfer business rate relief that has not been spent by some local authorities to those who need the money, such as Powys?

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ymrwymiad i drosglwyddo cymorth treth busnesau sydd heb ei wario gan rai awdurdodau lleol i’r rhai sydd angen yr arian, megis Powys?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 17

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

You are referring to foot and mouth disease and the £12 million allocated to deal with its effects. I have had discussions with the Minister for Rural Affairs about the expenditure profile within local authorities for this money, and we will have further discussions. We cannot make assumptions about where the additional money will need to be spent. Detailed work is being carried out to identify real needs in local authorities.

Cyfeiriwch at glwy’r traed a’r genau a’r £12 miliwn a ddyrannwyd i ymdrin â’i effeithiau. Cefais drafodaethau gyda’r Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig ynglŷn â phroffil gwariant yr arian hwn o fewn awdurdodau lleol, a chawn drafodaethau pellach. Ni allwn ddyfalu ble y bydd angen gwario’r arian ychwanegol. Gwneir gwaith manwl i nodi’r anghenion gwirioneddol mewn awdurdodau lleol.

Clustnodi Cyfran o’r Dyraniadau Cyllid Addysg

Ring-fencing Part of the Education Budget

Q5 Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 17

C5 Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

Does the Minister have plans to ring-fence part of the education budget allocations for schools in Wales? (OAQ12440)

A oes gan y Gweinidog gynlluniau i glustnodi’n benodol gyfran o’r dyraniadau cyllid addysg i ysgolion yng Nghymru? (OAQ12440)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 17

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

I have made it clear that there will be no earmarking of resources by the Assembly within the general revenue settlement for 2001-02. Specific grant schemes will continue to be available as a funding mechanism where they provide the most appropriate means of helping the Assembly meet its objectives.

Yr wyf wedi egluro na fydd unrhyw adnoddau’n cael eu clustnodi gan y Cynulliad o fewn y setliad refeniw cyffredinol ar gyfer 2001-02. Bydd cynlluniau grant penodol yn parhau i fod ar gael fel dull ariannu lle maent yn darparu’r ffyrdd mwyaf priodol o helpu’r Cynulliad i gwrdd â’i amcanion.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 17

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

Is this not a scandal for our schools? I have had many representations from many schools in Brecon and Radnorshire, and throughout Wales generally. Significantly less money goes directly to schools in Wales than goes to schools in England. Schools are victims, not beneficiaries of this situation. Why will you not do anything about it?

Onid yw hyn yn warth i’n hysgolion? Cefais lawer o sylwadau gan nifer o ysgolion ym Mrycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed, a thros Gymru yn gyffredinol. Mae swm sylweddol llai o arian yn mynd yn uniongyrchol i ysgolion yng Nghymru nag sydd yn mynd i ysgolion yn Lloegr. Mae’r ysgolion yn dioddef oherwydd y sefyllfa hon, yn hytrach nag elwa arni. Pam na wnewch rywbeth ynghylch hyn?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 17

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

My understanding from local authorities is that they increased their education budgets for 2001-02 by about 60 per cent, or £90 million. Additional grants of £41 million mean that overall the Assembly has made possible an increase in revenue funding for school education of about 9 per cent compared with the position at the start of 2000-01.

Deallaf gan awdurdodau lleol eu bod wedi cynyddu eu cyllidebau addysg ar gyfer 2001-02 tua 60 y cant, neu £90 miliwn. Mae grantiau ychwanegol o £41 miliwn yn golygu yn gyffredinol fod y Cynulliad wedi sicrhau cynnydd mewn arian refeniw ar gyfer addysg ysgolion o tua 9 y cant o gymharu â’r sefyllfa ar ddechrau 2000-01.

The problem is that there are too many interest groups lobbying about what should go directly to schools. I am always minded to place my faith in local education authorities and the means by which we currently allocate money.

Y broblem yw fod gormod o grwpiau â buddiant yn lobïo ynghylch yr hyn a ddylai fynd yn uniongyrchol i ysgolion. Teimlaf o hyd fel rhoi fy ffydd mewn awdurdodau addysg lleol a’r ffyrdd yr ydym yn dyrannu arian ar hyn o bryd.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 18

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 18

Gan fod y Prif Weinidog wedi datgan mewn erthygl yn y Financial Times ei fod am sefydlu ysgolion arbenigol yng Nghymru, a wnewch chi gyfleu’r newydd hwnnw i’r Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes ac egluro inni sut y bydd yr ysgolion hyn yn cael eu hariannu? A fyddant yn cael eu hariannu gan awdurdodau lleol, y sector preifat neu yn uniongyrchol gan y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, ar draul a cholled ariannol ysgolion eraill?

Given that the First Minister has stated in an article in the Financial Times that he wants to establish specialist schools in Wales, will you convey that news to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning and explain to us how these schools will be funded? Will they be funded by local authorities, the private sector or directly by the National Assembly, at the expense and financial loss of other schools?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 18

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

There has been no discussion about the nature of specialist schools in Wales. I have always been committed to the comprehensive education system and I hope that other members of the administration feel the same.

Ni chafwyd unrhyw drafodaeth am natur ysgolion arbenigol yng Nghymru. Bûm yn ymrwymedig i’r system addysg gynhwysfawr erioed a gobeithio bod gweddill aelodau’r weinyddiaeth yn teimlo yr un fath.

Prosiectau’r Fenter Cyllid Preifat ac Iechyd Ariannol Cymunedau

Private Finance Initiative Projects and Communities’ Financial Health

Q6 Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 18

C6 Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

Will the Minister outline her latest assessment of the interaction between projects under the private finance initiative and the financial health of the communities in which they are taking place? (OAQ12425)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi ei hasesiad diweddaraf o’r rhyngweithio rhwng prosiectau’r fenter cyllid preifat ac iechyd ariannol y cymunedau lle y gweithredir hwy? (OAQ12425)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 18

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

Most PFI projects supported by the Assembly have addressed long-standing priority needs in respect of health, education and infrastructure, all of which are crucial to help to improve the physical, social and financial health of Wales.

Mae’r rhan fwyaf o brosiectau mentrau cyllid preifat a gynorthwywyd gan y Cynulliad wedi ymdrin ag anghenion hir sefydlog sydd yn flaenoriaeth mewn perthynas ag iechyd, addysg a seilwaith, sydd oll yn hanfodol i helpu i wella iechyd ffisegol, cymdeithasol ac ariannol Cymru.

Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 18

Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

Do you share my long-term concern about the high burden of debt that private finance initiatives will place on communities in years to come? Will you also undertake to seek alternative models of finance for major health and local government projects, with the aim of ensuring that Wales reaches a position where the private finance initiative is not, as at present, the only game in town?

A rannwch fy mhryder hirdymor am faich trwm dyled y bydd mentrau cyllid preifat yn ei gosod ar gymunedau mewn blynyddoedd i ddod? A fyddwch hefyd yn ymgymryd â chanfod modelau ariannol amgen ar gyfer prosiectau iechyd a llywodraeth leol mawr, gyda’r nod o sicrhau bod Cymru’n cyrraedd sefyllfa lle nad y fenter cyllid preifat (PFI) yw’r unig opsiwn, fel ar hyn o bryd?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 18

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

PFI remains a useful tool, but we must consider the business case for it and ensure that it does not present unnecessary burdens. In the main, the PFI projects that have been agreed in Wales have been successful. I will consider all issues concerning how I can generate capital for expenditure. We must have a mix and match approach across Wales, rather than a dogmatic approach. We will use public and private money as appropriate.

Erys PFI yn offeryn defnyddiol, ond rhaid inni ystyried yr achos busnes ar ei gyfer a sicrhau nad yw hyn yn cyflwyno beichiau diangen. Yn bennaf, bu’r prosiectau PFI y cytunwyd arnynt yng Nghymru yn llwyddiannus. Byddaf yn ystyried pob mater yn ymwneud â sut y gallaf greu cyfalaf i’w wario. Rhaid inni gael ymagwedd hyblyg ledled Cymru, yn hytrach nag ymagwedd ddogmatig. Byddwn yn defnyddio arian cyhoeddus a phreifat fel y bo’n addas.

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 19

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

I visited Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig this week and witnessed the success of that school, which is partly a result of taking advantage of the private finance initiative. The Minister is an advocate of PFI, therefore, will she act within her constituency of Gower to introduce a private finance initiative project to build a second Welsh-medium secondary school in that area?

Ymwelais ag Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig yr wythnos hon a gweld llwyddiant yr ysgol honno, sydd yn rhannol o ganlyniad i fanteisio ar y fenter cyllid preifat. Mae’r Gweinidog yn lladmerydd dros PFI, felly, a fydd hi’n gweithredu o fewn ei hetholaeth yng Ngŵyr i gyflwyno prosiect menter cyllid preifat i adeiladu ail ysgol uwchradd cyfrwng Cymraeg yn yr ardal honno?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 19

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

I have visited the school in Aberystwyth that you mentioned. I attended the opening ceremony, as did the Member for Ceredigion, Elin Jones. It is an excellent project and it has worked well. The headteacher, staff and pupils are delighted with it.

Ymwelais â’r ysgol yn Aberystwyth y soniasoch amdani. Mynychais y seremoni agoriadol, fel y gwnaeth yr Aelod ar gyfer Ceredigion, Elin Jones. Mae’n brosiect gwych ac mae wedi gweithio’n dda. Mae’r pennaeth, y staff a’r disgyblion wrth eu boddau ag ef.

On the question regarding my constituency, that is a matter for the local authority.

O ran fy etholaeth, mae hynny’n fater i’r awdurdod lleol.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 19

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 19

Mae cwestiwn 7 wedi ei drosglwyddo ar gyfer ateb ysgrifenedig.

Question 7 has been transferred for written answer.

Goblygiadau Blaenoriaethau Gwario Cyllideb y DU

Implications of UK Budget Spending Priorities

Q8 David Davies spoken in English p. 19

C8 David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

Has the Minister discussed with her Colleagues in the UK Treasury the implications of the spending priorities announced in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s budget earlier this year for the Assembly’s allocated budget? (OAQ12391)

A yw’r Gweinidog wedi trafod gyda’i chydweithwyr yn Nhrysorlys y DU beth yw goblygiadau’r blaenoriaethau gwario a gyhoeddwyd yng nghyllideb y Canghellor yn gynharach eleni i’r gyllideb a ddyrannwyd i’r Cynulliad? (OAQ12391)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 19

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

No, it is for the Assembly to decide how to allocate the resources that it receives as it sees best, in accordance with its own priorities.

Nac ydwyf, y Cynulliad a ddylai benderfynu sut i ddyrannu’r adnoddau y mae’n eu derbyn orau, yn unol â’i flaenoriaethau ei hun.

David Davies spoken in English p. 19

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

Will you discuss, in particular, the implications of the application of the Bellwin formula and the money available for that? Monmouthshire County Council recently applied for funding under that formula. However, it was turned down despite the fact that your colleague, the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development, assured a packed public meeting that its application for money to rebuild a road that had been washed away would be accepted without any problems.

A drafodwch, yn benodol, oblygiadau defnyddio fformiwla Bellwin a’r arian sydd ar gael ar gyfer hynny? Yn ddiweddar gwnaeth Cyngor Sir Fynwy gais i gael arian o dan y fformiwla honno. Fodd bynnag, cafodd ei wrthod er y ffaith fod eich cydweithiwr, Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd, wedi rhoi sicrwydd i gyfarfod cyhoeddus gorlawn y byddai ei gais ar gyfer arian i ailadeiladu ffordd a olchwyd ymaith yn cael ei dderbyn heb unrhyw broblemau.

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 20

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

Further to the correspondence that I received from you, I am investigating this matter. I would be delighted to have a meeting with you to discuss this further.

Ymhellach i’r ohebiaeth a dderbyniais gennych, yr wyf yn ymchwilio i’r mater hwn. Byddwn wrth fy modd i gynnal cyfarfod â chi i drafod hyn ymhellach.

Pauline Jarman spoken in English p. 20

Pauline Jarman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

As underspend is no longer clawed back by Westminster, what effect does it have—when it is known that there are significant surpluses in the Assembly budget—on next year’s budget allocation from Westminster?

Gan na chaiff tanwariant ei adfachu gan San Steffan bellach, pa effaith a gaiff—pan fydd yn hysbys bod gwarged sylweddol yng nghyllideb y Cynulliad—ar ddyraniad cyllideb y flwyddyn nesaf o San Steffan?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 20

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

The Assembly’s underspend is not singificant. You must consider whether it is significant in relation to our whole budget. The underspend figure of 3.5 per cent of the Assembly’s budget is peanuts. You might well be concerned about underspend in the region of 9 to 10 per cent in individual budgets, particularly in demand-led budgets. On the alleged surplus that I have in my budgets, I would be delighted to see it. If you could produce gold out of wool for me, I would be grateful.

Nid yw tanwariant y Cynulliad yn sylweddol. Rhaid ichi ystyried a yw’n sylweddol o ran ein cyllideb gyfan. Ceiniog a dimau yw’r ffigwr tanwario o 3.5 y cant o gyllideb y Cynulliad. Efallai eich bod yn bryderus am y tanwariant o tua 9 i 10 y cant mewn cyllidebau unigol, yn enwedig mewn cyllidebau a gaiff eu harwain gan alw. O ran y gwarged honedig sydd gennyf yn fy nghyllidebau, byddwn wrth fy modd yn ei weld. Byddwn yn falch iawn o glywed bod arian yn tyfu ar goed.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 20

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

We are doing well today. Questions 9 and 10 have been transferred for written answer and question 11 has been withdrawn. If you fancy answering question 12, then we might create a record.

Yr ydym yn gwneud yn dda heddiw. Mae cwestiynau 9 a 10 wedi eu trosglwyddo ar gyfer ateb ysgrifenedig ac mae cwestiwn 11 wedi ei dynnu yn ôl. Os ydych am ateb cwestiwn 12, yna efallai y byddwn yn creu record.

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 20

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

Okay.

O’r gorau.

Atebolrwydd Cyrff Cyhoeddus a Noddir gan y Cynulliad am eu Gwariant

Accountability of Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies on Expenditure

Q12 Peter Black spoken in English p. 20

C12 Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

Will the Minister make a statement on the extent to which Assembly sponsored public bodies are accountable for their expenditure? (OAQ12388) [R]

A all y Gweinidog wneud datganiad ar y modd y mae cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad yn atebol am eu gwariant? (OAQ12388) [R]

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 20

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

All Assembly sponsored public bodies have a designated accounting officer who has personal responsibility for the regularity and propriety of the organisation’s finances, the keeping of proper accounts and the prudent, economical and efficient administration of the body. The accounting officer has responsibility for giving evidence to the National Assembly’s Audit Committee in respect of matters relating to the organisation’s accounts.

Mae gan bob corff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad swyddog cyfrifo penodedig sydd â chyfrifoldeb personol dros reoleidd-dra a phriodoldeb arian y sefydliad, cadw cyfrifon priodol a gweinyddu’r corff yn ofalus, yn economaidd ac yn effeithlon. Y swyddog cyfrifo sydd yn gyfrifol am roi tystiolaeth i Bwyllgor Archwilio’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol mewn perthynas â materion yn ymwneud â chyfrifon y sefydliad.

Peter Black spoken in English p. 21

Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

To what extent do the quinquennial reviews of the Assembly sponsored public bodies bring the principles of Best Value into their affairs?

I ba raddau y mae’r adolygiadau bob pum mlynedd o gyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad yn dod ag egwyddorion Gwerth Gorau i’w materion?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 21

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

The quinquennial reviews are highlighting Best Value, but there is further work to be done. There must be a recognition that the Assembly is finding its feet in how it deals with Assembly sponsored public bodies. I am optimistic that as we move forward we will increasingly consider what value we are getting from them and what type of Best Value indicators we want in terms of outcome. That should continue.

Mae’r adolygiadau bob pum mlynedd yn amlygu Gwerth Gorau, ond mae rhagor o waith i’w wneud. Rhaid cael cydnabyddiaeth fod y Cynulliad yn cael ei draed oddi tano o ran sut y mae’n ymdrin â chyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad. Yr wyf yn optimistaidd wrth inni symud ymlaen y byddwn yn ystyried fwyfwy pa werth yr ydym yn ei gael ganddynt a pha fath o ddangosyddion Gwerth Gorau yr ydym am eu cael o ran canlyniad. Dylai hynny barhau.

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

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

We will not go on to question 14 by Peter Black as it is a similar question. Thank you, Minister.

Nid awn ymlaen i gwestiwn 14 gan Peter Black gan ei fod yn gwestiwn tebyg. Diolch, Weinidog.

Pwynt o Drefn

Point of Order

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 21

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

Point of order. I am grateful, Llywydd, for your allowing me to raise this point of order, of which I notified you earlier. It follows on from my request to ask an urgent question relating to the Welsh Joint Education Committee and what is now clearly a formal investigation into the conduct of the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development and the WJEC as a whole. I am sorry that the First Minister is not in the Chamber because the point of order relates to his total, abject lack of national leadership—which he is turning into an art form—in failing to make a statement about this matter. It has been suggested that we cannot discuss this matter because it is sub judice and discussion might prejudice proceedings. That is the information that has been given. Would you make it clear, Presiding Officer, that it is possible for the First Minister to make a statement on this matter of national significance? We have had dodging, diving and ducking on this issue for far too long. I can understand that the First Minister wanted the Liberal Democrats because he thought that they were a lifeline, but this lifeline is full of lead. It is high time that the First Minister made a statement and stood by his word. He said that if there was a formal investigation, the Deputy First Minister would have to stand down. This is an issue of integrity and openness. More importantly, where is the First Minister now when we are discussing this crucial issue? I find it staggering that he has just left the Chamber.

Pwynt o drefn. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar, Lywydd, eich bod wedi caniatáu imi godi’r pwynt hwn o drefn, yr hysbysais chi ohono yn gynharach. Mae’n dilyn fy nghais i ofyn cwestiwn brys yn ymwneud â Chyd-bwyllgor Addysg Cymru a’r hyn sydd bellach yn ymchwiliad manwl i ymddygiad y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd a CBAC yn gyffredinol. Mae’n ddrwg gennyf nad yw Prif Weinidog Cymru yn y Siambr oherwydd mae’r pwynt o drefn yn ymwneud â’i ddiffyg arweinyddiaeth genedlaethol gyffredinol a llwyr—diffyg y mae’n dod yn feistr arno—wrth beidio â gwneud datganiad ar y mater hwn. Awgrymwyd na allwn drafod y mater hwn oherwydd ei fod yn fater o gyfraith a gallai trafodaeth niweidio’r achos. Dyna’r wybodaeth a roddwyd. A wnewch chi egluro, Lywydd, ei bod yn bosibl i’r Prif Weinidog wneud datganiad ar y mater hwn sydd o bwys cenedlaethol? Cafodd y mater hwn ei osgoi ers llawer gormod o amser. Gallaf ddeall bod y Prif Weinidog eisiau’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol oherwydd ei fod yn teimlo eu bod yn achubiaeth, ond mae’r achubiaeth hon yn aneffeithiol. Mae’n hen bryd i’r Prif Weinidog wneud datganiad a chadw at ei air. Dywedodd y byddai’n rhaid i’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog ymddiswyddo pe bai ymchwiliad ffurfiol. Mae hwn yn fater o onestrwydd a bod yn agored. Yn bwysicach na hyn, ble mae’r Prif Weinidog yn awr wrth inni drafod y mater holl bwysig hwn? Credaf ei bod yn anhygoel ei fod wedi gadael y Siambr.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 22

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 22

The absence, presence or whereabouts of the First Minister is, I am pleased to say, not a matter for me. It is a matter for the First Minister. Urgent questions on matters of public importance are matters for me. Members will know that the asking of such questions is at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, under Standing Order No. 6.31. In using that discretion, I have regard for those three words: ‘urgent’, ‘public’ and ‘importance’. I do not issue lengthy explanations for my decisions. It would be invidious for me to have to do that publicly, but Members will know that my door is always open to receive representations that would have a bearing upon my use of my discretion. I had a conversation with at least one party business manager about this matter yesterday. I have had informal conversations with other Members. My ruling on whether this issue is of urgent public importance has been consistent since the issue was first raised with me as a potential urgent question. I will discuss this further with Members at their leisure.

Yr wyf yn falch o ddweud nad mater i mi yw absenoldeb, presenoldeb na lleoliad y Prif Weinidog. Mater i’r Prif Weinidog yw hynny. Mae cwestiynau brys ar faterion o bwysigrwydd cyhoeddus yn faterion i mi. Gŵyr yr Aelodau mai yn ôl disgresiwn y Llywydd y caniateir i Aelodau ofyn cwestiynau o’r fath, o dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 6.31. Wrth ddefnyddio’r disgresiwn hwnnw byddaf yn cymryd sylw o’r tri gair hynny: ‘brys’, ‘cyhoeddus’ a ‘phwysig’. Ni fyddaf yn cyhoeddi esboniadau hirfaith am fy mhenderfyniadau. Byddai’n annheg imi wneud hynny’n gyhoeddus, ond gŵyr yr Aelodau fy mod ar gael bob amser i dderbyn sylwadau a fyddai’n effeithio ar sut yr wyf yn defnyddio fy nisgresiwn. Cefais sgwrs â rheolwr busnes o leiaf un blaid ynghylch y mater hwn ddoe. Yr wyf wedi cael sgyrsiau anffurfiol gydag Aelodau eraill. Bu fy nyfarniad ar pa un a yw mater o bwysigrwydd cyhoeddus ai peidio yn gyson ers y codwyd y mater gyda mi am y tro cyntaf fel cwestiwn brys posibl. Byddaf yn trafod hyn ymhellach ag Aelodau pan fyddant yn rhydd i wneud hynny.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 22

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 22

Further to this point of order, I recognise that it is not for you, Presiding Officer, to say when a Minister should make a statement. However, this issue involves the integrity of the National Assembly and a statement made by the First Minister who is clearly up to his neck in it, because we know that he has had discussions with other people. Is it not high time that the First Minister came here to discuss the matter with Assembly Members rather than discussing it with people like Russell Goodway? Is it not high time that this issue was discussed in this Chamber, Presiding Officer? I do not feel that I can discharge my duties until this matter is brought for a full debate, because it is of national importance to Wales.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwn o drefn, yr wyf yn cydnabod, Lywydd, nad eich lle chi yw dweud pryd y dylai Gweinidog wneud datganiad. Fodd bynnag, mae’r mater hwn yn ymwneud â gonestrwydd y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol a datganiad a wnaethpwyd gan y Prif Weinidog sydd mewn trafferthion mawr, oherwydd gwyddom ei fod wedi cael trafodaethau â phobl eraill. Onid yw’n hen bryd i’r Prif Weinidog ddod yma i drafod y mater ag Aelodau’r Cynulliad yn hytrach na thrafod y mater â phobl fel Russell Goodway? Onid yw’n hen bryd i’r mater gael ei drafod yn y Siambr hon, Lywydd? Ni theimlaf y gallaf gyflawni fy nyletswyddau nes y bydd y mater hwn wedi ei gyflwyno ar gyfer dadl lawn, oherwydd ei fod o bwysigrwydd cenedlaethol i Gymru.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 23

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

The First Minister, and indeed any other Assembly Minister, may make statements to the Assembly at any time, when they wish to do so. That is not a matter for me. The question for me is whether it was appropriate under the particular Standing Order to allow an urgent question this morning. I have taken a decision on the matter, but I hear what Members are saying

Gall y Prif Weinidog, ac yn wir unrhyw Aelod arall o’r Cynulliad, wneud datganiadau i’r Cynulliad unrhyw bryd, pan fyddant yn dymuno gwneud hynny. Nid mater i mi yw hynny. Y cwestiwn i mi yw a oedd yn briodol o dan y Rheol Sefydlog benodol i ganiatáu cwestiwn brys y bore yma. Yr wyf wedi gwneud penderfyniad ar y mater, ond deallaf yr hyn a ddywed yr Aelodau.

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 23

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

I wish to put our response on the record. The police have issued a statement confirming the current status of their investigations. It does not signify any change or new stage in their investigations. Therefore, our position has not—

Hoffwn gofnodi ein hymateb. Mae’r heddlu wedi cyhoeddi datganiad yn cadarnhau statws presennol eu hymchwiliadau. Nid yw’n dangos unrhyw newid na cham newydd yn eu hymchwiliadau. Felly, nid yw ein sefyllfa wedi—

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 23

Nick Bourne spoken in Welsh p. 23

Shocking.

Gwarthus.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 23

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

Order.

Trefn.

Andrew Davies spoken in English p. 23

Andrew Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

I know that the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives tends towards excitability, but I wish he would calm down. As we have said before, it is not appropriate for us to make any further comment on the process. If there were any new stage in the investigation, we would have to consider doing so. However, the police have confirmed that there is none.

Gwn fod Arweinydd Ceidwadwyr Cymru yn dueddol o gynhyrfu, ond byddai’n dda o beth pe gallai bwyllo. Fel y dywedasom eisoes, nid yw’n briodol inni wneud unrhyw sylwadau pellach ar y broses. Pe bai unrhyw gam newydd yn yr ymchwiliad, byddai’n rhaid inni ystyried gwneud hynny. Fodd bynnag, mae’r heddlu wedi cadarnhau nad oes cam newydd.

David Davies spoken in English p. 23

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

Further to that point of order, the Government’s rather arrogant spokesman was rushing around the Press Gallery yesterday telling people that the statement was of no importance whatever as it did not mention the Deputy First Minister by name. If that is so, surely there is no reason why we should not discuss the dealings of the WJEC over the period in question. As representatives of Wales we must be able to discuss one of Wales’s foremost bodies; what went wrong with it and why it has caused so many problems.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwnnw o drefn, yr oedd llefarydd y Llywodraeth, a oedd braidd yn drahaus yn rhuthro o amgylch Oriel y Wasg ddoe, yn dweud wrth bobl nad oedd y datganiad yn bwysig o gwbl gan nad oedd yn crybwyll y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog wrth ei enw. Os yw hynny’n wir, yn sicr nid oes rheswm pam na ddylem drafod gweithrediadau CBAC dros y cyfnod dan sylw. Fel cynrychiolwyr Cymru rhaid inni allu trafod un o gyrff amlycaf Cymru; beth aeth o’i le a pham y mae wedi achosi cymaint o broblemau.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 23

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 23

Order. Members may raise the issue of the WJEC with the appropriate Minister at any time.

Trefn. Gall yr Aelodau godi’r mater yn ymwneud â CBAC gyda’r Gweinidog priodol unrhyw bryd.

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in English p. 24

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 24

It is a gross discourtesy to the Assembly that the First Minister, knowing perfectly well that this highly sensitive matter regarding his Deputy First Minister would be raised, walked out of the Chamber just before the point of order. I find it appalling that he allows the Minister for Assembly Business to defend him. He should be here himself to answer Assembly Members.

Mae’n dangos anghwrteisi o’r mwyaf tuag at y Cynulliad fod y Prif Weinidog, o wybod yn iawn y byddai’r mater hynod sensitif hwn yn ymwneud â’i Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog yn cael ei godi, wedi cerdded allan o’r Siambr yn union cyn y pwynt o drefn. Credaf ei bod yn warthus ei fod yn caniatáu i’r Trefnydd ei amddiffyn. Dylai fod yma ei hun i ateb Aelodau’r Cynulliad.

I understand perfectly that you have made a decision, Presiding Officer, about whether the urgent question should be allowed, and I do not question it. However, this is now an extremely serious matter. The First Minister has made it clear on the record to me and to the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives that under certain circumstances the Deputy First Minister would be asked to stand down. I ask you to look at the Record of Proceedings, because it is absolutely clear. In response to me on 22 May, the First Minister stated:

Deallaf yn iawn eich bod wedi gwneud penderfyniad, Lywydd, ynghylch a ddylid caniatáu’r cwestiwn brys, ac nid wyf yn cwestiynu hynny. Fodd bynnag, mae hyn yn fater difrifol iawn bellach. Mae’r Prif Weinidog wedi ei gwneud yn amlwg ar y cofnod i mi ac i Arweinydd Ceidwadwyr Cymru y gofynnid i’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog ymddiswyddo o dan amgylchiadau penodol. Gofynnaf ichi edrych ar Gofnod y Trafodion, oherwydd mae’n hollol glir. Mewn ymateb imi ar 22 Mai, dywedodd y Prif Weinidog:

‘If the police decide that there is a case to answer and start a formal investigation into the matter, then Mike German has said that he would step down and I would insist on that.’

‘Os penderfyna’r heddlu fod achos i’w ateb a’u bod yn dechrau ymchwiliad ffurfiol i’r mater, yna mae Mike German wedi dweud y byddai’n ymddiswyddo dros dro a byddaf innau’n mynnu ei fod yn gwneud hynny.’

He also told the Wales on Sunday on 29 October last year:

Hefyd dywedodd wrth Wales on Sunday ar 29 Hydref y llynedd:

‘We don’t respond to smear allegations. If there is a formal police investigation, the Minister has to be suspended’.

Yesterday, the press release issued by the Press Association stated:

Ddoe, nododd y datganiad i’r wasg a gyhoeddwyd gan Gymdeithas y Wasg:

‘Police today confirmed that they have launched a formal investigation’—

the words used by the First Minister—

y geiriau a ddefnyddiwyd gan y Prif Weinidog—

‘into the past business dealings of Wales’s Deputy First Minister’.

Nothing could be more clear. Furthermore, when the police were asked whether this was an investigation into an investigation, a police spokesman said, ‘I don’t know what they’re talking about. A formal investigation has now begun.’

Ni allai dim fod yn gliriach. Ymhellach, pan ofynnwyd i’r heddlu a oedd hyn yn ymchwiliad i mewn i ymchwiliad, dywedodd llefarydd ar ran yr heddlu, ‘I don’t know what they’re talking about. A formal investigation has now begun.’

This is a serious matter which goes to the heart of the First Minister’s credibility. I ask you, Presiding Officer, to defend the rights of Assembly Members to ask the First Minister to come to the Chamber today to answer for himself.

Mae hwn yn fater difrifol sydd yn mynd at galon hygrededd y Prif Weinidog. Gofynnaf ichi, Lywydd, amddiffyn hawliau Aelodau’r Cynulliad i ofyn i’r Prif Weinidog ddod i’r Siambr heddiw i ateb drosto’i hun.

Andrew Davies spoken in English p. 25

Andrew Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 25

I have responded identically on this matter on many previous occasions. There has been no change in the situation. It is entirely appropriate for me to answer this point of order. The First Minister has made his views known with consistency. I know why Ieuan wants to attack the First Minister’s integrity: it is because his own position is under threat.

Yr wyf wedi ymateb yn union fel hyn ar y mater hwn ar sawl achlysur yn y gorffennol. Ni chafwyd unrhyw newid yn y sefyllfa. Mae’n hollol briodol imi ateb y pwynt hwn o drefn. Mae’r Prif Weinidog wedi lleisio ei farn yn gyson. Gwn pam bod Ieuan am ymosod ar onestrwydd y Prif Weinidog: oherwydd fod ei sefyllfa ei hun dan fygythiad.

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

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

Order. I have allowed this exchange to continue because it is clearly a matter of concern to Members. However, I want to ensure that the points made relate to the point of order and do not become a surrogate debate between the Minister for Assembly Business and the Leader of the Opposition, or anyone else.

Trefn. Yr wyf wedi caniatáu i’r drafodaeth hon barhau oherwydd ei bod yn glir ei fod yn fater sydd o bryder i’r Aelodau. Fodd bynnag, yr wyf am sicrhau bod y pwyntiau a wnaethpwyd yn berthnasol i’r pwynt o drefn ac na fyddant yn troi’n is-ddadl rhwng y Trefnydd ac Arweinydd yr Wrthblaid, nac unrhyw un arall.

Andrew Davies spoken in English p. 25

Andrew Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 25

I repeat that there has been no change in the status of the investigation. That has been confirmed by the police. The First Minister has taken a consistent line. He has said on many occasions that if a member of the Cabinet—either himself or the Deputy First Minister, myself or any other member of the Cabinet—is the subject of formal police investigations into their activities, then he will ask that Minister to stand aside for the duration of the investigation. That situation has not arisen and that is why our position is the same. In terms of previous statements, our position is consistent: there is no deviation from that.

Ailadroddaf na chafwyd unrhyw newid yn statws yr ymchwiliad. Cadarnhawyd hynny gan yr heddlu. Bu safbwynt y Prif Weinidog yn gyson. Dywedodd ar sawl achlysur os byddai aelod o’r Cabinet—naill ai ef ei hun neu’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, fi fy hun neu unrhyw aelod arall o’r Cabinet—yn destun ymchwiliadau ffurfiol gan yr heddlu i’w gweithgareddau, yna bydd yn gofyn i’r Gweinidog hwnnw ymddiswyddo dros gyfnod yr ymchwiliad. Nid yw’r sefyllfa wedi codi a dyna pam bod ein sefyllfa’n ddigyfnewid. O ran datganiadau blaenorol, mae ein safbwynt yn gyson: nid oes unrhyw wyriad oddi wrth hynny.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 25

Rhodri Glyn Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 25

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwn o drefn, yr ydym oll yn cydnabod mai mater i chi, ac i chi yn unig, yw’r penderfyniad hwn, ac yr ydym yn deall eich rhesymau. Yr ydych hefyd yn brofiadol mewn dwy gyfundrefn, dau sefydliad gwleidyddol arall. Hoffwn bwyso arnoch, ar sail eich profiad yn y ddau Dŷ—Tŷ’r Cyffredin a Thŷ’r Arglwyddi—i ddweud beth yw’r arferiad mewn sefyllfa fel hyn pan fo cwestiynau sylfaenol yn cael eu gofyn ynglŷn â hygrededd Gweinidogion. Onid yw’n arferol i’r Gweinidogion sefyll o’r neilltu dros dro er mwyn sicrhau nad yw’r sefydliad gwleidyddol y maent yn ei gynrychioli yn dioddef yn sgîl unrhyw broblemau personol a allai fod ganddynt? Byddwn yn falch o glywed eich barn ar hynny, ar sail eich profiad.

Further to this point of order, we all recognise that this decision is a matter for you, and for you alone, and we understand your reasons. You are also experienced also in two systems, two other political institutions. I want to press you, based on your experience in the two Houses—the House of Commons and the House of Lords—to state what is customary in a situation such as this, when fundamental questions are raised about Ministers’ credibility. Is it not customary for Ministers to stand aside temporarily in order to ensure that the political institution that they represent does not suffer in the wake of any personal problems they may have? I would be grateful to hear your opinion on this, based on your experience.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 26

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 26

Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i Rhodri Glyn am y cwestiynau rhethregol hynny. Gŵyr na fyddaf yn ei ateb fel Llywydd y Cynulliad. Ar y mater a godwyd gan Arweinydd yr Wrthblaid, wrth gwrs ei bod yn rhan allweddol o’m swydd i amddiffyn hawliau’r Aelodau i godi pwyntiau ar unrhyw adeg. Dyna pam yr wyf wedi caniatáu i’r pwynt hwn o drefn fynd yn ei flaen ychydig yn hwy, o bosibl, na fyddai’n ddoeth. Mater i’r Prif Weinidog a Gweinidogion eraill yw gwneud datganiadau i’r Cynulliad. Wrth gwrs, y mae’n briodol i’r Wrthblaid geisio eu cael i wneud hynny pan nad ydynt yn fodlon gwneud. Ymddengys inni gael datganiad gan y Llywodraeth y bore yma ar ffurf pwynt o drefn.

I am grateful to Rhodri Glyn for those rhetorical questions. He knows that I will not answer as the Assembly’s Presiding Officer. On the matter raised by the Leader of the Opposition, of course it is a crucial part of my office to defend Members’ rights to raise points at all times. That is why I have allowed this point of order to continue longer than, possibly, would have been wise. It is a matter for the First Minister and other Ministers to make statements to the Assembly. Of course, it is appropriate for the Opposition to seek to have them do that when they are unwilling to do so. It appears that we have had a Government statement this morning in the form of a point of order.

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 26

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 26

Further to this point of order, all Assembly Members have the greatest respect for your office and for you, and we accept your ruling on what questions can be tabled and whether they are appropriate or not. However, you are also the guardian of the Assembly’s interests. Is it not the case that the Assembly has become a laughing stock because of the First Minister’s inactivity and the Deputy First Minister’s failure to take the necessary action? I ask for your ruling on this.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwn o drefn, mae gan bob Aelod o’r Cynulliad y parch mwyaf tuag at eich swydd a thuag atoch chi, a derbyniwn eich dyfarniad ar ba gwestiynau y gellir eu cyflwyno ac a ydynt yn briodol ai peidio. Fodd bynnag, yr ydych hefyd yn gwarchod buddiannau’r Cynulliad. Onid yw’n wir fod y Cynulliad wedi dod yn destun sbort oherwydd diffyg gweithredu’r Prif Weinidog a methiant y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog i gymryd y camau angenrheidiol? Gofynnaf am eich dyfarniad ar hyn.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 26

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 26

I have had a series of rhetorical questions this morning. It is not for me to comment on the public’s view of the Assembly. I must ensure that the rights of Assembly Members to question the Executive and the opportunity for the Executive to respond in an orderly fashion are upheld at all times. That is what I have tried to do this morning. If Assembly Members feel—and I am sure that they will—between now and the end of this session, that this matter is still a pressing one, my door is open for Members to follow the procedure and raise the possibility of urgent questions or urgent debates. Urgency is also related to the timing of Assembly business and its sessions. I understand Members’ anxieties to discuss matters while we are in session, as I understand the Executive’s interest in ensuring that matters are not discussed while the Assembly is in session, if they are embarrassing to the Government. I am aware of all these pressures. I will judge accordingly. We have discussed this matter long enough.

Yr wyf wedi derbyn cyfres o gwestiynau rhethregol y bore yma. Nid fy lle i yw rhoi sylwadau ynglŷn â barn y cyhoedd ar y Cynulliad. Rhaid imi sicrhau bod hawliau Aelodau’r Cynulliad i holi’r Weithrediaeth a’r cyfle i’r Weithrediaeth ymateb mewn modd trefnus yn cael eu cynnal drwy’r adeg. Dyna beth y bûm yn ceisio ei wneud y bore yma. Os yw Aelodau’r Cynulliad yn teimlo—ac yr wyf yn siŵr y byddant yn teimlo—rhwng yn awr a diwedd y sesiwn, fod y mater yn parhau i fod yn un brys, yr wyf ar gael bob amser i’r Aelodau ddilyn y weithdrefn a chodi’r posibilrwydd o ofyn cwestiynau brys neu drefnu dadleuon brys. Mae brys hefyd yn gysylltiedig ag amseru busnes y Cynulliad a’i sesiynau. Deallaf awydd yr Aelodau i drafod materion tra byddwn mewn sesiwn, yn yr un modd ag y deallaf ddiddordeb y Weithrediaeth mewn sicrhau na chaiff materion eu trafod tra bod y Cynulliad mewn sesiwn, os ydynt yn destun embaras i’r Llywodraeth. Yr wyf yn ymwybodol o’r holl bwysau hyn. Byddaf yn barnu’n unol â hynny. Yr ydym wedi trafod y mater hwn yn ddigon hir.

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in English p. 27

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 27

Further to that point of order, I think that you are now aware of the intense frustration of Assembly Members at the First Minister’s failure to come to answer these serious matters and the fact that he has absented himself from the Chamber this morning. In order to allow him to reflect—given that he might have listened to these exchanges from another part of the building—on whether it would be better for him to face the Assembly today, could we not adjourn proceedings? I ask you to consider whether a procedural motion could be accepted to that effect.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwnnw o drefn, credaf eich bod bellach yn ymwybodol o rwystredigaeth fawr Aelodau’r Cynulliad oherwydd methiant y Prif Weinidog i ddod i ateb y cwestiynau difrifol hyn a’r ffaith ei fod yn absennol o’r Siambr y bore yma. Gan iddo, efallai, wrando ar y trafodaethau hyn mewn man arall yn y Cynulliad, oni allem ohirio’r trafodion er mwyn galluogi iddo ystyried pa un ai a fyddai hi wedi bod yn well iddo wynebu’r Cynulliad heddiw? Gofynnaf ichi ystyried a ellir derbyn cynnig trefniadol i’r perwyl hwnnw.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 27

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 27

In the spirit of allowing that to happen, the Minister for Assembly Business should consider that offer. Whatever view one takes of this issue, its most extraordinary feature is the First Minister’s absence today when he knew that this issue was being raised because he had been told about it. It shows an extraordinarily cavalier attitude towards a matter that concerns Assembly Members. In order to give him an opportunity to make a considered response, would it not be appropriate for the Minister for Assembly Business to approach that suggestion positively and allow time for the First Minister to come down to the Chamber to address this issue?

Yn yr ysbryd o ganiatáu i hynny ddigwydd, dylai’r Trefnydd ystyried y cynnig hwnnw. Pa bynnag farn y bydd person yn ei gymryd ar y mater hwn, ei nodwedd fwyaf anarferol yw absenoldeb y Prif Weinidog heddiw pan oedd yn gwybod bod y mater hwn yn cael ei godi oherwydd y dywedwyd hynny wrtho. Mae’n dangos ymagwedd hynod o ddi-hid tuag at fater sydd o bryder i Aelodau’r Cynulliad. Er mwyn rhoi cyfle iddo bwyso a mesur ei ymateb, oni fyddai’n briodol i’r Trefnydd fynd i’r afael â’r awgrym hwnnw’n gadarnhaol a chaniatáu amser i’r Prif Weinidog ddod i lawr i’r Siambr i fynd i’r afael â’r mater hwn?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 27

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 27

As I indicated earlier, the First Minister may make a statement to the Assembly at any time when it is in session, and I am certain that we would all do everything to facilitate that. I am not prepared at this juncture to accept a motion to adjourn the Assembly’s proceedings, because we have serious legislation to consider. We also have a debate this morning on equality of opportunity, which I regard as extremely important. Therefore, we will move on.

Fel y nodais yn gynharach, gall y Prif Weinidog wneud datganiad i’r Cynulliad unrhyw bryd pan fydd mewn sesiwn, ac yr wyf yn sicr y byddai pawb ohonom yn gwneud popeth i hwyluso hynny. Nid wyf yn barod ar hyn o bryd i dderbyn cynnig i ohirio trafodion y Cynulliad, oherwydd bod gennym ddeddfwriaeth ddifrifol i’w hystyried. Hefyd mae gennym ddadl y bore yma ar gydraddoldeb cyfle, pwnc yr wyf yn ei ystyried yn un hynod o bwysig. Felly, symudwn ymlaen.

Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo Gorchmynion

Composite Motion: Approval of Orders

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 28

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 28

O dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 22.25, nid yw’r cynnig hwn yn destun dadl.

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

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 28

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 28

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 41 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (41)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Richard Edwards
  • Sue Essex
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Edwina Hart
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Carwyn Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams

Pwynt o Drefn

Point of Order

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in English p. 30

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

Point of order. I indicated earlier what a great discourtesy it was for the First Minister to have absented himself for the exchanges about his position. We are now entitled to comment on the fact that immediately those exchanges were over, the First Minister returned to the Chamber as if nothing had happened. Will you invite him to make a statement to the Assembly about his position?

Pwynt o drefn. Nodais yn gynharach gymaint o anghwrteisi a ddangosodd y Prif Weinidog drwy fod yn absennol ar gyfer y trafodaethau am ei sefyllfa. Bellach mae gennym hawl i roi sylwadau ar y ffaith i’r Prif Weinidog ddychwelyd i’r Siambr fel pe na bai unrhyw beth wedi digwydd wedi i’r trafodaethau hynny ddod i ben. A wahoddwch ef i wneud datganiad i’r Cynulliad ynghylch ei sefyllfa?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 30

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

That is not a matter for me. The First Minister can make a statement to the Assembly at any time he wishes. I assume that the First Minister returned to the Chamber to keep up his voting record.

Nid mater i mi yw hynny. Gall y Prif Weinidog wneud datganiad i’r Cynulliad unrhyw bryd y bydd yn dymuno gwneud hynny. Yr wyf yn cymryd bod y Prif Weinidog wedi dychwelyd i’r Siambr er mwyn cadw ei gofnod pleidleisio.

David Davies spoken in English p. 30

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

Point of order. If we hear about two jobs being created at a newsagent’s in north Wales, the First Minister is here making a statement about it, declaring the good news. Why is it that when there is some bad news he is nowhere to be seen?

Pwynt o drefn. Os clywn am ddwy swydd yn cael eu creu mewn siop bapur newydd yng ngogledd Cymru, mae’r Prif Weinidog yma yn gwneud datganiad am hynny, yn datgan y newyddion da. Felly pam nad oes golwg ohono pan geir newyddion drwg?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 30

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

Order. As I have indicated, the presence or absence or whereabouts of the First Minister is not a matter for me.

Trefn. Fel y nodais, nid mater i mi yw presenoldeb nac absenoldeb na lleoliad y Prif Weinidog.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 30

Rhodri Glyn Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 30

A dderbyniwch, Lywydd, fod gofid ynglŷn â sut y mae rhai pobl yn ymagweddu tuag at y sefydliad hwn, a’r parch a ddangosir tuag ato? Mae’r ffaith fod y Prif Weinidog wedi cerdded allan yn union cyn y pwynt o drefn ac wedi cerdded yn ôl dan wenu ar ddiwedd y pwynt o drefn, yn dangos diffyg parch sylfaenol at y sefydliad hwn a’i drafodaethau. Dylai rhywun yma gymryd sylw o hynny.

Do you accept, Presiding Officer, that there is concern about some people’s attitude towards this institution, and the respect shown towards it? The fact that the First Minster walked out directly before the point of order and walked back in smiling at the end of the point of order, shows a fundamental lack of respect for this institution and its proceedings. Someone here should take note of that.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 30

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

Further to that point of order, I return to the point I made earlier about giving the First Minister an opportunity, perhaps through adjourning Plenary, to consider this issue. It has reflected an extraordinary abject lack of leadership on his part. There is widespread feeling in the Assembly that we need a statement from the First Minister. If this is not an issue, why is he unable to say so? He seems to be treating this institution with extraordinary disrespect, in that he walked out of the Chamber immediately before this issue was discussed and returned immediately after the discussion ended. Will the First Minister make a statement—yes or no? This is an important issue that goes beyond the opposition parties, as it includes many Members who feel that the Assembly needs a clear steer from the First Minister on why the Deputy First Minister is not standing down—when Rhodri Morgan said that he would—now that a formal investigation is being conducted.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt hwnnw o drefn, dychwelaf i’r pwynt a wneuthum yn gynharach ynghylch rhoi cyfle i’r Prif Weinidog, efallai drwy ohirio’r Cyfarfod Llawn, i ystyried y mater hwn. Mae wedi adlewyrchu diffyg arweinyddiaeth anhygoel ar ei ran. Ceir ymdeimlad eang yn y Cynulliad fod angen datganiad arnom gan y Prif Weinidog. Os nad yw hyn yn broblem, pam na all ddweud hynny? Ymddengys ei fod yn trin y sefydliad hwn ag amharch anhygoel, o ran ei fod wedi cerdded allan o’r Siambr yn union cyn i’r mater hwn gael ei drafod a dychwelyd yn union ar ôl i’r drafodaeth ddod i ben. A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog ddatganiad—ie neu na? Mae hwn yn fater pwysig sydd yn mynd y tu hwnt i’r gwrthbleidiau, gan ei fod yn cynnwys sawl Aelod sydd yn teimlo bod angen arweiniad clir ar y Cynulliad gan y Prif Weinidog ynghylch pam nad yw’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog yn ymddiswyddo—pan ddywedodd Rhodri Morgan y byddai’n gwneud hynny—yn awr bod ymchwiliad ffurfiol yn cael ei gynnal.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 31

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 31

Order. It is clear that the First Minister is not seeking to make a statement. I have indicated that I am not prepared to accept a procedural motion to adjourn proceedings this morning, in view of the business that we must pursue. We will move on.

Trefn. Mae’n amlwg nad yw’r Prif Weinidog yn bwriadu gwneud datganiad. Yr wyf wedi nodi nad wyf yn barod i dderbyn cynnig trefniadol i ohirio trefniadau y bore yma, yng ngoleuni’r busnes y mae’n rhaid inni ei gynnal. Symudwn ymlaen.

Cymeradwyo Rheoliadau Arolygu Addysg a Hyfforddiant (Cymru) 2001

Approval of the Inspection of Education and Training (Wales) Regulations 2001

Alun Pugh The Deputy Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning spoken in English p. 31

Alun Pugh Y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 31

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Alun Pugh The Deputy Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning (continued) spoken in English p. 31

Alun Pugh Y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 31

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Alun Pugh The Deputy Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning (continued) spoken in English p. 32

Alun Pugh Y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 32

I am grateful for the opportunity to bring these new and important regulations before the Assembly. The Learning and Skills Act 2000 significantly enhanced the role and responsibilities falling to Estyn, the inspectorate for education and training in Wales. In particular, as part of the new arrangements for the provision of post-16 learning, Estyn is now charged with the inspection of all publicly-funded education and training, with the exception of higher education. These regulations flesh out this role by prescribing periods and procedures for the completion of inspections, the issue of reports and the preparation of action plans by those subject to inspection.

Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar am y cyfle i gyflwyno’r rheoliadau newydd a phwysig hyn gerbron y Cynulliad. Yn sgîl Deddf Dysgu a Sgiliau 2000 cyfoethogwyd rôl a chyfrifoldebau Estyn, yr arolygiaeth dros addysg a hyfforddiant yng Nghymru, yn sylweddol. Yn arbennig, fel rhan o’r trefniadau newydd ar gyfer darparu dysgu ôl-16, Estyn sydd bellach yn gyfrifol am arolygu’r holl addysg a hyfforddiant a ariennir yn gyhoeddus, ac eithrio addysg uwch. Mae’r rheoliadau hyn yn ehangu’r rôl hon drwy ragnodi cyfnodau a gweithdrefnau ar gyfer cwblhau arolygiadau, cyhoeddi adroddiadau a pharatoi cynlluniau gweithredu gan y rhai hynny sydd yn cael eu harolygu.

The regulations have been out to consultation and have also been considered by the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee. Overall, the proposals were well received, although there was some discussion about the proposed length of the inspection cycle, which is set at five years. We are satisfied that, for the short term, we should adopt the five-year inspection cycle, given that it is broadly in line with existing arrangements. However, we will expect Estyn to take further views on this subject as part of the wider consultation exercise to be undertaken on its proposals to establish common principles and a common basis for all inspections by 2004. This will be an important exercise that will help to ensure that all learners have access to training and education opportunities of the highest quality. Therefore, I propose that the Assembly welcomes and approves the introduction of these regulations.

Ymgynghorwyd ar y rheoliadau hyn a chawsant eu hystyried gan y Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes hefyd. Yn gyffredinol, croesawyd y cynigion, er y cafwyd peth trafodaeth am hyd arfaethedig y cylch arolygu, sef pum mlynedd. Yr ydym yn fodlon y dylem, yn y byrdymor, fabwysiadu’r cylch arolygu pum mlynedd, o ystyried ei fod yn cyd-fynd yn fras â threfniadau presennol. Fodd bynnag, byddwn yn disgwyl i Estyn wneud rhagor o sylwadau ar y pwnc hwn fel rhan o’r ymarfer ymgynghori ehangach sydd i gael ei gynnal ar ei gynigion i sefydlu egwyddorion cyffredin a sail gyffredin ar gyfer pob arolygiad erbyn 2004. Bydd hyn yn ymarfer pwysig a fydd yn helpu i sicrhau bod gan bob dysgwr fynediad i gyfleoedd hyfforddi ac addysg o’r radd flaenaf. Felly, cynigiaf fod y Cynulliad yn croesawu ac yn cymeradwyo cyflwyno’r rheoliadau hyn.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 32

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 32

Mae’r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes eisoes wedi cytuno ar y rheoliadau hyn. Fel y soniodd y Dirprwy Weinidog, un o brif amcanion Deddf Dysgu a Sgiliau 2000, o safbwynt Cymru, yw cyflwyno strwythurau cyffredin ar gyfer ariannu, cynllunio ac arolygu addysg a hyfforddiant i fyfyrwyr dros 16 oed. Mae hyn i’w groesawu a’i gymeradwyo, ac mae’r rheoliadau yn cyfrannu tuag at y nod hwnnw.

The Education and Lifelong Learning Committee has already agreed these regulations. As the Deputy Minister said, one of the main aims of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, in terms of Wales, is to create common structures for the funding, planning and monitoring of post-16 education and training. This is to be welcomed and commended, and these regulations contribute towards that aim.

A wnewch chi roi sicrwydd fod y Cynulliad yn glynu at ei gyfrifoldeb i sicrhau bod ei fusnes, a gweithgareddau cyrff a noddir ganddo, yn dilyn ei egwyddorion sefydledig, megis cyfle cyfartal? Mae hon yn sefyllfa gymharol newydd, ac mae angen sicrhau bod rheoliadau a deddfwriaeth newydd yn adlewyrchu’r egwyddorion hyn. Mewn perthynas â chyfle cyfartal a chynhwysedd cymdeithasol, er enghraifft, pwy sydd yn monitro’r ffordd y mae’r egwyddorion trawsbynciol hyn yn rhan annatod o reoliadau a deddfwriaeth, a’u bod yn cael eu mewnoli? Rhaid sicrhau ein bod yn mynd â’r maen i’r wal mewn perthynas ag egwyddorion o’r fath.

Will you give an assurance that the Assembly is fulfilling its responsibility to ensuring that its business, and the activities of its sponsored bodies, follow its established principles, such as equality of opportunity? This is a relatively new situation, and we need to ensure that new regulations and legislation reflect these principles. In relation to equality of opportunity and social inclusion, for example, who monitors the way in which these cross-cutting principles form an intrinsic part of regulations and legislation, and that they are internalised? We must ensure that we bring principles such as these to fruition.

Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 33

Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 33

We welcome these regulations on the basis that Estyn has a fine record and that it will ensure that post-16 education and training is regulated according to the wishes of the National Assembly.

Croesawn y rheoliadau hyn ar y sail bod gan Estyn record wych ac y bydd yn sicrhau y caiff addysg a hyfforddiant ôl-16 ei reoleiddio yn unol â dymuniadau’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 33

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 33

Inspection plays an important role in the ongoing drive across all sectors for continuous improvement in the quality of learning opportunities for the people of Wales, whatever their situation. The majority of local education authorities, schools, colleges and training providers acknowledge the important benefits of regular inspection, and welcome post-inspection feedback. These regulations are an important element of the inspection process. Plaid Cymru’s point on funding was well made, and ELWa will shortly hold a full consultation on funding. I seek the Assembly’s approval for these regulations.

Mae arolygu yn chwarae rôl bwysig yn yr ymdrech hirdymor ar draws pob sector ar gyfer gwelliant parhaus yn ansawdd y cyfleoedd dysgu ar gyfer pobl Cymru, beth bynnag fo’u sefyllfa. Mae’r rhan fwyaf o awdurdodau addysg lleol, ysgolion, colegau a darparwyr hyfforddiant yn cydnabod buddiannau pwysig arolygu rheolaidd, ac yn croesawu adborth ôl-arolygiad. Mae’r rheoliadau hyn yn elfen bwysig o’r broses arolygu. Gwnaeth Plaid Cymru bwynt da ynghylch ariannu, a bydd ELWa cyn hir yn cynnal ymgynghoriad ar ariannu. Ceisiaf gymeradwyaeth y Cynulliad ar gyfer y rheoliadau hyn.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 33

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 33

Pleidleisiwn yn awr ar egwyddor y Gorchymyn.

We will now vote on the principle of the Order.

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 39 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (39)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Richard Edwards
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Ann Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 34

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 34

Pleidleisiwn yn awr ar y cynnig i gymeradwyo’r Gorchymyn.

We will now vote on the motion to approve the Order.

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 42 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (42)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Richard Edwards
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Ann Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams

Cynnig Cyfansawdd: Cymeradwyo Gorchmynion

Composite Motion: Approval of Orders

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 35

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 35

O dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 22.25, nid yw’r cynnig hwn yn destun dadl.

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

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 35

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 35

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 43 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (43)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Richard Edwards
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Edwina Hart
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Ann Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams

Dirprwyo Swyddogaethau o dan Ddeddf Anghenion Addysgol Arbennig ac Anableddau 2001

Delegation of Functions Introduced under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001

Jane Davidson The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning spoken in English p. 36

Jane Davidson Y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 36

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Jane Davidson The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning (continued) spoken in English p. 37

Jane Davidson Y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 37

The purpose of this motion is to seek your agreement to the delegation of functions contained in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 to the First Minister. This delegation will be made in the knowledge that those functions will be further delegated to the appropriate Assembly Ministers and, where necessary, to staff.

Diben y cynnig hwn yw gofyn am eich cytundeb i ddirprwyo’r swyddogaethau a gynhwysir yn Neddf Anghenion Addysgol Arbennig ac Anabledd 2001 i Brif Weinidog Cymru. Fe’u dirprwyir gan wybod y caiff y swyddogaethau hynny eu dirprwyo ymhellach i Weinidogion priodol y Cynulliad, a lle y bo’n briodol, i staff y Cynulliad.

This Act, which received Royal Assent on 11 May, brings to the statute book many important commitments outlined in the SEN action programme for Wales published in 1999, which shapes the future for special education. The Assembly worked closely with the then Department for Education and Employment throughout the preparation and passage of the Bill through Parliament. I welcome the introduction of the Act. It has been in prospect for several months since the Government carried out UK-wide consultation on its intended provisions last year. I am also delighted that what was originally planned as a special educational needs Act alone has since incorporated the recommendations of the disability rights taskforce in its report published in December 1999 ‘From Exclusion to Inclusion’, which was well received throughout the UK.

Mae’r Ddeddf hon, a dderbyniodd Gydsyniad Brenhinol ar 11 Mai, yn deddfu ar gyfer llawer o ymrwymiadau pwysig a amlinellwyd yn y rhaglen weithredu AAA i Gymru a gyhoeddwyd yn 1999, sydd yn llunio dyfodol addysg arbennig. Cydweithiodd y Cynulliad yn agos â’r cyn Adran Addysg a Chyflogaeth drwy gydol y broses o baratoi’r Mesur a’i basio drwy’r Senedd. Croesawaf y ffaith y cyflwynir y Ddeddf. Bu ar y gweill ers nifer o fisoedd ers i’r Llywodraeth ymgynghori drwy’r DU gyfan ar ei darpariaethau arfaethedig y llynedd. Yr wyf wrth fy modd bod yr hyn a gynlluniwyd yn wreiddiol fel Deddf anghenion addysgol arbennig ar ei phen ei hun bellach wedi ymgorffori argymhellion y tasglu hawliau anabledd yn ei adroddiad a gyhoeddwyd yn Rhagfyr 1999 ‘From Exclusion to Inclusion’, a groesawyd ledled y DU.

The Act brings together two related yet discreet topics: special educational needs and disability access in education. It provides the Assembly with some new SEN and disability access related functions, both of which are to be welcomed. A detailed background to the Act and an explanation of the functions conferred on the Assembly is contained in the explanatory paper for Members, which was laid in the Table Office on 28 June for the purpose of this debate. Taken together, the new provisions under the Act represent a significant step forward in helping to ensure that children and adults in Wales with learning difficulties and/or disabilities will receive the support necessary for them to fulfil their learning potential within an increasingly inclusive environment.

Mae’r Ddeddf yn dod â dau bwnc cysylltiedig ond gwahanol ynghyd: anghenion addysgol arbennig a mynediad i addysg i’r anabl. Rhydd i’r Cynulliad rai swyddogaethau AAA newydd a rhai swyddogaethau newydd sydd yn gysylltiedig â mynediad ar gyfer yr anabl, y dylid eu croesawu ill dau. Ceir cefndir manwl i’r Ddeddf ac esboniad o’r swyddogaethau a gyflwynwyd i’r Cynulliad yn y papur esboniadol i’r Aelodau, a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 28 Mehefin at ddiben y ddadl hon. Gyda’i gilydd, golyga’r darpariaethau newydd o dan y Ddeddf gam arwyddocaol ymlaen i helpu i sicrhau y caiff plant ac oedolion yng Nghymru ag anawsterau dysgu a/neu anableddau y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt er mwyn iddynt gyflawni eu potensial dysgu o fewn amgylchedd sydd yn gynyddol gynhwysol.

On the SEN side, the Act strengthens the right of children with learning difficulties to be educated in a mainstream school where it is consistent with the wishes of parents and the efficient education of other children with whom the child would be educated. It also imposes some important new duties on local education authorities designed to help and empower parents of children with SEN to make well-informed decisions on the provisions that are made for their child. In future, LEAs will be required to arrange for the parent of any child with SEN in their area to receive advice and information about matters relating to their child’s needs. That right extends to parents of all children with SEN and not just those with statements of SEN.

Ynglŷn ag AAA, mae’r Ddeddf yn atgyfnerthu hawl plant ag anawsterau dysgu i gael eu haddysgu mewn ysgol prif ffrwd lle y bo hynny’n gyson â dymuniadau’r rhieni ac addysg effeithlon plant eraill y byddai’r plentyn yn cael ei addysgu gyda hwy. Mae hefyd yn gosod rhai dyletswyddau newydd pwysig ar awdurdodau addysg lleol sydd wedi’u cynllunio i helpu a galluogi rhieni plant ag AAA i wneud penderfyniadau hyddysg ar y darpariaethau a wneir ar gyfer eu plentyn. Yn y dyfodol, bydd yn ofynnol i awdurdodau drefnu i riant unrhyw blentyn ag AAA o fewn eu hardal gael cyngor a gwybodaeth am faterion sydd yn ymwneud ag anghenion eu plentyn. Mae’r hawl honno yn berthnasol i rieni pob plentyn sydd ag AAA ac nid yn unig y plant â datganiadau o AAA.

Local education authorities will also be under a new duty to make arrangements locally to avoid or resolve disputes between parents and schools and between parents and LEAs over the provision to be made for their child. Parents’ existing right of appeal to the independent SEN tribunal is retained as an important safeguard. I hope that the new arrangements will help to resolve many more disputes locally, and more quickly, without recourse to the formal appeal procedure. The Act also brings education in line with disability legislation. In future, it will be unlawful, without good reason, for schools and further and higher education establishments to treat any child or student less favourably on the grounds of their disability. Schools and LEAs will also be under a new duty to plan systematically to increase access for disabled children. Parents will have a right of appeal to the reconstituted SEN and disability tribunal against decisions on the grounds of reasonableness not to admit a disabled child to a school. The Disability Rights Commission’s task under the Act is to prepare new codes of practice to explain and illustrate the legislation on disability to education providers, disabled people and others. The DRC has established two reference groups to help it in the preparation of the guidance: one covers schools, and the other post-16 education. Both include strong representation from Wales.

Bydd awdurdodau addysg lleol hefyd o dan ddyletswydd newydd i wneud trefniadau yn lleol er mwyn osgoi neu ddatrys anghydfod rhwng rhieni ac awdurdodau ynglŷn â’r ddarpariaeth i’w gwneud ar gyfer eu plentyn. Cedwir hawl bresennol rhieni i apelio i’r tribiwnlys AAA annibynnol fel ffordd ddiogelu bwysig. Gobeithiaf y bydd y trefniadau newydd yn helpu i ddatrys llawer mwy o anghydfodau yn lleol, ac yn gyflymach, heb orfod defnyddio’r weithdrefn apelio ffurfiol. Mae’r Ddeddf hefyd yn sicrhau bod addysg yn cydymffurfio â deddfwriaeth anabledd. Yn y dyfodol, bydd yn anghyfreithlon, heb reswm da, i ysgolion a sefydliadau addysg bellach ac addysg uwch drin unrhyw blentyn neu fyfyriwr yn llai ffafriol oherwydd eu hanabledd. Bydd ysgolion ac awdurdodau hefyd o dan ddyletswydd newydd i gynllunio yn systematig er mwyn gwella mynediad ar gyfer plant anabl. Bydd gan rieni hawl i apelio i’r tribiwnlys AAA ac anabledd ar ei newydd wedd yn erbyn penderfyniadau i wrthod mynediad i ysgol i blentyn ar sail rhesymoldeb. Tasg y Comisiwn Hawliau Anabledd o dan y Ddeddf yw paratoi codau ymarfer newydd i egluro ac esbonio’r ddeddfwriaeth ar anabledd i ddarparwyr addysg, pobl anabl ac eraill. Mae’r comisiwn wedi sefydlu dau grŵp cyfeirio i’w helpu i baratoi’r canllawiau: mae un ohonynt yn ymwneud ag ysgolion, ac mae’r llall yn ymwneud ag addysg ôl-16. Mae’r ddau grŵp yn cynnwys cynrychiolaeth gref o Gymru.

Today’s debate is about the delegation of functions, which is the first step in the process of implementing the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 in Wales. The Assembly will be required to make a range of new and revised subordinate legislation to carry out the Act’s provisions in Wales. Much of that important work will begin immediately by introducing a revised SEN code of practice in Wales that will incorporate the Assembly’s statutory guidance to schools, local authorities and health bodies on their existing and new duties in relation to children with SEN as introduced by this Act. I commend this motion to Members.

Mae’r ddadl heddiw yn ymwneud â dirprwyo swyddogaethau, sef cam cyntaf y broses o weithredu Deddf Anghenion Addysgol Arbennig ac Anabledd 2001 yng Nghymru. Bydd yn ofynnol i’r Cynulliad gyflwyno amrywiaeth o is-ddeddfwriaeth newydd a diwygiedig er mwyn gweithredu darpariaethau’r Ddeddf yng Nghymru. Bydd llawer o’r gwaith pwysig hwnnw yn dechrau ar unwaith drwy gyflwyno cod ymarfer AAA newydd yng Nghymru a fydd yn ymgorffori canllawiau statudol y Cynulliad i ysgolion, awdurdodau lleol a chyrff iechyd o ran eu dyletswyddau presennol a newydd mewn perthynas â phlant ag AAA fel y cyflwynir gan y Ddeddf hon. Cymeradwyaf y cynnig hwn i’r Aelodau.

Pauline Jarman spoken in English p. 39

Pauline Jarman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

I declare an interest as a member of Rhondda Cynon Taff local education authority. These functions under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 are welcome, above all because they represent a significant legislative step forwards in inclusive education. The Assembly and its educational institutions have an important part to play to deliver on this. Previously, schools, colleges and universities were excluded from the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, therefore the new Act helps to close a major legislative loophole and places a legal duty on educational establishments not to discriminate against disabled people. It strengthens the rights of children with special educational needs. Although it will lead to new challenges for the renamed special educational needs tribunal, the changes are positive and progressive.

Datganaf fuddiant fel aelod o awdurdod addysg lleol Rhondda Cynon Taf. Croesawaf y swyddogaethau hyn o dan Ddeddf Anghenion Addysgol Arbennig ac Anabledd 2001, yn anad dim am eu bod yn golygu cam deddfwriaethol arwyddocaol ymlaen o ran addysg gynhwysol. Mae gan y Cynulliad a’i sefydliadau addysgol ran bwysig i’w chwarae er mwyn cyflwyno hyn. Yn y gorffennol, ni chafodd ysgolion, colegau na phrifysgolion eu cynnwys yn Neddf Gwahaniaethu ar Sail Anabledd 1995. Felly, mae’r Ddeddf newydd yn helpu i gau bwlch deddfwriaethol mawr ac yn rhoi dyletswydd gyfreithiol ar sefydliadau addysgol i beidio â gwahaniaethu yn erbyn pobl anabl. Atgyfnertha hawliau plant ag anghenion addysgol arbennig. Er y bydd yn arwain at heriau newydd ar gyfer y tribiwnlys anghenion addysgol newydd sydd wedi’i ailenwi, mae’r newidiadau yn gadarnhaol ac yn flaengar.

Local education authorities and schools must plan strategically and make progress in increasing physical access to schools’ premises. Access to the curriculum must also be made easier. There is no duty to remove or alter physical features until September 2002. However, there is a duty to increase accessibility and this will be monitored by Estyn. We must ensure that sufficient resources are made available to schools in Wales so that the reasonable adjustments that this legislation demands are made. While we are not adopting the same approach as England, which has ring-fenced £220 million for altering physical features, we must monitor the situation to ensure that schools in Wales are given a fair deal to deliver this legislation.

Rhaid i awdurdodau addysg lleol ac ysgolion gynllunio’n strategol a gwneud cynnydd wrth wella mynediad ffisegol i adeiladau ysgolion. Rhaid gwneud mynediad i’r cwricwlwm yn haws hefyd. Nid oes dyletswydd i ddileu neu newid nodweddion ffisegol tan Fedi 2002. Fodd bynnag, mae dyletswydd i sicrhau bod adeiladau’n fwy hygyrch a chaiff hyn ei fonitro gan Estyn. Rhaid inni sicrhau y rhoddir digon o adnoddau i ysgolion yng Nghymru fel y gwneir y newidiadau rhesymol y mae’r ddeddfwriaeth hon yn gofyn amdanynt. Er nad ydynt yn mabwysiadu’r un ymagwedd â Lloegr, sydd wedi clustnodi £220 miliwn i newid nodweddion ffisegol, rhaid inni fonitro’r sefyllfa er mwyn sicrhau y caiff ysgolion yng Nghymru degwch i gyflawni’r ddeddfwriaeth hon.

Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 40

Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

We welcome this Act and hope that it puts an end to the postcode lottery of this provision. I also welcome the Minister’s statement on its immediate implementation. The funding issue for SEN is close to our heart. It is important to ensure that the National Assembly and the LEAs provide the increased funding for teacher training and educational facilities. We understand that the local government review settlement has taken account of the provisions of this legislation, particularly for special educational needs. The Assembly is providing funding for these new duties through grants for educational support and training.

Croesawn y Ddeddf hon gan obeithio y bydd yn rhoi terfyn ar loteri cod post y ddarpariaeth hon. Croesawaf hefyd ddatganiad y Gweinidog y caiff ei gweithredu ar unwaith. Mae’r mater o ariannu AAA o bwys mawr inni. Mae’n bwysig sicrhau bod y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol a’r awdurdodau addysg lleol yn darparu mwy o arian ar gyfer hyfforddiant athrawon a chyfleusterau addysgol. Deallwn fod y setliad adolygu llywodraeth leol wedi ystyried darpariaethau’r ddeddfwriaeth hon, yn enwedig o ran anghenion addysgol arbennig. Mae’r Cynulliad yn darparu arian ar gyfer y dyletswyddau newydd hyn drwy grantiau cynnal addysg a hyfforddiant.

The priorities for special educational needs in Wales are: to enhance teachers’ skills, especially Welsh-speaking SEN specialists; increase SEN codes of practice for schools; strengthen parental support; and improve regional planning of SEN provision. We welcome the Act because disabilities should never be a barrier to mainstream education and children with special needs or disabilities should be educated with their peers. We are concerned about the implementation, but hope that the regulations will be enforced immediately. Unfortunately, the regulations are loose and might need necessary changes before 2004. Apart from that, we welcome it.

Y blaenoriaethau ar gyfer anghenion addysgol arbennig yng Nghymru yw: gwella sgiliau athrawon, yn enwedig arbenigwyr AAA sydd yn siarad Cymraeg; cynyddu’r nifer o godau ymarfer AAA ar gyfer ysgolion; atgyfnerthu cefnogaeth gan rieni; a gwella’r broses o gynllunio’r ddarpariaeth AAA yn rhanbarthol. Croesawn y Ddeddf oherwydd na ddylai anableddau fyth fod yn rhwystr i addysg prif ffrwd ac oherwydd y dylai plant ag anghenion arbennig neu anableddau gael eu haddysgu gyda’u cyfoedion. Pryderwn am y ffordd y gweithredir y Ddeddf, ond gobeithiwn y caiff y rheoliadau eu gorfodi ar unwaith. Yn anffodus, mae’r rheoliadau yn llac ac efallai y bydd angen eu newid cyn 2004. Ar wahân i hynny, fe’i croesawn.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 40

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

The Welsh Conservative Party supports the provisions contained in this legislation. We will take any action in the Assembly to ensure that these measures are implemented so that we provide a better chance for people with disabilities and with special educational needs.

Mae Plaid Geidwadol Cymru yn cefnogi’r darpariaethau a gynhwysir yn y ddeddfwriaeth hon. Byddwn yn cymryd unrhyw gamau yn y Cynulliad i sicrhau y caiff y mesurau hyn eu gweithredu er mwyn inni roi cyfle gwell i bobl ag anableddau ac anghenion addysgol arbennig.

I will raise a number of points. First, obtaining additional resources for primary schools to employ special educational needs co-ordinators and classroom assistants will benefit children with particular difficulties. Further funding should be made available over the coming years to give primary schools a better chance of employing those additional staff to assist children with those difficulties.

Codaf nifer o bwyntiau. Yn gyntaf, bydd cael adnoddau ychwanegol er mwyn i ysgolion cynradd gyflogi cydlynwyr anghenion addysgol arbennig a chynorthwywyr ystafell ddosbarth o fudd i blant ag anawsterau penodol. Dylid rhoi rhagor o arian dros y blynyddoedd i ddod er mwyn rhoi cyfle gwell i ysgolion cynradd gyflogi’r staff ychwanegol hynny i gynorthwyo plant â’r anawsterau hynny.

Secondly, there is no standard framework for special educational needs provision across Wales. As the Minister is aware, a family with a child with special educational needs can move from one LEA area to another and the statement would not follow the child to the next authority. A ridiculous situation then arises. A local authority can statement a child, but if that family moves to another local authority, that statement will not be passed on, and a new one is processed. We need a standard framework across Wales so that if one LEA statements a child, then that child should be entitled to provision if the family move from LEA area into another. Therefore, I would be grateful if the Minister would outline whether the Government has any proposal to standardise the framework in Wales.

Yn ail, nid oes fframwaith safonol ar gyfer darpariaeth anghenion addysgol arbennig ledled Cymru. Fel y mae’r Gweinidog yn ymwybodol, gall teulu â phlentyn ag anghenion addysgol arbennig symud o un ardal AALl i un arall ac ni fyddai’r datganiad yn dilyn y plentyn i’r awdurdod nesaf. Cyfyd sefyllfa wirion wedyn. Gall awdurdod lleol roi datganiad i blentyn, ond os bydd y teulu hwnnw yn symud i awdurdod lleol arall, ni chaiff y datganiad hwnnw ei drosglwyddo, a chaiff datganiad newydd ei brosesu. Mae angen fframwaith safonol arnom ledled Cymru, fel, os bydd un AALl yn rhoi datganiad i blentyn, dylai fod hawl gan y plentyn hwnnw i ddarpariaeth os bydd y teulu hwnnw yn symud o un ardal AALl i un arall. Felly, byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe bai’r Gweinidog yn amlinellu a oes gan y Llywodraeth unrhyw gynllun i safoni’r fframwaith yng Nghymru.

My third point relates to those who have more challenging difficulties, particularly those with severe autism. I raise this matter because I have had to deal with several complaints from constituents on this matter over the last couple of years. The LEA provision across Wales for children with severe autism is patchy. LEAs are not proactive in considering the necessary provision that should be available for those with severe autism. Will the Minister commission an all-Wales audit of provision for those children with challenging difficulties, not just special education needs, but those with severe autism? They, too, have a right to a decent education in the local education authority where they live; they should not have to travel unnecessary distances to receive that education provision. There is a need for an all-Wales audit and I would be grateful if the Minister could consider these points.

Mae fy nhrydydd pwynt yn ymwneud â’r rheini sydd ag anawsterau mwy ymestynnol, yn enwedig y rheini ag awtistiaeth ddifrifol. Codaf y mater hwn oherwydd y bu’n rhaid imi ddelio â nifer o gwynion gan etholwyr ar y mater hwn dros yr ychydig flynyddoedd diwethaf. Mae darpariaeth awdurdodau addysg lleol ledled Cymru ar gyfer plant ag awtistiaeth ddifrifol yn ddarniog. Nid yw’r awdurdodau’n rhagweithiol wrth ystyried y ddarpariaeth angenrheidiol a ddylai fod ar gael i’r rheini ag awtistiaeth ddifrifol. A fydd y Gweinidog yn comisiynu archwiliad Cymru gyfan o’r ddarpariaeth ar gyfer y plant hynny ag anawsterau ymestynnol, nid yn unig anghenion addysgol arbennig, ond y rheini ag awtistiaeth ddifrifol? Mae ganddynt hwy, hefyd, hawl i addysg dda o fewn yr awdurdod addysg lleol lle maent yn byw; ni ddylent orfod teithio pellteroedd diangen i gael yr addysg honno. Mae angen archwiliad Cymru gyfan arnom a buaswn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai’r Gweinidog ystyried y pwyntiau hyn.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 42

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

I am grateful for the helpful and considered contributions. Eleanor made the key point that disability should never be a barrier to education. The Assembly is keen, on an all-party basis, to do all that it can to ensure that everyone in Wales has the widest possible access to the best form of education. To respond quickly to Jonathan’s point, the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee has examined the special educational needs provision in Wales in the past, and found it wanting. As a result of that and the three regional pilots that operated in different ways across Wales, we will now have an all-Wales pilot that will—in a sense—audit provision on the ground and provide information about service delivery. I have asked Estyn to look in more detail at half of our local authorities in terms of that provision. We have said many times before that we want to base our operations on evidence and need to know what is on the ground. We need to know what constitutes good practice as well as practices that we may wish to improve. We will be moving towards ensuring that children in all parts of Wales are entitled to the same service and need to consider how it can be attained.

Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar am y cyfraniadau defnyddiol ac ystyriol. Gwnaeth Eleanor y pwynt allweddol na ddylai anabledd fyth fod yn rhwystr i addysg. Mae’r Cynulliad yn awyddus, ar sail drawsbleidiol, i wneud popeth o fewn ei allu i sicrhau bod gan bawb yng Nghymru y mynediad ehangaf posibl i’r math gorau o addysg. I ymateb yn gyflym i bwynt Jonathan, mae’r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes wedi archwilio’r ddarpariaeth anghenion addysgol arbennig yng Nghymru yn y gorffennol, ac fe’i cafwyd yn ddiffygiol. O ganlyniad i hynny a’r tri chynllun peilot a oedd ar waith mewn ffyrdd gwahanol ledled Cymru, mae gennym bellach gynllun peilot Cymru gyfan a fydd—ar un ystyr—yn archwilio’r ddarpariaeth ar lawr gwlad gan roi gwybodaeth ynglŷn â chyflwyno’r gwasanaeth. Gofynnais i Estyn edrych yn fanylach ar hanner ein hawdurdodau lleol mewn perthynas â’r ddarpariaeth honno. Dywedasom droeon o’r blaen ein bod am seilio ein gweithrediadau ar dystiolaeth a bod angen inni wybod beth sydd ar lawr gwlad. Mae angen inni wybod beth yw arfer da yn ogystal ag arferion yr ydym am eu gwella o bosibl. Byddwn yn anelu at sicrhau bod gan blant ym mhob rhan o Gymru yr hawl i’r un gwasanaeth ac mae angen inni ystyried sut y gellir cyflawni hynny.

I accept that making physical provision for disabled access, for example, is expensive. We have made big commitments for capital expenditure in schools and in the further education sector. Some £40 million in additional capital has been allocated to the further education sector. The implementation timetable for schools is from September 2002 and in post-16 education it is between September 2002 and 2005. We need to consider this issue in the budget planning round. However, we also want to ensure that all authorities are fully apprised of their new obligations in the use of the substantial capital money being made available by the Assembly for the future.

Derbyniaf fod sicrhau bod mynediad ar gyfer yr anabl, er enghraifft, yn gostus. Gwnaethom ymrwymiadau mawr ar gyfer gwariant cyfalaf mewn ysgolion ac yn y sector addysg bellach. Dyrannwyd tua £40 miliwn o gyfalaf ychwanegol i’r sector addysg bellach. Caiff hyn ei weithredu o Fedi 2002 mewn ysgolion a rhwng Medi 2002 a 2005 o fewn addysg ôl-16. Mae angen inni ystyried y mater hwn yng nghylch cynllunio’r gyllideb. Fodd bynnag, yr ydym hefyd am sicrhau bod pob un o’r awdurdodau yn ymwybodol o’u rhwymedigaethau newydd wrth ddefnyddio’r arian cyfalaf sylweddol sydd ar gael gan y Cynulliad ar gyfer y dyfodol.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 43

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 43

Nid wyf am gyfeirio at unrhyw unigolyn, ond ysgrifennais atoch yn ddiweddar gan fod nifer o bobl wedi datgan pryder ynghylch diffyg gwasanaethau therapi ar gyfer, dyweder, plant byddar neu rannol fyddar. Ymddengys mai diffyg cyllid sydd yn gyfrifol. Mae hynny, ynddo’i hun, yn broblem ac mae plant ar eu colled o’r herwydd. Mae’r ffaith ein bod yn delio â dwy adran, sef iechyd ac addysg, hefyd yn rhannol gyfrifol. Mae ansicrwydd o’r herwydd. Derbyniaf eich bod yn disgwyl adroddiad a bod arolwg o’r holl anghenion yn cael ei gynnal yng Nghymru, ond, ar hyn o bryd, mae enghreifftau o blant yn colli cyfleoedd, ac mae angen gwneud rhywbeth ar fyrder i fynd i’r afael â’r broblem hon.

I do not want to refer to individuals, but I wrote to you recently, as a number of people have expressed concern about the lack of therapy services for, say, deaf or partially deaf children. It seems that this is caused by a lack of finance. That, in itself, is a problem and children lose out as a consequence. The fact that we are dealing with two departments, namely health and education, is also partially responsible. That causes uncertainty. I accept that you are awaiting a report and that there is a review underway of all needs in Wales, but, at present, there are examples of children missing out on opportunities, and something should be done urgently to tackle this problem.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 43

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

We established a therapies working group into which education has an input, as does health and social care, as it is important that that operates across the board. We are considering its outcome. One issue is considering how the Assembly can encourage people to train in subjects where there are shortages at present. That is something of which both Jane Hutt and I are acutely conscious and will pick up in the future.

Sefydlasom weithgor therapïau y mae gan addysg fewnbwn iddo, yn ogystal â iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, gan ei bod yn bwysig bod hynny’n gweithredu’n gyffredinol. Ystyriwn ei ganlyniad. Un o’r materion yw ystyried sut y gall y Cynulliad annog pobl i gael hyfforddiant mewn pynciau lle y bo prinder ar hyn o bryd. Dyna rywbeth y mae Jane Hutt a minnau yn ymwybodol ohono ac y byddwn yn ei drafod yn y dyfodol.

Cynnig NDM723 Jane Davidson t. 43

Motion NDM723 Jane Davidson p. 43

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 37 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (37)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Richard Edwards
  • Sue Essex
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Edwina Hart
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Ann Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Alun Pugh
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams

Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd i’r Gadair am 10.23 a.m.

The Deputy Presiding Officer took the Chair at 10.23 a.m.

Diwygio Rheolau Sefydlog

Revision of Standing Orders

Andrew Davies The Minister for Assembly Business spoken in English p. 44

Andrew Davies Y Trefnydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 44

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 45

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 45

We will therefore move to a vote. I remind Members that a two-thirds majority is required to revise Standing Orders.

Symudwn felly i bleidlais. Atgoffaf yr Aelodau fod angen i ddau draean o’r pleidleisiau fod o blaid unrhyw gynnig i ddiwygio’r Rheolau Sefydlog.

Cynnig NDM724 Andrew Davies t. 45

Motion NDM724 Andrew Davies p. 45

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 39 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (39)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Richard Edwards
  • Sue Essex
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Edwina Hart
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Ann Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Alun Pugh
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas
  • Kirsty Williams

Yr Adroddiad Blynyddol ar Drefniadau Cyfle Cyfartal

The Annual Report on Equal Opportunity Arrangements

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 46

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Edwina Hart (continued) spoken in English p. 46

Edwina Hart (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

I am always delighted to stand at the rostrum as a Committee Chair and, in particular, to present the annual report of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity to the National Assembly. Broadly speaking, the Committee’s work has focused on three areas: the Assembly’s internal procedures and operations; the organisations under the Assembly’s remit; and our contacts in the wider Wales arena.

Mae’n bleser bob amser sefyll ar y llwyfan fel Cadeirydd Pwyllgor, ac yn arbennig, i gyflwyno adroddiad blynyddol y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Yn gyffredinol, mae gwaith y Pwyllgor wedi canolbwyntio ar dri maes: gweithdrefnau a gweithrediadau mewnol y Cynulliad; y sefydliadau o fewn cylch gwaith y Cynulliad; a’n cysylltiadau ledled Cymru gyfan.

In addressing the recommendations on education contained in the Macpherson report of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry, the Committee’s steering group ensured that extensive consideration was given to how the whole curriculum can be enriched and used to promote understanding of cultural diversity. We have also considered schools’ strategies for tackling racism and the inspections required to ensure implementation. We will continue to monitor the situation. It has not been easy for the Committee to deal with these issues, as I am sure other Committee members will comment.

Wrth fynd i’r afael â’r argymhellion addysg yn adroddiad Macpherson ar ymchwiliad Stephen Lawrence, sicrhaodd grŵp llywio’r Pwyllgor y rhoddwyd ystyriaeth ddwys i sut y gellir cyfoethogi’r cwricwlwm cyfan a’i ddefnyddio i hyrwyddo dealltwriaeth o amrywiaeth diwylliannol. Ystyriwyd hefyd strategaethau ysgolion ar gyfer mynd i’r afael â hiliaeth a’r archwiliadau sydd eu hangen er mwyn sicrhau y cânt eu gweithredu. Byddwn yn parhau i fonitro’r sefyllfa. Ni fu delio â’r materion hyn yn broses hawdd i’r Pwyllgor, ac yr wyf yn siŵr y gall aelodau eraill o’r Pwyllgor ategu hynny.

The Committee has paid particular attention to the public appointments system in Wales. To be truly representative, we must open up the procedures to ensure that public bodies better reflect the communities that they serve. We have paid particular attention to the wording of advertisements and where they are placed. We also considered training issues and investigated other barriers to broader participation. Independent assessors, who will be properly appointed and clearly independent, will be recruited later this year. The appointment process has been equality-proofed and the equality policy unit now clears all person specifications and advertisements. We all agree that the fact that we have made such progress is an achievement in itself. More progress can be made.

Rhoddodd y Pwyllgor sylw arbennig i’r system penodiadau cyhoeddus yng Nghymru. Er mwyn bod yn gwbl gynrychioliadol, rhaid inni sicrhau gweithdrefnau agored er mwyn sicrhau bod cyrff cyhoeddus yn adlewyrchu’r cymunedau a wasanaethant yn well. Rhoddwyd sylw arbennig i eiriad hysbysebion a lle cânt eu rhoi. Ystyriwyd hefyd faterion hyfforddiant ac ymchwiliwyd i’r pethau eraill sy’n atal cyfranogiad ehangach. Caiff aseswyr annibynnol, a benodir yn briodol ac a fydd yn gwbl annibynnol, eu recriwtio yn ddiweddarach eleni. Gwiriwyd cydraddoldeb y broses benodi ac mae’r uned polisi cydraddoldeb bellach yn cymeradwyo pob manyleb person a hysbyseb. Yr ydym oll yn cytuno bod y ffaith ein bod wedi gwneud cymaint o gynnydd yn llwyddiant ynddo’i hun. Gellir gwneud mwy o gynnydd.

The Equal Pay Taskforce issued its report for the Equal Opportunities Commission earlier this year. The pay gap between men and women remains unacceptably wide. We have begun discussions with the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Trades Union Congress on how we will respond to the report and develop a joint action plan. I am particularly pleased with the support that I have received from the Cabinet and the Committee in ensuring that our own house is in order in terms of the equal pay agenda. We must also consider the role of Assembly sponsored public bodies and other public bodies in Wales, to ensure that equal pay is a reality and that we do not have to wait another 25 or 30 years for it to be achieved.

Cyflwynodd y Tasglu Cyflog Cyfartal ei adroddiad i’r Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal yn gynharach eleni. Mae’r bwlch rhwng cyflogau dynion a merched yn parhau i fod yn annerbyniol o eang. Yr ydym wedi dechrau trafod sut y byddwn yn ymateb i’r adroddiad ac yn datblygu cynllun gweithredu ar y cyd â’r Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal a Chyngres yr Undebau Llafur. Fe’m plesiwyd yn fawr gan y cymorth a gefais gan y Cabinet a’r Pwyllgor wrth sicrhau bod gennym ni ein hunain agenda cyflog cyfartal. Rhaid inni hefyd ystyried rôl cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad a chyrff cyhoeddus eraill yng Nghymru, er mwyn sicrhau bod cyflog cyfartal yn realiti ac nad oes angen inni aros 25 neu 30 mlynedd arall cyn gwireddu hynny.

The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 came into force in April. The Committee is therefore facilitating discussion on the operation of the Act and will take an active interest in the development of codes of conduct. We will also address how the Assembly’s work can be fully integrated and compliant with the Act.

Daeth Deddf Cysylltiadau Hiliol (Diwygio) 2000 i rym ym mis Ebrill. Felly, mae’r Pwyllgor yn hwyluso’r drafodaeth ar weithredu’r Ddeddf a bydd ganddo ddiddordeb gweithredol yn y broses o ddatblygu codau ymddygiad. Byddwn hefyd yn trafod sut y gellir integreiddio gwaith y Cynulliad yn llawn a sicrhau ei fod yn cydymffurfio’n llawn â’r Ddeddf.

The McKenzie report, ‘Lifting Every Voice’, which will be debated in Plenary towards the end of this term, provided an action programme to help address institutional racism within the Assembly. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the report. The Committee will consider the Assembly’s action plan at its meeting this month. We are indebted to Roger McKenzie for producing this report.

Cyflwynodd adroddiad McKenzie, ‘Lifting Every Voice’, y cynhelir dadl arno mewn Cyfarfod Llawn tua diwedd y tymor hwn, raglen weithredu er mwyn helpu i fynd i’r afael â hiliaeth sefydliadol o fewn y Cynulliad. Byddwn yn parhau i fonitro sut mae’r adroddiad yn cael ei roi ar waith. Bydd y Pwyllgor yn ystyried cynllun gweithredu’r Cynulliad yn ei gyfarfod y mis hwn. Mae ein dyled yn fawr i Roger McKenzie am gynhyrchu’r adroddiad hwn.

The Committee will also consider what action can be taken to address the current unacceptable practice of detaining asylum seekers in Cardiff prison. It will also consider all other issues associated with asylum and immigration. The Committee will commence its inquiry next week, with a wide range of witnesses. I have agreed to report the findings of the inquiry to the appropriate Ministers in Westminster.

Bydd y Pwyllgor hefyd yn ystyried pa gamau y gellir eu cymryd i fynd i’r afael â’r arfer annerbyniol presennol o gadw ceiswyr lloches yng ngharchar Caerdydd. Bydd hefyd yn ystyried yr holl faterion eraill sydd yn ymwneud â cheisio lloches a mewnfudo. Bydd ymchwiliad y Pwyllgor yn dechrau’r wythnos nesaf, gydag amrywiaeth helaeth o dystion. Cytunais i gyflwyno canfyddiadau’r ymchwiliad i’r Gweinidogion perthnasol yn San Steffan.

On contract equality compliance, while the Assembly does not have the power to ensure conformity with equality legislation, it has a strong position of influence. Section 120 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 gave the Assembly a duty to promote equality. It is right that we consider equality issues when selecting tenders for goods and services. Local government has an important role to play, as we all know, in equality of opportunity as a provider of services and as a major employer. We have had discussions with the Welsh Local Government Association and Syniad on a number of strategies to facilitate this work.

Ynglŷn â sicrhau cydraddoldeb contractau, er nad oes gan y Cynulliad y pŵer i sicrhau y cydymffurfir â deddfwriaeth cydraddoldeb, mae mewn sefyllfa dda i ddylanwadu. Rhoddodd Adran 120 Deddf Llywodraeth Cymru 1998 ddyletswydd ar y Cynulliad i hybu cydraddoldeb. Mae’n briodol y dylem ystyried materion cydraddoldeb wrth ddewis tendrau ar gyfer nwyddau a gwasanaethau. Mae gan lywodraeth leol rôl bwysig, fel y gwyddom, ym maes cyfle cyfartal fel darparwr gwasanaethau ac fel prif gyflogwr. Trafodwyd nifer o strategaethau er mwyn hwyluso’r gwaith hwn â Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru a Syniad.

We are also indebted to our panel of advisers from the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission. Their knowledge and advice is central to the work of forming and implementing our policy. The EOC and CRE have produced their own annual reports, which I commend to you. The DRC opened for business in April 2000, and we await its first report with interest. I am pleased to report that an effective working relationship has been established with officials from the DRC. Together with Disability Wales, they have helped to develop an effective consultation framework, which has enabled us to take account of the views and needs of disabled people in policy development.

Mae ein dyled yn fawr hefyd i’n panel o ymgynghorwyr o’r Comisiwn Cydraddoldeb Hiliol, y Comisiwn Hawliau Anabledd a’r Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal. Mae eu gwybodaeth a’u cyngor yn ganolog wrth inni lunio a gweithredu polisïau. Mae’r Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal a’r Comisiwn Cydraddoldeb Hiliol wedi cynhyrchu eu hadroddiadau blynyddol eu hunain, ac fe’u cymeradwyaf ichi. Dechreuodd y Comisiwn Hawliau Anabledd weithredu yn Ebrill 2000, ac yr ydym yn awyddus i weld ei adroddiad cyntaf. Mae’n bleser cyhoeddi y sefydlwyd perthynas weithio effeithiol â swyddogion o’r Comisiwn Hawliau Anabledd. Gydag Anabledd Cymru, maent wedi helpu i ddatblygu fframwaith ymgynghorol effeithiol, a’n galluogodd i ystyried safbwyntiau ac anghenion pobl anabl wrth ddatblygu polisïau.

Many people have contributed to the Committee, and we have received a number of presentations from organisations interested in promoting equality. Such presentations have led to a number of issues being referred to the responsible agency or for consideration or action by the Committee itself. Presentations have been given by the NHS human resources division, the Wales Women’s National Coalition, Stonewall, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, the Welsh Language Board, the Wales Council for the Blind, Sense Cymru, Chwarae Teg, Disability Wales and the Wales Trades Union Congress Women’s Committee.

Cyfrannodd llawer o bobl i’r Pwyllgor, a chawsom nifer o gyflwyniadau gan sefydliadau sydd â diddordeb mewn hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb. Arweiniodd cyflwyniadau o’r fath at gyfeirio nifer o faterion i’r asiantaeth gyfrifol neu i’w hystyried neu eu gweithredu gan y Pwyllgor ei hun. Rhoddwyd cyflwyniadau gan is-adran adnoddau dynol yr NHS, Cynghrair Cenedlaethol Merched Cymru, Stonewall, y Comisiynydd Penodiadau Cyhoeddus, Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg, Cyngor Cymru i’r Deillion, Sense Cymru, Chwarae Teg, Anabledd Cymru a Phwyllgor Merched Cyngres Undebau Llafur Cymru.

Internally, the second equality audit has provided useful information on the progress of mainstreaming equality into the Assembly’s operations. The equality policy unit has worked with Assembly divisions, reviewing progress and assisting with the development and implementation of equality action plans. In addition to monitoring our recruitment, employment and training practices, it has informed and developed our policies, and has engaged with partnership organisations to promote equality for all. Progress on equality in Assembly divisions is measured against five separate criteria: business aims; top level commitment; monitoring; training; and consultation. Divisions are increasingly accepting the need to engage with statutory and voluntary sector bodies at the outset of initiatives rather than playing catch-up at the end. This will benefit policy making procedures as well as improving employment practices.

Yn fewnol, darparodd yr ail archwiliad ar gydraddoldeb wybodaeth ddefnyddiol ar gynnydd mewnoli cydraddoldeb yng ngweithrediadau’r Cynulliad. Gweithiodd yr uned polisi cydraddoldeb gydag is-adrannau’r Cynulliad, gan adolygu cynnydd a chynorthwyo i ddatblygu a gweithredu cynlluniau gweithredu cydraddoldeb. Yn ogystal â monitro ein harferion recriwtio, cyflogi a hyfforddi, llywiodd a datblygodd ein polisïau ac mae wedi gweithio gyda sefydliadau partneriaethol i hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb i bawb. Mesurir cynnydd o ran cydraddoldeb yn is-adrannau’r Cynulliad yn erbyn pum maen prawf unigol: nodau busnes; ymrwymiad ar y lefel uchaf; monitro; hyfforddiant; ac ymgynghoriad. Mae is-adrannau fwyfwy yn derbyn yr angen i weithio gyda chyrff o’r sectorau statudol a gwirfoddol ar ddechrau mentrau yn hytrach na cheisio gwneud yn iawn am hynny ar y diwedd. Bydd hyn o fudd i brosesau llunio polisïau yn ogystal â gwella arferion cyflogi.

I am grateful to Jon Shortridge and the senior management team for their wholehearted commitment to, and support of, our programme. Equality training awareness raising seminars have now begun, and will continue to roll-out in the coming year. I have already referred to the equality policy unit, but make no apology for doing so again. It has provided advice and support across a broad range of issues for the Assembly as a whole, including the drafting of a new equality policy, diversity strategy and a training awareness raising strategy document. Equality policy and diversity strategy documents are currently in draft form, and will come before the Committee later this year. Details of the unit’s work with Assembly divisions and with public bodies can be found in the Committee report. The unit has been strengthened by the increased staff numbers, including the appointment of secondees, who have brought valuable expertise and experience to its work.

Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i Jon Shortridge a’r uwch dîm rheoli am eu hymrwymiad a’u cefnogaeth lwyr i’r rhaglen. Mae sesiynau hyfforddi cydraddoldeb er mwyn codi ymwybyddiaeth wedi dechrau erbyn hyn, a pharheir i’w cyflwyno yn ystod y flwyddyn. Cyfeiriais eisoes at yr uned polisi cydraddoldeb, ond nid ymddiheuraf am wneud hynny eto. Darparodd gyngor a chymorth ar amrywiaeth eang o faterion i’r Cynulliad cyfan, gan gynnwys drafftio polisi cydraddoldeb newydd, strategaeth amrywiaeth a dogfen strategaeth hyfforddiant er mwyn codi ymwybyddiaeth. Mae dogfennau strategaeth polisi cydraddoldeb ac amrywiaeth ar ffurf drafft ar hyn o bryd, ac fe’u cyflwynir gerbron y Pwyllgor yn ddiweddarach eleni. Ceir manylion am waith yr uned gydag is-adrannau’r Cynulliad a chyda chyrff cyhoeddus yn adroddiad y Pwyllgor. Atgyfnerthwyd yr uned gan fwy o staff, gan gynnwys penodi pobl ar secondiad sydd wedi cyflwyno arbenigedd a phrofiad gwerthfawr i’w gwaith.

Finally, I place on record my thanks to my fellow Committee members for their assistance throughout the year. Their co-operation, and non-partisan way of working makes a difficult task much easier, and more productive. It is easy, in many ways, to chair the Committee on Equality of Opportunity as we are all committed to the goal of fostering good equal opportunity policies. It is nice to be able to put party differences to one side and get on with the agenda. If it was not for the Committee members, we would not be making such good progress in these areas, and if it was not for their contributions in the Chamber, equality would not have such a high profile. I am grateful also to the secretariat for all its hard work during the year. I commend the report to you, and trust that we will have an interesting and fruitful debate, as many Members have an excellent record on equality of opportunity and wish to see the agenda broadening and focusing on the delivery of what we can achieve for the people of Wales.

Yn olaf, hoffwn gofnodi fy niolch i’m cyd-aelodau ar y Pwyllgor am eu cymorth trwy gydol y flwyddyn. Mae eu cydweithrediad, a’u ffordd amhleidiol o weithio wedi gwneud tasg anodd yn llawer haws ac yn fwy cynhyrchiol. Mae’n hawdd, mewn sawl ffordd, cadeirio’r Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal am ein bod oll yn ymrwymedig i’r nod o feithrin polisïau cyfle cyfartal da. Mae’n braf rhoi’r gwahaniaethau rhwng pleidiau i’r naill ochr a bwrw ymlaen â’r agenda. Oni bai am aelodau’r Pwyllgor, ni fyddem wedi gwneud cymaint o gynnydd yn y meysydd hyn, ac oni bai am eu cyfraniadau yn y Siambr ni fyddai cydraddoldeb wedi cael proffil mor uchel. Yr wyf hefyd yn ddiolchgar i’r ysgrifenyddiaeth am ei gwaith caled yn ystod y flwyddyn. Cymeradwyaf yr adroddiad ichi a hyderaf y cawn ddadl ddiddorol a buddiol, gan fod gan nifer o Aelodau enw da ym maes cyfle cyfartal a’u bod am weld yr agenda’n ehangu ac yn canolbwyntio ar gyflwyno’r hyn y gallwn ei gyflawni i bobl Cymru.

Jocelyn Davies spoken in English p. 50

Jocelyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 50

The Assembly can rightfully be proud of the amount of work undertaken by the Committee on Equality of Opportunity in just two years. This is important work, and well overdue in public life. It has had, as Edwina said, the full co-operation of all parties. The success of that work cannot be measured by how much time we devote to it in the Assembly, but by how things change in the wider world for ordinary people. How do we do this with the powers and influence that we have? The political will is present, but will it make a difference? We are influencing others continuously, especially organisations such as the Welsh Development Agency and local government.

Gall y Cynulliad, yn haeddiannol, ymfalchïo yn swm y gwaith a wnaethpwyd gan y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal mewn dim ond dwy flynedd. Mae hwn yn waith pwysig, a hir-ddisgwyliedig mewn bywyd cyhoeddus. Fel y soniodd Edwina, cafodd gydweithrediad llwyr yr holl bleidiau. Ni ellir mesur llwyddiant y gwaith hwnnw yn ôl faint o amser a neilltuwn ar ei gyfer yn y Cynulliad, ond yn ôl sut y mae pethau’n newid i bobl gyffredin yn y byd y tu allan. Sut y gwnawn hyn gyda’r pwerau a’r dylanwad sydd gennym? Mae’r ewyllys gwleidyddol gennym, ond a wnaiff wahaniaeth? Yr ydym yn dylanwadu ar eraill yn barhaus, yn arbennig sefydliadau fel Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru a llywodraeth leol.

What is the Committee’s role in influencing outside organisations, now that the work on putting our house in order is well underway? It is vital to the economic development of Wales that the WDA, for example, promotes equal opportunities in its development policies. It will then have a huge influence on how the organisations with which it deals behave in relation to the promotion of equal opportunities. To do so, it must, like us, put its house in order first.

Beth yw rôl y Pwyllgor o ran dylanwadu ar sefydliadau allanol, yn awr bod y gwaith o roi eu hunain mewn trefn yn mynd rhagddo? Mae’n holl bwysig i ddatblygiad economaidd Cymru fod y WDA, er enghraifft, yn hyrwyddo cyfle cyfartal wrth ddatblygu ei bolisïau.Yna caiff ddylanwad enfawr ar sut y mae sefydliadau y mae’n ymdrin â hwy yn ymddwyn mewn cysylltiad â hyrwyddo cyfle cyfartal. I wneud hynny, rhaid iddo, fel ninnau, roi trefn ar ei hun yn gyntaf.

While on the topic of the WDA and equal opportunities—although I realise that she does not intend to respond on this issue—perhaps Edwina would like to comment on press reports by Kim Howells published today about a future appointment of the WDA. He rubbished the credentials of prospective candidates for a post that has not even be advertised yet. Will people be encouraged to apply for public appointments if UK Ministers try publicly to—

Tra yr ydym yn trafod y WDA a chyfle cyfartal—er y sylweddolaf nad yw’n bwriadu ymateb ar y mater hwn—efallai yr hoffai Edwina ymateb i adroddiadau a gyhoeddwyd yn y wasg heddiw gan Kim Howells am benodiad i’r WDA yn y dyfodol. Difrïodd gymwysterau darpar ymgeiswyr am swydd nas hysbysebwyd eto. A fydd pobl yn cael eu hannog i wneud cais am swyddi cyhoeddus os bydd Gweinidogion y DU yn ceisio yn gyhoeddus—

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 51

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 51

I will respond as Chair of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity. It is important that the Committee’s work on the public appointments agenda is recognised. We want to ensure a broad spectrum of applications to ensure equality of opportunity for all. This matter is within the National Assembly’s remit. I will welcome applications from any source when those posts are advertised. Candidates will be selected on the basis of merit and the requirements of the job.

Ymatebaf fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal. Mae’n bwysig y cydnabyddir gwaith y Pwyllgor ar yr agenda penodiadau cyhoeddus. Yr ydym am sicrhau ystod eang o geisiadau er mwyn sicrhau cyfle cyfartal i bawb. Mae’r mater hwn o fewn cylch gwaith y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Croesawaf geisiadau o unrhyw ffynhonnell pan hysbysebir y swyddi hynny. Detholir ymgeiswyr ar sail teilyngdod a gofynion y swydd.

Jocelyn Davies spoken in English p. 51

Jocelyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 51

I think that you agreed that people may not be encouraged to apply for public appointments if they feel that they will be dismissed publicly even before adverts have been published. Kim Howells has not made a valuable contribution to equal opportunities today.

Credaf ichi gytuno y gallai pobl beidio â gwneud cais am benodiadau cyhoeddus os credant y cânt eu diystyru’n gyhoeddus hyd yn oed cyn y cyhoeddir yr hysbysebion. Ni wnaeth Kim Howells gyfraniad gwerthfawr i gyfle cyfartal heddiw.

Before moving on to local government, am I correct in saying that Ron Davies—one of those who was dismissed by Kim Howells today as lacking expertise and experience—while serving as the Secretary State for Wales, insisted that new appointments to the WDA board were gender balanced?

Cyn symud ymlaen i drafod llywodraeth leol, a yw’n gywir dweud y mynnodd Ron Davies—un o’r rhai a ddiystyrwyd gan Kim Howells heddiw am nad oedd ganddo ddigon o arbenigedd a phrofiad—tra’n gwasanaethu fel Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cymru, bod cydbwysedd cenedl i benodiadau newydd i fwrdd y WDA?

On local government, we must acknowledge the economic importance of our councils, as major employers in their areas and in the implementation of the Best Value procurement regime. That could be an important tool in promoting equal opportunities. Perhaps the Minister will respond in the future by giving a progress report on this matter to the Committee. Perhaps we could consider this more closely in a future debate.

Ynghylch llywodraeth leol, rhaid inni gydnabod pwysigrwydd economaidd ein cynghorau, fel cyflogwyr pwysig yn eu hardaloedd ac wrth weithredu cyfundrefn gaffael Gwerth Gorau. Gallai hynny fod yn arf pwysig o ran hyrwyddo cyfle cyfartal. Efallai y gwnaiff y Gweinidog ymateb yn y dyfodol drwy roi adroddiad cynnydd ar y mater hwn i’r Pwyllgor. Efallai y gallem ystyried hyn yn fanylach mewn dadl yn y dyfodol.

I draw Members’ attention to the part of this report that notes that a study of local authority members’ allowances is ongoing. When the Assembly discusses members’ allowances in local government, the relevant Subject Committee and the Committee on Equality of Opportunity must look closely at how those allowances are structured. We must ensure that young people, especially, are not disadvantaged by those allowances and, therefore, discouraged from standing for council seats.

Tynnaf sylw Aelodau i’r rhan o’r adroddiad hwn sydd yn nodi bod astudiaeth o lwfansau aelodau awdurdodau lleol ar waith. Pan fo’r Cynulliad yn trafod lwfansau aelodau llywodraeth leol, rhaid i’r Pwyllgor Pwnc priodol a’r Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal edrych yn agos ar sut y caiff y lwfansau hynny eu strwythuro. Rhaid inni sicrhau nad yw pobl ifanc, yn arbennig, o dan anfantais yn sgîl y lwfansau hynny, a’u bod felly’n penderfynu peidio â sefyll am seddau ar y cyngor.

In conclusion, we can be pleased with our work so far, but let us ensure that that cascades into other institutions and organisations in Wales.

I gloi, gallwn ymfalchïo yn ein gwaith hyd yma, ond dylem sicrhau bod hyn yn rhaeadru i sefydliadau eraill yng Nghymru.

Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 52

Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 52

I welcome the report and the work of the Committee, of which I am a new member. I am impressed with the range and extent of the work undertaken in the past year.

Croesawaf yr adroddiad a gwaith y Pwyllgor, yr wyf yn aelod newydd ohono. Mae ystod a graddau’r gwaith a wnaethpwyd dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf wedi gwneud argraff arnaf.

As a Liberal Democrat, equality of opportunity lies at the core of my beliefs. A Wales in which every citizen enjoys genuine equality of opportunity would be a land where every individual could fulfil his or her potential, whether culturally, economically, socially or politically. Without such equality, many people in Wales are cut off from jobs and the communities in which they could contribute much more.

Fel Democrat Rhyddfrydol, mae cyfle cyfartal wrth wraidd fy nghredoau. Byddai Cymru lle mae pob dinesydd yn mwynhau cyfle cyfartal gwirioneddol yn wlad lle gallai pob unigolyn gyflawni ei botensial neu ei photensial, yn ddiwylliannol, yn economaidd, yn gymdeithasol neu’n wleidyddol. Heb gydraddoldeb o’r fath, mae llawer o bobl yng Nghymru wedi’u heithrio o swyddi a’r cymunedau y gallant gyfrannu llawer mwy iddynt.

Equality of opportunity allows us to celebrate the diversity of the Welsh people—those who live in Wales, who work here or who are welcomed visitors. Diversity is a strength but many people fear it; it is easier to hide within a community identity and it is easier to manage people in groups. It is easier to govern them in that way and it is easier to misunderstand or misrepresent people who are different from us. However, our diversity distinguishes us as individuals. That is why equality of opportunity is a cross-cutting issue in the Assembly.

Rhydd cyfle cyfartal gyfle inni ddathlu amrywiaeth pobl Cymru—y rhai sydd yn byw yng Nghymru, sydd yn gweithio yma neu sydd yn ymwelwyr a groesewir. Mae amrywiaeth yn gryfder ond mae llawer o bobl yn ei ofni; mae’n haws cuddio o fewn hunaniaeth cymuned ac mae’n haws rheoli pobl mewn grwpiau. Mae’n haws eu llywodraethu fel hyn ac mae’n haws camddeall neu gamgynrychioli pobl sydd yn wahanol inni. Fodd bynnag, ein hamrwyiaeth sydd yn ein gwneud yn unigolion. Dyna pam bod cyfle cyfartal yn fater trawsbynciol yn y Cynulliad.

We discussed this in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Scotland a couple of weeks ago. We asserted that Wales is at the cutting edge of implementing equality of opportunity, as the Assembly does so in every area of its work. I am proud that we have established a structure that allows us to adopt a cross-cutting and joined-up approach.

Trafodasom hyn yng nghynhadledd Cymdeithas Seneddol y Gymanwlad yn yr Alban ychydig wythnosau yn ôl. Pwysleisiwyd bod Cymru’n chwarae rôl flaengar yn y broses o weithredu cyfle cyfartal, fel y gwna’r Cynulliad ym mhob rhan o’i waith. Yr wyf yn falch ein bod wedi sefydlu strwythur sydd yn caniatáu inni fabwysiadu ymagwedd drawsbynciol a chydgysylltiedig.

In the last year, the Committee has rightly devoted much time to racial equality. The lessons of the Macpherson report are startling evidence of how much work needs to be done. That is why we must continue to be more than vigilant. The violence seen in Burnley and Oldham, which arose because of racial inequality, is not that far away. It could happen in Wales. We must act to prevent this. We must maintain our current work and take it out to our communities and ensure that racial violence never happens here.

Yn y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, mae’r Pwyllgor wedi ymroi llawer o’i amser i gydraddoldeb hiliol, a hynny’n haeddiannol. Mae’r gwersi yn adroddiad Macpherson yn dystiolaeth drawiadol o faint o waith sydd i’w wneud. Dyna pam y dylem barhau i fod yn wyliadwrus iawn. Nid yw’r trais a welwyd yn Burnley ac Oldham, a gododd oherwydd anghydraddoldeb hiliol, mor bell i ffwrdd â hynny. Gallai ddigwydd yng Nghymru. Rhaid inni weithredu er mwyn osgoi hyn. Rhaid inni barhau â’n gwaith a’i gyflwyno i’n cymunedau a sicrhau na fydd trais hiliol byth yn digwydd yma.

My next point relates to the dangers of the work of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity. We must work to ensure that the issue of equal opportunity does not become pigeonholed. It is a cross-cutting issue and must remain so. It is about much more than only combating racism. It is also about promoting women’s rights and opportunities and fighting the prejudices that affect gays and lesbians. It is also about ensuring that all individuals have access to the education, health service, transport, the arts and sport that they need. It is also about the young and the old. I am concerned about the way in which young people can become disaffected. I was involved in that kind of work before I became an Assembly Member. I am aware of this problem. Youngsters are disaffected in their communities, and lack confidence in the democratic system. This was reflected, for example, in the low turnout for the last general election. It is a consequence of the lack of opportunity that many have to participate in politics and in society in general. I am also concerned that it is too easy to write-off the elderly as a burden on society and not as a source of continuing contribution and strength. I would like the Committee to maintain a wide view, and, in particular, to address the lack of opportunities facing the young and the old in our communities. In this way, equality of opportunity will remain a central value to all that we do in the Assembly.

Mae fy mhwynt nesaf yn ymwneud â pheryglon gwaith y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal. Rhaid inni weithio i sicrhau na chaiff mater cyfle cyfartal ei roi o’r neilltu. Mae’n fater trawsbynciol a rhaid iddo barhau i fod felly. Mae’n golygu llawer mwy na brwydro yn erbyn hiliaeth. Mae hefyd yn golygu hyrwyddo hawliau a chyfleoedd merched a threchu’r rhagfarnau sydd yn effeithio ar hoywon a lesbiaid. Mae hefyd yn golygu sicrhau y caiff pob unigolyn fynediad i’r addysg, gwasanaeth iechyd, trafnidiaeth, y celfyddydau a’r chwaraeon sydd eu hangen arno. Mae hefyd yn ymwneud â phobl ifanc a’r henoed. Mae’r ffordd y gall pobl ifanc ymddieithrio yn peri pryder imi. Yr oeddwn yn gysylltiedig â’r math hwnnw o waith cyn dod yn Aelod o’r Cynulliad. Yr wyf yn ymwybodol o’r broblem hon. Mae pobl ifanc wedi ymddieithrio yn eu cymunedau, ac nid oes ganddynt hyder yn y system ddemocrataidd. Adlewyrchwyd hyn, er enghraifft, yn nifer isel y bobl a bleidleisiodd yn yr etholiad cyffredinol diwethaf. Mae’n ganlyniad i’r diffyg cyfle i gyfranogi mewn gwleidyddiaeth ac mewn cymdeithas yn gyffredinol. Mae’r ffaith ei bod yn hawdd diystyru’r henoed fel baich ar gymdeithas ac nid fel ffynhonnell barhaus o gyfraniad a chryfder yn destun pryder imi. Hoffwn i’r Pwyllgor gynnal safbwynt eang, ac, yn arbennig, roi sylw i’r diffyg cyfleoedd y mae’r ifanc a’r hen yn eu hwynebu yn ein cymunedau. Drwy hyn, bydd cyfle cyfartal yn parhau i fod yn un o werthoedd canolog popeth a wnawn yn y Cynulliad.

David Melding spoken in English p. 54

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 54

I am pleased, on behalf of the Welsh Conservative group, to welcome the Committee’s work. I believe that the Committee is a great innovation and success. It is an area where the Assembly has led the way and has set a workable example that can be emulated by other institutions in Britain and the wider world. I thank the Chair for her vision, direction and commitment. The Chair has a vital role in the Committee’s work. All Members and all parties represented on that Committee who have co-operated with Edwina have been greatly refreshed by the way she has sought positively to involve everyone. There is no party-political point scoring on the Committee’s work. That has been the basis of its outstanding—and perhaps for some—surprising success. Some people are cynical about the equality agenda. We have been a refreshing refutation of that particular dismissive approach that has unfortunately sometimes prevailed in society.

Mae’n bleser gennyf, ar ran grŵp Ceidwadwyr Cymru, groesawu gwaith y Pwyllgor. Credaf fod y Pwyllgor yn ddatblygiad gwych ac yn llwyddiant. Mae’n faes lle y mae’r Cynulliad wedi arwain y ffordd ac wedi gosod esiampl ymarferol y gall sefydliadau eraill ym Mhrydain a phob cwr o’r byd ei efelychu. Diolchaf i’r Cadeirydd am ei gweledigaeth, ei chyfarwyddyd a’i hymrwymiad. Mae gan y Cadeirydd rôl allweddol i’w chwarae yng ngwaith y Pwyllgor. Mae pob Aelod a’r holl bleidiau a gynrychiolir ar y Pwyllgor sydd wedi cydweithio ag Edwina wedi’u hadfywio’n fawr gan y ffordd y mae wedi ceisio cynnwys pawb mewn modd cadarnhaol. Nid oes unrhyw ymgais i elwa’n wleidyddol yng ngwaith y Pwyllgor. Dyma fu sail ei lwyddiant eithriadol, a fu’n syndod i rai o bosibl. Mae gan rai pobl ymagwedd sinigaidd tuag at yr agenda cydraddoldeb. Yr ydym wedi bod yn wrthbrawf braf i’r ymagwedd ddiystyriol benodol honno a welir weithiau mewn cymdeithas, yn anffodus.

The equality agenda is important to all political parties. There is nothing that divides us. We all want to seek the maximum equality of opportunity, because we all want the maximum good for the people of Wales. There are many mechanisms within the equality agenda that can be applied usefully by the political parties in their work. It is sometimes challenging to look at these measures and perhaps we are always being pushed a little further than many of us were prepared to go when we first considered the issues. When we consider the issues fully, we find that there is ground to move even faster than we would have thought initially.

Mae’r agenda cydraddoldeb yn bwysig i bob plaid wleidyddol. Nid oes unrhyw beth sydd yn ein rhannu. Yr ydym oll am sicrhau’r cyfle cyfartal gorau posibl, am ein bod oll am sicrhau’r budd gorau i bobl Cymru. Mae nifer o weithdrefnau o fewn yr agenda cydraddoldeb y gall y pleidiau gwleidyddol eu defnyddio’n gadarnhaol yn eu gwaith. Mae’n heriol weithiau edrych ar y mesurau hyn ac efallai y caiff llawer ohonom ein gwthio ymhellach na’r bwriad pan ystyriasom y materion am y tro cyntaf. Wrth ystyried y materion yn llawn, canfyddwn y dylid symud y materion ymlaen yn llawer cynt na’r hyn a fwriadwyd yn wreiddiol.

On the Committee’s work, I am pleased to endorse the report’s contents. However, I will not discuss any specific detail. I will conclude with a brief comment on the Committee’s method of working. I am sure that this method will continue. It has sought an all-party consensus on equality. It would be a sad day for the Assembly if this ever breaks down. That does not mean that we have sought the lowest common denominator. As I said earlier, all parties have been surprised by how much movement has been possible on various issues. It has been vigorous and exacting. It is in no way a cosy committee. Those who thought that the Assembly’s overarching Committees would meet to go through the motions on occasion, and then go away and wait for the next Committee, are completely wrong. This Committee has had an exacting, comprehensive agenda of work, which has involved members between its official meetings, and got to grips with serious issues. In this respect, it has started to hold people and agencies to account, from the Assembly’s Permanent Secretary—who I am pleased to see is present to listen to this debate—to the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales. They have answered forceful and direct questions, and the quality of the evidence and responses has been suitably serious.

O ran gwaith y Pwyllgor, yr wyf yn fwy na pharod i gymeradwyo cynnwys yr adroddiad. Fodd bynnag, ni thrafodaf unrhyw fanylyn yn benodol. Yr wyf am gloi drwy wneud sylw byr ar ddull gweithredu’r Pwyllgor. Yr wyf yn sicr y bydd y dull hwn yn parhau. Mae wedi ceisio sicrhau consensws traws-bleidiol ar gydraddoldeb. Byddai’n drueni mawr i’r Cynulliad pe bai hynny’n methu. Nid yw hynny’n golygu ein bod wedi ceisio sicrhau’r nodwedd gyffredin. Fel y dywedais yn gynharach, synnwyd pob plaid gan y cynnydd a sicrhawyd ar faterion amrywiol. Bu’n egnïol ac yn fanwl. Nid yw’n bwyllgor cysurus o bell ffordd. Mae’r rhai a gredodd mai dim ond cyfarfod er mwyn cyfarfod, a hynny’n achlysurol, y byddai Pwyllgorau trosfwaol y Cynulliad, gan fynd ymaith wedyn i aros am y Pwyllgor nesaf, yn gwbl anghywir. Bu gan y Pwyllgor hwn agenda waith fanwl a chynhwysfawr, sydd wedi cynnwys aelodau rhwng ei gyfarfodydd swyddogol, ac mae wedi mynd i’r afael â materion difrifol. Yn hyn o beth, mae wedi dechrau galw pobl ac unigolion i gyfrif, o Ysgrifennydd Parhaol y Cynulliad—yr wyf yn falch o weld ei fod yma i wrando ar y ddadl hon—i Awdurdod Cymwysterau, Cwricwlwm ac Asesu Cymru. Maent wedi ateb cwestiynau grymus ac uniongyrchol, ac mae ansawdd y dystiolaeth a’r ymatebion wedi bod yn briodol ddifrifol.

We must build on this. In future, when agencies realise that they must present evidence before the Committee, they will know that it will not be an easy ride. It will not be a gratuitous attempt to knock the organisations but, rather, a serious examination of what they have signed up to on the equality agenda and what they have actually delivered. I conclude by saying that it has been a great start, but you have seen nothing yet.

Rhaid inni adeiladu ar hyn. Yn y dyfodol, pan fydd asiantaethau’n sylweddoli bod yn rhaid iddynt baratoi tystiolaeth i’r Pwyllgor, fe wyddant na fydd yn hawdd. Ni fydd yn ymgais fympwyol i geisio barnu’r sefydliadau ond, yn hytrach, bydd yn archwiliad difrifol o’r hyn y maent wedi cytuno i’w wneud ar yr agenda cydraddoldeb a’r hyn a gyflawnwyd ganddynt mewn gwirionedd. Hoffwn gloi drwy ddweud y bu’n ddechrau ardderchog, ond bod llawer mwy i ddod.

Christine Chapman spoken in English p. 55

Christine Chapman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 55

I welcome the report and the vision of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity. It is important to note that what we are doing in Wales is being used as an exemplar in other countries. I have spoken to a number of people involved in equal opportunities and was pleased to hear that they will visit other countries to talk about good practices in Wales. That is to be celebrated.

Croesawaf adroddiad a gweledigaeth y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal. Mae’n bwysig nodi y defnyddir yr hyn a wnawn yng Nghymru fel enghraifft mewn gwledydd eraill. Siaradais â nifer o bobl sydd yn ymwneud â chyfle cyfartal ac yr oedd yn bleser clywed y byddant yn ymweld â gwledydd eraill i siarad am arferion da yng Nghymru. Dylid dathlu hynny.

Equality of opportunity has been a core value and aspiration of the Assembly since its establishment. I welcome the fact that the Committee on Equality of Opportunity continues to act as the Assembly’s conscience. However, we must acknowledge that, if this aspiration is to be realised, equality must be mainstreamed and taken on board by all Committees and activities linked to the Assembly.

Bu cyfle cyfartal yn un o werthoedd craidd y Cynulliad ac yn un o’i ddyheadau ers ei sefydlu. Croesawaf y ffaith bod y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal yn parhau i weithredu fel cydwybod y Cynulliad. Fodd bynnag, rhaid inni gydnabod, os ydym am wireddu’r dyhead hwn, y dylid prif ffrydio cydraddoldeb ac y dylai pob Pwyllgor a gweithgaredd sydd yn gysylltiedig â’r Cynulliad ei ystyried.

I draw your attention to the Objective 1 programme, of which equality is a cross-cutting theme. It is common sense that any aspect of economic development must have equality at its heart. If we are serious about maximising opportunities for all the people of Wales, we cannot ignore issues such as flexible working and quality childcare. These are vital if we want to succeed. There have been many discussions on how cross-cutting themes such as equality can be mainstreamed into the programme. This has not been easy because, as you know, there is still a great deal of resistance to it and, as David said, there are many cynics in this country. I am dismayed that some key people still talk about equality as a side issue. It is not a side issue; it must be at the heart of everything we do. As Chair of the Objective 1 Programme Monitoring Committee, I have made it clear that, if we are serious about our task and want it to succeed so that its impact is felt beyond the Objective 1 period, a commitment to equality is essential. At the last meeting of the Programme Monitoring Committee in Llandudno a few weeks ago, I was pleased that recommendations made by the wider equality partnership were accepted. Ensuring equality will involve a more rigorous approach and, as such, a major step forward in making equality a way of life for the people of Wales in this post-devolution era.

Tynnaf eich sylw at raglen Amcan 1, y mae cydraddoldeb yn thema drawsbynciol ynddi. Mae’n synnwyr cyffredin y dylai cydraddoldeb fod wrth wraidd unrhyw ddatblygiad economaidd. Os ydym o ddifrif am sicrhau’r cyfleoedd gorau posibl i holl bobl Cymru, ni allwn anwybyddu materion fel oriau gwaith hyblyg a gofal plant o ansawdd. Mae’r rhain yn holl bwysig os ydym am lwyddo. Cafwyd sawl trafodaeth ar sut y gellir prif ffrydio themâu trawsbynciol fel cydraddoldeb i mewn i’r rhaglen. Ni fu hyn yn hawdd oherwydd, fel y gwyddoch, mae llawer o wrthwynebiad iddo o hyd ac, fel y dywedodd David, mae llawer o sinigiaid yn y wlad hon. Fe’m siomwyd o glywed bod rhai pobl allweddol yn parhau i siarad am gydraddoldeb fel mater ymylol. Nid yw’n fater ymylol; rhaid iddo fod wrth wraidd popeth a wnawn. Fel Cadeirydd Pwyllgor Monitro’r Rhaglen Amcan 1, pwysleisais fod ymrwymiad i gydraddoldeb yn holl bwysig os ydym yn ystyried ein tasg o ddifrif a’n bod am iddi lwyddo er mwyn sicrhau ei bod yn dylanwadu y tu hwnt i gyfnod Amcan 1. Yng nghyfarfod diwethaf Pwyllgor Monitro’r Rhaglen yn Llandudno ychydig wythnosau’n ôl, yr oedd yn bleser gennyf weld y cymeradwywyd yr argymhellion a wnaethpwyd gan y bartneriaeth cydraddoldeb ehangach. Bydd sicrhau cydraddoldeb yn golygu ymagwedd fwy egnïol ac, o ganlyniad, cam mawr ymlaen o ran sicrhau bod cydraddoldeb yn ffordd o fyw i bobl Cymru yn yr oes ddatganoledig hon.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 56

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 56

Bwriadaf gyfyngu fy nghyfraniad i’r berthynas rhwng addysg a chyfle cyfartal. Wedi dweud hynny, bydd yn adeiladu ar yr hyn a ddywedodd Christine Chapman. Fel un o’i gyn-aelodau, gwn fod y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal yn argyhoeddedig fod gan addysg rôl allweddol i’w chwarae yn yr ymgyrch i newid agweddau a gwerthoedd yn y maes hwn. Yr her fwyaf i’n hathrawon, ac eraill, yw nid yn unig dysgu am gyfle cyfartal, ond sicrhau bod pawb sydd yn ymwneud â gwasanaethau addysg yn byw a gweithio yn ôl egwyddorion cydraddoldeb, gan eu hymarfer yn gyson. Mae ‘pawb’ yn golygu athrawon, llywodraethwyr, staff cynorthwyol, swyddogion, arolygwyr ac eraill.

I intend to confine my contribution to the relationship between education and equality of opportunity. Having said that, it will build upon what was said by Christine Chapman. As one of its former members, I know that the Committee on Equality of Opportunity is convinced that education has a key role to play in the campaign to change attitudes and values in this field. The greatest challenge to our teachers, and others, is not only to teach about equality of opportunity, but to ensure that everyone involved with education services lives and works according to the principles of equality, by practising them constantly. ‘Everyone’ means teachers, governors, support staff, officials, inspectors and others.

Hawdd yw cyfleu cam negeseuon drwy osod pethau pwysig fel hyn yn rhan atodol, ychwanegol i’r cwricwlwm, ac nid yn greiddiol iddo. Felly, mae’n rhaid bod yn hynod o ofalus gyda fframwaith addysg bersonol a chymdeithasol ACCAC sydd, ar hyn o bryd, yn ychwanegiad i gwricwlwm ysgolion. Mae’n bosibl nad oes gan ysgolion ddewis arall yn awr ond, yn y dyfodol agos, dylem sicrhau bod egwyddorion ac agweddau cadarnhaol cydraddoldeb yn rhan annatod o holl weithgarwch ysgolion. Mae’n ofyn mawr, wrth gwrs, gan ei bod yn golygu buddsoddi adnoddau ar gyfer hyfforddiant i greu ymwybyddiaeth a newid agweddau. Fodd bynnag, bydd rhaid cyflawni hynny os ydym am wireddu amcanion adroddiad Macpherson.

It is easy to send out false messages by making important elements like these a supplementary, additional part of the curriculum, rather than a central part of it. Therefore, we must be exceptionally careful with ACCAC’s personal and social education framework that is, at the moment, an adjunct to the schools’ curriculum. It is possible that schools currently have no other option but, in the near future, we should ensure that the positive principles and attitudes of equality are an intrinsic part of all school activities. That would be asking a great deal, of course, as it means investing resources in training to create awareness and change attitudes. However, this must be done if the objectives of the Macpherson report are to be realised.

Bydd adolygiad ACCAC o’r cwricwlwm yn fan cychwyn ardderchog i sicrhau mai negeseuon cadarnhaol a fydd yn deillio ohono. Mae angen trin y cwricwlwm â gofal mawr. Mae gan bawb ganfyddiadau gwahanol am amrywiaeth ddiwylliannol, yn unol â phrofiadau’r unigolyn. Felly, mae canfyddiadau athrawon a’u dehongliad neu bwyslais ar agweddau ar y cwricwlwm yn amrywio hefyd. Mae’n hollbwysig bod egwyddorion a rhaglen astudiaeth cyfle cyfartal yn rhan annatod o hyfforddiant cychwynnol athrawon, ac yn rhan o raglen hyfforddi a datblygu proffesiynol parhaus y rhai sydd eisoes yn dysgu. Mae’r fframwaith datblygu proffesiynol o dan ymgynghoriad ar hyn o bryd. Faint o bwyslais a roddir ar faterion cydraddoldeb yn y fframwaith hwnnw? A ydym yn manteisio ar y cyfle hwnnw? A yw ein colegau addysg yn ymwybodol o’r gofynion hyn?

ACCAC’s review of the curriculum will be an excellent starting point in ensuring that it sends out positive messages. The curriculum needs to be treated with great care. Everyone has a different perception of cultural diversity, according to the individual’s experiences. Therefore, teachers’ perception and their interpretation or emphasis on aspects of the curriculum also vary. It is essential that the principles of equality of opportunity and a study programme in this area are an integral part of initial teacher training, and a part of the continuing professional training and development programme for those who are already teaching. The professional development framework is out to consultation at the moment. How much emphasis is there on equality issues in that framework? Are we taking advantage of that opportunity? Are our education colleges aware of these requirements?

Rhaid gofyn hefyd pa strwythurau sydd ar gael i fonitro’r sefydliadau: a yw ein harolygwyr ysgolion wedi eu trwytho yn hyn? Nid y drefn o gytundebau ac arolygiadau bob chwe blynedd yw’r ffordd fwyaf effeithiol o arfarnu cynnydd yn y maes astrus hwn.

We must also ask what structures exist to monitor institutions: have our school inspectors been immersed in this? The regime of six-yearly agreements and inspections is not the most effective way of appraising progress in this complex field.

Mae’r Gymraeg hefyd yn fater o gydraddoldeb. Mae’n bwysig bod cyrff fel ACCAC yn gwrando ar gyngor Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg ac yn ymateb yn adeiladol iddo, neu fe aiff y Gymraeg hefyd yn fater atodol i’w ychwanegu ar y diwedd, yn lle bod yno o’r cychwyn yn egwyddor drawsbynciol. Mae hefyd yn fater o barch. Pe byddai’r meddylfryd hwnnw yn bodoli yn ACCAC, ni fyddai ein disgyblion chweched dosbarth wedi dioddef, fel y gwnaethant, o ddiffyg papurau Cymraeg ar gyfer arholiadau sgiliau allweddol. Mae’r methiant hwnnw yn cyfleu’r neges mai eilradd yw’r iaith Gymraeg, nid cyfartal. Mae hynny’n annerbyniol ac yn groes i amcanion y Cynulliad.

There is also an issue of equality surrounding the Welsh language. It is important that bodies such as ACCAC listen and respond positively to the advice of the Welsh Language Board, or the Welsh language will also become an adjunct to add on at the end, instead of being there from the beginning, as a cross-cutting principle. It is also a matter of respect. If that mindset had existed in ACCAC, our six-form pupils would not have suffered, as they have done, from a lack of Welsh-language papers for key skills examinations. That failure sends out the message that the Welsh language is inferior, not equal. That is unacceptable and contrary to the Assembly’s objectives.

Yn olaf, mae anghenion addysgol arbennig hefyd yn aml yn cael ei ystyried fel ychwanegiad i’r prif ffrwd. Mae plant, er enghraifft, yn cael eu hamddifadu o wasanaethau therapi; cyfeiriais at hynny yn gynharach. Mae plant bach rhannol-fyddar a byddar mewn perygl o fod yn ddinasyddion eilradd drwy golli cyfleoedd cynnar i gael therapi hollbwysig. Mae’r ddarpariaeth yn aml yn disgyn rhwng addysg ac iechyd, ond pe bai egwyddorion cyfle cyfartal wedi eu mabwysiadu a’u mewnoli o ddifrif, ni fyddai colledion fel hynny, na gwahaniaethu.

Finally, special educational needs are also often considered to be an add-on to the mainstream. Children, for example, are deprived of therapy services, to which I referred earlier. Young, hard-of-hearing and deaf children are in danger of becoming second-class citizens by losing out on early opportunities to receive vital therapy. Provision often falls between health and education, but if the principles of equality of opportunity had been adopted and genuinely internalised, there would be no such deprivation, or discrimination.

Yr wyf yn cydnabod na ddigwydd hyn dros nos, ac yr wyf yn falch o ymdrechion y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal. Fodd bynnag, nid cyfrifoldeb Pwyllgor yw hyn; mae’n gyfrifoldeb a dyletswydd ar bawb i hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb ac felly ddiddymu anghyfiawnder cymdeithasol.

I acknowledge that this will not happen overnight, and I am proud of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity’s efforts. However, this is not a Committee’s responsibility; it is everybody’s responsibility and duty to promote equality and thereby eliminate social injustice.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 58

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 58

We are just past the half-way mark in the life of this Assembly, which is an opportune moment to reflect on our record as an institution, with regard to equality of opportunity. It is a positive and constructive record in general. I am pleased about that because, like many Members, I am keen on the social justice agenda and equality of opportunity is a major part of that.

Yr ydym newydd fynd heibio i hanner ffordd drwy oes y Cynulliad, sydd yn gyfle amserol i fyfyrio ar ein hanes fel sefydliad, mewn cysylltiad â chyfle cyfartal. Mae gennym record gadarnhaol ac adeiladol ar y cyfan. Mae hynny’n fy modloni oherwydd, fel llawer o’r Aelodau, yr wyf yn gryf o blaid yr agenda cyfiawnder cymdeithasol ac mae cyfle cyfartal yn rhan fawr o hynny.

As far as the Assembly is concerned, one aspect stands out: the number of women Members. The majority of the Cabinet is made up of women. The fact that the Minister responsible for finance—Edwina Hart—is a woman is also important, because that kind of post is often associated with men. Some hold the view that women have the softer portfolios, but that is certainly not true in this instance.

O safbwynt y Cynulliad, ceir un agwedd amlwg: nifer yr Aelodau benywaidd. Mae’r rhan fwyaf o’r Cabinet yn ferched. Mae’r ffaith bod y Gweinidog sydd yn gyfrifol am gyllid—Edwina Hart—yn ferch, hefyd yn bwysig, oherwydd bod y swydd hon yn aml yn gysylltiedig â dynion. Mae rhai o’r farn mai portffolios ysgafnach sydd gan ferched, ond nid yw hyn yn wir yn y cyswllt hwn.

We have a good record and we should tell the world about it, if not boast about it. Eleanor Burnham mentioned the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which is an avenue that has been opened to the Assembly, and opened to me as chair of the Assembly’s branch of that association, to tell people about the Assembly’s proud record. The reception has been good: people have been impressed. We are seen as world leaders in respect of the political representation of women. We are often spoken of in the same breath as the Scandinavian countries, which is extremely encouraging. That is a positive aspect of the Assembly of which we can all be proud and that we need to tell the world about.

Mae gennym record dda a dylem roi gwybod i’r byd am hynny, os nad brolio amdano. Soniodd Eleanor Burnham am Gymdeithas Seneddol y Gymanwlad, sydd yn llwybr a agorwyd i’r Cynulliad, ac a agorwyd i mi fel cadeirydd cangen y Cynulliad o’r gymdeithas honno, i sôn wrth bobl am enw da’r Cynulliad yr ymfalchiwn ynddo. Bu’r ymateb yn dda: mae wedi creu argraff dda ar bobl. Cawn ein hystyried fel arweinwyr yn y byd gwleidyddol o ran y gynrychiolaeth o ferched. Cawn ein crybwyll yn yr un modd â gwledydd Sgandinafia, sydd yn galonogol iawn. Mae hon yn agwedd gadarnhaol o’r Cynulliad y gallwn oll ymfalchïo ynddi ac y dylem hysbysu’r byd ohoni.

I turn to Jon Shortridge’s report. Jon and his staff have been active in taking forward equality of opportunity. It is not a matter of paying lipservice; there is real commitment and effort. Although Jon is honest enough to say that what we have seen is a start and that there is much more to achieve, it is a significant start. Walking around the Assembly and talking to staff, I have noticed that there are more staff from ethnic minorities, which is pleasing to note. That is encouraging; it is important that we set an example in our internal organisations.

Cyfeiriaf at adroddiad Jon Shortridge. Mae Jon a’i staff wedi bod yn mynd â’r gwaith cyfle cyfartal yn ei flaen yn frwd. Nid yw’n fater o siarad gwag; mae yna ymrwymiad ac ymdrech wirioneddol. Er bod Jon yn ddigon gonest i ddweud mai dim ond megis dechrau yr ydym a bod llawer mwy i’w gyflawni, mae’n ddechrau arwyddocaol. Wrth gerdded o amgylch y Cynulliad a siarad â staff, sylwais bod yna lawer mwy o staff o leiafrifoedd ethnig, sydd yn braf i’w weld. Mae hynny’n galonogol; mae’n bwysig ein bod yn gosod esiampl drwy gyfrwng ein sefydliadau mewnol.

I welcome Edwina’s remarks on the Committee on Equality of Opportunity’s inquiry into asylum seekers. Edwina and I have attended various conferences and events relating to asylum seekers. We know that there is great strength of feeling. It is recognised that the Assembly has a good story to tell; there is a consensus across the political parties in the Assembly that issues relating to asylum seekers are important; that the Assembly needs to take them seriously; and that the use of Cardiff prison in this context is totally unacceptable, which has been made clear on many occasions in the Chamber. We have sent a strong message to the Home Office and to the relevant agencies. I am pleased that that has been the case. We know that, by and large, asylum seekers have not been accused or convicted of any crime; they have not exhausted the appeals procedure and it is entirely inappropriate that they should be incarcerated in Cardiff prison. I welcome the launch of the Committee’s inquiry.

Croesawaf sylwadau Edwina ar ymchwiliad y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal i geiswyr lloches. Mae Edwina a minnau wedi mynychu cynadlaeddau a digwyddiadau amrywiol sydd yn gysylltiedig â cheiswyr lloches. Gwyddom fod pobl yn teimlo’n gryf am hyn. Cydnabyddir bod gan y Cynulliad stori dda i’w hadrodd; ceir consensws ar draws y pleidiau gwleidyddol yn y Cynulliad bod materion sydd yn gysylltiedig â cheisio lloches yn bwysig; bod angen i’r Cynulliad eu hystyried o ddifrif; a bod defnyddio carchar Caerdydd yn y cyd-destun hwn yn gwbl annerbyniol, a phwysleisiwyd hynny droeon yn y Siambr. Cyflewyd neges gref i’r Swyddfa Gartref a’r asiantaethau perthnasol. Yr wyf yn falch o hynny. Gwyddom na chyhuddwyd ac na chollfarnwyd ceiswyr lloches o unrhyw drosedd, yn gyffredinol; nid ydynt wedi dihysbyddu’r weithdrefn apeliadau ac mae’n gwbl amhriodol eu cadw yng ngharchar Caerdydd. Croesawaf lansio ymchwiliad y Pwyllgor.

As Gareth Jones said, we have a duty as Assembly Members to stand up and be counted on equality of opportunity issues. In no area is that more important than that of racial discrimination. The British National Party fielded a candidate in Newport in the general election. We have seen racially-based strife elsewhere in Britain. We all have a responsibility to be constructive in what we say and to be positive on race issues, and not to court cheap political headlines and media attention by making controversial comments that could cause problems including violence against asylum seekers coming to Wales.

Fel y dywedodd Gareth Jones, mae dyletswydd arnom fel Aelodau o’r Cynulliad i ddangos ein hochr o ran cyfle cyfartal. Mae hyn bwysicaf ym maes gwahaniaethu ar sail hil. Cyflwynodd y Blaid Genedlaethol Brydeinig ymgeisydd yng Nghasnewydd yn yr etholiad cyffredinol. Gwelsom drafferthion mewn rhannau eraill o Brydain a ddeilliodd o hiliaeth. Mae cyfrifoldeb ar bob un ohonom i ddweud pethau adeiladol a thrafod materion sy’n ymwneud â hil yn gadarnhaol, ac nid ceisio creu penawdau gwleidyddol a sylw yn y wasg drwy wneud sylwadau dadleuol a allai achosi problemau, gan gynnwys trais yn erbyn ceiswyr lloches a ddaw i Gymru.

Half way through its first term, the Assembly has a good record on equality of opportunity. There is real commitment across the parties. The Committee has shown a good lead, which is important. I hope that we continue with that record as our history continues to unfold.

Hanner ffordd drwy ei dymor cyntaf, mae gan y Cynulliad enw da o ran cyfle cyfartal. Mae ymrwymiad gwirioneddol ym mhob plaid. Mae’r Pwyllgor wedi dangos arweiniad da, sydd yn bwysig. Gobeithiaf y gallwn barhau gyda’r enw da hwnnw wrth i’n hanes barhau i ddatblygu.

David Davies spoken in English p. 60

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 60

The Conservative Party is, as am I personally, absolutely committed to equality. I should not have to make that point, but I do so because, sadly, anyone who tries to pass constructive criticism of the burgeoning equality industry is usually accused of bigotry rather than engaged in constructive debate. I make no bones about that; I was cynical about the whole equality agenda, not because I do not believe in equality, but because there is sometimes more bigotry from those who profess to fight for equality than from those of us who are rather cynical about it.

Mae’r Blaid Geidwadol, fel minnau, yn gwbl ymrwymedig i gydraddoldeb. Ni ddylai fod angen imi bwysleisio hynny, ond gwnaf hynny oherwydd, yn anffodus, mae unrhyw un sydd yn ceisio rhoi beirniadaeth adeiladol ar y diwydiant cydraddoldeb cynyddol fel arfer yn cael eu galw’n rhagfarnllyd yn hytrach na rhywun sydd yn rhan o ddadl adeiladol. Nid wyf am guddio’r ffaith y bûm yn sinigaidd ynghylch yr agenda cydraddoldeb gyfan, nid am nad wyf yn credu mewn cydraddoldeb, ond am fod mwy o ragfarn weithiau ymhlith y rhai sydd yn honni eu bod yn ymgyrchu dros gydraddoldeb na’r rhai hynny ohonom sydd yn eithaf sinigaidd tuag at y mater.

We should be forgetting our differences rather than highlighting and drawing attention to them. I am particularly concerned about two aspects of the report, which are typical of the politically correct agenda that is doing so much damage to our society. First, the Assembly is handing over taxpayers’ money to facilitate,

Dylem anghofio am ein gwahaniaethau yn hytrach na’u hamlygu. Mae dwy agwedd ar yr adroddiad yn peri pryder arbennig imi, sydd yn nodweddiadol o’r agenda wleidyddol gywir sydd yn gwneud cymaint o niwed i’n cymdeithas. Yn gyntaf, mae’r Cynulliad yn trosglwyddo arian y trethdalwr i hwyluso’r broses o

‘the setting up and ongoing development of a body, which can represent the lesbian, gay and bisexual communities in Wales. The unit has enabled a working group of representatives from the lesbian, gay and bisexual communities in Wales to be set up.’

Speaking as one of the real minorities—the middle-class, white, heterosexual male—I ask who is representing me, and why is taxpayers’ money paying for this? I have nothing against people who want to lead these sorts of lifestyles. I do not care what people do in the privacy of their bedrooms, but I do not see why we as taxpayers should be expected to fund other people’s lifestyles.

Gan siarad fel un o’r lleiafrifoedd gwirioneddol—dyn dosbarth-canol, gwyn, heterorywiol—gofynnaf pwy sydd yn fy nghynrychioli i, a pham fod arian y trethdalwyr yn talu am hyn? Nid oes gennyf unrhyw beth yn erbyn pobl sydd am fyw’r math hyn o fywydau. Nid oes ots gennyf beth a wna pobl yn eu hystafelloedd gwely, ond ni wn pam y dylem ni fel trethdalwyr orfod talu am ffordd o fyw pobl eraill.

Secondly, I mention the Assembly’s new eye-care initiative that is specifically targeted at the at-risk ethnic minority groups. That has led to suggestions—which may or may not have been implicated in the report—that people from certain ethnic groups should be allowed to have free eye checks. I ask the Chamber—

Yn ail, soniaf am fenter gofal llygaid newydd y Cynulliad a dargedwyd yn benodol at grwpiau lleiafrifoedd ethnig sydd yn wynebu risg uchel. Arweiniodd hynny at awgrymiadau—sydd efallai ymhlyg yn yr adroddiad—y gallai pobl o rai grwpiau ethnig gael archwiliadau llygaid am ddim. Gofynnaf i’r Siambr—

David Melding spoken in English p. 61

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 61

I am happy to clear up this issue. The Health and Social Services Committee has recommended an initiative to identify groups that have a specific risk of disease. Only the medical aspect of an eye examination is funded, not the part that would lead to a prescription for spectacles, which is what I believe you have assumed it means.

Yr wyf yn fwy na pharod i egluro’r mater hwn. Argymhellodd y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol fenter i nodi grwpiau sydd yn wynebu risg penodol o gael afiechyd. Dim ond yr agwedd feddygol ar yr archwiliad llygaid a ariennir, nid y rhan a fyddai’n arwain at bresgripsiwn ar gyfer sbectol, sef yr hyn y credaf ichi dybio ei fod yn ei olygu.

David Davies spoken in English p. 61

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 61

That was one suggestion. If certain ethnic groups are susceptible to some diseases, we should tackle the whole disease. We should not look at a particular ethnic group and hand it certain advantages. By doing so, we again highlight minor differences. What difference is there between a black person and a white person? A minor amount of DNA is the only physical difference. It is a small difference, yet we have a whole industry dedicated to highlighting those differences rather than forgetting about them. I believe that it was Bob Marley, quoting Haile Selassie—I have mentioned this before—who talked of creating a society where the colour of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes. We will never get to that stage if we highlight differences that should not exist.

Un awgrym oedd hynny. Os bydd rhai grwpiau ethnig yn fwy tebygol o gael rhai afiechydon, dylem fynd i’r afael â’r afiechyd ei hun. Ni ddylem edrych ar un grŵp ethnig arbennig a rhoi manteision arbennig iddo. Wrth wneud hynny, yr ydym unwaith eto’n amlygu mân wahaniaethau. Pa wahaniaeth sydd rhwng person croenddu a pherson croenwyn? Swm bach o DNA yw’r unig wahaniaeth corfforol. Gwahaniaeth bach ydyw, ond eto mae gennym ddiwydiant cyfan sydd yn ymrwymedig i amlygu’r gwahaniaethau hynny yn hytrach nag anghofio amdanynt. Credaf mai Bob Marley, gan ddyfynnu Haile Selassie—a grybwyllais o’r blaen—a siaradodd am greu cymdeithas lle nad yw lliw croen dyn yn fwy arwyddocaol na lliw ei lygaid. Ni chyrhaeddwn y sefyllfa honno byth os amlygwn wahaniaethau na ddylent fodoli.

I am sorry that I seem to be going against the consensus in the Chamber today. However, many people are cynical about this. Do not think that that cynicism stems from any desire to see inequalities prolonged. As a society we will never grow and develop as long as we draw attention to minor differences in this way.

Mae’n ddrwg gennyf fy mod yn mynd yn erbyn y consensws yn y Siambr heddiw. Fodd bynnag, mae llawer o bobl yn sinigaidd am hyn. Peidiwch â chredu bod y fath sinigiaeth yn deillio o unrhyw ddyhead i weld anghydraddoldebau’n parhau. Ni fyddwn byth yn tyfu nac yn datblygu fel cymdeithas cyhyd ag y byddwn yn tynnu sylw at fân wahaniaethau fel hyn.

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 62

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 62

It is disappointing that only a third of Assembly Members are here today, because equality cuts across all Subject Committees. It is incumbent on us all to take an interest, and to question how we deal with equalities across the board. It is a refreshing committee, and a challenging one, as David Melding said. It is one of the more enjoyable committees, although I enjoy everything I do in the Assembly.

Mae’n siomedig mai dim ond traean o Aelodau’r Cynulliad sydd yma heddiw, oherwydd mae cydraddoldeb yn fater i’r holl Bwyllgorau Pwnc. Mae’n ddyletswydd ar bob un ohonom i fynegi diddordeb, ac i gwestiynu’r ffordd yr ydym yn delio â chydraddoldeb yn gyffredinol. Mae’n bwyllgor ysbrydoledig, ac yn un heriol, fel y dywedodd David Melding. Mae’n un o’r pwyllgorau mwyaf dymunol, er fy mod yn mwynhau popeth a wnaf yn y Cynulliad.

I have banged on about public appointments and Assembly Members’ participation for a long time. It is crucial that we take this seriously. I know that the Minister is personally committed to this, but I feel strongly that no Assembly Member should take part in any public appointment procedure until they have gone through at least the most basic of equality training. David Melding and I turned up last year to a superb session with, I believe, the Commission for Racial Equality and one of the disability groups. I was enlightened as to my failings towards equality. I thought that I knew it all, that I was the fairest person around and that I had no problem with understanding the equality agenda. However, I had failings.

Yr wyf wedi sôn droeon am benodiadau cyhoeddus a chyfranogiad Aelodau’r Cynulliad ers tro byd. Mae’n hanfodol ein bod yn cymryd hyn o ddifrif. Gwn fod gan y Gweinidog ymrwymiad personol i hyn, ond credaf yn gryf na ddylai unrhyw Aelod o’r Cynulliad gymryd rhan mewn penodiadau cyhoeddus nes y cânt yr hyfforddiant cydraddoldeb mwyaf sylfaenol o leiaf. Y llynedd mynychodd David Melding a minnau sesiwn wych gyda’r Comisiwn Cydraddoldeb Hiliol ac un o’r grwpiau anabledd, fe gredaf. Fe’m synnwyd gan fy ngwendidau o ran cydraddoldeb. Credais fy mod yn gwybod y cyfan, ac mai fi oedd y person tecaf un heb unrhyw broblem o ran deall yr agenda cydraddoldeb. Serch hynny, yr oedd gennyf wendidau.

David Melding spoken in English p. 62

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 62

Do you know that it is now regarded as best practice among leading private sector companies to insist on equality training for those involved in training?

A wyddoch yr ystyrir mai’r arfer gorau erbyn hyn ymhlith cwmnïau blaenllaw yn y sector preifat yw mynnu bod y rhai sydd yn ymwneud â hyfforddiant yn cael hyfforddiant cydraddoldeb?

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 63

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 63

Yes. I am going to one of the sessions this afternoon as someone who sits on the public appointments panel. I hope that all other Members who are involved in public appointments will take up this opportunity. I believe that they must. I do not know how we will do this, but it must be mandatory on those Assembly Members. I would also like to see a mechanism for making it mandatory—I know that ‘mandatory’ is not a word that the Minister likes to use—for all Members, because we deal with the public in our day to day jobs. We must be confident that we deal with everyone fairly and equally.

Gwn. Yr wyf yn mynychu un o’r sesiynau y prynhawn yma fel rhywun sydd yn eistedd ar y panel penodiadau cyhoeddus. Gobeithiaf y bydd yr holl Aelodau eraill sydd yn ymwneud â phenodiadau cyhoeddus yn manteisio ar y cyfle hwn. Credaf y dylent. Ni wn sut y gwnawn hyn, ond dylai’r Aelodau hynny o’r Cynulliad orfod gwneud hynny. Hefyd, hoffwn weld gweithdrefn ar gyfer gwneud hyn yn orfodol—gwn nad yw’r Gweinidog yn hoffi defnyddio’r gair ‘gorfodol’—i bob Aelod, am ein bod yn delio â’r cyhoedd yn ein swyddi o ddydd i ddydd. Rhaid inni fod yn hyderus ein bod yn delio â phawb yn deg a chydradd.

David Davies spoken in English p. 63

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 63

Will the Member give way?

A wnaiff yr Aelod ildio?

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 63

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 63

I will give way later if I have time, because I would love to hear your intervention, David.

Ilidiaf yn nes ymlaen os bydd amser gennyf, oherwydd hoffwn glywed eich ymyriad, David.

In the report, I am pleased to see that job advertisements are now brought to the attention of over 100 groups, from under-represented sectors of society. However, with regard to public appointments, I still feel that it is the usual suspects who tend to put themselves forward. Perhaps it is because they have the confidence to do that, because they have put themselves forward so many times. An issue about which I feel strongly was raised in Committee, namely that chairs of public bodies often hold two or three chairs. That is wrong. There should be a limit of one public body per chair, because the job often involves another public appointment and, sometimes, an ordinary day job as well. I do not see how these people can do their jobs properly. It also limits opportunities for other people.

Yn yr adroddiad, yr oeddwn yn falch o weld bod yr hysbysebion bellach yn cael eu dwyn i sylw dros 100 o grwpiau o sectorau a dangynrychiolir yn y gymdeithas. Fodd bynnag, o ran penodiadau cyhoeddus, credaf o hyd mai’r un bobl sydd yn dueddol o gyflwyno eu henwau. Efallai y gwnânt hynny am fod ganddynt yr hyder i wneud hynny, am eu bod yn cyflwyno eu henwau gymaint o weithiau. Codwyd mater sydd yn agos at fy nghalon yn y Pwyllgor, sef bod cadeiryddion cyrff cyhoeddus yn aml yn gadeiryddion ar ddau neu dri phwyllgor. Nid yw hynny’n iawn. Dylid cyfyngu un corff cyhoeddus i un cadeirydd, oherwydd bod y swydd yn aml yn cynnwys penodiad cyhoeddus arall ac, weithiau, swydd arferol o ddydd i ddydd. Ni wn sut gall y bobl hyn wneud eu swyddi’n gywir. Mae hefyd yn cyfyngu ar y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael i bobl eraill.

I welcome the Stephen Lawrence inquiry education working party report. The Committee on Equality of Opportunity and members of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee spent much time discussing this. I have a dual role in this respect. We spent much time discussing how schools should deal with the issue of racial abuse, harassment and taunting. There was a general feeling among Members that schools should be open about this and confront the problem, instead of hiding or denying it. Schools should, perhaps, publish the findings of any inquiries into racial abuse. Sometimes it is said to be ‘only name-calling’, but that can lead to a child developing a more horrible and intolerant attitude towards others. Schools must face this and deal with it directly and openly. That is the only way, through education, to develop a tolerant and fair society.

Croesawaf adroddiad gweithgor addysg ymchwiliad Stephen Lawrence. Treuliodd y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal ac aelodau’r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes lawer o amser yn trafod hyn. Mae gennyf rôl ddeublyg yn hyn o beth. Treuliasom lawer o amser yn trafod sut y dylai ysgolion ddelio â cham-drin, aflonyddwch a gwawdio hiliol. Yr oedd ymdeimlad cyffredinol ymhlith yr Aelodau y dylai ysgolion drafod hyn yn agored a mynd i’r afael â’r broblem yn hytrach na cheisio ei gelu neu wadu ei fod yn bodoli. Efallai y dylai ysgolion gyhoeddi canfyddiadau unrhyw ymchwiliad i gam-drin hiliol. Yn aml gelwir hyn yn ‘ddim ond galw enwau’, ond gall y plentyn ddatblygu ymagwedd waeth ac anoddefgar tuag at eraill yn sgîl hyn. Rhaid i ysgolion wynebu hyn a delio ag ef yn uniongyrchol ac yn agored. Dyma’r unig ffordd, drwy addysg, y gallwn ddatblygu cymdeithas deg a goddefgar.

I will give a quick plug to an excellent co-operative called ‘Dynamix’. It held a training session in the Assembly earlier this week, which I attended with some support staff. It is a brilliant organisation and I have invited its representatives to write to you, Minister, to ask if they can give a presentation to the Committee.

Yr wyf am roi cyhoeddusrwydd cyflym i fenter gydweithredol wych o’r enw ‘Dynamix’. Cynhaliodd sesiwn hyfforddi yn y Cynulliad yn gynharach yr wythnos hon, a fynychais gyda rhai aelodau o staff. Mae’n sefydliad gwych a gwahoddais ei gynrychiolwyr i ysgrifennu atoch, Weinidog, i ofyn a allant roi cyflwyniad i’r Pwyllgor.

Finally, I congratulate Karen Sinclair for her work on deaf issues and for the fact that all political party offices now have a minicom text phone to enable 20,000 deaf people in Wales to contact their Assembly Member through their political party.

Yn olaf, hoffwn longyfarch Karen Sinclair am ei gwaith ar faterion i’r byddar ac am y ffaith bod gan holl swyddfeydd y pleidiau gwleidyddol ffôn testun minicom erbyn hyn a fydd yn galluogi 20,000 o bobl fyddar yng Nghymru i gysylltu â’u Haelod yn y Cynulliad drwy eu plaid wleidyddol.

Ann Jones spoken in English p. 64

Ann Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 64

I did not intend to speak, because I guessed that most Committee members would cover the points that I intended to raise. However, I want to highlight three areas. First, the Communities First programme, which is the first step to social inclusion and equality of opportunity in our communities. For those of you who attended the briefing last night, you heard first hand from community representatives how they learnt from, and built upon, the capacity building that we envisage Communities First paying for in our communities so that they become empowered. That is equality of opportunity.

Nid oeddwn wedi bwriadu siarad, oherwydd credais y byddai’r rhan fwyaf o aelodau’r Pwyllgor yn cwmpasu’r pwyntiau y byddwn wedi’u codi. Fodd bynnag, hoffwn amlygu tri maes. Yn gyntaf, rhaglen Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf, sydd yn gam cyntaf tuag at gynhwysedd cymdeithasol a chyfle cyfartal yn ein cymunedau. I’r rhai hynny ohonoch a fynychodd y sesiwn friffio neithiwr, clywsoch yn uniongyrchol gan gynyrchiolwyr cymunedol sut y maent wedi dysgu oddi wrth, a datblygu, y gallu i adeiladu y rhagwelwn y bydd Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf yn talu amdano yn ein cymunedau fel y gallant afael ar hawliau. Dyna yw cyfle cyfartal.

My second point concerns local government. In our work programme, when we consider local government, I hope that we can point out that there are many ways in which local government can ensure that there is equality of opportunity for people in our communities. I refer, for example, to forecourt trading. Keeping pavements free of advertising boards is the responsibility of shopkeepers, who chain their wares to lampposts to invite customers into their shops. It needs to be stopped ,and it can easily be stopped. Local authorities have the powers to do that and, in doing so, they would make the pavements safe for people, especially those with disabilities, elderly people who want to walk on the pavement and get upset when they have to walk on the road, and for mothers or anyone else with young children in a pushchair. Local authorities can do that. They can also ensure that borders with trees and shrubs are maintained to a high standard at all times, so that people do not end up getting caught or pricked by shrubs, causing themselves injuries.

Mae fy ail bwynt yn ymwneud â llywodraeth leol. Yn ein rhaglen waith, pan ystyriwn lywodraeth leol, gobeithiaf y gallwn bwysleisio bod sawl ffordd y gall llywodraeth leol sicrhau bod cyfle cyfartal i bobl yn ein cymunedau. Cyfeiriaf, er enghraifft, at fasnachu ar balmentydd. Cyfrifoldeb masnachwyr siopau yw sicrhau nad oes hysbysfyrddau ar y palmentydd, lle byddant yn clymu eu nwyddau i bolion lampau i ddenu cwsmeriaid i mewn i’w siopau. Dylid rhwystro hynny, a gellir ei rwystro’n hawdd. Mae gan awdurdodau lleol bwerau i wneud hynny ac, wrth wneud hynny, gallant wneud palmentydd yn fannau diogel i bobl, yn arbennig rheini ag anableddau, yr henoed sydd am gerdded ar y palmentydd ac sydd yn bryderus pan fydd rhaid iddynt gerdded ar y ffordd, ac i famau neu unrhyw un arall â phlant ifanc mewn pramiau. Gall awdurdodau lleol wneud hynny. Gallant hefyd sicrhau bod borderi â choed a llwyni’n cael eu cynnal a’u cadw i safon uchel bob amser, fel nad yw pobl yn cael eu dal neu eu pigo gan lwyni, gan anafu eu hunain.

Those are small concerns that would, through finding solutions, contribute a great deal to people’s equality of life. Planners in the past should have used laws more radically to consider devices like automatic doors in shopping precincts or shop entrances. Shopkeepers go to great expense to have a new shop front, but forget to install an automatic door, spoiling a ship for a hap’orth of tar. The automatic door offers people a greater amount of freedom to enter shops and conduct their business independently. I am looking forward to working with local government on those issues.

Pryderon bach yw’r rhain a fyddai, drwy eu datrys, yn cyfrannu llawer i gydraddoldeb bywydau pobl. Dylai cynllunwyr yn y gorffenol fod wedi defnyddio deddfau’n fwy radical i ystyried dyfeisiadau fel drysau awtomatig mewn canolfannau siopa neu fynedfeydd siopau. Mae perchnogion siopau’n gwario llawer ar wyneb newydd i’r siop, ond yn anghofio gosod drws awtomatig, gan golli’r bedol o fod eisiau hoel. Mae drws awtomatig yn cynnig llawer o ryddid i bobl fynd i mewn i siopau a chynnal eu busnes yn annibynnol. Edrychaf ymlaen at weithio gyda llywodraeth leol ar y materion hynny.

Finally, I was pleased to receive the report on equal pay, despite the fact that there is a huge pay difference between women and men. However, with equal pay come equal conditions, which relates to pension schemes. Extensive work needs to be undertaken on the occupational pension schemes that, unfortunately, discriminate against women predominantly, but also against young people who often do not stay in one job for life. The local government superannuation pension scheme asks for 40 years of service from everybody for a half-pay pension. It is difficult to transfer that from job to job. That is the type of work that we need to undertake in the future as part of our bid to ensure that Wales becomes a place of equality of opportunity for everyone.

Yn olaf, yr oeddwn yn falch iawn o dderbyn yr adroddiad ar gyflog cyfartal, er gwaethaf y ffaith bod gwahaniaeth mawr rhwng cyflog dynion a merched. Fodd bynnag, mae cyflogau cyfartal yn gysylltiedig ag amodau cyfartal, sydd hefyd yn gysylltiedig â chynlluniau pensiwn. Mae angen gwneud gwaith helaeth ar gynlluniau pensiwn galwedigaethol sydd, yn anffodus, yn gwahaniaethu yn erbyn merched yn bennaf, ond hefyd yn erbyn pobl ifanc nad ydynt yn aros mewn un swydd am oes. Mae cynllun pensiwn llywodraeth leol yn gofyn am 40 mlynedd o wasanaeth gan bawb er mwyn derbyn pensiwn sydd yn gyfwerth â hanner cyflog. Mae’n anodd trosglwyddo hynny o swydd i swydd. Dyma’r math o waith y bydd angen inni ei wneud yn y dyfodol fel rhan o’n hymgais i sicrhau y bydd Cymru’n wlad o gyfle cyfartal i bawb.

Rosemary Butler spoken in English p. 66

Rosemary Butler siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 66

Like everyone else, I congratulate Edwina on her personal commitment to equal opportunities, not simply through voicing that commitment, but also through putting it into action. I also associate other Committee members with my comments because the Committee’s work is an exemplar for the entire Assembly.

Fel pawb arall, hoffwn longyfarch Edwina ar ei hymrwymiad personol i gyfle cyfartal, nid yn unig drwy leisio’r ymrwymiad hwnnw, ond hefyd drwy weithredu arno. Hoffwn gysylltu fy sylwadau ag aelodau eraill o’r Pwyllgor oherwydd mae gwaith y Pwyllgor yn esiampl i’r Cynulliad cyfan.

True equality must be delivered in partnership. Arrangements should be made to ensure that equal opportunities is included on the agenda of the Partnership Council in relation to business, local government and voluntary sector partnerships. I also suggest that Governors Wales—given that we fund it, although perhaps not as much as we should—places this item on its agenda annually, along with all Assembly sponsored public bodies. We discussed offering training on equality. We should be offering it to all those bodies, particularly Governors Wales because I am concerned about the inequality of representation of governors in Wales and in the teaching profession as a whole. We need to tackle that and ensure that everyone in society has role models in their professions.

Rhaid cyflwyno cydraddoldeb gwirioneddol mewn partneriaeth. Dylid gwneud trefniadau i sicrhau y caiff cyfle cyfartal ei gynnwys ar agenda’r Cyngor Partneriaeth wrth ymwneud â phartneriaethau ym myd busnes, llywodraeth leol a’r sector gwirfoddol. Awgrymaf hefyd y dylai Llywodraethwyr Cymru—o ystyried mai ni sydd yn ei ariannu, er efallai nid cymaint ag y dylem—roi’r eitem hon ar eu hagenda hwy yn flynyddol, ynghyd â’r holl gyrff a noddir gan y Cynulliad. Trafodwyd y posibilrwydd o gynnig hyfforddiant cydraddoldeb. Dylem fod yn ei gynnig i’r holl gyrff hynny, yn arbennig Llywodraethwyr Cymru am fy mod yn poeni am anghydraddoldeb cynrychiolaeth llywodraethwyr yng Nghymru a’r proffesiwn addysgu yn gyffredinol. Mae angen inni fynd i’r afael â hyn a sicrhau bod gan bawb mewn cymdeithas fodelau i’w dilyn yn eu meysydd proffesiynol.

This issue was raised yesterday during the Culture Committee’s meeting in Denbigh when we discussed the Welsh language. We need Welsh-speaking professionals so that children can use them as role models. That should be the case right across the board, whether it relates to racial equality or disability. We need to ensure that these issues begin to filter down to the grassroots. However, I congratulate the Committee, and hope that by next year’s report a great deal of its recommendations will be embedded and mainstreamed throughout all the organisations in Wales.

Codwyd y mater hwn ddoe yn ystod cyfarfod y Pwyllgor Diwylliant yn Ninbych pan drafodwyd yr iaith Gymraeg. Mae angen pobl broffesiynol arnom a all siarad Cymraeg fel y gall plant eu defnyddio fel modelau rôl. Dylai hynny ddigwydd yn gyffredinol, pa un a yw hyn yn ymwneud â chydraddoldeb hiliol neu anabledd. Mae angen inni sicrhau bod y materion hyn yn cyrraedd llawr gwlad. Fodd bynnag, hoffwn longyfarch y Pwyllgor, a gobeithiaf y bydd llawer o’i argymhellion wedi’u hymgorffori a’u dwyn i’r brif ffrwd drwy bob sefydliad yng Nghymru erbyn adroddiad y flwyddyn nesaf.

Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 66

Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 66

I thank colleagues who have contributed to this debate today, which will inform the Committee’s work in the forthcoming year. I am proud to respond on behalf of the Committee to this second annual debate on the Assembly’s equality arrangements. As one of the many who campaigned to secure the equality clauses in the Government of Wales Act 1998, it gives me great pleasure to see them beginning to be implemented fully. However, I am also saddened because the main force behind the campaign for those equality clauses and the person who wrote the first draft, Val Feld, is not well enough to be here today. I know that we all hope that she will be back with us, fighting fit, in time for our third annual report next year.

Hoffwn ddiolch i’m cyd-Aelodau a gyfrannodd i’r ddadl heddiw, a fydd yn llywio gwaith y Pwyllgor yn ystod y flwyddyn i ddod. Mae’n bleser gennyf ymateb ar ran y Pwyllgor ar yr ail ddadl flynyddol hon ar drefniadau cydraddoldeb y Cynulliad. Fel un o’r nifer o bobl a ymgyrchodd i sicrhau cymalau cydraddoldeb yn Neddf Llywodraeth Cymru 1998, yr wyf yn falch iawn o weld eu bod yn dechrau cael eu rhoi yn llwyr ar waith. Fodd bynnag, mae’n peri tristwch imi nad yw’r prif rym y tu ôl i’r ymgyrch dros y cymalau cydraddoldeb hynny a’r person a ysgrifennodd y drafft cyntaf, Val Feld, yn ddigon da i fod yma heddiw. Gwn ein bod oll yn gobeithio y bydd yn dychwelyd atom, yn holliach, mewn pryd i’n trydydd adroddiad blynyddol y flwyddyn nesaf.

In responding, it is worth mentioning the report’s format, which is useful because it draws a clear distinction between the administration’s work, led by the Cabinet, and the Minister’s and Committee’s work. Clearly, they are closely linked, and, as we have already heard, the Committee has, on the whole, found the Cabinet responsive to our suggestions. It is important to be clear about who is responsible for what. In terms of equality of opportunity this report makes that clear. This could be a useful model for other Ministers.

Wrth ymateb, mae’n werth crybwyll fformat yr adroddiad, sydd yn ddefnyddiol am ei fod yn nodi’r gwahaniaeth amlwg rhwng y gwaith gweinyddol, a arweinir gan y Cabinet, a gwaith y Gweinidog a’r Pwyllgor. Yn amlwg, ceir cyswllt agos rhyngddynt ac, fel y clywsom eisoes, mae’r Pwyllgor wedi canfod bod y Cabinet, ar y cyfan, wedi ymateb i’n hawgrymiadau. Mae’n bwysig nodi’n glir pwy sydd yn gyfrifol am beth. O ran cyfle cyfartal nodir hyn yn glir yn yr adroddiad hwn. Gallai hwn fod yn fodel defnyddiol i Weinidogion eraill.

I thank the Minister for her response to the debate and, as many Members have said, for her effective and inclusive chairing of the Committee. She is right about the many areas of progress that we have made, but she is also right to mention the continuing challenges. We will return to discussing the Macpherson report. I am pleased with what she said about the investigation into asylum issues. As John Griffiths said, we will all want to take those issues seriously.

Diolchaf i’r Gweinidog am ei hymateb i’r ddadl ac, fel y dywedodd llawer o’r Aelodau, am gadeirio’r Pwyllgor yn effeithiol a chynhwysol. Mae’n iawn ynglŷn â’r cynnydd a wnaethom mewn sawl maes, ond mae’n iawn hefyd i sôn am yr heriau sydd yn parhau i’n hwynebu. Byddwn yn dychwelyd at drafod adroddiad Macpherson. Yr wyf yn falch o’r hyn a ddywedodd am yr ymchwiliad i faterion ceiswyr lloches. Fel y dywedodd John Griffiths, bydd pob un ohonom am gymryd y materion hynny o ddifrif.

I am sure that we all agree with Jocelyn Davies’s point, which was echoed by others, about the need to make a difference on the ground through other organisations and our own practices. That is vital. The Committee will also want to take forward Jocelyn Davies’s comment about the possibility of advancing procurement issues, beyond what the National Assembly can do itself, into local government and Assembly sponsored public bodies. As an old hand on the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, I am delighted to welcome Eleanor Burnham as a Committee member and her strong personal as well as political commitment to these issues. I am sure that her experience will be useful to us on the Committee. Her points about the positives of diversity and the dangers of discrimination were well made, as were her comments about the need to ensure that equality work is not ghettoised as it has been too often in the past.

Yr wyf yn siŵr bod pob un ohonom yn cytuno â phwynt Jocelyn Davies, a adleisiwyd gan eraill, ynglŷn â’r angen i wneud gwahaniaeth ar lawr gwlad drwy sefydliadau eraill a’n harferion ein hunain. Mae hynny’n holl bwysig. Bydd y Pwyllgor hefyd am ddatblygu sylw Jocelyn Davies ynglŷn â’r posibilrwydd o hyrwyddo materion caffael, y tu hwnt i’r hyn y gall y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ei wneud ei hun, i lywodraeth leol a chyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad. Fel hen law ar y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, mae’n bleser gennyf groesawu Eleanor Burnham fel aelod o’r Pwyllgor a’i hymrwymiad personol cryf yn ogystal â’i hymrwymiad gwleidyddol i’r materion hyn. Yr wyf yn siŵr y bydd ei phrofiad yn ddefnyddiol inni ar y Pwyllgor. Gwnaeth bwyntiau da ynglŷn â’r agweddau cadarnhaol ar amrywiaeth a pheryglon gwahaniaethu, a gwnaeth sylwadau da hefyd ynglŷn â’r angen i sicrhau nad ynysir gwaith ar gydraddoldeb fel y gwnaethpwyd yn rhy aml yn y gorffennol.

David Melding is right about Wales and the Assembly leading internationally in this work. I fully endorse everything that he said about Edwina’s role as Chair. The full cross-party support that this work enjoys is vital to its success and David Melding’s contribution is key to the Committee’s effectiveness. The rigorous debate that he mentioned is often triggered by his incitative and sometimes challenging comments. He ensures that the agencies that come before us do not get an easy ride.

Mae David Melding yn iawn ynglŷn â Chymru a’r Cynulliad yn arwain y gwaith hwn yn rhyngwladol. Cymeradwyaf yn llawn bopeth a ddywedodd am rôl Edwina fel Cadeirydd. Mae’r gefnogaeth drawsbleidiol lawn a gaiff y gwaith hwn yn holl bwysig i’w lwyddiant ac mae cyfraniad David Melding yn allweddol i effeithiolrwydd y Pwyllgor. Yn aml, ysgogir y ddadl galed y mae’n sôn amdani gan ei sylwadau pryfoclyd, sydd hefyd yn heriol weithiau. Mae’n sicrhau nad yw’r asiantaethau a ddaw ger ein bron yn ei chael hi’n hawdd.

I welcome Christine Chapman’s comments about the role of economic development in the promotion of equality. That is key, and I wonder whether the Committee would consider inviting Christine, in her role as the Chair of the Objective 1 Programme Monitoring Committee, to come to talk to us. We know what is in the Objective 1 document but it would be useful for us to hear, and to take a role in monitoring, what is happening as it is turned into reality. Perhaps we could look at that during the next Assembly term.

Croesawaf sylwadau Christine Chapman ar rôl datblygu economaidd wrth hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb. Dyna’r allwedd, a thybiaf a fyddai’r Pwyllgor yn ystyried gwahodd Christine, yn ei rôl fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Monitro Rhaglenni Amcan 1 i ddod i siarad â ni. Gwyddom beth sydd yn nogfen Amcan 1 ond byddai’n ddefnyddiol inni glywed a chymryd rhan yn y gwaith o fonitro’r hyn sydd yn digwydd wrth iddo gael ei droi yn realiti. Efallai y gallem edrych ar hynny yn ystod tymor nesaf y Cynulliad.

I am sure that we would all wish to endorse Gareth Jones’s point about the importance of not only teaching equality in our educational institutions but also living it. The Committee will want to monitor the progress made next year in all aspects of education in terms of this vital issue. I am also sure that the Committee will wish to return to the issue of the Welsh language in relation to equality, not only in relation to education but all other services for which the Assembly is responsible.

Yr wyf yn siŵr y byddai pob un ohonom am gymeradwyo pwynt Gareth Jones ynglŷn â phwysigrwydd nid yn unig addysgu cydraddoldeb yn ein sefydliadau addysgol ond ei weithredu hefyd. Bydd y Pwyllgor am fonitro’r cynnydd a wneir y flwyddyn nesaf ym mhob agwedd ar addysg o ran y mater holl bwysig hwn. Yr wyf yn siŵr hefyd y bydd y Pwyllgor am ddychwelyd i fater yr iaith Gymraeg mewn perthynas â chydraddoldeb, nid yn unig o ran addysg ond o ran pob gwasanaeth arall y mae’r Cynulliad yn gyfrifol amdano.

John Griffiths is right to link the whole social justice agenda to equality. I agree with his comments about women in the National Assembly. He is right to say that this sets a good example of which the whole of Wales can be proud. It is also worth remembering that this was not delivered easily. It was delivered by positive action by both the main parties in the Assembly. We should not become complacent simply because we have a good number of female Assembly Members at this point. We need to consider what happened at the recent Westminster election—that is, perhaps, something that Wales, across the board, should not be so comfortable with, and an issue that all political parties will need to address.

Mae John Griffiths yn iawn i gysylltu agenda gyfan cyfiawnder cymdeithasol â chydraddoldeb. Cytunaf â’i sylwadau ynglŷn â merched yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Mae’n iawn i ddweud bod hyn yn gosod esiampl dda y gall Cymru gyfan ymfalchïo ynddi. Mae’n werth cofio hefyd na chyflawnwyd hyn yn hawdd. Fe’i cyflawnwyd o ganlyniad i weithredu cadarnhaol gan y ddwy brif blaid yn y Cynulliad. Ni ddylem laesu dwylo dim ond am fod gennym nifer dda o Aelodau benywaidd yn y Cynulliad ar hyn o bryd. Mae angen inni ystyried yr hyn a ddigwyddodd yn yr etholiad diweddar yn San Steffan—hynny yw, efallai, rhywbeth na ddylai Cymru, yn gyffredinol, fod mor gyffyrddus â hynny ag ef, a mater y bydd yn rhaid i bob plaid wleidyddol ymdrin ag ef.

John Griffiths is also right to mention the growing diversity of Assembly staff. I hope that John will be in a position to contribute to the Committee’s discussions on immigration and asylum, upon which he has done much campaigning work outside the Assembly. I also endorse all he says about the dangers of growing racial tension and the need for us all to be careful to avoid that.

Mae John Griffiths yn iawn hefyd i sôn am yr amrywiaeth cynyddol sydd ymhlith staff y Cynulliad. Gobeithiaf y bydd John mewn sefyllfa i gyfrannu at drafodaethau’r Pwyllgor ar fewnfudo a cheiswyr lloches, y gwnaeth gymaint o waith ymgyrchu y tu allan i’r Cynulliad arnynt. Cymeradwyaf y cyfan a ddywed am beryglon tensiwn hiliol cynyddol a’r angen i bob un ohonom fod yn ofalus er mwyn osgoi hynny.

That brings me on to David Davies. His cynicism is no surprise, though a little disappointing. Over the past year I have seen David grow in stature and grace in terms of some of these issues. I am a little disappointed that he feels the need to take the opportunity of this debate to resort to his previous schoolboy tactics. Mercifully, he does not speak for the majority of his party and is isolated in the Assembly. He should perhaps take John Griffiths’s advice about being careful about what he says and on how others beyond this Chamber who do not know him as well as we do, may interpret what he says. Healthy debate is welcome; the last thing we should do is become cosy on these issues. However, before David participates in the debate, he should ensure that he is a little better informed.

Daw hynny â ni at David Davies. Nid yw ei sinigiaeth yn syndod, er ychydig yn siomedig. Yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf gwelais statws a graslonrwydd David yn cynyddu mewn perthynas â rhai o’r materion hyn. Yr wyf ychydig yn siomedig ei fod yn teimlo’r angen i fanteisio ar y ddadl hon i droi at ei hen dactegau bachgennaidd. Drwy drugaredd, nid yw’n siarad ar ran y mwyafrif o’i blaid ac mae ar ei ben ei hun yn y Cynulliad. Dylai gymryd cyngor John Griffiths efallai ynglŷn â bod yn ofalus ynglŷn â’r hyn y mae’n ei ddweud ac ar sut y gall eraill y tu allan i’r Siambr hon, nad ydynt yn ei adnabod cystal, ddehongli’r hyn a ddywed. Mae lle i dadlau’n iach; y peth diwethaf y dylem ei wneud yw mynd yn rhy gysurus ynglŷn â’r materion hyn. Fodd bynnag, cyn i David gymryd rhan yn y ddadl, dylai sicrhau ei fod ychydig yn fwy gwybodus.

David Davies a gododd—

David Davies rose—

Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 70

Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

I am sorry, David, I am running short of time. We have heard from you and we know what you think.

Mae’n ddrwg gennyf, David, yr wyf yn brin o amser. Yr ydym wedi clywed gennych a gwyddom beth yw eich barn.

The Committee will want to pursue what Lorraine Barrett said about equality training, particularly for Members participating in public appointments. My view is that that training is vital and, from my experience of such training, I echo what Lorraine said. We may think that we know the right way to go about matters, but that is not necessarily the case. Such training, for those Members involved in public appointments at least, should be mandatory. The Committee will continue to wish to monitor all the work on public appointments, and we will return to the issues arising from the Stephen Lawrence inquiry.

Bydd y Pwyllgor am drafod yr hyn a ddywedodd Lorraine Barrett am hyfforddiant cydraddoldeb, yn arbennig i’r Aelodau sydd yn ymwneud â phenodiadau cyhoeddus. Yn fy marn i mae’r hyfforddiant hwnnw yn holl bwysig ac, o’m profiad i o hyfforddiant o’r fath, adleisiaf yr hyn a ddywedodd Lorraine. Efallai y credwn ein bod yn gwybod beth yw’r ffordd gywir o ymdrin â materion, ond nid yw hynny o reidrwydd yn wir. Dylai hyfforddiant o’r fath, o leiaf ar gyfer Aelodau sydd yn ymwneud â phenodiadau cyhoeddus, fod yn orfodol. Bydd y Pwyllgor yn dymuno parhau i fonitro’r holl waith ar benodiadau cyhoeddus a byddwn yn dychwelyd at y materion sydd yn deillio o ymchwiliad Stephen Lawrence.

Ann Jones is right to mention Communities First in the context of delivering equality. The Committee may wish to take a role in monitoring Communities First and ensure that, as well as addressing inequalities between communities, it addresses inequalities within them. What Ann said about local government using its powers may be an issue that the Minister will wish to pursue when wearing some of her other hats. The Committee will also want to consider the issue of pensions.

Mae Ann Jones yn iawn i sôn am Roi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf yng nghyd-destun sicrhau cydraddoldeb. Efallai y bydd y Pwyllgor yn dymuno cymryd rhan wrth fonitro Rhoi Cymunedau’n Gyntaf a sicrhau, ei fod, yn ogystal ag ymdrin ag anghydraddoldebau rhwng cymunedau, yn ymdrin ag anghydraddoldebau o’u mewn. Efallai fod yr hyn a ddywedodd Ann ynglŷn â llywodraeth leol yn defnyddio ei phwerau yn fater y bydd y Gweinidog yn dymuno gweithredu arno pan fydd yn gwisgo rhai o’i hetiau eraill. Bydd y Pwyllgor hefyd yn dymuno ystyried pensiynau.

I thank Rosemary Butler for what she said about the Committee. It is nice to see that our work is appreciated. We should pursue her points about the equality agenda of the formal partnership and our other partners.

Diolchaf i Rosemary Butler am yr hyn a ddywedodd ynglŷn â’r Pwyllgor. Mae’n braf gweld bod ein gwaith yn cael ei werthfawrogi. Dylem fynd ar drywydd ei phwyntiau ar agenda cydraddoldeb y bartneriaeth ffurfiol a’n partneriaid eraill.

In conclusion, it is worth drawing attention to some aspects of the Permanent Secretary’s report.

I gloi, mae’n werth tynnu sylw at rai agweddau ar adroddiad yr Ysgrifennydd Parhaol.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 70

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

Order. You have had more than 15 minutes, therefore we do not want to hear about too many of those aspects. Please be brief.

Trefn. Cawsoch fwy na 15 munud, felly nid ydym am glywed am ormod o’r agweddau hynny. Byddwch yn fyr os gwelwch yn dda.

Helen Mary Jones spoken in English p. 70

Helen Mary Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

I will be brief. Some of those aspects are examples of where Assembly departments are beginning to mainstream equality. Health is one such department, which understands the need to build equality into all aspects of its work. Other departments, such as economic affairs, and culture and sport, seem worryingly stuck in the one-off initiative mode. Economic affairs does not have anything to say about gender equality, despite the impact of gender segregation in the workforce and the pay gap between women and men. It is expected that progress in mainstreaming, within and outside the Assembly, will take time and will not be even across all aspects of our work, or the work of other institutions. The transparency of the progress reflected in this report is welcome. However, if the Assembly is to meet its requirements, it is clear that more must be done.

Byddaf yn fyr. Mae rhai o’r agweddau hynny yn enghreifftiau o lle mae adrannau’r Cynulliad yn dechrau prif-ffrydio cydraddoldeb. Mae iechyd yn un adran o’r fath, sydd yn deall yr angen i gynnwys cydraddoldeb ymhob agwedd ar ei gwaith. Mae adrannau eraill, fel materion economaidd, a diwylliant a chwaraeon, yn ymddangos fel pe baent wedi eu dal ym meddylfryd y fenter unigol, sydd yn bryder. Nid oes gan faterion economaidd ddim i’w ddweud ynglŷn â chydraddoldeb cenedl, er gwaethaf effaith gwahaniad cenedl yn y gweithlu a’r bwlch o ran cyflogau rhwng merched a dynion. Disgwylir y bydd cynnydd o ran prif-ffrydio, o fewn y Cynulliad a’r tu allan iddo, yn cymryd amser ac na fydd yn gyson ar draws pob agwedd ar ein gwaith, na gwaith sefydliadau eraill. Mae eglurder y cynnydd a adlewyrchir yn yr adroddiad hwn i’w groesawu. Fodd bynnag, os yw’r Cynulliad am fodloni ei ofynion, mae’n amlwg bod angen gwneud mwy.

The Assembly as a whole, the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, the Minister, the Cabinet and the whole administration have made real progress in the last year towards meeting our responsibility to promote equality. Many of the arrangements needed are in place. However, what is needed now is for the progress to begin to be felt on the ground throughout Wales.

Gwnaeth y Cynulliad yn gyffredinol, y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, y Gweinidog, y Cabinet a’r weinyddiaeth gyfan gynnydd gwirioneddol yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf tuag at gyflawni ein cyfrifoldeb i hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb. Mae llawer o’r trefniadau angenrheidiol ar waith. Fodd bynnag, yr hyn sydd ei angen yn awr yw i’r cynnydd ddechrau cael ei weld ar lawr gwlad ledled Cymru.

Cynnig NDM722 Edwina Hart t. 71

Motion NDM722 Edwina Hart p. 71

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 35 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (35)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Peter Black
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Geraint Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Richard Edwards
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • John Griffiths
  • Edwina Hart
  • Pauline Jarman
  • Ann Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Helen Mary Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Rhodri Glyn Thomas

Dyfodol y Barri

The Future of Barry

David Melding spoken in English p. 72

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 72

This is the first time that the Assembly will debate the future of Barry. There have been many references to the town in our proceedings, but I am delighted that, by being successful in the ballot for the short debate, I was able to choose Barry as a topic. I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to sing the praises of Barry because, as a town, it gets bad-mouthed frequently, and it is usually by people who do not know the town very well and who have not visited it for many years. Members have shown an interest in this subject, and Jonathan Morgan, Lorraine Barrett and Owen John Thomas have indicated that they wish to contribute to the debate.

Dyma’r tro cyntaf i’r Cynulliad gynnal dadl ar ddyfodol y Barri. Bu sawl cyfeiriad at y dref yn ein trafodion, ond yr wyf wrth fy modd fy mod, oherwydd fy llwyddiant yn y bleidlais ar gyfer y ddadl fer, yn gallu dewis y Barri fel pwnc. Gobeithiaf y gwnaiff pawb fanteisio ar y cyfle i ganu clodydd y Barri oherwydd, fel tref, lleddir arni’n aml, fel arfer gan bobl nad ydynt yn gyfarwydd iawn â’r dref ac nad ydynt wedi ymweld â hi ers sawl blwyddyn. Mae’r Aelodau wedi dangos diddordeb yn y pwnc hwn ac mae Jonathan Morgan, Lorraine Barrett ac Owen John Thomas wedi nodi eu bod yn dymuno cyfrannu at y ddadl.

I will start with some of the town’s history. Barry is the fifth largest town or city in Wales, with a population of 47,000. It is a very large town by Welsh standards. It has an ancient history: from my house I can see the remains of the Roman villa at Cold Knap. There is a thirteenth century castle, although only the gatehouse survives. There is a medieval dovecote at Cadoxton; an exquisite and perfectly preserved piece of architecture.

Dechreuaf gyda rhywfaint o hanes y dref. Y Barri yw’r bumed dref neu ddinas fwyaf yng Nghymru, gyda phoblogaeth o 47,000. Mae’n dref fawr iawn yn ôl safonau Cymru. Mae iddi hanes hynafol: o’m cartref gallaf weld olion fila Rufeinig yn Cold Knap. Mae yno gastell o’r drydedd ganrif ar ddeg, er mai dim ond y porthdy sydd ar ôl. Mae colomendy canoloesol yn Nhregatwg; darn celfydd o bensaernïaeth wedi ei gadw’n berffaith.

However, the town as we know it is a recent creation. In 1881, the population of Barry was only 85. The town was largely built in the 1880s and 1890s. Much of its prosperity was built as a result of the vision of David Davies of Llandinam, who built the great Barry Docks. I concede that he was a great Liberal. The Davies family continues to take an interest in Barry. I pay tribute to them: they have given outstanding public service to Wales across many areas. I was delighted to see the present Lord Davies earlier this year at the ceremony to unveil the renovated statue of David Davies which proudly stands outside the Docks Office in Barry, overlooking the great docks.

Fodd bynnag, creadigaeth ddiweddar yw’r dref fel yr adwaenwn ni hi. Yn 1881, dim ond 85 o bobl oedd yn byw yn y Barri. Adeiladwyd y dref i raddau helaeth yn y 1880au a’r 1890au. Adeiladwyd llawer o’i ffyniant o ganlyniad i weledigaeth David Davies o Landinam, a adeiladodd Ddociau mawr y Barri. Cyfaddefaf mai Rhyddfrydwr mawr ydoedd. Mae’r teulu Davies yn parhau i gymryd diddordeb yn y Barri. Talaf deyrnged iddynt: rhoddasant wasanaeth cyhoeddus rhagorol i Gymru mewn sawl maes. Yr oeddwn wrth fy modd i weld yr Arglwydd Davies presennol yn gynharach eleni yn y seremoni i ddadorchuddio cerflun David Davies a adnewyddwyd yn ddiweddar, ac sydd yn sefyll yn falch o flaen Swyddfa’r Dociau yn y Barri, yn edrych dros y dociau mawr.

Despite Barry’s proud history and bright future, the town suffers from an image problem. People tend to see it as a declining port; an old, tired seaside resort; or a crime blackspot—how often have we heard that Barry is the European, British or Welsh capital for car-related crime, and so on? Incredibly to me, as a resident of Barry, the town is often called ‘a blot on the Vale of Glamorgan’; a remarkable insult. Its attractions are forgotten; it is a great jewel which sits proudly in the Vale.

Er gwaethaf hanes balch a dyfodol disglair y Barri, dioddefa’r dref o broblem delwedd. Mae pobl yn tueddu i’w hystyried yn borthladd sydd yn dirywio; cyrchfan gwyliau glan môr hen a blinedig; neu’n fan gwael am droseddau—pa mor aml y clywsom mai’r Barri yw’r prif le yn Ewrop, Prydain neu yng Nghymru am droseddau yn ymwneud â cheir, ac yn y blaen? Fel un o drigolion y Barri, gelwir y dref yn aml yn ‘ddolur llygad ym Mro Morgannwg’ ac ni allaf gredu hyn; sarhad rhyfedd. Anghofir am ei hatyniadau; mae’n em werthfawr yn y Fro.

So, what is the reality? It is a relief to us all that the reality is positive and different from some people’s poor perception. The port is still highly productive and has a significant role. It is projected to handle 700,000 tonnes by 2005; a significant quantity. It has one of the most modern terminals in Britain. Obviously, it does not deal with the vast volumes of coal that it once handled, but it is not finished as a port. It has a significant future. However, it was built to deal with the vast volume of coal from the south Wales coalfields. It now has a great deal of redundant capacity, which is being used imaginatively. The waterfront development at Barry is astonishing. It is one of the largest such schemes in Britain. Not many people realise how significant and innovative it is. I urge Members to drive the short distance of only 10 miles to Barry. It lies south-west of Cardiff. Many people assume that there is nothing to the south of Cardiff, but Barry is of great significance and has lessons to teach us all.

Felly, beth yw’r realiti? Mae’n rhyddhad i bawb ohonom fod y realiti yn gadarnhaol ac yn wahanol i amgyffred gwael rhai pobl. Mae’r porthladd yn gynhyrchiol iawn o hyd a chanddo rôl bwysig. Rhagwelir y bydd yn trin 700,000 o dunelli erbyn 2005; swm sylweddol. Mae ganddo un o’r terfynfeydd mwyaf modern ym Mhrydain. Yn amlwg, nid yw’n delio â’r symiau anferth o lo yr arferai eu trin, ond nid yw wedi darfod fel porthladd. Mae ganddo ddyfodol pwysig. Fodd bynnag, fe’i hadeiladwyd i ddelio â’r symiau mawr o lo o byllau glo de Cymru. Erbyn hyn, mae rhannau helaeth ohono’n segur, ond yn cael eu defnyddio mewn ffyrdd llawn dychymyg. Mae’r datblygiad glan y dŵr yn y Barri yn rhyfeddol. Dyma un o’r cynlluniau mwyaf o’i fath ym Mhrydain. Nid oes llawer o bobl yn sylweddoli pa mor arwyddocaol ac arloesol ydyw. Anogaf yr Aelodau i yrru’r pellter byr o ddim ond 10 milltir i’r Barri, sydd i’r de-orllewin o Gaerdydd. Cymer llawer o bobl yn ganiataol nad oes dim i’r de o Gaerdydd, ond mae’r Barri yn bwysig iawn a gall ddysgu gwersi i bawb ohonom.

I pay tribute to the Welsh Development Agency, Associated British Ports, the Vale of Glamorgan Council and many others who have joined to co-operate in the exciting project to redevelop the Barry No. 1 Dock, which is no longer used to receive shipping. It is a huge scheme which combines residential, retail and leisure developments over a great area. From many of the vantage points in Barry, which lies up the hill behind the port, you can see the size of the development and the docks that are to be transformed.

Talaf deyrnged i Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru, Associated British Ports, Cyngor Bro Morgannwg a sawl un arall sydd wedi ymuno i gydweithredu yn y prosiect cyffrous i ailddatblygu Doc Rhif 1 y Barri, nas defnyddir ar gyfer llongau erbyn hyn. Mae’n gynllun enfawr sydd yn cyfuno datblygiadau preswyl, manwerthu a hamdden dros ardal fawr. O’r llecynnau gwylio niferus yn y Barri, sydd ar y bryn y tu ôl i’r porthladd, gallwch weld maint y datblygiad a’r dociau a gaiff eu trawsnewid.

I turn to tourism. Thousands of people used to flock to Barry Island. Nowadays, they take a chartered holiday in Greece, Spain or wherever. That has been the pattern for tourism across the country; not only for Barry Island. However, the island resort remains attractive to day visitors, and indeed, for weekend stays. The general environment of Barry is splendid. It is highly attractive to day-trippers and tourists. We have wonderful beaches and the magnificent Porthkerry Leisure Park. I am proud that we now boast a steam railway which runs from Barry Island station to Barry station, a couple of miles across the causeway. Jane Hutt and I were invited to go on the first official journey. As I entered the carriage, I was delighted to see that everything had been preserved. It was a perfect 1950s steam railway carriage, including a first class compartment, to which we were ushered. We sat in magnificent splendour. I am sure that David Davies appreciates that class distinction still exists, even when it comes to steam railway heritage. It is a wonderful attraction and a magnificent sight. From where I live, overlooking Cold Knap, you can see the steam train puffing away magnificently across the causeway. It will attract many people to the town.

Trof at dwristiaeth. Arferai miloedd o bobl heidio i Ynys y Barri. Heddiw, ânt ar wyliau siartr i Roeg, Sbaen neu ble bynnag. Dyna fu’r patrwm i dwristiaeth ledled y wlad; nid yn unig ar gyfer Ynys y Barri. Fodd bynnag, erys yr ynys yn ddeniadol i ymwelwyr dydd ac yn wir, ar gyfer gwyliau penwythnos. Mae amgylchedd cyffredinol y Barri yn wych. Mae’n atyniadol iawn i ymwelwyr undydd a thwristiaid. Mae gennym draethau gwych a Pharc Hamdden ysblennydd Porthceri. Yr wyf yn falch y gallwn ymffrostio yn awr mewn rheilffordd stêm sydd yn rhedeg o orsaf Ynys y Barri i orsaf y Barri, ychydig filltiroedd ar draws y sarn. Gwahoddwyd Jane Hutt a minnau i fynd ar y daith swyddogol gyntaf. Wrth esgyn i’r cerbyd, pleser mawr oedd gweld bod popeth wedi ei gadw. Yr oedd yn gerbyd rheilffordd stêm perffaith o’r 1950au, gan gynnwys cerbyd dosbarth cyntaf, y cawsom ein hebrwng iddo. Eisteddasom mewn ysblander gwych. Yr wyf yn siŵr bod David Davies yn gwerthfawrogi bod gwahaniaeth dosbarth yn dal i fodoli, hyd yn oed pan sonnir am dreftadaeth reilffyrdd stêm. Mae’n atyniad rhagorol ac yn olygfa wych. O’m cartref i, yn edrych dros Cold Knap, gallwch weld y trên stêm yn pwffian yn braf ar draws y sarn. Bydd yn denu llawer o bobl i’r dref.

A couple of weeks ago, the hundredth anniversary of the Barry Dock Lifeboat Institute was celebrated. That was a magnificent civic celebration in the town. The weather was glorious and heaven sent. A series of events celebrated that great landmark, culminating in a display by the Red Arrows. That was the first time that I had seen the Red Arrows display. It went on for about half and hour over the island and up and down the Bristol Channel. The formations were breathtaking. When the planes went into the diamond formation, I was hoping that they knew what they were doing, which, of course, they did. Tens of thousands of people watched the display and it shows that the town of Barry and the island resort remain a great attraction.

Ychydig wythnosau yn ôl, dathlwyd canmlwyddiant Sefydliad Bad Achub Doc y Barri. Yr oedd hwnnw’n ddathliad dinesig rhagorol yn y dref. Yr oedd y tywydd yn wych a pherffaith. Dathlodd cyfres o ddigwyddiadau yr achlysur pwysig hwnnw, gan orffen gyda sioe awyr gan y Red Arrows. Dyna’r tro cyntaf imi weld sioe awyr y Red Arrows. Aeth yn ei blaen am tua hanner awr dros yr ynys ac i fyny ac i lawr Môr Hafren. Yr oedd y ffurfiannau yn syfrdanol. Pan aeth yr awyrennau i ffurfiant diemwnt, yr oeddwn yn gobeithio eu bod yn gwybod beth yr oeddent yn ei wneud ac wrth gwrs, mi roeddent. Gwyliwyd y sioe awyr gan ddegau o filoedd ac mae’n dangos bod tref y Barri a’r ynys wyliau yn parhau yn atyniad o hyd.

On crime, the reality is different to the perception. Barry is not a crime blackspot. It faces challenges in terms of law and order. However, the crime rate is falling. The latest statistics show that it has decreased by 5.4 per cent. Burglary has fallen 30 per cent and car theft has fallen 37 per cent. I praise the police force for its work. The Vale of Glamorgan division is magnificent. It has its headquarters in Barry and the local police make a determined effort to involve the community in their policing. Whenever you attend functions in the town, you see a senior police officer talking about the policing needs and how to improve their response. That is an example of best practice and co-operation with the communities that they serve. Far from being a blot on the Vale, Barry is an excellent place to live, an excellent place for investment and a great place for future development.

O ran troseddau, mae’r realiti yn wahanol i’r amgyffred. Nid yw’r Barri yn fan gwael ar gyfer troseddau. Mae’n wynebu sialensau o ran cyfraith a threfn. Fodd bynnag, mae’r gyfradd droseddau yn gostwng. Dengys yr ystadegau diweddaraf ei bod wedi gostwng 5.4 y cant. Mae bwrglera wedi gostwng 30 y cant ac achosion o ddwyn ceir wedi gostwng 37 y cant. Canmolaf yr heddlu am eu gwaith. Mae adran Bro Morgannwg yn wych. Mae ganddi ei phencadlys yn y Barri a gwna’r heddlu lleol ymdrech bendant i gynnwys y gymuned wrth blismona. Pryd bynnag y mynychwch ddigwyddiadau yn y dref, fe welwch uwch swyddog yr heddlu yn siarad am yr anghenion plismona a sut i wella eu hymateb. Mae honno’n enghraifft o arfer da a chydweithredu â’r cymunedau a wasanaethant. Nid yw’r Barri yn ddolur llygad yn y Fro. Yn hytrach mae’n lle rhagorol i fyw ynddo, i fuddsoddi ynddo ac ar gyfer datblygiadau yn y dyfodol.

Barry has a great vision and its council has made great strides. The wonderful cross-party consensus that lies behind the work of the council has been a powerhouse for moving this vision of Barry forward. In March, a conference called ‘The Vision for Barry’ was held. It symbolised the great partnership approach that now exists. There were sessions led by the council, the Welsh Development Agency, organisations such as Pride in Barry, which is made up of a wide range of groups and local traders, the Chamber of Commerce, Assembly Members from all parties and the voluntary sector. Barry has a wonderful voluntary sector. The Vale Council of Voluntary Action is a credit to the voluntary sector and continues to undertake valuable work. Barry has a bright future, as the conference concluded. It summed up the future of Barry as a great place to live, a great place to invest and a great place to work.

Mae gan y Barri weledigaeth wych a chymerodd ei chyngor gamau mawr. Bu’r consensws trawsbleidiol sydd y tu ôl i waith y cyngor yn gymhelliant i ddatblygu’r weledigaeth hon yn y Barri. Ym mis Mawrth, cynhaliwyd cynhadledd yn dwyn y teitl ‘Y Weledigaeth ar gyfer y Barri’. Yr oedd yn symbol o’r ymagwedd partneriaeth dda sydd yn bodoli erbyn hyn. Cynhaliwyd sesiynau o dan arweiniad y cyngor, Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru, sefydliadau fel Balchder yn y Barri, sydd yn cynnwys ystod eang o grwpiau a masnachwyr lleol, y Siambr Fasnach, Aelodau’r Cynulliad o bob plaid a’r sector gwirfoddol. Mae gan y Barri sector gwirfoddol gwych. Gall y sector gwirfoddol ymfalchïo yng Nghyngor Gweithredu Gwirfoddol y Fro ac mae’n parhau i wneud gwaith gwerthfawr. Casgliad y gynhadledd oedd bod gan y Barri ddyfodol disglair. Crynhodd ddyfodol y Barri fel lle gwych i fyw, i fuddsoddi ac i weithio ynddo.

I conclude with a few words on the Assembly’s role. All political parties active in the town were disappointed that we lost assisted area status and also Objective 2 status. There are reasons for that and I do not want to apportion blame. It was a complicated decision, much influenced by what was happening at the European level. We need to move on. That has happened and it is history. However, there is still a great deal that the Assembly can do for the town. We must ensure that, despite the fact that it has not been awarded assisted area status within Objective 2, the WDA remains engaged in the future of Barry and lends its assistance and expertise. I know that it is committed to that and we must ensure that we advocate that as the right thing to do. As an Assembly, we must remain committed. I welcome the Assembly’s decision to provide funds for extending the Vale railway from Barry to Bridgend. Let no one forget that commuter railways are important in the Cardiff area. They move a great deal of people to leisure and work opportunities from areas such as Barry and from the valleys of south Wales. It is important that we continue to invest in our railways.

Deuaf i ben gydag ychydig eiriau ar rôl y Cynulliad. Siomwyd pob plaid wleidyddol a oedd yn weithredol yn y dref pan gollasom statws ardal â chymorth a statws Amcan 2 hefyd. Mae rhesymau dros hynny ac nid wyf am roi’r bai ar unrhyw un. Yr oedd yn benderfyniad cymhleth, y dylanwadwyd llawer arno gan ddigwyddiadau ar lefel Ewropeaidd. Rhaid inni symud ymlaen. Digwyddodd hynny a hanes ydyw. Fodd bynnag, mae llawer y gall y Cynulliad ei wneud i’r dref o hyd. Rhaid inni sicrhau, er gwaethaf y ffaith na ddyfarnwyd statws ardal â chymorth o fewn Amcan 2 iddi, bod y WDA o hyd yn ymrwymedig i ddyfodol y Barri ac yn cynnig ei gymorth a’i arbenigedd. Gwn ei fod yn ymrwymedig i hynny a rhaid inni sicrhau y cefnogwn hynny fel y peth cywir i’w wneud. Fel Cynulliad, rhaid inni barhau yn ymrwymedig. Croesawaf benderfyniad y Cynulliad i ddarparu arian i ymestyn rheilffordd y Fro o’r Barri i Ben-y-bont ar Ogwr. Peidied neb ag anghofio bod rheilffyrdd cymudo yn bwysig yn ardal Caerdydd. Ânt â llawer o bobl i gyfleoedd hamdden a gwaith o ardaloedd fel y Barri ac o gymoedd de Cymru. Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn parhau i fuddsoddi yn ein rheilffyrdd.

Most importantly, the Assembly could take a decision to fund an airport access road. That would not merely serve the airport; it would serve Barry economically. Barry is isolated because it lies to the south. Its road communications do not match the demands of its size. If we decided that the road should be a trunk road, we would do much to support the town. It would compensate for the loss of assisted area and Objective 2 status.

Yn bwysicaf oll, gallai’r Cynulliad wneud penderfyniad i ariannu ffordd fynediad i’r maes awyr. Byddai hynny nid yn unig yn gwasanaethu’r maes awyr; byddai’n gwasanaethu’r Barri yn economaidd. Mae’r Barri wedi ei hynysu gan ei bod i’r de. Nid yw ei chysylltiadau ffordd yn cyfateb â galwadau ei maint. Os penderfynwn y dylai’r ffordd fod yn gefnffordd, byddem yn gwneud llawer i gefnogi’r dref. Byddai’n gwneud iawn am golli statws ardal â chymorth a’r statws Amcan 2.

I know that all the political parties are committed to the future of Barry, which is marvellous. We should remember that Barry’s future depends on the efforts and ideals of its people. They are committed to seeing the town succeed; we should join them in ensuring that success.

Gwn fod yr holl bleidiau gwleidyddol wedi ymrwymo i ddyfodol y Barri, ac mae hynny’n wych. Dylem gofio fod dyfodol y Barri yn dibynnu ar ymdrechion a delfrydau ei phobl. Maent yn ymrwymedig i weld y dref yn llwyddo; dylem ymuno â hwy i sicrhau’r llwyddiant hwnnw.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 76

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 76

I thank my colleague David Melding for bringing this issue before the Assembly and allowing us to debate the great significance of Barry. When you look at the history of Barry, there is no doubt that it has made an enormous cultural, political and economic contribution over the years to the life of south Wales. I have two points, which reinforce David Melding’s comments. First, the loss of Objective 2 status was a huge blow to the community of Barry. However, it is important for everyone to move on, as the organisations in Barry have done, and to consider how the Assembly can show its support and commitment to one of the great Welsh towns.

Diolchaf i’m cyd-Aelod David Melding am dynnu sylw’r Cynulliad at y mater hwn ac am ganiatáu inni gynnal dadl ar arwyddocad y Barri. Pan edrychwch ar hanes y Barri, gwnaeth gyfraniad diwylliannol, gwleidyddol ac economaidd enfawr, yn ddiau, dros y blynyddoedd i fywyd de Cymru. Mae gennyf ddau bwynt, sydd yn ategu sylwadau David Melding. Yn gyntaf, yr oedd colli statws Amcan 2 yn ergyd fawr i gymuned y Barri. Fodd bynnag, mae’n bwysig i bawb symud ymlaen, fel y gwnaeth y sefydliadau yn y Barri, ac ystyried sut y gall y Cynulliad ddangos ei gefnogaeth a’i ymrwymiad i un o drefi mawr Cymru.

Secondly, I reinforce David’s point about the airport access road. The enabling of that project would demonstrate the Assembly’s commitment and support. It would be of great benefit and importance to Barry and to the airport. I welcome the debate and I am sure that the Assembly will show its support.

Yn ail, ategaf bwynt David ynglŷn â ffordd fynediad i’r maes awyr. Byddai galluogi’r prosiect hwnnw yn dangos ymrwymiad a chefnogaeth y Cynulliad. Byddai o fudd a phwysigrwydd mawr i’r Barri ac i’r maes awyr. Croesawaf y ddadl ac yr wyf yn siŵr y bydd y Cynulliad yn dangos ei gefnogaeth.

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 77

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 77

Jane Hutt, a resident of Barry, apologises for her absence; she is on her way to Powys on a ministerial visit. There is a cross-party consensus: she is grateful to David for raising Barry in this short debate. I too am grateful to him. Barry holds a special place in my heart, which goes back nearly 50 years to school trips, chapel trips and club trips to Barry Island. It was always exciting for someone from the Rhondda to be the first to see the sea; that was our challenge on the bus trip to Barry Island.

Mae Jane Hutt, un o drigolion y Barri, yn ymddiheuro am ei habsenoldeb; mae ar ei ffordd i Bowys ar ymweliad gweinidogol. Mae consensws trawsbleidiol: mae’n ddiolchgar i David am godi mater y Barri yn y ddadl fer hon. Yr wyf innau hefyd yn ddiolchgar iddo. Mae’r Barri yn agos iawn at fy nghalon ac wedi bod ers bron i 50 mlynedd ers adeg teithiau ysgol, capel a chlwb i Ynys y Barri. Yr oedd bob amser yn gyffrous i rywun o’r Rhondda i fod y cyntaf i weld y môr; dyna oedd ein her ar y daith bws i Ynys y Barri.

As David said, in some ways Barry has had its traditional heyday; in particular, at the height of the popularity of Butlins. Holidays have changed since and Barry needs to reinvent itself to reach a future heyday. I look forward to that exciting future, which has already commenced with the waterfront development. As a former Vale councillor whose headquarters were in Barry, and as I live next door in Penarth, I still take an interest in what is happening there. I know that Jane—

Fel y dywedodd David, mewn rhai ffyrdd mae’r Barri wedi gweld ei dyddiau gorau traddodiadol; yn arbennig, pan oedd poblogrwydd Butlins ar ei anterth. Mae gwyliau wedi newid ers hynny ac mae angen i’r Barri ail-greu ei hun i gyrraedd anterth arall yn y dyfodol. Edrychaf ymlaen at y dyfodol cyffrous hwnnw, sydd eisoes wedi dechrau gyda datblygiad glan y dŵr. Fel un o gyn-gynghorwyr y Fro â’i phencadlys yn y Barri, a chan fy mod yn byw drws nesaf ym Mhenarth, ymddiddoraf o hyd yn yr hyn sydd yn digwydd yno. Gwn fod Jane—

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 77

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 77

Order. I am sorry to stop you, Lorraine, but there is only one minute remaining. You are eating into Owen John Thomas’s time, so you must stop. You are allowed 10 seconds and no more.

Trefn. Mae’n ddrwg gennyf orfod rhoi taw arnoch, Lorraine, ond dim ond munud sydd yn weddill. Yr ydych yn cymryd amser Owen John Thomas, felly rhaid ichi ddod i ben. Cewch 10 eiliad arall a dim mwy.

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 78

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 78

Partnership working is crucial for the future: the town council, the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the WDA, the voluntary and private sectors and the Assembly all working together to ensure that Barry reaches its future heyday.

Mae gweithio mewn partneriaeth yn holl bwysig i’r dyfodol: cyngor y dref, Cyngor Bro Morgannwg, y WDA, y sectorau gwirfoddol a phreifat a’r Cynulliad oll yn cyd-weithio i sicrhau bod y Barri yn cyrraedd ei hanterth yn y dyfodol.

Owen John Thomas spoken in English p. 78

Owen John Thomas siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 78

I endorse all of David’s remarks. Barry is an exciting town to people from Cardiff too. People of my age, at least, will remember going to its beach as children. Not only is its beach popular, but its views are regarded as exceptional world-wide. I remember standing at the top of Cold Knap, where I saw an old man looking out to sea. He told me, ‘I have sailed the seven seas of the world. This is one of the finest and most outstanding views—from Porthkerry Park across to Cold Knap—in the world’. Of course, Barry was one of the world’s greatest coal ports. When its coal output was combined with that of Penarth, it outstripped Cardiff in 1930, at the time when Cardiff was the world’s largest coal port. It has some achievements to boast about.

Cymeradwyaf bob un o sylwadau David. Mae’r Barri yn dref gyffrous i bobl o Gaerdydd hefyd. Bydd pobl o’m hoedran i, o leiaf, yn cofio mynd i’w thraeth yn blant. Nid yn unig y mae ei thraeth yn boblogaidd, ond ystyrir ei golygfeydd yn rhai eithriadol ledled y byd. Cofiaf sefyll ar ben Cold Knap, lle y gwelais hen ddyn yn edrych allan ar y môr. Dywedodd wrthyf, ‘Yr wyf wedi hwylio moroedd y byd. Dyma un o’r golygfeydd gorau a mwyaf rhagorol—o Barc Porthceri hyd at Cold Knap—yn y byd’. Wrth gwrs, y Barri oedd un o borthladdoedd glo mwyaf y byd. Pan gyfunwyd ei gynnyrch glo ag un Penarth, yr oedd yn trechu Caerdydd yn 1930 ar adeg pan ystyriwyd Caerdydd fel y porthladd glo mwyaf yn y byd. Mae ganddi rai gorchestion i ymffrostio ynddynt.

History will show that, being the birthplace of Gwynfor Evans, Barry will have a great impact on the future history of this place. We can say that it was probably the work of a Barry man that put us in the Assembly today.

Bydd hanes yn dangos y caiff y Barri, fel man geni Gwynfor Evans, effaith fawr ar hanes y lle hwn yn y dyfodol. Gallwn ddweud mai gwaith dyn o’r Barri siŵr o fod a’n rhoddodd yn y Cynulliad heddiw.

I end on a note of concern. A working group to examine the future development of the airport was set up in the National Assembly 14 weeks ago. On 12 June I asked if we could have a report on its meetings. I was informed by the Deputy First Minister that it had not yet met. Now, 14 weeks later, I would like to know whether the working group has met, because the airport is a large employer in the Barry area and one of great importance to Barry and the whole of Wales.

Deuaf i ben ar nodyn o bryder. Sefydlwyd gweithgor 14 wythnos yn ôl yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol i archwilio’r modd y datblygir y maes awyr yn y dyfodol. Ar 12 Mehefin, gofynnais a allem gael adroddiad ar ei gyfarfodydd. Fe’m hysbyswyd gan y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog nad oedd wedi cyfarfod eto. Bedair wythnos ar ddeg yn ddiweddarach, hoffwn wybod a yw’r gweithgor wedi cyfarfod, oherwydd mae’r maes awyr yn gyflogwr mawr yn ardal y Barri ac o bwysigrwydd mawr i’r Barri ac i Gymru gyfan.

Michael German The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development spoken in English p. 78

Michael German Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru a’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 78

I thank David for a wonderful exposition of Barry town and its future. This is a unique occasion on which we have picked on one specific area of Wales and treated it well. The way that you demonstrated the town’s future is a credit to you. We all have our memories and those of us who spent our childhood in Barry and Barry Island will remember them. I recall my contribution to what I will call the waste recycling strategy of Barry town. When I was a boy, the local council had a scheme whereby you could get one penny for every empty bottle that you returned, and therefore you would have plenty of money to spend in the amusement arcades and on other such activities. The trouble was that I knew many people who collected bottles avidly on the beaches to get some money, but unfortunately the bottles were not always empty and the owners were not always willing to let them go.

Diolchaf i David am draethiad gwych ar dref y Barri a’i dyfodol. Mae hwn yn achlysur unigryw lle yr ydym wedi dewis un ardal benodol o Gymru a’i thrin yn dda. Rhaid eich canmol am y modd y dangosoch ddyfodol y dref. Mae gan bob un ohonom ein hatgofion a bydd y rheini ohonom a dreuliodd ein plentyndod yn y Barri ac Ynys y Barri yn eu cofio. Cofiaf fy nghyfraniad at yr hyn a alwaf yn strategaeth ailgylchu gwastraff yn nhref y Barri. Pan oeddwn yn fachgen, yr oedd y gan y cyngor lleol gynllun lle y gallech gael ceiniog am bob potel wag a ddychwelasoch, ac felly byddai gennych ddigon o arian i’w wario yn yr arcedau difyrion ac ar weithgareddau tebyg eraill. Y drafferth oedd fy mod yn gwybod am lawer o bobl a gasglai boteli yn awchus ar y traethau i gael rhywfaint o arian, ond yn anffodus nid oedd y poteli bob amser yn wag ac nid oedd y perchnogion bob amser yn fodlon eu rhoi.

David referred to the Barry waterfront. I have seen and been impressed by the substantial improvement there. Sixteen million pounds from the Welsh Development Agency—which is money from the National Assembly—has gone into the regeneration of Barry waterfront in a joint venture with Associated British Ports. Forty acres have been released so far for residential and retail use and a further 50 acres have development potential. Barry is seeing a different future for itself and is changing and adapting to the times and making a new vista outwards to the sea.

Cyfeiriodd David at ddatblygiad glan y dŵr y Barri. Gwelais y gwelliant sylweddol a wnaethpwyd yno a chreodd argraff arnaf. Gwariwyd £16 miliwn gan Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru—sef arian gan y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol—ar adfywio datblygiad glan y dŵr y Barri mewn menter ar y cyd â Associated British Ports. Rhyddhawyd 40 erw hyd yn hyn at ddefnydd preswyl a manwerthol ac mae’n bosibl datblygu 50 erw arall. Mae’r Barri yn gweld dyfodol gwahanol iddo’i hun ac yn newid ac yn addasu i’r oes ac yn agor gorwelion newydd tua’r môr.

Losing Objective 2 status was a problem for the town but, fortunately, for the next three years it is eligible for transitional funding for those wards that were in the old industrial south Wales Objective 2 area. Action can be taken and I understand that the Vale of Glamorgan local partnership has recently met and is putting together, in advance of approval by the European Commission, its first proposals for Objective 2. The deadline for applications is 16 July. That is why no projects have yet been approved. However, the Vale of Glamorgan Local Partnership is ahead of the game and I am pleased to say that it will be able to do some work with the available European funding.

Bu colli statws Amcan 2 yn broblem i’r dref ond, yn ffodus, am y tair blynedd nesaf mae’n gymwys i gael arian dros dro ar gyfer y wardiau hynny a oedd o fewn hen ardal ddiwydiannol Amcan 2 de Cymru. Gellir cymryd camau a deallaf fod partneriaeth leol Bro Morgannwg wedi cyfarfod yn ddiweddar ac yn llunio ei chynigion cyntaf ar gyfer Amcan 2, cyn cael cymeradwyaeth gan y Comisiwn Ewropeaidd. Y dyddiad cau ar gyfer ceisiadau yw 16 Gorffennaf. Dyna pam na chymeradwywyd unrhyw brosiectau eto. Fodd bynnag, mae Partneriaeth Leol Bro Morgannwg wedi achub y blaen ac mae’n bleser gennyf ddweud y gall wneud rhywfaint o waith gyda’r arian sydd ar gael o Ewrop.

You were right, David, to convey the message about the 5.4 per cent reduction in crime. It is easy to tag a town with a reputation and much more difficult to get rid of it later. You were right to raise that. There is an interesting feature about tourism destinations in Wales and about seaside resorts. We have a variety of seaside resorts, some of which, like Tenby, are used to having two-week visitors and people who stay for a lengthy period. Barry has traditionally been the short-stay break, either for a day or, as you said, for a night before moving on. The interesting feature about Barry is, as we all remember, Cold Knap, as well as the harbour and other features. It has been decided to develop those features and return to what were traditionally the town’s strong points, without affecting a forward-looking view on tourism. The steam railway to the harbour, the lifeboat and the development of Cold Knap are crucial parts of creating a new style of tourism destination for seaside resorts. The success of seaside resorts will depend on people examining what their resorts are like and bringing forward imaginative solutions. The Wales Tourist Board will consider any proposals that Barry makes for tourism development. We are keen to see it develop as a day visitor resort and to take advantage of the growing demand for short break holidays. I hope that it sees that as part of its future.

Yr oeddech yn iawn, David, i gyfleu’r neges ynglŷn â’r gostyngiad o 5.4 y cant mewn troseddau. Mae’n hawdd rhoi enw gwael i dref ond yn anoddach o lawer i gael gwared arno yn ddiweddarach. Yr oeddech yn iawn i godi hynny. Mae nodwedd ddiddorol ynglŷn â chyrchfannau twristiaeth yng Nghymru ac ynglŷn â threfi glan môr. Mae gennym amrywiaeth o drefi glan môr, ac mae rhai, fel Dinbych-y-Pysgod, yn gyfarwydd â chael ymwelwyr am bythefnos a phobl sydd yn aros am gyfnod hir. Yn draddodiadol, bu’r Barri yn gyfarwydd â gwyliau byr, naill ai am y dydd neu, fel y dywedasoch, am noson cyn symud ymlaen. Y peth diddorol ynglŷn â’r Barri, fel y cofia pob un ohonom, yw Cold Knap, yn ogystal â’r harbwr a nodweddion eraill. Penderfynwyd datblygu’r nodweddion hynny a dychwelyd i’r hyn a oedd yn nodweddu’r dref yn draddodiadol, heb effeithio ar olwg flaengar ar dwristiaeth. Mae’r rheilffordd stêm i’r harbwr, y bad achub a datblygiad Cold Knap yn rhannau allweddol o’r gwaith o greu math newydd o gyrchfan twristiaeth ar gyfer trefi glan môr. Bydd llwyddiant trefi glan môr yn dibynnu ar bobl yn archwilio eu trefi glan môr ac yn cyflwyno atebion sydd yn llawn dychymyg. Bydd Bwrdd Croeso Cymru yn ystyried unrhyw gynigion a wna’r Barri ar gyfer datblygu twristiaeth. Yr ydym yn awyddus i’w gweld yn datblygu yn dref glan môr ar gyfer ymwelwyr un-dydd ac yn manteisio ar y galw cynyddol am wyliau byr. Gobeithiaf y gwêl hynny fel rhan o’i dyfodol.

You mentioned the road and the airport. These are long-term issues and are deeply important to us. Linked to that is the development around St Athan and its future, which is all part of the context of that broader economic patch that we must examine during the study. It is crucial that we examine the whole context. Undoubtedly, in that discussion there will be debate about road and access issues. You rightly raise the issue—which I regard as a question, not an answer at present—of access to Barry. Perhaps we have been focusing on the access to the airport, when we should also have considered that the access to Barry itself is reasonably important in the context of economic development in that sub-region of the Vale of Glamorgan. If we are going to promote it as a tourist destination for day visits, the number of movements of people will be great, as well as for the business development that needs to go on there. I ask and invite those who are in that area to consider those issues when they make their representations to the working group.

Soniasoch am y ffordd a’r maes awyr. Mae’r rhain yn faterion hirdymor ac maent o gryn bwysigrwydd inni. Yn gysylltiedig â hynny mae’r datblygiad o amgylch Sain Tathan a’i dyfodol, sydd oll yn rhan o gyd-destun yr ardal economaidd ehangach y mae’n rhaid inni ei archwilio yn ystod yr astudiaeth. Mae’n holl bwysig ein bod yn archwilio’r cyd-destun cyfan. Yn ddiau, yn y drafodaeth honno bydd dadl ar faterion ffordd a mynediad. Yr ydych yn iawn i godi’r mater—a ystyriaf yn gwestiwn, nid yn ateb ar hyn o bryd—ynglŷn â mynediad i’r Barri. Efallai ein bod wedi canolbwyntio ar fynediad i’r maes awyr, pan ddylem fod wedi ystyried hefyd bod mynediad i’r Barri ei hun yn rhesymol bwysig yng nghyd-destun datblygiad economaidd yn yr is-ranbarth hwnnw o Fro Morgannwg. Os bwriadwn yn ei hyrwyddo fel cyrchfan twristiaeth ar gyfer ymweliadau dydd, bydd nifer fawr o bobl yn teithio o amgylch yr ardal, yn ogystal ag oherwydd y nifer fawr o fusnesau y bydd angen eu datblygu yno. Gofynnaf a gwahoddaf y rheini sydd yn yr ardal honno i ystyried y materion hynny pan gyflwynant eu sylwadau i’r gweithgor.

Many people will be concerned, as I was the other evening when I drove through the pedestrianised area in the middle of Barry—it is possible to do that in the evening—to see the sad state of the town hall in the centre of Barry, in Holton Road. I understand that there are ongoing discussions between the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Welsh Development Agency and Centros Miller on the nature of the redevelopment scheme. There will shortly be a meeting between all three parties. I encourage them to come together.

Bydd llawer o bobl yn pryderu, fel yr oeddwn innau y noson o’r blaen pan yrrais drwy’r ardal i gerddwyr yn unig yng nghanol y Barri—mae’n bosibl gwneud hynny gyda’r hwyr—wrth weld cyflwr truenus neuadd y dref yng nghanol y Barri, yn Heol Holton. Deallaf fod trafodaethau’n mynd rhagddynt rhwng Cyngor Bro Morgannwg, Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru a Centros Miller ynglŷn â natur y cynllun ailddatblygu. Cynhelir cyfarfod yn fuan rhwng y tri pharti. Fe’u hanogaf i ddod at ei gilydd.

I would like to reminisce again. When I was a boy we had a lodger. He played for Barry Town Football Club. This lodger was famous for two things. He owned one of the first hi-fis that I had ever seen, and he introduced me to the music of Stan Kenton. Those who know their jazz will know that he is an extremely—

Hoffwn hel atgofion eto. Pan oeddwn yn fachgen yr oedd gennym letywr. Chwaraeai dros Glwb Pêl-droed Tref y Barri. Yr oedd y lletywr hwn yn enwog am ddau beth. Yr oedd yn berchen ar un o’r systemau hi-fi cyntaf a welais erioed, ac fe’m cyflwynodd i gerddoriaeth Stan Kenton. Bydd y rheini sydd yn deall eu jazz yn gwybod ei fod yn eithriadol—

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 81

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

I remember him.

Yr wyf yn ei gofio.

Michael German spoken in English p. 81

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

You remember Stan Kenton, do you, Glyn? Stan Kenton is an important memory for me, but the lodger did not induce me to develop a love of football through Barry Town Football Club at the same time. However, I am sure that the connections with Barry were important.

Yr ydych yn cofio Stan Kenton, ydych chi Glyn? Mae Stan Kenton yn atgof pwysig imi, ond ni chefais fy ysgogi gan y lletywr i wirioni ar bêl-droed drwy Glwb Pêl-droed Tref y Barri yr un pryd. Fodd bynnag, yr oedd y cysylltiadau â’r Barri yn bwysig mae’n siŵr.

Finally, Barry has had an impact on the National Assembly. Jane Hutt saw its attractions and how important it is and has moved from Cardiff to Barry.

Yn olaf, cafodd y Barri effaith ar y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Gwelodd Jane Hutt ei hatyniadau a pha mor bwysig ydyw ac mae wedi symud o Gaerdydd i’r Barri.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 81

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

That brings today’s session to a close.

Daw hynny â chyfarfod heddiw i ben.

Daeth y cyfarfod i ben am 11.42 a.m.

The session ended at 11.42 a.m.