Siambr · Sam Rowlands
Written questions
26 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ101141 · Tabled · No answer published
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to whether responsibility for ensuring compatibility between digital school transport pass systems and school mobile-phone policies should rest with individual schools rather than local authorities, where schools were not consulted on the proposed arrangements?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
WQ101127 · Tabled · No answer published
Will the Cabinet Minister explain why Pembrolizumab is not available in Wales for cancer care even though it has been approved UK-wide?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101086 · Tabled · No answer published
How much does NHS Wales spend annually on long-term specialist mental health placements, and what patient outcomes do these placements achieve?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101061 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government confirm whether the ministerial direction issued to the NHS Business Services Authority directing it to provide free, bilingual certificates for parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy still stands, and whether costs and timelines have been agreed?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Ministerial Direction to the NHS Business Services Authority remains in place. It provides for free, fully bilingual Baby Loss Certificates for parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy. The scheme will be voluntary.
Delivery costs and implementation timelines remain under consideration. The discovery phase has been completed, including user testing of a fully bilingual digital journey. Officials are considering delivery options in the context of a challenging financial position, and a launch date has not yet been confirmed.
WQ101063 · Tabled · No answer published
Will baby-loss certificates be available to parents for losses at any time in the past, with no cut-off date?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ101062 · Tabled · No answer published
When will the baby-loss certificate scheme launch?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
WQ100821 · Tabled · Answered
What additional resources is the Welsh Government providing to tackle ketamine use, particularly among young people, and to support North Wales Police in addressing this issue?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
I am concerned and share others increasing concerns about the use of Ketamine, particularly amongst young people, and the harms that this can cause over a short period. Through our Welsh Emerging Drugs & Identification of Novel Substances (WEDINOS) Programme we are able to see that the prevalence of ketamine samples submitted to WEDINOS has increased over the last 10 years from 0.67% in 2015 to 5.32% in 2025. Whilst this is not an indication of the prevalence of use of ketamine as WEDINOS is a self-selecting/self-reporting system, it is clear that action is needed to address the increasing harms associated with this drug.
We continue to work with partners, particularly through our Area Planning Boards (APBs) and substance misuse third sector to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable substance misuse population are met and the appropriate guidance and treatment is in place. APBs have developed a range of resources mainly focusing on awareness raising, harm reduction and reducing risks and they ensure this information is being disseminated widely. Areas are also adapting services to address these issues, with treatment pathways specifically for those using Ketamine, with some areas implementing joint assessments for those using the drug.
As an example, the North Wales Police prevention workstream is being led through their Prevention Hub and adopts a multi-agency approach. This includes engagement with secondary schools across the force area, providing education and awareness around the risks associated with Ketamine use. This work is supported by the "I Wish Somebody Had Told Me" campaign, which includes the lived experience of a former substance misuse user to deliver a powerful and credible prevention message to young people.
Whilst I recognise a lot of work is being delivered locally, we have established a National Ketamine Working Group to ensure we are doing all that we can to reduce harms given the unique issues around this drug. The primary aim of the group is to learn from local good practice and clinical evidence to establish a Ketamine Pathway Framework, to ensure an evidence based and consistent response across Wales. The intention is that this will be a whole pathway approach covering prevention through to treatment, recovery and possible relapse. The initial priority of this work will be around the physical treatment pathway and awareness raising of the dangers of using the drug.
Representation on the group includes practitioners working on the frontline of Ketamine treatment outside the NHS as well as clinicians working in the NHS. Attendees also include consultant psychiatrists, representatives from public health, APBs, Case Review Co-ordinators, and representatives from the third sector. North Wales Police are also represented on this group providing an opportunity to contribute to the wider Welsh response and strengthen partnership approaches to prevention, early intervention and safeguarding.
WQ100793 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Cabinet Minister have to update the statutory youth work in Wales framework this year?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
I have no plans to update the new statutory framework for youth work, introduced in March 2026, this year.
However, Ministers are required to review the framework before 1 October 2028 to assess whether its objectives have been achieved, whether they remain appropriate and, if so, whether they could be achieved in another way.
WQ100797 · Tabled · Answered
How are health, education, social services and youth services working together to support children with complex needs?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
This Government expects health, education, social services, children’s and youth services and their partners to work together so that children with complex needs receive child-centred support. We recognise that “complex needs” is a broad term and can include a range of different needs including physical or mental ill health needs, with emotional, behavioural or wellbeing needs, Additional Learning Needs and who are care experienced.
Whatever their needs, children and young people should receive timely, joined-up support organised around them and their families, with services sharing information, planning together and intervening early where possible.
Regional Partnership Boards (RPBs) provide a key mechanism through which health boards, local authorities and wider partners can work together under the partnership arrangements established by Part 9 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. Bringing together health, social care, education, housing, third sector and wider services, they provide the regional structure for coordinated planning and response for children with complex needs.
Within the RPB structures, multi-agency children and young people sub-groups enable joint planning, shared decision-making and delivery. They provide the principal vehicle for translating national policy and programmes into regional and local practice. Some examples of national policies and programmes delivered through these regional arrangements include;
Together, these regional structures, shared approaches and programmes of delivery are helping services respond more effectively. We recognise that challenges remain, and we will continue to work with partners to strengthen joined-up working and ensure that children, young people and families are listened to and receive support shaped around their needs rather than organisational boundaries.
WQ100796 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Welsh Government supporting families who need respite or short breaks but do not qualify for social care support?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Unpaid carers tell me that often there are not suitable respite opportunities available when needed. The recent Health and Social Care Committee inquiry on unpaid carers recognised the importance of respite and we have accepted the recommendation to develop a national action plan to expand and improve respite provision for unpaid carers. Respite is a priority area in our new National Strategy on Unpaid Carers, which we will publish in November.
We provide £360,000 annually to the Family Fund's Take a Break Wales programme, which supports families of disabled children to access short break opportunities. In 2025-26, the programme supported more than 1,000 parent carers of disabled children.
Our Welsh Government Short Breaks Scheme is delivered by Carers Trust Wales and Regional Partnership Boards, with annual funding of £3.5 million. The scheme provides short break opportunities for unpaid carers, additional to local authority duties with regards to respite provision. The scheme supports creative and personalised approaches; including grants for hobby equipment, leisure memberships, activity sessions and outings. Over 19,000 carers were supported by the scheme in 2025-26.
We know that in some areas, demand for short breaks exceeds the capacity of this scheme, which relates to larger need for sufficient respite provision across Wales. It is not our understanding that access to the Welsh Government Short Breaks scheme should be restricted to those unpaid carers who have been deemed eligible for social care support.
WQ100795 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that local authorities provide meaningful access to play for disabled children with complex needs?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
Local authorities must consider and address barriers to play for disabled children, including those with complex needs, through their Play Sufficiency Assessments and action plans.
We work closely with local authorities and Play Wales to support implementation of the Play Sufficiency Duty. Through the Children and Communities Grant, local authorities receive funding to help deliver actions arising from their Play Sufficiency Assessments to address local childcare and play needs.
WQ100794 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government address access for disabled children and young people with complex needs in their updated youth work in Wales framework?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The new statutory framework for youth work, introduced in March 2026, requires every local authority to set out how they will tackle inequalities as part of a five-year strategic plan for youth work services.
The Welsh Government is currently considering draft local authority plans for the 2027- 32 period.
I will not approve plans that do not clearly demonstrate how they will address barriers to accessing youth work provision for disabled children and young people with complex needs.
WQ100700 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government monitor compliance with and enforce the accessibility requirements set out in local bus service contracts?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that local bus services are accessible and inclusive for all passengers. The new model for delivering bus services will facilitate opportunities to support this and reflect the Welsh Government’s Travel for All principles.
I have instructed officials and Transport for Wales to ensure that accessibility provision is a top priority across the bus reform programme. We will seek to strengthen accessibility in relation to vehicle facilities, passenger information and other measures that support passengers to confidently and safely use services under the new franchised model.
Transport for Wales and officials continue to engage with bus users, operators and representative organisations, including through its Disabled People's Travel Forum, to inform delivery of accessible bus services under franchising. Collaboration with local authorities is also ongoing to ensure network planning and bus stop infrastructure supports this delivery.
The template for local bus service contracts under the Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 is still being finalised. It will include provision setting out requirements relating to driver training and statutory travel concessions and will remind operators they must comply with all relevant accessibility and duty of care legislation. Any detailed requirements specific to the local bus service packages will be determined through the development of individual local bus service contracts. This approach will provide flexibility to review and refine accessibility requirements over time, ensuring contracts reflect evolving passenger needs, technological developments and emerging best practice.
Compliance with accessibility requirements within local bus service contracts will be monitored and enforced through contractual mechanisms. Contracts will include appropriate performance management, reporting, record-keeping and inspection arrangements, enabling contracting authorities to monitor operators' compliance with contractual obligations and take appropriate action where standards are not met. This will help ensure accessibility commitments are delivered consistently and that passengers across Wales benefit from a safe, inclusive and accessible bus network.
WQ100699 · Tabled · Answered
What minimum accessibility requirements will the Welsh Government include in bus franchise contracts?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that local bus services are accessible and inclusive for all passengers. The new model for delivering bus services will facilitate opportunities to support this and reflect the Welsh Government’s Travel for All principles.
I have instructed officials and Transport for Wales to ensure that accessibility provision is a top priority across the bus reform programme. We will seek to strengthen accessibility in relation to vehicle facilities, passenger information and other measures that support passengers to confidently and safely use services under the new franchised model.
Transport for Wales and officials continue to engage with bus users, operators and representative organisations, including through its Disabled People's Travel Forum, to inform delivery of accessible bus services under franchising. Collaboration with local authorities is also ongoing to ensure network planning and bus stop infrastructure supports this delivery.
The template for local bus service contracts under the Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 is still being finalised. It will include provision setting out requirements relating to driver training and statutory travel concessions and will remind operators they must comply with all relevant accessibility and duty of care legislation. Any detailed requirements specific to the local bus service packages will be determined through the development of individual local bus service contracts. This approach will provide flexibility to review and refine accessibility requirements over time, ensuring contracts reflect evolving passenger needs, technological developments and emerging best practice.
Compliance with accessibility requirements within local bus service contracts will be monitored and enforced through contractual mechanisms. Contracts will include appropriate performance management, reporting, record-keeping and inspection arrangements, enabling contracting authorities to monitor operators' compliance with contractual obligations and take appropriate action where standards are not met. This will help ensure accessibility commitments are delivered consistently and that passengers across Wales benefit from a safe, inclusive and accessible bus network.
WQ100698 · Tabled · Answered
What are the Welsh Government's priorities for improving transport accessibility for disabled people over the next four years?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government remains committed to the aims and principles in Travel for All to improve transport accessibility and inclusion for all people. Travel for All underpins the delivery of our wider transport objectives and commitments under the Programme for Government and the Disabled People's Rights Plan.
Over the next four years, the Travel for All principles will help us focus on improving the accessibility of transport services, information and infrastructure; embedding inclusive design and accessibility within transport planning and investment decisions; and ensuring disabled people are involved in shaping transport policy and services. We will continue to work with Transport for Wales, local authorities, operators and disabled people to remove barriers to travel and improve access to employment, education, services and communities across Wales.
WQ100697 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government remain committed to the Travel for All strategy introduced by the previous administration?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government remains committed to the aims and principles in Travel for All to improve transport accessibility and inclusion for all people. Travel for All underpins the delivery of our wider transport objectives and commitments under the Programme for Government and the Disabled People's Rights Plan.
Over the next four years, the Travel for All principles will help us focus on improving the accessibility of transport services, information and infrastructure; embedding inclusive design and accessibility within transport planning and investment decisions; and ensuring disabled people are involved in shaping transport policy and services. We will continue to work with Transport for Wales, local authorities, operators and disabled people to remove barriers to travel and improve access to employment, education, services and communities across Wales.
WQ100529 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update as to when OpenEyes will be fully rolled out in all health boards for primary care optometry practices?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
OpenEyes is being implemented across Wales as part of a wider transformation to support integrated eye care and the sharing of clinical information.
Health Boards are scheduled to complete roll out in 2026-27, and I expect each Health Board to prioritise implementing OpenEyes and realise benefits for patients and clinicians at the earliest opportunity.
WQ100350 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to address the rising prevalence of glaucoma?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Glaucoma is a chronic condition, and prevalence is increasing as our population ages and more people receive earlier diagnosis. To meet rising demand, we established national glaucoma pathways through Wales General Ophthalmic Services, enabling suitably qualified community optometrists to assess and monitor patients closer to home, reducing pressure on hospital eye services and improving timely access to care.
We continue to work with health boards to maximise the benefits of these pathways by increasing the transfer of clinically appropriate glaucoma care from hospitals into community optometry service.
WQ100349 · Tabled · Answered
What steps will the Welsh Government take to ensure that Wales does not fall behind England and UK other nations in the deployment and upgrading of mobile infrastructure, following the UK Government’s consultation on permitted development rights in England?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Our 100 day plan includes a commitment to reduce the complexity and bureaucracy of planning processes. Permitted development rights (PDRs) are an important tool to reduce complexity and bureaucracy. Permitted development rights are kept under review to ensure that they reflect the best available evidence. I will consider the need to examine PDRS in light of the evidence provided.
Our manifesto committed to investing where there are gaps in both commercial and UK-level public sector schemes – including Project Gigabit – to ensure that every home and business in Wales has access to at least superfast broadband.
WQ100348 · Tabled · Answered
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the role that rooftop infrastructure can play in improving mobile coverage and capacity?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Welsh Government recognises that rooftop infrastructure can play a role in improving both mobile coverage and network capacity, with rooftop sites providing opportunities for mobile network operators to deploy antennas and small-cell infrastructure on existing buildings.
Telecommunications is not a devolved matter and responsibility for improving mobile phone coverage and capacity in Wales rests with the UK Government. We aim to create the right conditions for telecoms industry investment in mobile phone connectivity with the levers at our disposal and continue to make the case for ongoing investment in digital infrastructure throughout Wales, including on rooftops. This includes encouraging private sector operators to expand their own networks.
While mobile coverage is vital, the capacity of networks to deliver a fast and reliable connection is increasingly important. Whether this is to support connectivity in our busy urban centres or to ensure that services are able to cope with large fluctuations in population in our tourist hotspots over the summer months. We will continue to work with the UK Government, Ofcom and the mobile industry to create the right regulatory environment and conditions for investment in mobile infrastructure including on rooftops.
WQ100347 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that planning regulations support the delivery of advanced mobile connectivity, including 5G, in both urban and rural communities?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Planning policy for Wales on telecommunications is set out in Future Wales and Planning Policy Wales. They are very supportive towards the roll-out of new telecommunications infrastructure to facilitate mobile connectivity in urban and rural areas.
Permitted Development Rights for telecommunications infrastructure in Wales were amended in 2019 in consultation with the industry to address their calls to increase mast height and mast width and make changes to other regulations to better support deployment of 4G and 5G services. Prior to considering any potential reforms to planning legislation, officials will review any evidence which makes the case for further changes.
WQ99348 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to encourage greater use of the NHS App by GP practices to share test results and other patient information?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Welsh Government is working with Digital Health and Care Wales, Health Boards and GP representatives to expand the information available through the NHS Wales App, including GP record information and test results. This work is being progressed through GMS contractual arrangements and national digital programmes, ensuring delivery is clinically safe, secure and consistent across Wales
In line with our First 100 day commitments, we are also consulting with the European Commission to learn best practice from the development of their SmartCare App, with the aim of replicating its functions in the NHS Wales App. This will include exploring ways in which the interoperability of the app across all layers of the health system can be improved.
WQ99218 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Cabinet Minister have plans to introduce a dedicated attendance code for learners participating in live online education, rather than classifying such provision as authorised absence under the proposed C5 attendance code?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
A consultation on a revised set of school attendance codes was published on 12 February and closed on 26 March 2026. Following consideration of the responses to the consultation, the Welsh Government will introduce new codes (B1 and B2) to more appropriately recognise participation in live online education as approved educational activity, rather than authorised absence. These codes distinguish between provision arranged by the local authority and that provided directly by schools. In all cases, the use will be contingent on appropriate safeguarding arrangements being in place, ensuring that learners are supported to engage safely and effectively in online provision. A full summary of responses to the consultation was published on 18 June 2026.
WQ99073 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to address the ongoing respite crisis experienced by parent carers across Wales?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
We recognise that access to respite is vital for unpaid carers. Unpaid carers are a crucial part of our health and care system, often providing extensive support in challenging circumstances, which can affect their mental health and wellbeing. I have recently spoken with carers who strongly emphasised the importance of reliable respite provision.
The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 requires local authorities to assess carers’ needs and provide support that is required, including respite. Respite may include the provision of alternative care or support from the third sector to enable carers to take a break. I will be challenging local authorities and Regional Partnership Boards to demonstrate they are providing sufficient respite and how they are meeting their statutory requirements. It is also vital that unpaid carers are consulted in the design of respite provision to ensure it is what carers want, is suitable to their needs and is culturally appropriate. Respite provision must be accessible, and we do not want people in more rural areas to be at a disadvantage.
We will be publishing our new National Strategy for Unpaid Carers in the Autumn, and respite is an identified area of priority. The strategy has been developed as a result of extensive engagement with unpaid carers and a public consultation process. The recent Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry report on unpaid carers recognises the importance of respite and has made recommendations, which we are reviewing prior to issuing our response.
In addition to the statutory responsibilities of local authorities, I am pleased to support the Welsh Government Short Breaks Scheme, which provides unpaid carers across Wales with opportunities to take a break, such as enjoying a day out or pursuing personal interests.
WQ99072 · Tabled · Answered
How will the Welsh Government support young people with ALN to develop social independence and life skills as they move into adolescence?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
All learners aged 0 to 25 identified as having ALN will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP), which is a statutory document setting out their needs and the additional learning provision required to meet them.
For young people, the ALN system places particular emphasis on person-centred planning. Their aspirations, interests, views and consent are central to the development and review of the IDP. This ensures that support is aligned with their individual goals which relate to independent living, social participation, and preparation for adulthood.
IDPs focus on person-centred outcomes, supporting young people not only in their current learning but in preparing for adulthood, including greater independence, participation in the community, and life beyond school.
WQ99071 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that children with additional learning needs have equal access to holiday clubs, after-school activities, and community play opportunities across Wales?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
We provide flexible funding to local authorities through the Children and Communities Grant to help address sufficiency gaps in childcare and play provision identified locally, including during holiday times. When assessing these sufficiency gaps local authorities must consider the needs of different families which includes children with additional learning needs. We also provide £1m funding annually to the Playworks Holiday Project to increase inclusive and accessible play opportunities during weekends and school holidays.
The current Childcare Offer for Wales includes flexible holiday provision for nine school holiday weeks each year. Local authorities can draw on £2.5m Additional Support Grant funding per year to ensure that eligible children with additional support needs are able to access the Offer in the same way as other eligible children.
We support the childcare and playwork sector through annual funding to Play Wales and the Cwlwm consortium, which includes Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs. Both organisations support holiday clubs, out-of-school activities and community groups promoting equitable access to play for all children.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.