Siambr · Joe Martin
Written questions
38 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ100786 · Tabled · Answered
How much is the Welsh Government spending on its Black History Month initiative?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government provided £53,223 in 2025-26 to fund Black History Month events, national engagement and communications. The funding supports delivery of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan.
WQ100632 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100471, will the Cabinet Minister publish the draft guidance for supporting transgender learners in schools?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
I am committed to issuing Welsh Government guidance in this area as soon as it is ready. My officials are currently reviewing the draft guidance to ensure it is informed by the most up-to-date evidence and legal position. I hope to be able to outline a timetable for consultation later this year.
WQ100607 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government endorse the use of the term pregnant people instead of pregnant women as medical terminology within the NHS?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
No. The Welsh Government does not require NHS Wales organisations to replace the term “pregnant women” with “pregnant people” in clinical or medical terminology. Maternity and neonatal policy generally uses the term women, reflecting the focus of the Deputy Minister for Women’s Health’s portfolio on conditions that affect women exclusively or disproportionately. NHS Wales is expected to provide respectful, person-centred care that recognises individual circumstances and supports the needs of all those accessing services.
WQ100604 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Commission given to abolishing the Welsh Youth Parliament?
Answered by Senedd Commission
The Commission has not considered abolishing the Welsh Youth Parliament.
The purpose of the Welsh Youth Parliament (WYP) is to give young people across Wales a national platform to raise and champion the issues that matter to them, strengthen their engagement with democratic institutions and influence decision-makers.
During its first two terms, the WYP has successfully amplified the voices of young people from across Wales, enabled Members to identify priorities and consult their peers, and brought their recommendations directly to the Welsh Government and other decision-makers. It has supported young people’s democratic participation, helped advance the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Wales and built productive relationships with youth-sector organisations and other stakeholders.
An independent external evaluation is assessing the WYP’s work during its first two terms. It is examining the Parliament’s effectiveness, delivery, operating arrangements and impact, drawing on evidence from former Welsh Youth Parliament Members, youth-sector organisations and other stakeholders. Initial findings indicate widespread support for the WYP and its role. The Commission will use the evidence to identify how its work can be strengthened further and will publish and share the evaluation’s key findings with Members in due course.
WQ100551 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration did the First Minister give to the link between Sinn Féin and the IRA prior to meeting Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald on 14 September 2026?
Answered by First Minister
I attended this meeting in my capacity as Leader of Plaid Cymru, not as First Minister.
WQ100532 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ100305, is the Cabinet Minister aware of the Muslim Council of Wales's affiliation with the Muslim Council of Britain, and if so what consideration has the Welsh Government given to that affiliation when engaging with the organisation?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Yes, the Welsh Government is aware. The Muslim Council of Britain and the Muslim Council of Wales are fully independent organisations. Welsh Government engagement with external organisations is considered on a case-by-case basis in support of the Welsh Government's policy objectives.
WQ100496 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support Cardiff Castle flying the flag of the nation of Pakistan?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
Cardiff Castle is owned and managed by Cardiff Council, and decisions relating to events and the display of flags at the Castle are operational matters for the Council.
The display of flags at public buildings is generally a matter for the organisation responsible for the site and may reflect specific events, commemorations, official visits or community occasions. The flying of national flags is a widely recognised way of marking friendship, partnership and respect between nations and communities.
The Welsh Government supports the right of local authorities to determine how they mark events and engage with their communities, in accordance with their responsibilities and local protocols. The Welsh flag is itself regularly displayed at public buildings and landmarks overseas to mark occasions of significance to Wales, reflecting the same principles of goodwill and mutual respect.
WQ100490 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Commission ensure that announcements, notifications and alerts which pertain to safety on the estate are delivered first in the language most widely understood by those working in or visiting the estate?
Answered by Senedd Commission
Llywydd on behalf of the Senedd Commission:
All announcements, notifications and alerts which pertain to safety on the estate, such as fire alarm systems, via our internal public address system, are delivered in English language first followed by Welsh language.
Any announcements that were not regarding safety or an emergency would be delivered in Welsh language first followed by English language.
WQ100472 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to align the franchise for Senedd and local governments to that of the UK Parliament so that citizens of the EU and non-Commonwealth nations cannot vote?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
We have no plans to amend the franchise to devolved elections in this Senedd term.
WQ100471 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government ensuring that schools are complying with the Supreme Court ruling that sex is biological?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government have developed draft guidance for supporting trans learners in schools and this will be taken forward for consultation. It is the intention that the guidance will reflect the current legal position, including that of the Supreme Court judgment, ECHR code of practice and ECHR Technical Guidance for schools in Wales.
Meanwhile, schools have a responsibility to meet their legal duties and should amend their policies accordingly if they believe any are in breach of the law.
WQ100451 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government encourage teachers to promote their chosen pronouns to pupils in classroom settings?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government wants all children and young people in Wales to believe they can achieve their very best, and creating a supportive environment is an important way to help all children succeed.
I recognise that schools need guidance which provides advice for practitioners about the best way they can support trans learners in school. This guidance has been developed and includes advice for teachers around pronoun use. The draft guidance is currently being reviewed, a timetable for consultation will be shared in due course.
WQ100385 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle family voting for Senedd and local government elections?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
There is no evidence of family voting at Senedd or local government elections
The law and guidance on this matter are clear: voters have the right to cast their vote in secret, and no one should be alongside a voter unless they are assisting a voter with a disability. Any observer who has concerns about conduct in a polling station should raise them immediately with polling station staff, ensuring this is done without obstructing the conduct of the election.
WQ100365 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government have discussions with the UK Government to ensure that announcements, notifications and alerts which pertain to public safety are delivered first in the language most widely understood by the public?
Answered by First Minister
The UK Government are responsible for the alert system. Welsh Government officials continue to liaise with UK Government counterparts on the delivery of Emergency Alerts in Wales and participate in a review of the system to ensure any messaging meets Welsh language requirements and supports communication of urgent public safety information.
WQ100345 · Tabled · Answered
What is the Welsh Government's policy on providing illegal immigrants treatment under the NHS?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Immediately necessary and urgent treatment must not be withheld or delayed, regardless of a person's chargeable status, ability to pay or their immigration status. This is to protect both individual and public health.
Local Health Boards are required to apply the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989 when assessing whether a person is subject to charging for NHS hospital treatment.
Under the Regulations some NHS services are exempt from charging for all, for example treatment in A&E and treatment for specified conditions. Some specified groups of people, such as those that have applied for asylum, are exempt from charge for hospital treatment covered by the regulations. Where an individual is not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and does not fall within an exempt category, charges may apply for relevant secondary care services in accordance with the regulations.
Health Boards have a legal responsibility to identify patients who may be chargeable under the regulations and to recover charges where appropriate. Welsh Government expects all NHS organisations to implement the regulations consistently and in line with national guidance.
WQ100344 · Tabled · No answer published
What were the amounts awarded to organisations receiving funding under the Welsh Government’s Increasing Immigration Legal Advice Provision in Wales scheme 2026-2029?
To be answered by: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
WQ100305 · Tabled · Answered
What input, if any, has the Cabinet Minister sought from the Muslim Council of Wales regarding her portfolio responsibility for education?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language has not had any meetings with the Muslim Council of Wales in relation to her education portfolio to date. However, the Cabinet Minister values constructive and collaborative engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and faith communities, and intends to meet with representatives of different faiths in due course.
WQ100297 · Tabled · No answer published
Has the Cabinet Minister had any meetings with the charity IMIX since taking office, and if so, when and what was discussed?
To be answered by: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
WQ99909 · Tabled · Answered
How much funding does the Welsh Government provide to the Muslim Council of Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government is not providing funding to the Muslim Council of Wales.
WQ100247 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support continuing the delivery of EU Settlement Scheme advocacy and advice support for Roma communities from April to September 2026?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The funding provided in this financial year to support the continued delivery of EU Settlement Scheme advocacy and advice support for Roma communities in Wales was approved by previous Welsh Government Ministers.
The Welsh Government will continue to monitor what EU Settlement Scheme advocacy and advice support is required.
WQ100246 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government ensuring that illegal immigrants won't benefit from the proposed Cynnal payment?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
As we stated in our manifesto, the pilot will be aimed at young children whose parents are on Universal Credit.
WQ100245 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister explain why she has asked for refreshed guidance documents to support local authorities in carrying out their duties in assessing Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs, designing sites, managing sites, and responding to unauthorised encampments?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The refreshed guidance forms part of the Welsh Government's delivery of commitments under the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan.
WQ100244 · Tabled · Answered
How much funding is the Cabinet Minister providing to support students in Gaza to take up fully funded scholarships in Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
On 24th June the UK Government announced that it would renew support for high achieving students from Gaza to take up fully funded scholarships at UK universities for the 2026/27 academic year. This is for students who hold fully funded and verifiable scholarships, and who meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules. Further details of the UK Government scheme can be found here: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament and Scholarships for students from Gaza - GOV.UK.
The Welsh Government supports this initiative to help talented students continue their education despite the challenges they face. However, no students at Welsh universities have been identified as meeting the eligibility criteria, therefore no funding is currently being provided through the scheme.
WQ100176 · Tabled · Answered
Further to WQ99951, will the Cabinet Minister ensure no Welsh public funds are used to provide legal advice to illegal immigrants in Wales to prevent their deportations?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Asylum and immigration law, including the regulation of and access to immigration legal advice, are reserved to the UK Government.
The Welsh Government does not fund any organisations that provide services to facilitate unlawful residence or prevent lawful deportation.
Decisions on immigration status and deportation remain reserved to the UK Government.
WQ100135 · Tabled · Answered
What suppliers is the Welsh Government looking at to deliver a successor service for the Wales Hate Support Centre from 1 April 2027?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Any successor contract to the current contract for the Wales Hate Support Centre would be subject to open public procurement.
WQ100133 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline the purpose of the Anti-Slavery Wales 2026 conference?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The purpose of the conference is to raise awareness, share knowledge, and promote good practice in tackling slavery and supporting survivors.
WQ100106 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister rule out giving asylum seekers the vote during this Senedd term?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Qualifying foreign nationals, including those with refugee status, are currently entitled to register to vote in Senedd and local government elections in Wales provided they meet the other registration requirements. We have no plans to amend the franchise to devolved elections in this Senedd term.
WQ100105 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide all documents and internal communications from Cohesive Communities division which use the phrases "counter narrative", "anti-migrant" or "far right" over the past 12 months?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
We are treating this question as a Freedom of Information request. My officials will respond in due course in line with our obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
WQ100085 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the Breedon Group in relation to financial support for residents affected by the flooding incident in Gwaelod-y-Garth?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
An active Health and Safety Executive investigation is ongoing into the flooding incident in Gwaelod-y-Garth. The Welsh Government has not yet held discussions with Breedon Group regarding financial support for residents affected by the flooding incident in Gwaelod-y-Garth, but would expect any compensation or financial support for affected residents to be a matter for Breedon Group and its insurers, if the investigation reached those conclusions. The Welsh Government continues to work with local partners to support the community's recovery from the flooding incident.
WQ100052 · Tabled · Answered
What support has the Welsh Government provided through Museum Wales and other bodies to the History of Islam in Wales project run by Cardiff University?
Answered by Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport
The History of Islam in Wales is a research project carried out by Cardiff University. Although Welsh Government funding was not provided through Amgueddfa Cymru to support the project, Amgueddfa Cymru contributed through its representation on the advisory board. In this capacity, it provided advice and expertise, particularly in relation to oral history collection and recording.
WQ100040 · Tabled · Answered
How is decolonisation being promoted through the Cabinet Minister's portfolio responsibilities?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
The Welsh Government works with partners across Wales to ensure Wales's history, institutions and public life reflect the experiences and contributions of all communities.
WQ100039 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support the aims and objectives of Black Lives Matter UK?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Our focus is on delivering our government commitments and policies, rather than endorsing the aims and objectives of individual external organisations.
WQ100029 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government support puberty blockers being prescribed to children on the basis of their gender identity?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Ensuring the best care possible is available for the people of Wales is a Welsh Government priority. Taking an evidence-based approach helps us do this, whatever the disease, by ensuring the risks and benefits of treatment are appropriately balanced. To do this, we expect clinicians working in Wales for follow the expert, independent advice of internationally respected bodies including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Where clinically appropriate, puberty suppressing hormones can be prescribed for children in Wales who started treatment prior to the UK Government’s order restricting their prescribing other than through the NHS, and to children accessing NHS gender services, as part of the National Institute for Health Research’s PATHWAYS study which commenced on 1 August.
We continue to be led by the scientific evidence when it comes to the design of support services for young people in Wales.
WQ100026 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of whether the Nation of Sanctuary policy has had any effect on illegal migration at the Port of Holyhead?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
There is no evidence to suggest that the Nation of Sanctuary approach in Wales is a factor in the decision making of asylum seekers to seek sanctuary in the UK. Border security, asylum and immigration are reserved responsibilities of the UK Government.
WQ99963 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Cabinet Minister support Vale of Glamorgan Council's decision to become a County of Sanctuary?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I refer you to my previous answers given to Cai Parry-Jones and Dan Thomas: WQ99465, WQ99336, WQ99332, WQ99884 and to the answer provided by the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning to Dan Thomas: WQ99117, which sets out the Welsh Government’s position.
Decisions by local government on becoming a County of Sanctuary are a matter for individual local authorities.
WQ99951 · Tabled · Answered
What assessment has the Cabinet Minister made of the possible impact of the proposed Welsh human rights act on the deportation of illegal immigrants residing in Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
None. This issue is the responsibility of Shabana Mahmood MP and the Home Office and has not been devolved to the Senedd.
WQ99941 · Tabled · Answered
What guidance does the Welsh Government's Cohesive Communities division provide on distinguishing between legitimate political expression regarding migration and anti-migrant sentiment?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
It is not the function of Welsh Ministers to provide guidance on the boundaries of freedom of expression. Relevant resources are available from, among others, the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
WQ99910 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on how the Welsh Government will accelerate remedial work on leaseholders’ homes affected by the cladding scandal, with particular reference to provisions laid out in Sections 116-124 of the Building Safety (Wales) Act?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Sections 116-124 of the Building Safety Act 2022 do not apply in Wales. The Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026 requires the Welsh Ministers to lay a draft of a Welsh statutory instrument pertaining to Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders before the Senedd within 9 months of the Act receiving Royal Assent. The Welsh Government is currently consulting on these regulations and I intend to lay them as soon as possible, and hope to do so before the end of this calendar year.
In the meantime, I will continue to explore all avenues to increase the pace of the Building Safety Remediation Programme and other possible interventions this government can make to support leaseholders.
WQ99893 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the legal basis for the £5,000 payments made to successful applicants of the Ethnic Minority Initial Teacher Education incentive?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The £5,000 payments are made under the Ethnic Minority Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Incentive Scheme, which was introduced by the previous Welsh Government and continues to operate. The legal basis for the Scheme is sections 14 to 17 of the Education Act 2002, which enable the Welsh Ministers to provide financial assistance for purposes relating to education, including recruitment to teacher training. The payments are made under a ministerial legal scheme established in the exercise of those powers.
The Scheme was introduced as part of the previous Welsh Government's commitment under the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan and was developed as a positive action measure consistent with the Equality Act 2010. It mirrors the successful approach taken to incentivising students to train to teach through the medium of Welsh under the Iaith Athrawon Yfory Incentive Scheme.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.