Y Cyfarfod Llawn
Plenary
05/11/2025Cynnwys
Contents
Yn y fersiwn ddwyieithog, mae’r golofn chwith yn cynnwys yr iaith a lefarwyd yn y cyfarfod. Mae’r golofn dde yn cynnwys cyfieithiad o’r areithiau hynny.
In the bilingual version, the left-hand column includes the language used during the meeting. The right-hand column includes a translation of those speeches.
Cyfarfu'r Senedd yn y Siambr a thrwy gynhadledd fideo am 13:30 gyda'r Llywydd (Elin Jones) yn y Gadair.
The Senedd met in the Chamber and by video-conference at 13:30 with the Llywydd (Elin Jones) in the Chair.
Prynhawn da a chroeso, bawb, i'r Cyfarfod Llawn. Yr eitem gyntaf ar ein hagenda ni'r prynhawn yma yw'r cwestiynau i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi, Ynni a Chynllunio. Mae'r cwestiwn cyntaf gan Heledd Fychan.
Good afternoon and welcome to today's Plenary meeting. The first item on our agenda this afternoon is questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning. The first question is from Heledd Fychan.
1. Pa waith sydd wedi cael ei wneud gan Lywodraeth Cymru i sicrhau bod Nodyn Cyngor Technegol Mwynau (MTAN) Cymru 1: Agregau yn parhau yn addas i bwrpas? OQ63335
1. What work has been undertaken by the Welsh Government to ensure that the Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 1: Aggregates continues to be fit for purpose? OQ63335
The Welsh Government continues to be in regular contact with the south Wales and north Wales regional aggregate working parties, which include local authorities, to discuss minerals proposals and policy matters. There has been no indication from the regional aggregate working parties that MTAN 1 does not continue to be fit for purpose.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn parhau i fod mewn cysylltiad rheolaidd â gweithgorau agregau rhanbarthol de a gogledd Cymru, sy'n cynnwys awdurdodau lleol, i drafod materion polisi a chynigion yn ymwneud â mwynau. Ni fu unrhyw arwydd gan y gweithgorau agregau rhanbarthol nad yw MTAN 1 yn parhau i fod yn addas i’r diben.
Thank you for that response. The reason why I ask this is because communities that are impacted by quarrying do think that there is an urgent need for a review—for example, Craig-yr-hesg quarry in my region, in Glyncoch. The extension permitted is 130m from schools and homes. The stone crusher generating dust with silica content is less than 20m from streets and homes. There's a real, real concern about the impact here. As we understand better the impact of quarrying, surely it's time for a review and to ensure that MTAN 1 is fit for purpose, if not only to give assurances to those communities that really fear that quarrying is having a negative impact on their health.
Diolch am eich ymateb. Y rheswm pam fy mod yn gofyn hyn yw bod cymunedau sy'n cael eu heffeithio gan chwarela yn credu bod angen brys am adolygiad—er enghraifft, chwarel Craig-yr-hesg yn fy rhanbarth i, yng Nglyn-coch. Mae'r estyniad a ganiateir 130m oddi wrth ysgolion a chartrefi. Mae'r peiriant malu cerrig sy'n cynhyrchu llwch â chynnwys silica lai nag 20m o strydoedd a chartrefi. Mae pryder gwirioneddol ynglŷn â'r effaith yma. Wrth inni ddeall effaith chwarela yn well, does bosib nad yw'n bryd cynnal adolygiad a sicrhau bod MTAN 1 yn addas i’r diben, pe bai ond i roi sicrwydd i'r cymunedau hynny sy'n ofni'n wirioneddol fod chwarela yn cael effaith negyddol ar eu hiechyd.
As I said, the working groups do believe that MTAN 1 does still maintain that status of being fit for purpose. But it should also be read in conjunction with 'Planning Policy Wales'. That is kept under regular review, and that sets out the general policies for all mineral development. The overall objective in planning for aggregates provision is to ensure that supply is managed in a sustainable way, so that we balance the environmental, economic and social considerations alongside the amenity impact of any extraction that is necessary, and that we try to keep the impact on the local community as low as possible.
I do know that the conditions and the monitoring are going to be absolutely critical to the concerns of local communities. There are conditions attached to the granting of permission, and they include conditions, for example, over the hours of operation, emissions of noise, but, of course, emissions of dust as well from the site and from the vehicles transporting minerals and materials from the site, as well as over times for blasting. I know that's been an issue raised in the Chamber previously as well. I am pleased now that the operators are working to set up a Craig-yr-hesg quarry community liaison group. The aim of that group is to provide an information exchange between the operator and the local community representatives. It will be made up of local elected representatives, council officers, members of the local community and representatives from statutory and non-statutory bodies. I think that it's high time, really, that that group was set up, and it will be a perfect place to have those conversations.
Fel y dywedais, mae'r gweithgorau'n credu bod MTAN 1 yn dal i gynnal y statws o fod yn addas i’r diben. Ond dylid ei ddarllen hefyd ar y cyd â 'Polisi Cynllunio Cymru'. Caiff hwnnw ei adolygu'n rheolaidd, ac mae'n nodi'r polisïau cyffredinol ar gyfer pob datblygiad mwynau. Y prif amcan wrth gynllunio ar gyfer darparu agregau yw sicrhau bod y cyflenwad yn cael ei reoli mewn ffordd gynaliadwy, fel ein bod yn cydbwyso'r ystyriaethau amgylcheddol, economaidd a chymdeithasol ochr yn ochr ag effaith unrhyw echdynnu sy'n angenrheidiol ar amwynderau, a'n bod yn ceisio cadw'r effaith ar y gymuned leol mor fach â phosib.
Gwn y bydd yr amodau a'r monitro yn hollbwysig i bryderon cymunedau lleol. Mae amodau ynghlwm wrth roi caniatâd, ac maent yn cynnwys amodau, er enghraifft, yn ymwneud â'r oriau gweithredu, allyriadau sŵn, ond wrth gwrs, allyriadau llwch hefyd o'r safle ac o'r cerbydau sy'n cludo mwynau a deunyddiau o'r safle, yn ogystal â'r amseroedd ar gyfer gwaith ffrwydro. Gwn fod hwnnw'n fater sydd wedi'i godi yn y Siambr o'r blaen hefyd. Rwy'n falch nawr fod y gweithredwyr yn gweithio i sefydlu grŵp cyswllt cymunedol chwarel Craig-yr-hesg. Nod y grŵp hwnnw yw sicrhau bod gwybodaeth yn cael ei chyfnewid rhwng y gweithredwr a chynrychiolwyr y gymuned leol. Bydd yn cynnwys cynrychiolwyr etholedig lleol, swyddogion cyngor, aelodau'r gymuned leol a chynrychiolwyr cyrff statudol ac anstatudol. Credaf ei bod yn hen bryd sefydlu'r grŵp hwnnw, mewn gwirionedd, a bydd yn lle perffaith i gael y sgyrsiau hynny.
2. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi'r sector lletygarwch annibynnol yn Nelyn? OQ63345
2. How is the Welsh Government supporting the independent hospitality sector in Delyn? OQ63345
The Welsh Government supports independent hospitality in Delyn through non-domestic rates relief, Business Wales advisory services, and targeted funding. These measures help businesses reduce costs, access finance and grow sustainably so that they can play their vital role in town centres and our communities.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi lletygarwch annibynnol yn Nelyn drwy ryddhad ardrethi annomestig, gwasanaethau cynghori Busnes Cymru, a chyllid wedi'i dargedu. Mae'r mesurau hyn yn helpu busnesau i leihau costau, cael mynediad at gyllid a thyfu'n gynaliadwy fel y gallant chwarae eu rôl hanfodol yng nghanol ein trefi a'n cymunedau.
Diolch am eich ateb, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet.
Thank you for your response, Cabinet Secretary.
In this context, I want to be clear that, when I'm talking about hospitality, which is often a broad term, I'm talking about those independent cafes and bars that we make much of, but they are also the making of our town centres, as you referred to. Last week, I visited Polly's brewery, just outside Mold in my constituency. It was established back in 2018, and, just last year, they opened a tap room too in the town centre. I'd definitely recommend it, because I know you don't just have a political interest, but a personal one too, like me. The visit was really illuminating, not just for seeing the process that goes into the brewing and how the brewery has developed over the years, but to learn actually what they do to support their staff too. They said they work on the basis that, when their staff is happy, it means better beer. COVID made them, like many businesses, rethink their position on staff welfare. So, they now provide things like ensuring that all staff enjoy a four-day working week as standard, amongst other things. But, obviously, they also touched on some of the challenges they face as a sector and an industry, whether that's rising staff or operational costs, including energy, or also things like export of the beer now we've exited from the European Union. So, can I ask, Cabinet Secretary, what is the Welsh Government doing, and what can the Welsh Government do, to support this really important aspect of the hospitality sector, and ensure a more level playing field, perhaps, with other aspects of retail and hospitality? But, also, what conversations are being had with the UK Government, for example, on things like VAT, trade and energy costs? Diolch.
Yn y cyd-destun hwn, hoffwn nodi'n glir, pan fyddaf yn sôn am letygarwch, sy'n aml yn derm eang, fy mod yn sôn am y caffis a'r bariau annibynnol yr ydym yn aml yn eu canmol, ond maent hefyd yn rhan hollbwysig o ganol ein trefi, fel y dywedoch chi. Yr wythnos diwethaf, ymwelais â bragdy Polly's ger yr Wyddgrug yn fy etholaeth i. Fe'i sefydlwyd yn ôl yn 2018, a'r llynedd, fe wnaethant agor bar cwrw hefyd yng nghanol y dref. Rwy'n bendant yn ei argymell, gan y gwn fod gennych ddiddordeb gwleidyddol, a diddordeb personol hefyd, fel finnau. Roedd yr ymweliad yn wirioneddol ddadlennol, nid yn unig gan y gallwch weld y broses y tu ôl i'r bragu a sut y mae'r bragdy wedi datblygu dros y blynyddoedd, ond i ddysgu beth y maent yn ei wneud i gefnogi eu staff hefyd. Roeddent yn dweud eu bod yn gweithio ar y sail, pan fydd eu staff yn hapus, fod hynny'n golygu cwrw gwell. Fel llawer o fusnesau, fe wnaeth COVID iddynt ailystyried eu safbwynt ar les staff. Felly, maent bellach yn gwneud pethau fel sicrhau bod yr holl staff yn mwynhau wythnos waith pedwar diwrnod fel man cychwyn, ymhlith pethau eraill. Ond yn amlwg, fe wnaethant sôn hefyd am rai o'r heriau y maent yn eu hwynebu fel sector a diwydiant, boed hynny'n gostau staff neu gostau gweithredol cynyddol, gan gynnwys ynni, neu bethau fel allforio'r cwrw nawr ein bod wedi gadael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd. Felly, a gaf i ofyn, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud a beth y gall Llywodraeth Cymru ei wneud i gefnogi'r agwedd bwysig hon ar y sector lletygarwch, a sicrhau mwy o gydraddoldeb, efallai, ag agweddau eraill ar fanwerthu a lletygarwch? Ond hefyd, pa sgyrsiau sy'n cael eu cynnal gyda Llywodraeth y DU, er enghraifft, ar bethau fel TAW, masnach a chostau ynni? Diolch.
I'm really grateful for the recommendation to go and visit Polly's tap room. I absolutely love that idea of when the staff are happy, the beer tastes better. I think that's a wonderful way in which to approach work, and very much within our own way of working in the Welsh Government, which has been led in many ways by Hannah Blythyn in terms of our social partnership approach and making sure that workers feel valued and respected in the workplace. So, that's wonderful to hear about.
We absolutely recognise how important independent hospitality is, particularly for the vibrancy and the viability of our town centres. Colleagues will be familiar with our Transforming Towns programme. We're supporting areas, including Mold and other Flintshire towns, with regeneration funding, with property improvement grants and also with placemaking grants. Those are directly benefiting independent hospitality businesses. I'd also point colleagues to our new weatherproofing fund, which is currently open to the hospitality sector. It does provide grants of up to £20,000 to help businesses create a better customer experience all year round, because we know it's important that customers are able to access hospitality during all weathers.
We are actively engaging with the UK Government on the challenges that do face the sector—for example, around VAT, trade and energy costs—to try and secure better support for independent hospitality businesses. But I'd also point to the work that we do through Business Wales and the support available for food and drink enterprises, including export assistance, for example—that might be in the future of Polly's—and also innovation support for microbusinesses through our microbusiness programme. All of those different interventions are helping those small, independent hospitality businesses to grow and to adapt.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn am yr argymhelliad i ymweld â bar cwrw Polly's. Rwyf wrth fy modd â'r syniad, pan fydd y staff yn hapus, mae'r cwrw'n blasu'n well. Credaf fod honno'n ffordd wych o fynd ati i weithio, ac yn rhan annatod o'n ffordd ni o weithio yn Llywodraeth Cymru, sydd wedi cael ei harwain mewn sawl ffordd gan Hannah Blythyn o ran ein dull partneriaeth gymdeithasol a sicrhau bod gweithwyr yn teimlo eu bod yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi a'u parchu yn y gweithle. Felly, mae'n wych clywed am hynny.
Rydym yn llwyr gydnabod pa mor bwysig yw lletygarwch annibynnol, yn enwedig ar gyfer bywiogrwydd a hyfywedd canol ein trefi. Bydd fy nghyd-Aelodau yn gyfarwydd â'n rhaglen Trawsnewid Trefi. Rydym yn cefnogi ardaloedd, gan gynnwys yr Wyddgrug a threfi eraill yn sir y Fflint, gyda chyllid adfywio, gyda grantiau gwella eiddo, a hefyd gyda grantiau creu lleoedd. Mae'r rheini o fudd uniongyrchol i fusnesau lletygarwch annibynnol. Hefyd, hoffwn dynnu sylw fy nghyd-Aelodau at ein cronfa gwrthsefyll tywydd newydd, sydd ar agor i'r sector lletygarwch ar hyn o bryd. Mae'n darparu grantiau o hyd at £20,000 i helpu busnesau i greu profiad gwell i gwsmeriaid drwy gydol y flwyddyn, gan y gwyddom ei bod yn bwysig fod cwsmeriaid yn gallu cael mynediad at letygarwch ym mhob tywydd.
Rydym yn mynd ati'n weithredol i ymgysylltu â Llywodraeth y DU ar yr heriau sy'n wynebu'r sector—er enghraifft, mewn perthynas â TAW, masnach a chostau ynni—i geisio sicrhau gwell cymorth i fusnesau lletygarwch annibynnol. Ond hoffwn dynnu sylw hefyd at y gwaith a wnawn drwy Busnes Cymru a'r cymorth sydd ar gael i fentrau bwyd a diod, gan gynnwys cymorth allforio, er enghraifft—a allai fod yn rhan o ddyfodol Polly's—yn ogystal â chymorth arloesi i ficrofusnesau drwy ein rhaglen microfusnesau. Mae'r holl ymyriadau gwahanol hyn yn helpu'r busnesau lletygarwch annibynnol bach hynny i dyfu ac i addasu.
Of course, I'm very keen to support real ale breweries in Delyn and beyond, including Mold's Novemberfest, celebrating local food, real ale and entertainment. However, I've been contacted, on a grimmer note, by many self-catering hospitality businesses, legitimate businesses in Delyn, forced to close, they tell me, by Welsh Government decisions. PASC, the Professional Association of Self-caterers, lobbying with the Wales Tourism Alliance, UKHospitality Wales and many regional organisations, have tried to head off the worst impacts of much of the Welsh Government's changes to legislation and taxation in Wales, and provided evidence to the Welsh Government on the damage these measures will cause. Last year saw the poorest trading conditions in almost a decade for self-catering. So, if you genuinely believe in supporting the independent hospitality sector in Delyn and beyond, when will you be carrying out an impact assessment and formal review of the 182-day threshold? Why have you continued to ignore their calls to allow further exemptions from the council tax premium for genuine businesses and to delay the implementation of the tourism levy until businesses at least recover to pre-pandemic levels? These are local people, local businesses and premises that are not suitable for primary dwelling for local people.
Wrth gwrs, rwy'n awyddus iawn i gefnogi bragdai cwrw iawn yn Nelyn a thu hwnt, gan gynnwys gŵyl Dachwedd yr Wyddgrug, sy'n dathlu bwyd lleol, cwrw iawn ac adloniant. Fodd bynnag, mae llawer o fusnesau lletygarwch hunanddarpar, busnesau dilys yn Nelyn, wedi cysylltu â mi, ar nodyn mwy difrifol, i ddweud wrthyf fod penderfyniadau Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu gorfodi i gau. Mae Cymdeithas Broffesiynol Hunanddarparwyr y DU, gan lobïo gyda Chynghrair Twristiaeth Cymru, UKHospitality Wales a llawer o sefydliadau rhanbarthol, wedi ceisio atal effeithiau gwaethaf llawer o newidiadau Llywodraeth Cymru i ddeddfwriaeth a threthiant yng Nghymru, ac wedi darparu tystiolaeth i Lywodraeth Cymru ar y niwed y bydd y mesurau hyn yn ei achosi. Y llynedd, gwelwyd yr amodau masnachu gwaethaf mewn bron i ddegawd ar gyfer lletygarwch hunanddarpar. Felly, os ydych chi o ddifrif yn credu mewn cefnogi'r sector lletygarwch annibynnol yn Nelyn a thu hwnt, pryd fyddwch chi'n cynnal asesiad effaith ac adolygiad ffurfiol o'r trothwy 182 diwrnod? Pam eich bod wedi parhau i anwybyddu eu galwadau i ganiatáu esemptiadau pellach o bremiwm y dreth gyngor ar gyfer busnesau dilys ac i ohirio rhoi'r ardoll dwristiaeth ar waith hyd nes bod busnesau o leiaf yn adfer i lefelau cyn y pandemig? Mae'r rhain yn fusnesau ac eiddo lleol nad ydynt yn addas i bobl leol fel prif anheddau.
There is currently a Welsh Government consultation, which is being led by the finance Secretary, which is seeking views on proposed refinements to the treatment of self-catering properties for local tax purposes. That closes on 20 November, and I know that colleagues will be taking the opportunity to make their submissions to that.
In terms of the kinds of things that the Secretary is considering looking at in future, one of those is allowing holiday let owners to use an average of 182 days let over several years. That means that those who might narrowly miss out on the 182 days in the latest year would remain on the non-domestic rates if they had achieved it on average over two or three previous years. Also, he's considering allowing up to 14 days of free holidays donated to charity to count towards the 182-day target, for example. Those are amongst the proposals that are currently in the consultation. I know that the Cabinet Secretary for finance was very keen to have two years of data from the VOA before considering refinements and amendments to the proposals and to the 182-day let rules. We do have that data now, so we're able to take a wider look at what the impact has been on the sector. We do know that more than 60 per cent of properties have been meeting that threshold. That's higher than the industry told us they would be achieving, and we also know that those properties are scattered right across Wales as well. So, we are able now, with more information, to look at whether there is a geographical impact, for example, and what the overall impact is. I think that taking data-informed decisions is really important in this space.
Ar hyn o bryd, mae ymgynghoriad ar y gweill gan Lywodraeth Cymru, sy'n cael ei arwain gan yr Ysgrifennydd Cyllid ac sy'n ceisio barn pobl ar welliannau arfaethedig i'r ffordd y caiff eiddo hunanddarpar ei drin at ddibenion trethi lleol. Mae hwnnw'n cau ar 20 Tachwedd, a gwn y bydd fy nghyd-Aelodau yn manteisio ar y cyfle i gyfrannu ato.
O ran y mathau o bethau y mae'r Ysgrifennydd yn ystyried edrych arnynt yn y dyfodol, un o'r rheini yw caniatáu i berchnogion llety gwyliau ddefnyddio cyfartaledd o 182 diwrnod dros sawl blwyddyn. Golyga hynny y byddai'r rhai a allai fethu'r trothwy 182 diwrnod o drwch blewyn yn y flwyddyn ddiwethaf yn parhau ar yr ardrethi annomestig pe byddent wedi cyflawni hynny ar gyfartaledd dros y ddwy neu dair blynedd flaenorol. Mae hefyd yn ystyried caniatáu rhoi hyd at 14 diwrnod o wyliau am ddim i elusen i gyfrif tuag at y targed o 182 diwrnod, er enghraifft. Mae'r rheini ymhlith y cynigion sydd yn yr ymgynghoriad ar hyn o bryd. Gwn fod Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros gyllid yn awyddus iawn i gael dwy flynedd o ddata gan Asiantaeth y Swyddfa Brisio cyn ystyried mireinio a gwneud gwelliannau i'r cynigion ac i'r rheolau gosod 182 diwrnod. Mae gennym y data hwnnw nawr, felly rydym yn gallu edrych yn ehangach ar yr effaith ar y sector. Gwyddom fod mwy na 60 y cant o eiddo wedi bod yn cyrraedd y trothwy hwnnw. Mae hynny'n uwch na'r hyn a ddywedodd y diwydiant wrthym y byddent yn ei gyflawni, a gwyddom hefyd fod yr eiddo hwnnw wedi'i wasgaru ledled Cymru hefyd. Felly, gyda mwy o wybodaeth, gallwn bellach edrych i weld a oes effaith ddaearyddol, er enghraifft, a beth yw'r effaith gyffredinol. Credaf fod gwneud penderfyniadau sy'n seiliedig ar ddata yn bwysig iawn yn y cyswllt hwn.
Cwestiynau nawr gan lefarwyr y pleidiau. Llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr, Gareth Davies.
Questions now from the party spokespeople. The Welsh Conservative spokesperson, Gareth Davies.
Diolch, Llywydd. I’d like to raise an issue regarding the distribution of culture funding across Wales. While our national institutions, based largely here in the south, continue to receive the lion’s share of public investment, too many local community theatres, museums and arts groups in our towns and rural areas are struggling just to keep the lights on. Local authority funding for culture, heritage and sport has fallen by almost 30 per cent in real terms over the last decade, and Wales now ranks near the bottom in Europe for per capita spending on the culture sector. Spending broadly across the culture sector has been too low in the past decade, but on a smaller local authority level the situation is more desperate. We are starving creativity at the grass roots. If culture is truly for everyone in Wales, then it cannot be something that flourishes in Cardiff while fading in Caernarfon, Wrexham or Newtown. So, will the Cabinet Secretary outline what concrete steps the Welsh Government will take to rebalance cultural funding, to ensure that community arts and regional heritage receive their fair share, and that the benefits of Welsh culture are shared equally across every part of our nation, in every town and village?
Diolch, Lywydd. Hoffwn godi mater sy'n ymwneud â dosbarthiad cyllid i ddiwylliant ledled Cymru. Er bod ein sefydliadau cenedlaethol, sydd wedi'u lleoli raddau helaeth yma yn y de, yn parhau i dderbyn y gyfran fwyaf o fuddsoddiad cyhoeddus, mae gormod o theatrau cymunedol lleol, amgueddfeydd a grwpiau celfyddydau yn ein trefi a'n hardaloedd gwledig yn ei chael hi'n anodd cadw'r goleuadau ymlaen. Mae cyllid awdurdodau lleol ar gyfer diwylliant, treftadaeth a chwaraeon wedi gostwng bron 30 y cant mewn termau real dros y degawd diwethaf, ac mae Cymru bellach yn agos at y gwaelod yn Ewrop o ran gwariant y pen ar y sector diwylliant. Mae gwariant yn gyffredinol ar draws y sector diwylliant wedi bod yn rhy isel yn y degawd diwethaf, ond ar lefel awdurdodau lleol, mae'r sefyllfa'n fwy anobeithiol. Rydym yn newynu creadigrwydd ar lawr gwlad. Os yw diwylliant o ddifrif ar gyfer pawb yng Nghymru, ni all fod yn rhywbeth sy'n ffynnu yng Nghaerdydd wrth iddo bylu yng Nghaernarfon, Wrecsam neu'r Drenewydd. Felly, a wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet amlinellu pa gamau pendant y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i ailgydbwyso cyllid diwylliannol, i sicrhau bod celfyddydau cymunedol a threftadaeth ranbarthol yn cael eu cyfran deg, a bod manteision diwylliant Cymreig yn cael eu rhannu'n gyfartal ar draws pob rhan o'n cenedl, ym mhob tref a phentref?
I’m really pleased that our budget for 2025-26 actually includes an additional £9.6 million revenue funding for arts, culture, creative industries, heritage and sport in Wales. That really does mean that we have increased our day-to-day spend on the broader culture sector by 8.5 per cent this year.
Our additional revenue investment returns our stakeholders to the revenue budget positions in which they were previously, in 2023-24. That was prior to the reduction that was implemented as part of the 2024-25 budget. So, that really allows us to continue with our investment plans, revitalising buildings across Wales, and the assets of our arm’s-length bodies, completing projects that have been set out in our programme for government, but also new investment in local cultural assets, in line with the priorities and ambitions that our set out in 'Priorities for Culture'.
I do think it’s also important to recognise that there is fantastic work going on the length and breadth of Wales in the culture space, and many communities will be able to point directly to investment that has been made in their local area. I know that when the Minister launched 'Priorities for Culture' in May, he made a clear commitment to making sure that every part of Wales benefited from that, be it through museums, libraries, archives, arts and culture, or the historic environment as well. And he went on to announce further funding for non-national museums, libraries and archives, recognising how important those are in communities the length and breadth of Wales.
Rwy'n falch iawn fod ein cyllideb ar gyfer 2025-26 yn cynnwys £9.6 miliwn o gyllid refeniw ychwanegol ar gyfer y celfyddydau, diwylliant, diwydiannau creadigol, treftadaeth a chwaraeon yng Nghymru. Mae hynny'n golygu ein bod wedi cynyddu ein gwariant dydd i ddydd ar y sector diwylliant ehangach 8.5 y cant eleni.
Mae ein buddsoddiad refeniw ychwanegol yn golygu bod ein rhanddeiliaid yn yr un sefyllfaoedd o ran cyllideb refeniw ag yn 2023-24. Roedd hynny cyn y gostyngiad a gyflwynwyd yn rhan o gyllideb 2024-25. Felly, mae hynny o ddifrif yn caniatáu inni barhau â'n cynlluniau buddsoddi, gan adfywio adeiladau ledled Cymru, ac asedau ein cyrff hyd braich, a chwblhau prosiectau sydd wedi'u nodi yn ein rhaglen lywodraethu, ond hefyd buddsoddiad newydd mewn asedau diwylliannol lleol, yn unol â'r blaenoriaethau a'r uchelgeisiau a nodwyd gennym yn 'Blaenoriaethau ar gyfer Diwylliant'.
Credaf ei bod hefyd yn bwysig cydnabod bod gwaith gwych yn mynd rhagddo ledled Cymru ym maes diwylliant, a bydd llawer o gymunedau'n gallu cyfeirio'n uniongyrchol at fuddsoddiad a wnaed yn eu hardal leol. Pan lansiodd y Gweinidog 'Blaenoriaethau ar gyfer Diwylliant' ym mis Mai, gwn iddo wneud ymrwymiad clir i sicrhau bod pob rhan o Gymru yn elwa o hynny, boed hynny drwy amgueddfeydd, llyfrgelloedd, archifau, celfyddydau a diwylliant, neu'r amgylchedd hanesyddol hefyd. Ac aeth yn ei flaen i gyhoeddi cyllid pellach ar gyfer llyfrgelloedd, archifau ac amgueddfeydd nad ydynt yn sefydliadau cenedlaethol, gan gydnabod pa mor bwysig yw'r rheini mewn cymunedau ledled Cymru.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, and I’m pleased that you did mention sport there in your response, because rugby is more than just a sport in Wales; it’s part of our national identity, and it’s going through a rough patch of late, to say the least. But, recently, the Welsh Rugby Union has proposed radical changes to the game, potentially reducing the number of professional regions from four to three. We are told this is to create sustainability, but what it’s really creating is deep uncertainty for the players, staff and communities who depend on the clubs at the heart of our national game. The WRU’s finances and governance have been under fire for years, and yet the Welsh Government, which invests public money into sport and its grass-roots development, has remained largely quiet. The WRU is under significant financial strain, but, whatever their final decision, it will cause a great deal of upheaval for the sport, and many fans will, quite rightly, be deeply disappointed and feel shut out of the decision-making process. So, can the Welsh Government confirm what assessment they have made of the social and economic impact of the WRU’s proposed regional restructure, what oversight the Welsh Government has on the issue, and will they commit to ensuring that grass-roots rugby, community clubs and the north Wales region are not the casualties of the WRU’s final decision on this matter?
Diolch, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, ac rwy'n falch ichi sôn am chwaraeon yn eich ymateb, gan fod rygbi'n fwy na dim ond camp yng Nghymru; mae'n rhan o'n hunaniaeth genedlaethol, ac mae'n mynd drwy gyfnod anodd yn ddiweddar, a dweud y lleiaf. Ond yn ddiweddar, mae Undeb Rygbi Cymru wedi cynnig newidiadau radical i'r gêm, gyda'r posibilrwydd o leihau nifer y rhanbarthau proffesiynol o bedwar i dri. Dywedir wrthym fod hyn er mwyn creu cynaliadwyedd, ond yr hyn y mae'n ei greu mewn gwirionedd yw ansicrwydd dwfn i'r chwaraewyr, y staff a'r cymunedau sy'n dibynnu ar y clybiau sy'n rhan annatod o'n camp genedlaethol. Mae cyllid a llywodraethiant Undeb Rygbi Cymru wedi bod o dan y chwyddwydr ers blynyddoedd, ac eto mae Llywodraeth Cymru, sy'n buddsoddi arian cyhoeddus mewn chwaraeon a'i ddatblygiad ar lawr gwlad, wedi bod yn dawel i raddau helaeth. Mae Undeb Rygbi Cymru o dan straen ariannol sylweddol, ond beth bynnag fydd eu penderfyniad terfynol, bydd yn achosi llawer o dryblith i'r gamp, a bydd llawer o gefnogwyr, yn gywir ddigon, yn siomedig iawn ac yn teimlo eu bod wedi'u cau allan o'r broses o wneud penderfyniadau. Felly, a all Llywodraeth Cymru gadarnhau pa asesiad y maent wedi'i wneud o effaith gymdeithasol ac economaidd ailstrwythuro rhanbarthol arfaethedig Undeb Rygbi Cymru, pa oruchwyliaeth sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru ar y mater, ac a fyddant yn ymrwymo i sicrhau na fydd rygbi ar lawr gwlad, clybiau cymunedol a rhanbarth gogledd Cymru yn dioddef yn sgil penderfyniad terfynol Undeb Rygbi Cymru ar y mater hwn?
I know that we all want to see Wales as a really successful rugby nation. It’s part of our heritage, it’s part of our identity and it’s part of whenever any of us go overseas—we’ll probably end up having a conversation about rugby with somebody. So, it’s very much part of the way in which we’re seen. It’s part of our soft power internationally as well. The future of the professional game is a matter for the WRU, and we hope that the WRU continues to listen to the clubs and the supporters, who are the foundation for the game in Wales. Having said that, there's probably not much more I can say today because I know that this is a live issue, but we do hope that the fans and supporters are listened to.
Gwn fod pob un ohonom eisiau gweld Cymru'n wlad rygbi wirioneddol lwyddiannus. Mae'n rhan o'n treftadaeth, mae'n rhan o'n hunaniaeth ac mae'n rhan o bryd bynnag y bydd unrhyw un ohonom yn mynd dramor—mae'n debyg y byddwn yn cael sgwrs am rygbi gyda rhywun. Felly, mae'n rhan fawr o'r ffordd y cawn ein gweld. Mae'n rhan o'n cymell tawel yn rhyngwladol hefyd. Mae dyfodol y gêm broffesiynol yn fater i Undeb Rygbi Cymru, ac rydym yn gobeithio y bydd Undeb Rygbi Cymru yn parhau i wrando ar y clybiau a'r cefnogwyr, sef sylfaen y gêm yng Nghymru. Wedi dweud hynny, mae'n debyg nad oes llawer mwy y gallaf ei ddweud heddiw gan y gwn fod hwn yn fater byw, ond rydym yn gobeithio y bydd y cefnogwyr yn cael eu clywed.
Thank you, again, Cabinet Secretary. I'd like to, finally, turn to our heritage sector: our castles, historic homes and industrial landmarks that tell the story of our nation and reflect us as people. Too many of these precious sites are at risk and are falling into disrepair, but there is hope when innovation and enterprise meet heritage. Gwrych Castle in Conway is a site that has been on the brink of collapse until a film crew and a dose of imagination turned things around. When I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! was filmed there for ITV, the exposure attracted national attention, philanthropic donations and a multi-million pound lifeline from heritage funds. That's a perfect example of how filming and philanthropy can breathe new life into historic sites, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and preserving heritage for future generations.
Netflix productions in Wales contributed £200 million to the UK economy between 2017 and 2022. With every £1 Netflix spends on Welsh productions, an additional 80p is generated across the supply chain, and yet there is no coherent Welsh Government strategy to attract more of these partnerships for heritage sites. So, can the Welsh Government set out what active steps it has taken to attract more filming opportunities and philanthropic investment into our historical sites?
Diolch eto, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Yn olaf, hoffwn droi at ein sector treftadaeth: ein cestyll, ein tai hanesyddol a'n tirnodau diwydiannol sy'n adrodd stori ein cenedl ac yn ein hadlewyrchu fel pobl. Mae gormod o'r safleoedd gwerthfawr hyn mewn perygl ac yn mynd i gyflwr gwael, ond mae gobaith pan fo arloesi a menter yn cydredeg â threftadaeth. Mae Castell Gwrych yng Nghonwy yn safle sydd wedi bod ar fin mynd â'i ben iddo nes i griw ffilmio a dos o ddychymyg droi pethau o gwmpas. Pan ffilmiwyd I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! yno ar gyfer ITV, denodd sylw cenedlaethol, rhoddion haelionus a rhaff achub gwerth miliynau o bunnoedd o gronfeydd treftadaeth. Dyna enghraifft berffaith o sut y gall ffilmio a haelioni pobl roi bywyd newydd i safleoedd hanesyddol, gan greu swyddi, hybu twristiaeth, a diogelu treftadaeth ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol.
Cyfrannodd cynyrchiadau Netflix yng Nghymru £200 miliwn at economi'r DU rhwng 2017 a 2022. Gyda phob £1 y mae Netflix yn ei gwario ar gynyrchiadau yng Nghymru, cynhyrchir 80c ychwanegol ar draws y gadwyn gyflenwi, ac eto nid oes strategaeth gydlynol gan Lywodraeth Cymru i ddenu mwy o'r partneriaethau hyn ar gyfer safleoedd treftadaeth. Felly, a all Llywodraeth Cymru nodi pa gamau gweithredol y mae wedi'u cymryd i ddenu mwy o gyfleoedd ffilmio a buddsoddiad haelionus yn ein safleoedd hanesyddol?
Well, our creative industries are absolutely a central part of our economic strategy, indeed it's part of the UK Government's industrial strategy, and we've identified our creative sector as being one of those that is ripe for even further growth. The latest statistics from 2023 show that this part of the economy continues to perform well, particularly in terms of the number of creative businesses that are operating here in Wales. So, we're really keen, when we do get these big international companies—Netflix, for example—coming to film in Wales, because we have such an incredible landscape, incredible heritage monuments and so on, which can be used as an impressive backdrop, that actually local people benefit. So, whenever we work with these companies, we try to ensure that there are opportunities for Welsh freelancers, for example, who make up a huge part of that creative sector.
We know that in terms of the latest data, which I referred to—that was 2023—there were more than 3,500 businesses in the creative industries sector in Wales, and that was an increase of 11.8 per cent from 2018. And in fact, it's above the average for the rest of the Welsh economy during that period, in terms of the 11.8 per cent increase. So, I think that it is very much a growing sector. It's a sector we want to continue to grow further, and it will be a sector that we're really showcasing at the First Minister's international investment summit very shortly to show the whole world what can be done in Wales and to really set out why so many huge international companies make Wales their location for filming.
Wel, mae ein diwydiannau creadigol yn rhan ganolog o'n strategaeth economaidd, yn wir, mae'n rhan o strategaeth ddiwydiannol Llywodraeth y DU, ac rydym wedi nodi ein sector creadigol fel un o'r rhai sy'n barod am dwf pellach eto. Mae'r ystadegau diweddaraf o 2023 yn dangos bod y rhan hon o'r economi yn parhau i berfformio'n dda, yn enwedig o ran nifer y busnesau creadigol sy'n gweithredu yma yng Nghymru. Felly, rydym yn awyddus iawn, pan fydd y cwmnïau rhyngwladol mawr hyn—Netflix, er enghraifft—yn dod i ffilmio yng Nghymru, gan fod gennym dirwedd mor anhygoel, henebion anhygoel ac ati, y gellir eu defnyddio fel cefndir trawiadol, fel bod pobl leol yn elwa o ddifrif. Felly, pryd bynnag y byddwn yn gweithio gyda'r cwmnïau hyn, rydym yn ceisio sicrhau bod cyfleoedd i weithwyr llawrydd o Gymru, er enghraifft, sy'n ffurfio rhan enfawr o'r sector creadigol hwnnw.
O ran y data diweddaraf, y cyfeiriais ato—sef 2023—gwyddom fod mwy na 3,500 o fusnesau yn y sector diwydiannau creadigol yng Nghymru, ac roedd hwnnw'n gynnydd o 11.8 y cant ers 2018. Ac mewn gwirionedd, mae'n gynnydd uwch na'r cyfartaledd ar gyfer gweddill economi Cymru yn y cyfnod hwnnw. Felly, credaf ei fod yn sicr yn sector sy'n tyfu. Mae'n sector yr ydym am barhau i'w dyfu ymhellach, a bydd yn sector y byddwn yn ei arddangos yn uwchgynhadledd buddsoddi rhyngwladol y Prif Weinidog cyn bo hir i ddangos i'r byd yr hyn y gellir ei wneud yng Nghymru ac i nodi pam fod cymaint o gwmnïau rhyngwladol enfawr yn dewis ffilmio yng Nghymru
Llefarydd Plaid Cymru, Luke Fletcher.
Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Luke Fletcher.
Diolch, Llywydd. Before the summer, Cabinet Secretary, you indicated that, following the completion of the offshore wind task and finish group's work, the Welsh Government would be turning its focus towards implementation. Now the task and finish group's report identified a number of key actions, several of which were due for completion by autumn of this year. So, could you please provide an update on progress across these areas and more broadly on the work under way to implement the recommendations of that task and finish group in full?
Diolch, Lywydd. Cyn yr haf, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, fe nodoch chi y byddai Llywodraeth Cymru yn troi ei ffocws at weithredu ar ôl i'r grŵp gorchwyl a gorffen gwynt ar y môr gwblhau ei waith. Nawr, nododd adroddiad y grŵp gorchwyl a gorffen nifer o gamau gweithredu allweddol, ac roedd disgwyl i nifer ohonynt gael eu cwblhau erbyn hydref y flwyddyn hon. Felly, a allech chi roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y cynnydd ar draws y meysydd hyn ac yn fwy cyffredinol am y gwaith sydd ar y gweill i weithredu argymhellion y grŵp gorchwyl a gorffen hwnnw'n llawn?
Yes, so, one of the key recommendations from the work of the offshore wind task and finish group was very much around setting out what the offer is for our ports for Wales. So, very recently, I published our ports prospectus. That was a document that basically sets out what the capabilities and capacities are of each of our ports in Wales so that they can use that document, we can use that document, to engage with businesses to explore what the future opportunities are, both in terms of floating offshore wind, but actually much more widely than that as well. I think that's been one of the key sectors and key outputs, if you like, of the work of the task and finish group, which has continued since that point, and also, of course, the work that we've been doing with skills and the UK Government's recent announcement in terms of future skilled jobs—again, that's a really, really important advancement.
I think, since we last spoke, we've had the announcement now of the successful bidders for the two leasing rounds in the Celtic sea—again, a big step forward. Now we know which companies we're working with, we're establishing those relationships to make sure that we do maximise the benefits and keep as much value here in Wales as we possibly can.
Iawn, felly, roedd un o'r argymhellion allweddol o waith y grŵp gorchwyl a gorffen gwynt ar y môr yn ymwneud â nodi beth yw'r cynnig i'n porthladdoedd yng Nghymru. Felly, yn ddiweddar iawn, cyhoeddais ein prosbectws porthladdoedd. Roedd honno'n ddogfen sy'n nodi, y bôn, beth yw galluoedd a chapasiti pob un o'n porthladdoedd yng Nghymru fel y gallant ddefnyddio'r ddogfen honno, gallwn ninnau ddefnyddio'r ddogfen honno, i ymgysylltu â busnesau i archwilio beth yw'r cyfleoedd yn y dyfodol, o ran ffermydd gwynt arnofiol ar y môr, ond yn llawer ehangach na hynny hefyd mewn gwirionedd. Credaf mai dyna oedd un o'r sectorau allweddol a'r allbynnau allweddol, os mynnwch, o waith y grŵp gorchwyl a gorffen, sydd wedi parhau ers hynny, a hefyd y gwaith y buom yn ei wneud gyda sgiliau a chyhoeddiad diweddar Llywodraeth y DU ar swyddi crefftus yn y dyfodol—unwaith eto, mae hwnnw'n ddatblygiad pwysig tu hwnt.
Ers inni siarad ddiwethaf, rwy'n credu ein bod bellach wedi cael y cyhoeddiad am y cynigwyr llwyddiannus ar gyfer y ddwy rownd brydlesu yn y Môr Celtaidd—unwaith eto, cam mawr ymlaen. Gan ein bod bellach yn gwybod pa gwmnïau yr ydym yn gweithio gyda nhw, rydym yn sefydlu'r cysylltiadau hynny i sicrhau ein bod yn gwneud y mwyaf o'r manteision ac yn cadw cymaint o werth ag y gallwn yma yng Nghymru.
Diolch am yr ateb hynny.
Thank you for that response.
Of course, the prospectus plays a really important part. One of those action points within the ports prospectus was specifically around jobs, and there were some very eye-catching figures in relation to jobs creation: 29,000 potential roles in Wales in that sector. Of course, just a month ago, we had Ed Miliband and Jo Stevens saying that Wales would benefit from 15,000 clean-energy jobs.
Promises of new jobs are not something new here in Wales, and I've learnt over the years to take them with quite a very large pinch of salt. We've already seen job projections in other Government announcements quietly revised down to the tune of thousands. Now, in the prospectus, the Cabinet Secretary says:
'We are ready, our ports are prepared, and the opportunity is now.'
Having had conversations with some key stakeholders in this sector, however, there doesn't seem to be that readiness from their perspective when it comes to the Government, particularly pointing to financial commitment in terms of investment in our ports. Now, risk appetites are a real variable here, but how does Welsh Government intend to resolve that tension? Because, without public investment to bridge that gap, both sides will wait for the other to make a move.
Some options have been highlighted: a recoverable grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero being one, and a bridging loan provided by the national wealth fund being the other. So, could I ask the Cabinet Secretary where she and her officials are in securing agreement from one or both of these investment vehicles to ensure that port development progresses here in Wales? We can't afford to tread any more water on this.
Wrth gwrs, mae'r prosbectws yn chwarae rhan bwysig iawn. Roedd un o'r pwyntiau gweithredu yn y prosbectws porthladdoedd yn ymwneud yn benodol â swyddi, ac roedd rhai ffigurau trawiadol iawn mewn perthynas â chreu swyddi: 29,000 o swyddi posib yng Nghymru yn y sector hwnnw. Wrth gwrs, gwta fis yn ôl, dywedodd Ed Miliband a Jo Stevens y byddai Cymru yn elwa o 15,000 o swyddi ynni glân.
Nid yw addewidion am swyddi newydd yn rhywbeth newydd yma yng Nghymru, ac rwyf wedi dysgu dros y blynyddoedd i'w cymryd â phinsiad go fawr o halen. Rydym eisoes wedi gweld amcanestyniadau swyddi mewn cyhoeddiadau eraill gan y Llywodraeth yn cael eu diwygio i filoedd yn llai yn dawel bach. Nawr, yn y prosbectws, dywed Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet:
'Rydym yn barod, mae ein porthladdoedd yn barod, ac mae'r cyfle yno nawr.'
Ar ôl cael sgyrsiau gyda rhanddeiliaid allweddol yn y sector hwn, fodd bynnag, nid ymddengys eu bod yn credu bod y parodrwydd hwnnw yno o safbwynt y Llywodraeth, ac maent yn sôn yn benodol am ymrwymiad ariannol o ran buddsoddi yn ein porthladdoedd. Nawr, mae parodrwydd i dderbyn risg yn amrywio'n sylweddol yma, ond sut y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu datrys y tensiwn hwnnw? Oherwydd heb fuddsoddiad cyhoeddus i bontio'r bwlch hwnnw, bydd y ddwy ochr yn aros i'r llall gymryd cam.
Mae rhai opsiynau wedi cael eu crybwyll: un yw grant adenilladwy gan yr Adran Diogeledd Ynni a Sero Net, a benthyciad pontio gan y gronfa gyfoeth wladol yw'r llall. Felly, a gaf i ofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ble mae hi a'i swyddogion arni o ran sicrhau cytundeb gan un neu'r ddau o'r cyfryngau buddsoddi hyn i sicrhau cynnydd ar ddatblygu porthladdoedd yma yng Nghymru? Ni allwn fforddio nofio yn ein hunfan ar hyn mwyach.
Well, I think we have seen advances in that space as well. We were really pleased that up to £80 million was confirmed in the UK Government's spending review for the port of Port Talbot. We've recognised the significance of our ports to support the delivery of offshore wind projects, and it was great to see the UK Government recognise that in providing that funding as well. I think that that is a big step forward and, again, should give confidence to the offshore wind industry, but also to the port, that it does have support from the UK Government. Eighty million pounds is no trivial amount of money. That's some significant investment.
And separately, we've seen investments at the port of Newport as well to make sure that that port is able to continue doing its important work. It's the largest steel-importing port in the whole of the UK. That's really going to be important for the future of Tata as well. So, I think that investment in the ports is happening, and now we have the investment prospectus, which is a document that genuinely is getting a lot of interest, then I think that we can see further advancements in this space as well.
Wel, rwy'n credu ein bod wedi gweld datblygiadau yn y maes hwnnw hefyd. Roeddem yn falch iawn fod hyd at £80 miliwn wedi'i gadarnhau yn adolygiad o wariant Llywodraeth y DU ar gyfer porthladd Port Talbot. Rydym wedi cydnabod pwysigrwydd ein porthladdoedd i gefnogi prosiectau gwynt ar y môr, ac roedd yn wych gweld Llywodraeth y DU yn cydnabod hynny wrth ddarparu'r cyllid hwnnw hefyd. Credaf fod hwnnw'n gam mawr ymlaen, ac unwaith eto, dylai roi hyder i'r diwydiant gwynt ar y môr, ond hefyd i'r porthladd, ei fod yn cael cefnogaeth gan Lywodraeth y DU. Nid yw £80 miliwn yn swm bach o arian. Mae'n fuddsoddiad sylweddol.
Ac ar wahân i hynny, rydym wedi gweld buddsoddiadau ym mhorthladd Casnewydd hefyd i sicrhau bod y porthladd hwnnw'n gallu parhau i wneud ei waith pwysig. Dyma'r porthladd mewnforio dur mwyaf yn y DU gyfan. Mae hynny'n mynd i fod yn bwysig iawn i ddyfodol Tata hefyd. Felly, mae buddsoddiad yn digwydd yn y porthladdoedd, a chan fod gennym y prosbectws buddsoddi bellach, dogfen sy'n denu llawer iawn o ddiddordeb, rwy'n credu y cawn weld datblygiadau pellach yn y maes hwn hefyd.
On the face of it, of course, £80 million isn't a trivial amount of money or investment, but, as I've mentioned several times in the Chamber, we are starting from an incredibly low base and behind many other nations who have been investing in their ports infrastructure now for a number of years in preparation for offshore wind.
And it's exactly the same issue that we're facing here as well when it comes to skills. The Cabinet Secretary was right to point to skills being an important part of our port-readiness strategy, and, of course, I welcomed that news last month that one of the five new technical excellence colleges will be established in Pembrokeshire. However, without changes to the way the wider further education and work-based learning sector is resourced to cope with the changing demands of the Welsh economy, this college ultimately will be limited in its impact. The skills requirements for floating offshore wind are incredibly broad, spanning a range of fields. So, I was scratching my head a bit when reading the detailed draft budget report and finding that the money announced for the apprenticeship programme will barely support providers to keep learners on board for their two-year programmes, let alone support growth for the network in key areas of economic development.
Now, I know this responsibility doesn't fall solely on the Cabinet Secretary, and I've made the point several times that it should be on the shoulders of a number of Cabinet Secretaries across all portfolios of Government. So, what I'd be really interested to understand from the Cabinet Secretary is what discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the skills system is properly equipped and funded to deliver on the opportunities that we all want to see for Wales.
Ar yr olwg gyntaf, wrth gwrs, nid yw £80 miliwn yn swm dibwys o arian neu fuddsoddiad, ond fel y soniais sawl gwaith yn y Siambr, rydym yn dechrau o sylfaen anhygoel o isel a thu ôl i lawer o genhedloedd eraill sydd wedi bod yn buddsoddi yn eu seilwaith porthladdoedd ers nifer o flynyddoedd bellach i baratoi ar gyfer ynni gwynt ar y môr.
Ac rydym yn wynebu'r un broblem yn union yma hefyd o ran sgiliau. Roedd Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn iawn i dynnu sylw at sgiliau fel rhan bwysig o'n strategaeth parodrwydd porthladdoedd, ac wrth gwrs, croesawais y newyddion y mis diwethaf y bydd un o'r pum coleg rhagoriaeth dechnegol newydd yn cael ei sefydlu yn sir Benfro. Fodd bynnag, heb newidiadau i'r ffordd y mae'r sector addysg bellach a dysgu seiliedig ar waith ehangach yn cael ei ariannu i ymdopi â gofynion newidiol economi Cymru, bydd y coleg hwn yn gyfyngedig ei effaith yn y pen draw. Mae'r gofynion sgiliau ar gyfer ffermydd gwynt arnofiol ar y môr yn eithriadol o eang, ac yn cwmpasu ystod o feysydd. Felly, roeddwn yn crafu fy mhen braidd wrth ddarllen adroddiad manwl y gyllideb ddrafft a chanfod mai prin y bydd yr arian a gyhoeddwyd ar gyfer y rhaglen brentisiaeth yn cefnogi darparwyr i gadw dysgwyr ar gyfer eu rhaglenni dwy flynedd, heb sôn am gefnogi twf ar gyfer y rhwydwaith mewn meysydd allweddol o ddatblygiad economaidd.
Nawr, gwn nad cyfrifoldeb i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn unig yw hwn, ac rwyf wedi gwneud y pwynt sawl gwaith y dylai gael ei ysgwyddo gan nifer o Ysgrifenyddion y Cabinet ar draws pob portffolio Llywodraeth. Felly, yr hyn rwy'n wirioneddol awyddus i'w ddeall gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yw pa drafodaethau a gawsoch gyda chyd-Aelodau o'r Cabinet i sicrhau bod y system sgiliau wedi'i chyfarparu a'i hariannu'n briodol i gyflawni'r cyfleoedd y mae pob un ohonom eisiau eu gweld i Gymru.
So, we're currently progressing the delivery of the actions that were identified in our net-zero skills action plan of 2023. Work has now progressed on the sector skills road maps, which we aim to publish very shortly. The data is still being verified, but we're hoping to be able to make those public in the very near future. Those will include key projects, the skill requirements for them, the workforce size forecasts for those sectors that are associated with renewable energy in the first instance, and then we'll look at other green skills after that. And I think that those road maps will be particularly relevant for Medr and Medr’s planning processes, but also for Careers Wales as well, in terms of promoting careers in green jobs, and I know that the Minister with responsibility for skills has been having discussions with Medr, particularly, on this issue.
In the current academic year, we've allocated over £70 million to further education colleges for part-time courses provision. We know that this is going to be really important for reskilling and upskilling individuals to take advantage of these new opportunities. But it also includes investment in our flagship personal learning accounts programme, and particularly the part of the programme that includes a green PLA. That's there to meet the net-zero skills gaps in construction, in energy, in manufacturing and in engineering. And almost 1,900 individuals already have accessed the green PLAs. That was in the 2023-24 academic year, according to provisional figures that we have at the moment. So, this work is already under way. People are already, today, benefiting from the investment in green skills to ensure that they're able to take advantage of the important jobs that will be coming very shortly too.
Rydym yn bwrw ymlaen â'r gwaith o gyflawni'r camau gweithredu a nodwyd yn ein cynllun gweithredu sgiliau sero net yn 2023. Mae gwaith bellach wedi'i wneud ar y cynlluniau sgiliau sector y bwriadwn eu cyhoeddi cyn bo hir. Mae'r data'n dal i gael ei wirio, ond rydym yn gobeithio gallu eu cyhoeddi yn y dyfodol agos iawn. Byddant yn cynnwys prosiectau allweddol, y gofynion sgiliau ar eu cyfer, rhagolygon o faint y gweithlu ar gyfer y sectorau sy'n gysylltiedig ag ynni adnewyddadwy yn y lle cyntaf, ac yna byddwn yn edrych ar sgiliau gwyrdd eraill ar ôl hynny. A chredaf y bydd y cynlluniau hynny'n arbennig o berthnasol i Medr a phrosesau cynllunio Medr, ond hefyd i Gyrfa Cymru, ar gyfer hyrwyddo gyrfaoedd mewn swyddi gwyrdd, a gwn fod y Gweinidog sydd â chyfrifoldeb am sgiliau wedi bod yn cael trafodaethau gyda Medr, yn enwedig, ynglŷn â'r mater hwn.
Yn y flwyddyn academaidd gyfredol, rydym wedi dyrannu dros £70 miliwn i golegau addysg bellach ar gyfer darpariaeth cyrsiau rhan-amser. Gwyddom y bydd hyn yn wirioneddol bwysig ar gyfer ailsgilio ac uwchsgilio unigolion i fanteisio ar y cyfleoedd newydd hyn. Ond mae hefyd yn cynnwys buddsoddiad yn ein rhaglen gyfrifon dysgu personol flaenllaw, ac yn enwedig y rhan o'r rhaglen sy'n cynnwys cyfrif dysgu personol gwyrdd. Mae hwnnw yno i lenwi'r bylchau sgiliau sero net ym meysydd adeiladu, ynni, gweithgynhyrchu a pheirianneg. Ac mae bron i 1,900 o unigolion eisoes wedi cael mynediad at y cyfrifon dysgu personol gwyrdd. Roedd hynny yn y flwyddyn academaidd 2023-24, yn ôl y ffigurau dros dro sydd gennym ar hyn o bryd. Felly, mae'r gwaith hwn eisoes yn mynd rhagddo. Mae pobl eisoes, heddiw, yn elwa o'r buddsoddiad mewn sgiliau gwyrdd i sicrhau eu bod yn gallu manteisio ar y swyddi pwysig a fydd yn dod cyn bo hir hefyd.
3. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi'r diwydiant gemau cyfrifiadurol? OQ63330
3. How is the Welsh Government supporting the gaming industry? OQ63330
Since 2020, Creative Wales has invested over £5.2 million into the games industry in Wales, and are excited about the potential it holds for long-term employment and skills development. We will continue to support Welsh companies in the sector to grow and trade internationally, as well as seeking inward investment opportunities.
Ers 2020, mae Cymru Greadigol wedi buddsoddi dros £5.2 miliwn yn y diwydiant gemau cyfrifiadurol yng Nghymru, ac rydym yn gyffrous ynglŷn â'r potensial sydd ganddo ar gyfer cyflogaeth hirdymor a datblygu sgiliau. Byddwn yn parhau i gefnogi cwmnïau Cymreig y sector i dyfu a masnachu'n rhyngwladol, yn ogystal â chwilio am gyfleoedd mewnfuddsoddi.
Diolch, Cabinet Secretary. The gaming industry in Wales is growing. More and more developers are seeing Wales as an attractive country to set up their studios. A large part of this is thanks to continued investment from the Welsh Government into the industry through funding and grants, like the Creative Wales games development fund. Cabinet Secretary, it was great to see Hypertonic Games Limited in Pembrokeshire being awarded funding as part of the Creative Wales games development fund. How do we continue to promote this indigenous gaming industry in places like Pembrokeshire?
Diolch, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Mae'r diwydiant gemau cyfrifiadurol yng Nghymru yn tyfu. Mae mwy a mwy o ddatblygwyr yn ystyried Cymru yn wlad ddeniadol i sefydlu eu stiwdios. Mae llawer o hyn o ganlyniad i fuddsoddiad parhaus gan Lywodraeth Cymru yn y diwydiant drwy gyllid a grantiau, fel cronfa datblygu gemau cyfrifiadurol Cymru Greadigol. Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, roedd yn wych gweld Hypertonic Games Limited yn sir Benfro yn cael cyllid yn rhan o gronfa datblygu gemau cyfrifiadurol Cymru Greadigol. Sut y parhawn i hyrwyddo'r diwydiant gemau cyfrifiadurol brodorol hwn mewn mannau fel sir Benfro?
Well, I'm really pleased that, as well as being able to ensure that we secure that inward investment—for example, Rocket Science; it's an American-based video games service provider that will service AAA games and studios, globally, from their headquarters here in Cardiff—. So, as well as being able to secure that kind of investment, which we did at a previous trade mission to the games fair in San Francisco—actually, the original aim was to create 50 jobs in Cardiff, but they've already achieved over 60, and that does evidence the strength of the sector here in Wales—. So, as well as that inward investment, I'm really pleased that we're able to support businesses and Welsh businesses and people with fantastic innovative ideas in this space to grow as well.
So, Hypertonic Games were successful in their application for development funding to the sum of £33,000 for their project Nectar, which is an immersive virtual reality game, which is a beekeeping simulation game. But we were also able to support a range of other businesses as well. And we also have provided some dedicated funding and training initiatives for the sector, including the games scale-up fund for Wales—that's a partnership with the UK games fund, and that's a significant development for us, which has been warmly welcomed by the sector, and six Wales-based studios have been awarded cumulative funding of £850,000 to scale up the development of their studios and their intellectual property right here in Wales.
Wel, yn ogystal â gallu gwneud yn siŵr ein bod yn sicrhau'r mewnfuddsoddiad hwnnw—er enghraifft, Rocket Science; darparwr gwasanaeth gemau fideo yn America a fydd yn gwasanaethu gemau a stiwdios AAA, ledled y byd, o'u pencadlys yma yng Nghaerdydd—. Felly, yn ogystal â gallu sicrhau'r math hwnnw o fuddsoddiad, fel y gwnaethom mewn taith fasnach flaenorol i'r ffair gemau cyfrifiadurol yn San Francisco—mewn gwirionedd, y nod gwreiddiol oedd creu 50 o swyddi yng Nghaerdydd, ond maent eisoes wedi darparu dros 60, ac mae hynny'n dyst i gryfder y sector yma yng Nghymru—. Felly, yn ogystal â'r mewnfuddsoddiad hwnnw, rwy'n falch iawn ein bod yn gallu cefnogi busnesau, busnesau Cymreig, a phobl sydd â syniadau arloesol gwych yn y maes hwn i dyfu hefyd.
Felly, roedd Hypertonic Games yn llwyddiannus gyda'u cais am gyllid datblygu o £33,000 ar gyfer eu prosiect Nectar, gêm realiti rhithwir ymgollol am gadw gwenyn. Ond rydym hefyd wedi gallu cefnogi amrywiaeth o fusnesau eraill. Ac rydym hefyd wedi darparu cyllid pwrpasol a chynlluniau hyfforddi ar gyfer y sector, gan gynnwys cronfa uwchraddio gemau cyfrifiadurol Cymru—mae honno'n bartneriaeth gyda chronfa gemau cyfrifiadurol y DU, ac mae hwnnw'n ddatblygiad arwyddocaol i ni, sydd wedi cael ei groesawu'n fawr gan y sector, ac mae chwe stiwdio yng Nghymru wedi derbyn cyllid cronnol o £850,000 i ehangu datblygiad eu stiwdios a'u heiddo deallusol yma yng Nghymru.
Cabinet Secretary, the games industry has seen huge growth, both here in Wales and across the globe. Worldwide, the industry now eclipses the Hollywood box office, with nearly half of the global population regularly playing video games. The number of the games studios in Wales is impressive, and my region is home to award-winning e-sports teams. However, the future of the industry is not all rosy. The past few months have seen huge worldwide layoffs, games studios being shuttered, and AAA games being scrapped. It appears that the major players in the sector are being impressed and tempted by the new shiny toy that is artificial intelligence. Cabinet Secretary, what steps are the Welsh Government taking to both capitalise upon the flux in the sector and to protect our domestic studios from the turmoil?
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, mae'r diwydiant gemau cyfrifiadurol wedi gweld twf enfawr, yma yng Nghymru ac ar draws y byd. Ledled y byd, mae'r diwydiant bellach yn gwneud mwy o arian na ffilmiau Hollywood, gyda bron i hanner poblogaeth y byd yn chwarae gemau fideo yn rheolaidd. Mae nifer y stiwdios gemau yng Nghymru yn drawiadol, ac mae fy rhanbarth i yn gartref i dimau e-chwaraeon sydd wedi ennill gwobrau. Fodd bynnag, nid yw dyfodol y diwydiant yn fêl i gyd. Yn yr ychydig fisoedd diwethaf, mae nifer enfawr o bobl ledled y byd wedi colli eu swyddi, mae stiwdios gemau cyfrifiadurol wedi cau, ac mae gemau AAA yn cael eu taflu ar y domen. Ymddengys bod y prif chwaraewyr yn y sector yn edmygu ac yn cael eu temtio gan y tegan sgleiniog newydd, sef deallusrwydd artiffisial. Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i fanteisio ar y newidiadau yn y sector ac i ddiogelu ein stiwdios domestig rhag y cythrwfl?
I'm very grateful for the question and the recognition of the way in which the sector has grown here in Wales in recent years. That doesn't happen by accident. It has happened by specific targeted investment and support that the Welsh Government has put in place. So, since its inception in 2020, Creative Wales has provided over £5.2 million of funding for the video games sector in Wales, and we work with individual companies to support them to attend international trade fairs. For example, in March of this year, 15 companies attended the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, and we were able to support them with that. And there's a new trade mission, on which we're partnering with Games London and the Department for Business and Trade, to support businesses to attend Slush in Helsinki this month. So, lots is already happening in this space.
I know that it's a sector with lots of ingenuity, and I know that they will be absolutely looking to see how they can exploit AI for the benefits of the work that they do in terms of game development as well. So, certainly, AI in many ways does provide challenges but also huge opportunities, and I know that they'll be looking to maximise the benefits of AI.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn am y cwestiwn a'r gydnabyddiaeth o'r ffordd y mae'r sector wedi tyfu yma yng Nghymru yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf. Nid yw hynny'n digwydd ar ddamwain. Mae wedi digwydd trwy fuddsoddiad a chymorth penodol wedi'i dargedu y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i roi ar waith. Felly, ers ei sefydlu yn 2020, mae Cymru Greadigol wedi darparu dros £5.2 miliwn o gyllid i'r sector gemau fideo yng Nghymru, ac rydym yn gweithio gyda chwmnïau unigol i'w cefnogi i fynychu ffeiriau masnach rhyngwladol. Er enghraifft, ym mis Mawrth eleni, mynychodd 15 o gwmnïau Gynhadledd y Datblygwyr Gemau Cyfrifiadurol yn San Francisco, ac roeddem yn gallu eu cefnogi gyda hynny. Ac mae yna daith fasnach newydd, yr ydym yn partneru â Games London a'r Adran Busnes a Masnach ar ei chyfer, i gefnogi busnesau i fynychu Slush yn Helsinki y mis hwn. Felly, mae llawer eisoes yn digwydd yn y maes.
Rwy'n gwybod ei fod yn sector sydd â llawer o ddyfeisgarwch yn perthyn iddo, ac rwy'n gwybod y byddant yn edrych i weld sut y gallant fanteisio ar ddeallusrwydd artiffisial er budd y gwaith y maent yn ei wneud ar ddatblygu gemau cyfrifiadurol. Felly, yn sicr, mewn sawl ffordd mae deallusrwydd artiffisial yn creu heriau, a chyfleoedd enfawr hefyd, ac rwy'n gwybod y byddant yn ceisio gwneud y mwyaf o fanteision deallusrwydd artiffisial.
4. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i dyfu'r economi yng ngogledd Cymru? OQ63339
4. What action is the Welsh Government taking to grow the economy in North Wales? OQ63339
The Welsh Government is committed to growing the north Wales economy through strategic partnerships and targeted investment. Key areas include advanced manufacturing, low-carbon innovation, and regeneration, supported by the growth deal, free ports, investment zones, Transforming Towns and tourism capital programmes, to unlock long-term regional prosperity.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo i dyfu economi gogledd Cymru trwy bartneriaethau strategol a buddsoddiad wedi'i dargedu. Mae meysydd allweddol yn cynnwys gweithgynhyrchu uwch, arloesedd carbon isel, ac adfywio, gyda chefnogaeth y fargen twf, porthladdoedd rhydd, parthau buddsoddi, Trawsnewid Trefi a rhaglenni cyfalaf twristiaeth, i ddatgloi ffyniant rhanbarthol hirdymor.
Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary, but one area of potential interest in the north Wales economy that you didn't mention was the nuclear industry, which of course has significant potential for economic growth, job creation and the revitalisation of local communities in the region, especially through the potential new power station at Wylfa, and indeed new modular reactors at Trawsfynydd. These projects could bring in hundreds of millions of pounds of inward investment, create thousands of jobs, have wider benefits for the whole of the north Wales economy, and indeed plug the energy security gap that we have here in Wales and the wider United Kingdom. What is the Welsh Government doing to make sure that we secure those benefits for the economy and for our energy security? And why on earth didn't you list the nuclear industry as one of those key priority sectors when you just rattled off that list of things on your paper?
Diolch am yr ateb hwnnw, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, ond un maes o ddiddordeb posib yn economi gogledd Cymru na wnaethoch chi sôn amdano oedd y diwydiant niwclear, sydd â photensial sylweddol ar gyfer twf economaidd, creu swyddi ac adfywio cymunedau lleol yn y rhanbarth, yn enwedig trwy'r orsaf bŵer newydd bosib yn Wylfa, ac adweithyddion modiwlaidd newydd yn Nhrawsfynydd. Gallai'r prosiectau hyn ddod â channoedd o filiynau o bunnoedd o fewnfuddsoddiad, creu miloedd o swyddi, sicrhau manteision ehangach i economi gogledd Cymru gyfan, a llenwi'r bwlch diogeledd ynni sydd gennym yma yng Nghymru a'r Deyrnas Unedig yn ehangach. Beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i sicrhau ein bod yn ennill y manteision hynny i'r economi ac i'n diogeledd ynni? A pham ar y ddaear na wnaethoch chi restru'r diwydiant niwclear fel un o'r sectorau blaenoriaeth allweddol pan restroch chi'r pethau hynny ar eich papur?
I'm grateful for the question, and I think there's no doubt at all about the Welsh Government's commitment to new nuclear at Wylfa. We've been making this case for many years, and I've spoken directly to Ed Miliband about the Welsh Government's support for that. We do hope that there will be a positive announcement from the UK Government on that and we'll continue to make that very positive case for it. I could have gone on ad infinitum in my list of things that the Welsh Government is delivering for north Wales, but the things I focused on there were things that are in active delivery at the moment, for example, free ports, and the work that we're currently delivering today in terms of advanced manufacturing and so on.
I will say as well that north Wales—and other parts of Wales, actually—have a real potential for contributing to the supply chain. I visited Boccard recently and saw the good work that they're doing in terms of what they're providing for Sizewell. So, that was a really good opportunity. I know other colleagues have visited to talk about their apprenticeship programme as well. So, it's not just about the single project; actually it's about the supply chain, the skills—all of the additional value that we want to be ready for here in Wales.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar am y cwestiwn, ac rwy'n credu nad oes amheuaeth o gwbl am ymrwymiad Llywodraeth Cymru i niwclear newydd yn Wylfa. Rydym wedi bod yn dadlau'r achos ers blynyddoedd lawer, ac rwyf wedi siarad yn uniongyrchol ag Ed Miliband am gefnogaeth Llywodraeth Cymru i hynny. Rydym yn gobeithio y bydd cyhoeddiad cadarnhaol gan Lywodraeth y DU ar hynny a byddwn yn parhau i ddadlau'r achos cadarnhaol hwnnw drosto. Gallwn fod wedi parhau'n ddiddiwedd yn fy rhestr o bethau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cyflawni ar gyfer gogledd Cymru, ond y pethau yr oeddwn yn canolbwyntio arnynt oedd y pethau sydd wthi'n cael eu cyflawni ar hyn o bryd, er enghraifft y porthladdoedd rhydd, a'r gwaith a gyflawnir gennym heddiw nawr ym maes gweithgynhyrchu uwch ac yn y blaen.
Rwyf am ddweud hefyd fod gan ogledd Cymru—a rhannau eraill o Gymru, mewn gwirionedd—botensial gwirioneddol i gyfrannu at y gadwyn gyflenwi. Ymwelais â Boccard yn ddiweddar a gwelais y gwaith da y maent hwy'n ei wneud gyda'r hyn a ddarparant ar gyfer Sizewell. Felly, roedd hwnnw'n gyfle da iawn. Rwy'n gwybod bod cyd-Aelodau eraill wedi ymweld i siarad am eu rhaglen brentisiaeth hefyd. Felly, mae'n ymwneud â mwy na'r un prosiect yn unig; mae'n ymwneud â'r gadwyn gyflenwi, y sgiliau—yr holl werth ychwanegol yr ydym am fod yn barod amdano yma yng Nghymru.
5. A wnaiff yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet ddatganiad ar rôl Sir Fynwy yng nghynlluniau datblygu economaidd Llywodraeth Cymru? OQ63328
5. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the role of Monmouthshire in the Welsh Government's economic development plans? OQ63328
Our economic mission sets out our long-term vision to create a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy. We are working with key partners including Cardiff capital region, local authorities and businesses to deliver this mission across Wales, including Monmouthshire, which is benefiting from £4.8 million of Transforming Towns funding.
Mae ein cenhadaeth economaidd yn nodi ein gweledigaeth hirdymor i greu economi ffyniannus, gynhwysol a chynaliadwy. Rydym yn gweithio gyda phartneriaid allweddol gan gynnwys prifddinas-ranbarth Caerdydd, awdurdodau lleol a busnesau i gyflawni'r genhadaeth hon ledled Cymru, gan gynnwys sir Fynwy, sy'n elwa o £4.8 miliwn o gyllid Trawsnewid Trefi.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. At a recent Monmouthshire County Council meeting on the replacement local development plan, the Labour deputy leader said, and I quote: 'I came to the firm conviction that Welsh Government were simply wrong. They, the Welsh Government, had a misconception of Monmouthshire, that it was some fringe authority with no significant role to play in the future of Wales or the region, with no significant economic role to play.' It's especially concerning that a Labour deputy council leader would express that view about their own party's Government. Thankfully, the deputy leader went on to say that, in his view, Monmouthshire does have a significant role to play, both regionally and into England. And I agree with him. Monmouthshire leads Wales in wholesale and retail trade employment, has the most businesses in scientific activities, is a major player in construction and is a key agricultural hub. So, Cabinet Secretary, I'd welcome your direct response to those comments and your confirmation that you see Monmouthshire as economically integral to Wales's future.
Diolch, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Mewn cyfarfod diweddar gan Gyngor Sir Fynwy ar y cynllun datblygu lleol newydd, dywedodd y dirprwy arweinydd Llafur hyn: 'Rwyf wedi fy argyhoeddi'n bendant fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn anghywir. Roedd ganddynt hwy, Llywodraeth Cymru, gamsyniad ynghylch sir Fynwy, ei fod yn awdurdod ymylol heb unrhyw rôl sylweddol i'w chwarae yn nyfodol Cymru na'r rhanbarth, heb unrhyw rôl economaidd arwyddocaol i'w chwarae.' Mae'n arbennig o bryderus y byddai dirprwy arweinydd cyngor Llafur yn mynegi'r farn honno am Lywodraeth eu plaid eu hunain. Diolch byth, aeth y dirprwy arweinydd rhagddo i ddweud, yn ei farn ef, fod gan sir Fynwy rôl sylweddol i'w chwarae, yn rhanbarthol ac yn Lloegr. Ac rwy'n cytuno ag ef. Mae sir Fynwy yn arwain Cymru o ran cyflogaeth masnach gyfanwerthol a manwerthu, mae ganddi'r nifer mwyaf o fusnesau mewn gweithgareddau gwyddonol, mae'n chwaraewr pwysig ym maes adeiladu ac yn hyb amaethyddol allweddol. Felly, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, hoffwn glywed eich ymateb uniongyrchol i'r sylwadau hynny a'ch cadarnhad eich bod chi'n gweld sir Fynwy yn rhan annatod o ddyfodol Cymru.
Monmouthshire is absolutely integral to Wales's future, and it of course is situated in a really important place on that border as well. So, it's really important that we work well across borders with England.
But I will say that you can see the level of support that the Welsh Government's providing to Monmouthshire through our investment in Transforming Towns. I think that that really does recognise how important and integral those particular communities are to Wales. For example, the investment that we've been making in Abergavenny, the refurbishment of the grade 1 listed Borough Theatre. In Chepstow, we've been providing property enhancements, high-street building improvements and improvements of recreational facilities. And in Monmouth, a pop-up shop scheme has been introduced to reduce the level of vacant units in the town centre, giving local small businesses a low-cost, low-risk opportunity to test out their business ideas. So, those are just some small examples of the things that we're doing through Transforming Towns in Monmouthshire.
And I will add, of course, that the leader of Monmouthshire chairs the Cardiff capital region. That's a really, really important role. And she leads that with great integrity, making sure, of course, that Monmouthshire is central to the plans for the future as well, alongside the other parts of that region. So, I hope I've managed to put your mind at rest that the Welsh Government absolutely recognises the role that Monmouthshire plays across all sectors, from construction to agriculture.
Mae sir Fynwy yn rhan annatod o ddyfodol Cymru, ac wrth gwrs mae wedi'i lleoli mewn lle pwysig iawn ar y ffin. Felly, mae'n hynod bwysig ein bod ni'n gweithio'n dda yn drawsffiniol â Lloegr.
Ond gallwch weld lefel y gefnogaeth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei roi i sir Fynwy drwy ein buddsoddiad yn Trawsnewid Trefi. Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n cydnabod pa mor bwysig ac annatod yw'r cymunedau hynny i Gymru. Er enghraifft, y buddsoddiad a wnaethom yn y Fenni, adnewyddu Theatr y Fwrdeistref sy'n adeilad rhestredig gradd 1. Yng Nghas-gwent, rydym wedi bod yn darparu gwelliannau i eiddo, gwelliannau i adeiladau'r stryd fawr a gwelliannau i gyfleusterau hamdden. Ac yn Nhrefynwy, mae cynllun siop dros dro wedi'i gyflwyno i leihau lefel yr unedau gwag yng nghanol y dref, gan roi cyfle cost isel a risg isel i fusnesau bach lleol brofi eu syniadau busnes. Felly, dyma rai enghreifftiau bach o'r pethau a wnawn drwy Trawsnewid Trefi yn sir Fynwy.
Ac os caf ychwanegu, mae arweinydd sir Fynwy yn cadeirio prifddinas-ranbarth Caerdydd. Mae honno'n rôl wirioneddol bwysig. Ac mae hi'n ei arwain yn ofalus iawn, gan wneud yn siŵr, wrth gwrs, fod sir Fynwy yn ganolog i'r cynlluniau ar gyfer y dyfodol hefyd, ochr yn ochr â'r rhannau eraill o'r rhanbarth hwnnw. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio fy mod wedi llwyddo i dawelu eich meddwl fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn cydnabod yn llwyr y rôl y mae sir Fynwy yn ei chwarae ym mhob sector, o adeiladu i amaethyddiaeth.
6. Pa drafodaethau y mae’r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet yn eu cynnal gyda’r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet dros Gyllid a'r Gymraeg ynghylch argymhellion adroddiad y Comisiwn Cymunedau Cymraeg ar gynllunio gwlad a thref a gyhoeddwyd yn Chwefror 2025? OQ63343
6. What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language on the recommendations of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities' report on town and country planning, published in February 2025? OQ63343
I've met with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language at least twice to discuss this matter, and our officials continue to be in regular dialogue to develop our response.
Rwyf wedi cyfarfod ag Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a'r Gymraeg o leiaf ddwywaith i drafod y mater hwn, ac mae ein swyddogion yn parhau i fod mewn deialog reolaidd er mwyn datblygu ein hymateb.
Mae awduron yr adroddiad yn nodi bod cynllunio gwlad a thref yn greiddiol i ddyfodol y Gymraeg fel iaith gymunedol, a bod yna gonsensws bod angen camau polisi newydd yn y maes cynllunio o safbwynt y Gymraeg, os ydyn ni am sicrhau cynaliadwyedd ieithyddol ein cymunedau. Mae yna 14 o argymhellion yn yr adroddiad—argymhellion pwysig. Felly, a fedrwch chi ymhelaethu mwy ar y trafodaethau rydych chi'n eu cael er mwyn gweld beth mae'r Llywodraeth yn ei wneud er mwyn gweithredu'r argymhellion yma? Byddai'n drueni mawr petai'r adroddiad yma yn un o'r adroddiadau sy'n cael eu cyflwyno i'r Llywodraeth sydd jest yn aros ar y silff.
The authors of the report note that town and country planning is central to the future of the Welsh language as a community language, and that there is a consensus that new policy steps need to be put in place in planning in relation to the Welsh language, if we are to ensure the linguistic sustainability of our communities. There are 14 recommendations in the report. They are important recommendations. So, could you tell us more about the discussions that you are having in order to see what the Government is doing to implement these recommendations? It would be a huge shame if this report were to be just another of those reports that are presented to Government and just stay on the shelf.
It’s an incredibly useful report, and I absolutely agree that planning policy can be a really important tool in terms of supporting the Welsh language. 'Planning Policy Wales' does identify that Welsh language considerations can be considered as a key part of the evidence that is required to inform the local development plan, and therefore the strategy for the delivery of housing in the plan. One of the key sustainable placemaking outcomes of 'Planning Policy Wales' is that we create and sustain communities that will enable the Welsh language to thrive. So it is very much there at the heart of our planning policy.
I do want to thank the commission for the focus that they've given to this and for the specific recommendations in relation to how town and country planning can support the Welsh language. We are waiting now for the judicial review process to conclude before we're able to formally consider how we respond to those recommendations, because there might be further changes as a result of that. But, as I say, we really welcome those recommendations and will respond as soon as we're able to.
Mae'n adroddiad hynod o ddefnyddiol, ac rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr y gall polisi cynllunio fod yn offeryn pwysig iawn ar gyfer cefnogi'r Gymraeg. Mae 'Polisi Cynllunio Cymru' yn nodi y gellir ystyried ystyriaethau'n ymwneud â'r Gymraeg yn rhan allweddol o'r dystiolaeth sydd ei hangen i lywio'r cynllun datblygu lleol, ac felly'r strategaeth ar gyfer darparu tai yn y cynllun. Un o ganlyniadau allweddol creu lleoedd cynaliadwy 'Polisi Cynllunio Cymru' yw ein bod yn creu a chynnal cymunedau a fydd yn galluogi'r Gymraeg i ffynnu. Felly mae'n ganolog iawn i'n polisi cynllunio.
Hoffwn ddiolch i'r comisiwn am y ffocws y maent wedi'i roi i hyn ac am yr argymhellion penodol mewn perthynas â sut y gall cynllunio gwlad a thref gefnogi'r Gymraeg. Rydym yn aros nawr i broses yr adolygiad barnwrol ddod i ben cyn i ni allu ystyried yn ffurfiol sut i ymateb i'r argymhellion hynny, oherwydd gallai fod newidiadau pellach o ganlyniad i hynny. Ond fel y dywedaf, rydym yn croesawu'r argymhellion hynny a byddwn yn ymateb cyn gynted ag y gallwn.
7. Pa asesiad y mae'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet wedi'i wneud o'r heriau sy'n wynebu'r sector twristiaeth ym Mhowys? OQ63352
7. What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the challenges facing the tourism sector in Powys? OQ63352
Visit Wales addresses rural tourism challenges by promoting sustainable, year-round growth and the natural and cultural assets that attract visitors to rural areas. We continue to engage with stakeholders in the tourism sector to ensure that our approach supports local businesses and communities and enhances visitor experiences across Powys.
Mae Croeso Cymru yn mynd i'r afael â heriau twristiaeth wledig drwy hyrwyddo twf cynaliadwy drwy gydol y flwyddyn a'r asedau naturiol a diwylliannol sy'n denu ymwelwyr i ardaloedd gwledig. Rydym yn parhau i ymgysylltu â rhanddeiliaid yn y sector twristiaeth i sicrhau bod ein dull gweithredu yn cefnogi busnesau a chymunedau lleol ac yn gwella profiadau ymwelwyr ledled Powys.
Thank you very much, Cabinet Secretary, for that answer. However, a lot of the tourism businesses in my constituency feel under siege from some of the policies that are coming forward from this Welsh Labour Government, like the 182-day threshold, the tourism tax and the national insurance rise in Westminster. Cabinet Secretary, anybody with an ounce of common sense would realise that these policies are going to really detriment those tourism businesses, costing jobs and businesses being forced to close. So, Cabinet Secretary, with the uncertainty facing our economic climate across Wales and the United Kingdom, do you think it’s about time that these policies were ditched so that we can actually show that we support our tourism businesses right the way across Wales?
Diolch yn fawr am eich ateb, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Fodd bynnag, mae llawer o'r busnesau twristiaeth yn fy etholaeth i yn teimlo dan warchae gan rai o'r polisïau sy'n dod i'r amlwg gan Lywodraeth Lafur Cymru, fel y trothwy 182 diwrnod, y dreth dwristiaeth a'r cynnydd i yswiriant gwladol yn San Steffan. Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, byddai unrhyw un sydd ag owns o synnwyr cyffredin yn sylweddoli y bydd y polisïau hyn yn niweidio busnesau twristiaeth, gan arwain at golli swyddi a gorfodi busnesau i gau. Felly, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, gyda'r ansicrwydd sy'n wynebu ein hinsawdd economaidd ledled Cymru a'r Deyrnas Unedig, a ydych chi'n meddwl ei bod hi'n bryd i'r polisïau hyn gael eu dileu er mwyn inni allu dangos ein bod yn cefnogi ein busnesau twristiaeth ar draws Cymru?
I’m really pleased that tourism has been identified as one of the key themes in the mid Wales growth deal. The Welsh Government has committed £55 million to that growth deal, together with £55 million from the UK Government, so that combined investment of £110 million is expected to generate a total investment of up to £400 million for the mid Wales economy by 2032. So, clearly, with tourism as a central plank of that, the sector should benefit, and growing the rural sector is part of our wider tourism strategy. ‘Welcome to Wales’ is one of the ways in which we promote Wales internationally, and the rural economy is absolutely a regular part of our discussions with the visitor economy forum, which advises Welsh Government on matters affecting tourism.
The visitor levy could directly benefit Powys, should it decide to do it. It could help fund better amenities, protect natural assets and support local jobs. I know that Powys is asking for views from its constituents at the moment in terms of what their views might be on that in future, and, again, I’d encourage people to have their say on that consultation.
Rwy'n falch iawn fod twristiaeth wedi'i nodi fel un o'r themâu allweddol ym margen twf canolbarth Cymru. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo £55 miliwn i'r fargen twf, ynghyd â £55 miliwn gan Lywodraeth y DU, felly disgwylir i fuddsoddiad cyfunol o £110 miliwn gynhyrchu cyfanswm buddsoddiad o hyd at £400 miliwn ar gyfer economi canolbarth Cymru erbyn 2032. Felly, yn amlwg, gyda thwristiaeth yn rhan ganolog o hynny, dylai'r sector elwa, ac mae tyfu'r sector gwledig yn rhan o'n strategaeth dwristiaeth ehangach. Mae 'Croeso i Gymru' yn un o'r ffyrdd yr awn ati i hyrwyddo Cymru'n rhyngwladol, ac mae'r economi wledig yn rhan reolaidd o'n trafodaethau gyda fforwm yr economi ymwelwyr, sy'n cynghori Llywodraeth Cymru ar faterion sy'n effeithio ar dwristiaeth.
Gallai'r ardoll ymwelwyr fod o fudd uniongyrchol i Bowys, pe bai'n penderfynu ei wneud. Gallai helpu i ariannu gwell amwynderau, diogelu asedau naturiol a chefnogi swyddi lleol. Rwy'n gwybod bod Powys yn gofyn am farn gan ei hetholwyr ar hyn o bryd ynglŷn â'u safbwyntiau ar hynny yn y dyfodol, ac unwaith eto, rwy'n annog pobl i ddweud eu barn yn yr ymgynghoriad hwnnw.
I don’t agree at all, Cabinet Secretary, that Powys businesses would benefit from the tourist levy, if the local authority agreed to implement that; I believe it would be really hugely damaging to the Powys economy. But specifically on the 182-day rule, that is really impeding lots of small businesses, and they are businesses, although I know that’s not the Welsh Government’s definition. Could you give any update in terms of when that could be reviewed and a sensible approach could be taken on having a much lower level of requirement, in terms of reducing that 182-day requirement that exists at the moment?
Nid wyf yn cytuno o gwbl, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, y byddai busnesau Powys yn elwa o'r ardoll dwristiaid, pe bai'r awdurdod lleol yn cytuno i'w weithredu; credaf y byddai'n niweidiol iawn i economi Powys. Ond yn benodol ar y rheol 182 diwrnod, mae honno'n rhwystro llawer o fusnesau bach, ac maent yn fusnesau, er fy mod yn gwybod nad dyna yw diffiniad Llywodraeth Cymru. A allech chi roi unrhyw ddiweddariad ynglŷn â pha bryd y gellid adolygu hynny a mabwysiadu dull synhwyrol o gael lefel lawer is o ofyniad, a gostwng y gofyniad 182 diwrnod sy'n bodoli ar hyn o bryd?
So, you’ll have heard my response to a previous speaker this afternoon on the 182 days, and I referred to the consultation that the Welsh Government is currently undertaking in terms of refinements that could be made to the way in which that policy is implemented, and, again, I’d encourage everybody to have their say on that. But I also referred to the fact that now we do have two years’ worth of data from the Valuation Office Agency, it does help us to gain that deeper understanding now of the impacts.
Powys has said it’s not minded to introduce the visitor levy, but that is entirely a choice for Powys. That’s one of the things that we were very clear on from the start of the development of the visitor levy is that it should be for local authorities to decide, based on what they understand to be best for their local communities. But I do think it’s really positive that Powys, alongside having stated its initial intent, is open to listening to views from businesses, from the community, and from others in terms of how they might go ahead thinking about that policy in the future.
Fe fyddwch wedi clywed fy ymateb i siaradwr blaenorol y prynhawn yma ar y 182 diwrnod, a chyfeiriais at yr ymgynghoriad y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud ar hyn o bryd ar addasiadau y gellid eu gwneud i'r ffordd y mae'r polisi hwnnw'n cael ei weithredu, ac unwaith eto, rwy'n annog pawb i ddweud eu barn ar hynny. Ond cyfeiriais hefyd at y ffaith bod gennym ddwy flynedd o ddata gan Asiantaeth y Swyddfa Brisio sy'n ein helpu i gael dealltwriaeth ddyfnach o'r effeithiau.
Mae Powys wedi dweud nad yw'n bwriadu cyflwyno'r ardoll ymwelwyr, a dewis i Bowys yw hynny'n llwyr. Dyna un o'r pethau yr oeddem yn glir iawn yn eu cylch ers dechrau datblygu'r ardoll ymwelwyr yw mai'r awdurdodau lleol sydd i benderfynu, yn seiliedig ar yr hyn y maent hwy'n ei ddeall sydd orau i'w cymunedau lleol. Ond rwy'n credu ei bod yn gadarnhaol iawn fod Powys, ar ôl datgan ei bwriad cychwynnol, yn agored i wrando ar farn gan fusnesau, gan y gymuned, ac eraill ynglŷn â sut y gallent fwrw ymlaen i feddwl am y polisi hwnnw yn y dyfodol.
8. A wnaiff yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet ddatganiad ar gynnydd Llywodraeth Cymru o ran datblygu cynllun datblygu economaidd ar gyfer Blaenau'r Cymoedd? OQ63351
8. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Welsh Government's progress in developing an economic development plan for the Heads of the Valleys? OQ63351
Officials continue to work with Cardiff capital region, exploring joint opportunities to maximise economic opportunities for the Heads of the Valleys, using established programmes and governance arrangements. This approach prioritises delivery using shared principles and evidence to align investment, strengthening delivery and maximising impact across the northern Valleys area.
Mae swyddogion yn parhau i weithio gyda phrifddinas-ranbarth Caerdydd, gan archwilio cyfleoedd ar y cyd i wneud y mwyaf o gyfleoedd economaidd i Flaenau'r Cymoedd, gan ddefnyddio rhaglenni sefydledig a threfniadau llywodraethu. Mae'r dull hwn yn blaenoriaethu cyflawniad gan ddefnyddio egwyddorion a thystiolaeth a rennir i alinio buddsoddiad, cryfhau cyflawniad a gwneud y mwyaf o'r effaith ar draws ardal y Cymoedd gogleddol.
I'm grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for that response. She will be aware that, last week, I was in Ukraine with our colleague Mick Antoniw, delivering aid to the people fighting the Russian invasion in that country, and that visit brought it home to me again just how fragile our peace is and the crisis facing the defence of western Europe at the moment.
This morning, I was in General Dynamics in Pentrebach in Merthyr, where they're launching the new armoured vehicle, the Ajax system, and also looking towards expanding across the Heads of the Valleys and putting down firmer and deeper roots in Wales. It's clear to me that, over the next few years, the defence sector is going to be a major sector of growth in our economy, providing not only high-quality jobs and research, but also providing security and defending our democracy and our values in this place.
So, what is the Welsh Government doing to support not only GD, but other defence contractors and defence suppliers across the whole of that sector to ensure that we in the Heads of the Valleys can benefit from the investment taking place from the UK Government, and also ensure that we have a sector development plan for the defence sector?
Rwy'n ddiolchgar i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet am yr ymateb hwnnw. Fe fydd hi'n ymwybodol fy mod yn Wcráin yr wythnos diwethaf gyda'n cyd-Aelod Mick Antoniw, yn darparu cymorth i'r bobl sy'n ymladd goresgyniad Rwsia yn y wlad honno, ac fe ddangosodd yr ymweliad hwnnw i mi eto pa mor fregus yw ein heddwch a'r argyfwng sy'n wynebu'r gwaith o amddiffyn gorllewin Ewrop ar hyn o bryd.
Y bore yma, roeddwn yn General Dynamics ym Mhentre-bach ym Merthyr, lle maent yn lansio'r cerbyd arfog newydd, y system Ajax, a hefyd yn edrych ar ehangu ar draws Blaenau'r Cymoedd a gosod gwreiddiau cadarnach a dyfnach yng Nghymru. Mae'n amlwg i mi, dros y blynyddoedd nesaf, fod y sector amddiffyn yn mynd i fod yn sector twf mawr yn ein heconomi, gan ddarparu swyddi ac ymchwil o ansawdd uchel, yn ogystal â diogelu ac amddiffyn ein democratiaeth a'n gwerthoedd yn y lle hwn.
Felly, beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i gefnogi nid yn unig General Dynamics, ond contractwyr amddiffyn eraill a chyflenwyr amddiffyn ar draws y sector cyfan i sicrhau ein bod ni ym Mlaenau'r Cymoedd yn gallu elwa o'r buddsoddiad sy'n digwydd gan Lywodraeth y DU, a sicrhau hefyd fod gennym gynllun datblygu sector ar gyfer y sector amddiffyn?
I'm really grateful for that question. I'm really pleased that the UK Government has identified Wales as being one of the parts of the United Kingdom that will benefit from a defence growth deal. We're in discussions with the UK Government on that at the moment. We think that we have things in Wales that are particularly special to us in Wales, both in terms of our capabilities and also in terms of our geography. For example, we have the special airspace, which is over both land and sea, which does allow for testing of autonomous vehicles and drones, and so on. We think that's really special and we know that the UK Government will want to maximise the use of those facilities. What's equally important, though, and perhaps more so, is that that innovation turns into jobs here in Wales. So, we're making sure that that is central to our discussions with the UK Government on the defence growth deal.
We're also really mindful of the fact that we have a really vibrant supply chain here in Wales; we have more than 285 small and medium-sized businesses in the defence sector that are part of the supply chain. There was a really important event at HMS Cambria just last week, organised by the Royal Navy, which brought together small and medium-sized businesses so that they could talk directly with Ministry of Defence representatives and others about how they can benefit from future investment in defence. So, we're absolutely going to see an increase in defence spend here in Wales. What is most important to us now is that that translates into jobs and growth within our communities.
I visited GD myself—a really, really important visit—and part of that was a discussion about their supply chain. They showed a map of the Heads of the Valleys road and all of the different suppliers and partners that they have along that. They described it almost as a kind of defence corridor, and I thought that was a really good example of ways in which businesses are employing local supply chains to meet their needs.
Rwy'n ddiolchgar iawn am y cwestiwn hwnnw. Rwy'n falch iawn fod Llywodraeth y DU wedi nodi Cymru fel un o'r rhannau o'r Deyrnas Unedig a fydd yn elwa o fargen twf amddiffyn. Rydym mewn trafodaethau gyda Llywodraeth y DU ar hynny ar hyn o bryd. Rydym yn meddwl bod gennym bethau yng Nghymru sy'n arbennig o unigryw i ni yng Nghymru, o ran ein galluoedd a hefyd o ran ein daearyddiaeth. Er enghraifft, mae gennym y gofod awyr arbennig, dros y tir a'r môr, sy'n ei gwneud hi'n bosib profi cerbydau awtonomaidd a dronau, ac yn y blaen. Rydym yn meddwl bod hynny'n arbennig iawn ac rydym yn gwybod y bydd Llywodraeth y DU eisiau gwneud y defnydd mwyaf o'r cyfleusterau hynny. Yr hyn sydd yr un mor bwysig, fodd bynnag, ac efallai'n fwy felly, yw bod yr arloesedd hwnnw'n troi'n swyddi yma yng Nghymru. Felly, rydym yn gwneud yn siŵr fod hynny'n ganolog i'n trafodaethau gyda Llywodraeth y DU ar y fargen twf amddiffyn.
Rydym hefyd yn ymwybodol iawn o'r ffaith bod gennym gadwyn gyflenwi fywiog iawn yma yng Nghymru; mae gennym fwy na 285 o fusnesau bach a chanolig yn y sector amddiffyn sy'n rhan o'r gadwyn gyflenwi. Cafwyd digwyddiad pwysig iawn yn HMS Cambria yr wythnos diwethaf, wedi'i drefnu gan y Llynges Frenhinol, a ddaeth â busnesau bach a chanolig at ei gilydd er mwyn iddynt allu siarad yn uniongyrchol â chynrychiolwyr y Weinyddiaeth Amddiffyn ac eraill ynglŷn â sut y gallant elwa o fuddsoddiad mewn amddiffyn yn y dyfodol. Felly, rydym yn mynd i weld cynnydd mewn gwariant amddiffyn yma yng Nghymru. Yr hyn sydd bwysicaf i ni nawr yw bod hynny'n trosi'n swyddi a thwf yn ein cymunedau.
Ymwelais â General Dynamics fy hun—ymweliad pwysig tu hwnt—a rhan o hynny oedd trafodaeth am eu cadwyn gyflenwi. Fe wnaethant ddangos map o ffordd Blaenau'r Cymoedd a'r holl gyflenwyr a phartneriaid gwahanol sydd ganddynt ar hyd-ddi. Roeddent yn ei disgrifio bron fel rhyw fath o goridor amddiffyn, ac roeddwn i'n meddwl bod hynny'n enghraifft dda iawn o'r ffyrdd y mae busnesau'n cyflogi cadwyni cyflenwi lleol i ddiwallu eu hanghenion.
Diolch yn fawr i'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary.
Y cwestiynau nesaf fydd y rhai i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol. Mae'r cwestiwn cyntaf gan James Evans.
The next item will be questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. The first question is from James Evans.
1. A wnaiff yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet ddatganiad ar amseroedd aros ar gyfer ambiwlans ar draws Cymru? OQ63353
1. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on ambulance waiting times across Wales? OQ63353
I am encouraged to see that ambulance response times and ambulance patient handover performance have improved in recent months. I expect ambulance response times to reduce further across Wales with sustained handover improvement.
Mae'n galonogol gweld bod amseroedd ymateb ambiwlansys a pherfformiad trosglwyddo cleifion ambiwlans wedi gwella yn ystod y misoedd diwethaf. Rwy'n disgwyl i amseroedd ymateb ambiwlansys ostwng ymhellach ledled Cymru gyda gwelliant parhaus i'r amseroedd trosglwyddo cleifion.
Thank you for your response, Cabinet Secretary. Many people in my constituency feel abandoned when it comes to ambulance cover. I've heard numerous cases from constituents, some of them waiting hours on the floor for an ambulance. Actually, the new way the system works is that a lot of the Powys ambulances are based in other parts of Wales, sometimes leaving my constituency and the whole of Powys with no ambulance cover whatsoever.
I know this is especially felt when it comes to stroke services. We all know that we have to act fast in terms of stroke and make sure that people get that timely care. But many people in my constituency are facing over an hour and a half just to get to the nearest hospital. We're seeing stroke services move further away: Hereford's are going to Worcester, Merthyr's down to Llantrisant, and now Bronglais services could be moving further north or even further south. This is going to put more strain on people in my constituency. We don't even have the air ambulance anymore covering our area, which is a huge shame.
Cabinet Secretary, I'd like to know from you what specific and urgent action you are going to take to make sure that the constituents that I represent in Brecon and Radnorshire and the constituents of Powys as a whole can have adequate ambulance cover, to make sure that when they phone for help, help is on the way.
Diolch am eich ymateb, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Mae llawer o bobl yn fy etholaeth yn teimlo eu bod yn cael cam gan y ddarpariaeth ambiwlans. Clywais am nifer o achosion gan etholwyr, gyda rhai ohonynt yn aros am oriau ar y llawr am ambiwlans. Mewn gwirionedd, y ffordd newydd y mae'r system yn gweithio yw bod llawer o ambiwlansys Powys wedi'u lleoli mewn rhannau eraill o Gymru, weithiau'n gadael fy etholaeth i a Phowys gyfan heb unrhyw ddarpariaeth ambiwlans o gwbl.
Rwy'n gwybod bod hyn i'w deimlo'n arbennig yn achos gwasanaethau strôc. Rydym i gyd yn gwybod bod yn rhaid inni weithredu'n gyflym pan fydd strôc yn digwydd a gwneud yn siŵr fod pobl yn cael gofal amserol. Ond mae llawer o bobl yn fy etholaeth i'n wynebu dros awr a hanner ddim ond i gyrraedd yr ysbyty agosaf. Rydym yn gweld gwasanaethau strôc yn symud ymhellach i ffwrdd: mae gwasanaethau Henffordd yn mynd i Gaerwrangon, mae rhai Merthyr yn mynd i lawr i Lantrisant, a nawr mae'n bosib y bydd gwasanaethau Bronglais yn symud ymhellach i'r gogledd neu hyd yn oed ymhellach i'r de. Mae hyn yn mynd i roi mwy o straen ar bobl yn fy etholaeth i. Nid oes gennym ambiwlans awyr mwyach ar gyfer ein hardal chwaith, sy'n drueni enfawr.
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, hoffwn wybod gennych pa gamau penodol a brys y byddwch chi'n eu cymryd i sicrhau bod yr etholwyr a gynrychiolaf ym Mrycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed ac etholwyr Powys gyfan yn gallu cael darpariaeth ambiwlans ddigonol, er mwyn sicrhau bod cymorth ar y ffordd pan fyddant yn ffonio am help.
The average ambulance response time performance for people in the amber category in Powys has been the fastest in Wales for the past three months. The average response time in September in Powys was one hour and 18 minutes, which is 15 minutes faster than the national average. In relation to the purple and red response performance, the return of spontaneous circulation rate, which is one of the new measures, for residents in Powys was above the national average in September. In the health board area during September, the median time to identify cardiac arrest was just over one minute.
We will obviously want to do whatever we can to build on that progress in all parts of Powys. There is significant investment, as the Member will be aware, in relation to the 'Six Goals for Urgent and Emergency Care' programme, and the ambulance patient handover target of 45 minutes is being improved on right across Wales, which is good progress. I want to see that happening faster, but we are seeing very good signs of progress in all parts of Wales.
Mae perfformiad amseroedd ymateb ambiwlansys ar gyfartaledd ar gyfer pobl yn y categori ambr ym Mhowys wedi bod y cyflymaf yng Nghymru dros y tri mis diwethaf. Yr amser ymateb cyfartalog ym mis Medi ym Mhowys oedd awr a 18 munud, sef 15 munud yn gyflymach na'r cyfartaledd cenedlaethol. Mewn perthynas â'r perfformiad ymateb porffor a choch, roedd cyfradd adfer cylchrediad digymell, sy'n un o'r mesurau newydd, ar gyfer trigolion ym Mhowys yn uwch na'r cyfartaledd cenedlaethol ym mis Medi. Yn ardal y bwrdd iechyd yn ystod mis Medi, yr amser canolrifol i nodi ataliad ar y galon oedd ychydig dros funud.
Byddwn yn amlwg eisiau gwneud popeth yn ein gallu i adeiladu ar y cynnydd hwnnw ym mhob rhan o Bowys. Fel y bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod, fe wnaed buddsoddiad sylweddol yn y rhaglen 'Chwe Nod ar gyfer Gofal Brys a Gofal mewn Argyfwng', a ledled Cymru, rhagorir ar y targed trosglwyddo cleifion ambiwlans o 45 munud, sy'n gynnydd da. Rwyf am weld hynny'n digwydd yn gyflymach, ond rydym yn gweld arwyddion da iawn o gynnydd ym mhob rhan o Gymru.
Cabinet Secretary, there are some horrific reports of people waiting completely unacceptable times for an ambulance. There is a recent account in Montgomeryshire of someone showing symptoms of a stroke waiting for five hours for an ambulance. So, I don't quite recognise what you said in your earlier answer.
Response times are going to get worse without Government intervention. The Welshpool and Caernarfon air ambulance bases are set to close. This will mean that dozens of communities across mid and north Wales will have slower response times for emergency intervention. I will ask you: will you intervene to ensure that these bases don't close?
If not, as part of the proposed changes, so-called mitigation measures were announced, including the deployment of additional road vehicles for areas of mid and north Wales. That would still fall well short of what is truly needed. However, can you confirm, health Secretary, that, as promised, no Wales air ambulance bases will close across Wales until those additional emergency road vehicles have been deployed and are in place?
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, mae yna rai adroddiadau erchyll am bobl yn aros amseroedd cwbl annerbyniol am ambiwlans. Cafwyd adroddiad diweddar yn sir Drefaldwyn am rywun yn dangos symptomau strôc yn aros am bum awr am ambiwlans. Felly, nid wyf yn cydnabod yn llwyr yr hyn a ddywedoch chi yn eich ateb cynharach.
Mae amseroedd ymateb yn mynd i waethygu heb ymyrraeth y Llywodraeth. Mae canolfannau ambiwlans awyr y Trallwng a Chaernarfon yn mynd i gau. Bydd hyn yn golygu y bydd dwsinau o gymunedau ar draws canolbarth a gogledd Cymru yn gweld amseroedd ymateb arafach ar gyfer ymyrraeth frys. Rwy'n gofyn i chi: a wnewch chi ymyrryd i sicrhau nad yw'r canolfannau hyn yn cau?
Os na, yn rhan o'r newidiadau arfaethedig, cyhoeddwyd mesurau lliniaru fel y'u gelwir, gan gynnwys defnyddio cerbydau ffordd ychwanegol ar gyfer ardaloedd canolbarth a gogledd Cymru. Byddai hynny'n dal i fod yn llawer llai na'r hyn sydd ei angen mewn gwirionedd. Fodd bynnag, a allwch chi gadarnhau, Ysgrifennydd iechyd, na fydd unrhyw ganolfannau ambiwlans awyr Cymru yn cau ledled Cymru hyd nes y bydd y cerbydau ffordd brys ychwanegol hynny wedi'u darparu ac ar waith?
I am sorry to hear about the Member's constituent's experience about the long wait. That is obviously unacceptable, but the data that I provided is accurate data and does reflect that, in the amber category, in Powys, there has been the fastest response in Wales for the past three months, which I think is positive. Obviously, we want to see even better performance in all parts of Wales.
He will know that there has been a judgment of the Court of Appeal in relation to the service change. The matter has now been fully litigated, having had the Court of Appeal's decision to refuse leave to appeal to the High Court. So, the legal understanding and the legal analysis of the decision is now complete. The Member will be aware that it is not a decision of the Welsh Government, and it would not be appropriate for it to be.
The Member rolls his eyes, but I am sure that most Members do not want me to be deploying ambulances from my office right across Wales. There is a well-established mechanism for doing this at the local level, which reflects the needs of local populations. The decision taken has been one of the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee, but it does reflect the policy expectations of the Welsh Government, to ensure equitable access and the best possible outcomes for service users right across Wales.
Mae'n ddrwg gennyf glywed am brofiad etholwr yr Aelod a'r amser hir y bu'n aros. Mae hynny'n amlwg yn annerbyniol, ond mae'r data a ddarparais yn ddata cywir ac yn adlewyrchu, yn y categori ambr, mai ym Mhowys y cafwyd yr ymateb cyflymaf yng Nghymru dros y tri mis diwethaf, sy'n gadarnhaol. Yn amlwg, rydym eisiau gweld perfformiad sydd hyd yn oed yn well ym mhob rhan o Gymru.
Fe fydd yn gwybod bod dyfarniad wedi'i wneud yn y Llys Apêl mewn perthynas â'r newid gwasanaeth. Mae'r mater bellach wedi'i gyfreithio'n llawn, ar ôl cael penderfyniad y Llys Apêl i wrthod caniatâd i apelio i'r Uchel Lys. Felly, mae'r ddealltwriaeth gyfreithiol a'r dadansoddiad cyfreithiol o'r penderfyniad bellach wedi'i gwblhau. Bydd yr Aelod yn ymwybodol nad penderfyniad gan Lywodraeth Cymru ydyw, ac ni fyddai'n briodol iddo fod.
Mae'r Aelod yn rholio'i lygaid, ond rwy'n siŵr nad yw'r rhan fwyaf o'r Aelodau eisiau i mi ddarparu ambiwlansys o fy swyddfa i bob rhan o Gymru. Mae mecanwaith sefydledig ar gyfer gwneud hyn ar lefel leol, sy'n adlewyrchu anghenion poblogaethau lleol. Penderfyniad Cyd-bwyllgor Comisiynu GIG Cymru yw'r un a wnaed, ond mae'n adlewyrchu disgwyliadau polisi Llywodraeth Cymru, er mwyn sicrhau mynediad cyfartal a'r canlyniadau gorau posib i ddefnyddwyr gwasanaeth ledled Cymru.
2. A wnaiff yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet roi diweddariad am y cynllun i sefydlu canolfan iechyd newydd yn Waunfawr yn Arfon? OQ63342
2. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the establishment of a new health centre in Waunfawr in Arfon? OQ63342
Cafodd cyllid ei ddyfarnu i Fwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr o dan y gronfa gyfalaf integreiddio ac ailgydbwyso ym mis Ionawr eleni, i ddatblygu achos cyfiawnhad busnes ar gyfer hwb gofal sylfaenol Waunfawr. Mae fy swyddogion yn aros i'r achos busnes gael ei gyflwyno er mwyn symud ymlaen ymhellach gyda'r cynllun.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board were awarded funding under the integration and rebalancing capital fund in January this year to develop a business justification case for the Waunfawr primary care hub. My officials await the submission of the business case to progress further with the scheme.
Mae meddygon a chleifion meddygfa Waunfawr wedi bod yn ymgyrchu ers 20 mlynedd i gael cyfleusterau iechyd newydd. Mae hi'n hollol annheg bod doctoriaid ardderchog y practis yn gorfod gweld cleifion mewn portakabins, yn y coridorau, a hyd yn oed yn y gegin.
Mae yna gynllun newydd ar y gweill ers tro, ac rydw i wedi gofyn ichi yn y Siambr yma—nid chi yn bersonol, ond rydw i wedi gofyn yn y Siambr yma droeon—am adroddiad cynnydd ar y cynllun. Mae yna bryder mawr eto rŵan yn lleol na fydd y ganolfan newydd yma yn mynd yn ei blaen. Does yna ddim arwydd o gwbl bod yna gychwyn ar yr adeiladu yn y tymor byr. Mae'r caniatâd cynllunio mewn peryg o redeg allan, ac mae hynny wedyn yn mynd i greu mwy o oedi.
Felly, er mwyn bod yn gwbl dryloyw, wnewch chi ymchwilio ymhellach i beth sydd wedi mynd ymlaen, esbonio wrth bobl leol beth sydd wedi digwydd ac, yn bwysicach, gyrru'r prosiect yma yn ei flaen, fel bod yna gyfleusterau newydd yn cael eu datblygu ar frys yn Waunfawr?
Doctors and patients at the Waunfawr surgery have been campaigning for 20 years to have new healthcare facilities. It is entirely unfair that the excellent doctors at the practice have to see patients in portakabins, in corridors, and even in the kitchen.
A new plan has been in place for some time, but I've asked you in this Chamber—not you personally, but I've asked in this Chamber time and time again—for a progress report on that plan. There is great concern again now, locally, that the new centre won't go ahead. There is no sign at all that the construction work has begun in the short term. The planning consent is in danger of running out, and that then is going to lead to greater delay.
So, to be entirely transparent, will you look into what has gone on, explain to people locally what has taken place and, more importantly, drive forward this project, so that there are new facilities developed as a matter of urgency in Waunfawr?
Mae'r gronfa sydd yn ariannu'r math yma o ddatblygiad, y gronfa integreiddio ac ailgydbwyso, fel y gwnes i sôn yn fy ateb cychwynnol, ar waith dros ogledd Cymru ac ar draws Cymru'n gyfan gwbl. Mae rhyw 15 cynllun yng ngogledd Cymru a rhyw 38 ar draws Cymru, felly mae'r gronfa yn gweithio i wneud y gwaith y mae angen iddi ei wneud.
O ran Waunfawr yn benodol, mae'r cynllun yn un diddorol ac mae'n un pwysig. Rŷn ni'n gwybod bod hyn yn gallu gwella'r ddarpariaeth ar gyfer cleifion, ond hefyd mae'n fwy atyniadol ar gyfer meddygon. Rŷn ni hefyd yn gwybod, o ran gwerth am arian, fod cyfleoedd yn hynny o beth hefyd. Ar hyn o bryd, mae'r achos busnes yn mynd trwy brosesau llywodraethiant y bwrdd iechyd, ac rŷn ni'n disgwyl cael cynllun pellach oddi wrthyn nhw yn y misoedd nesaf.
The fund that provides funding for this kind of redevelopment, the integration and rebalancing capital fund, as I said in my initial response, is operational across north Wales and across the whole of Wales. There are some 15 schemes in north Wales and around 38 across Wales, so the fund is working to do the work that it needs to do.
In terms of Waunfawr specifically, the proposal is interesting and it's important. We know that this can improve provision for patients, but it'll also be more attractive for doctors. And we also know that, in terms of value for money, there are opportunities there too. At the moment, the business case is going through the governance processes within the health board, and we're expecting an update from them in the next few months.
Justified frustration and anger have been expressed over the lack of progress by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in developing a new purpose-built surgery with improved access, parking and community space in Waunfawr, Gwynedd, to replace the current cramped and unsuitable premise. This is a region-wide issue, replicated, for example, in Hanmer surgery, south Wrexham, who continue to fight a similar battle more than 11 years after the existing building was declared unfit for purpose.
The delays, excuses and errors behind this only add to the primary care shortage in north Wales and the impact this has on the region's A&E departments. Meanwhile, cuts to community beds have worsened delays, the health board received more preventable death reports from the coroner than any other organisation in Wales, and it has a higher number of delayed discharges than any other health board in Wales.
A group of retired medics and nurses are campaigning to try and reverse the current unnecessary situation with deliverable proposals, including bringing back community beds. When, if ever, will you intervene and speak and work with these retired medics, and the GPs in Waunfawr and Hanmer, to understand and implement the solutions needed?
Mae rhwystredigaeth a dicter cyfiawn wedi'u mynegi am y diffyg cynnydd gan Fwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr mewn perthynas â datblygu meddygfa bwrpasol newydd gyda gwell mynediad, parcio a gofod cymunedol yn Waunfawr, Gwynedd, i gymryd lle'r safle cyfyng ac anaddas presennol. Mae hwn yn fater sy'n codi drwy'r rhanbarth, ac fe'i gwelir hefyd, er enghraifft, ym meddygfa Hanmer, de Wrecsam, sy'n parhau i ymladd brwydr debyg fwy nag 11 mlynedd ar ôl i'r adeilad presennol gael ei ddatgan yn anaddas i'r diben.
Mae'r oedi, yr esgusodion a'r camgymeriadau y tu ôl i hyn yn ychwanegu at y prinder gofal sylfaenol yng ngogledd Cymru a'r effaith y mae hyn yn ei chael ar adrannau damweiniau ac achosion brys y rhanbarth. Yn y cyfamser, mae toriadau i welyau cymunedol wedi gwaethygu oedi, derbyniodd y bwrdd iechyd fwy o adroddiadau am farwolaethau y gellid bod wedi eu hosgoi gan y crwner nag unrhyw sefydliad arall yng Nghymru, ac mae ganddo nifer uwch o achosion o oedi cyn rhyddhau cleifion nag unrhyw fwrdd iechyd arall yng Nghymru.
Mae grŵp o feddygon a nyrsys wedi ymddeol yn ymgyrchu i geisio gwrthdroi'r sefyllfa ddiangen bresennol gyda chynigion y gellir eu cyflawni, gan gynnwys dod â gwelyau cymunedol yn ôl. Pryd, os byth, y gwnewch chi ymyrryd a siarad a gweithio gyda'r meddygon hyn sydd wedi ymddeol, a'r meddygon teulu yn Waunfawr a Hanmer, i ddeall a gweithredu'r atebion sydd eu hangen?
As I mentioned in my answer to Siân Gwenllian, the solution needed is to provide integrated services at a community level in a way in which the health board would want to see, and that we certainly want to see as a Welsh Government. As I mentioned earlier, 38 projects have been approved for funding for capital. Fifteen of those 38 projects are in the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board area, which suggests to me a significant level of investment in exactly the kind of facilities that the Member says he wishes to see more.
Fel y soniais yn fy ateb i Siân Gwenllian, yr ateb sydd ei angen yw darparu gwasanaethau integredig ar lefel gymunedol mewn ffordd y byddai'r bwrdd iechyd eisiau ei gweld, ac yr ydym ni yn sicr eisiau ei gweld fel Llywodraeth Cymru. Fel y soniais yn gynharach, mae 38 o brosiectau wedi'u cymeradwyo ar gyfer cyllid cyfalaf. Mae 15 o'r 38 prosiect yn ardal Bwrdd Iechyd Betsi Cadwaladr, sy'n awgrymu lefel sylweddol o fuddsoddiad yn yr union fath o gyfleusterau y mae'r Aelod yn dweud ei fod yn dymuno gweld mwy ohonynt.
Cwestiynau nawr gan lefarwyr y pleidiau. Llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr, James Evans.
Questions now from the party spokespeople. The Conservatives' spokesperson, James Evans.
Diolch, Llywydd. Cabinet Secretary, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing have brought forward a petition signed by more than 10,000 people across Wales demanding urgent action to end unsafe corridor care. Doctors and nurses report patients waiting for days in corridors, side rooms and even ambulance bays without privacy, dignity or respect. Yet there is still time for us to address this, Cabinet Secretary.
We've got the 'Winter well-being: shared actions and impact' report, which was published by Public Health Wales, and that highlights that there are going to be huge pressures this winter. So, will you commit today, Cabinet Secretary, to introduce a national standardised system of data collection and monthly publication on corridor care, showing how many patients are being treated outside proper wards, for how long and what were their health outcomes, so the public, clinicians and this Senedd can track progress and make sure that we have nobody waiting in corridors in our hospitals?
Diolch, Lywydd. Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, mae Cymdeithas Feddygol Prydain a'r Coleg Nyrsio Brenhinol wedi cyflwyno deiseb wedi'i llofnodi gan fwy na 10,000 o bobl ledled Cymru yn mynnu gweithredu brys i roi diwedd ar ofal anniogel mewn coridorau. Mae meddygon a nyrsys yn adrodd am gleifion yn aros am ddyddiau mewn coridorau, ystafelloedd ochr a hyd yn oed baeau ambiwlansys heb breifatrwydd, urddas na pharch. Ond mae amser o hyd inni fynd i'r afael â hyn, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet.
Mae gennym yr adroddiad 'Llesiant yn ystod y gaeaf: camau gweithredu ac effeithiau a rennir', a gyhoeddwyd gan Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru, ac mae hwnnw'n tynnu sylw at y ffaith y bydd yna bwysau enfawr y gaeaf hwn. Felly, a wnewch chi ymrwymo heddiw, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, i gyflwyno system safonedig genedlaethol ar gyfer casglu data a chyhoeddiadau misol ar ofal mewn coridorau, sy'n dangos faint o gleifion sy'n cael eu trin y tu allan i wardiau priodol, am ba hyd a beth oedd eu canlyniadau iechyd, fel y gall y cyhoedd, clinigwyr a'r Senedd hon olrhain cynnydd a sicrhau nad oes gennym neb yn aros mewn coridorau yn ein hysbytai?
I don't want to see anybody being treated in corridors or waiting in corridors for treatment. I was able to visit the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil earlier this week, where we are now seeing, I think, close to 100 percent compliance with the 45-minute target for ambulance patient handover, and, at the same time, no corridor care being provided. That is what we want to be able to see in all hospital settings: patients being brought quickly into the hospital, ambulances being released and patients not, as a result, being treated in corridors. It is possible to achieve that. It is challenging against a backdrop of incredible pressure, but it is not an acceptable way to provide care other than in the most exceptional circumstances, where, in any system, there is an element of that. So, I've been clear—and the Member will remember, perhaps, from the previous time he asked me about this, in the discussion we had on transparency a few weeks ago—that work is already under way to identify how we can best capture that data and make it available so that we are able to have a conversation that is informed by data on the ground.
Nid wyf am weld unrhyw un yn cael ei drin mewn coridorau neu'n aros mewn coridorau am driniaeth. Ymwelais ag Ysbyty'r Tywysog Siarl ym Merthyr Tudful yn gynharach yr wythnos hon, lle rydym bellach yn gweld bron i 100 y cant o gydymffurfiaeth â'r targed 45 munud ar gyfer trosglwyddo cleifion ambiwlans, ac ar yr un pryd, nid oes unrhyw ofal yn cael ei ddarparu mewn coridorau. Dyna'r hyn yr hoffem ei weld ym mhob lleoliad ysbyty: cleifion yn cael eu cludo'n gyflym i'r ysbyty, ambiwlansys yn cael eu rhyddhau a chleifion na chânt eu trin mewn coridorau yn sgil hynny. Mae'n bosib cyflawni hynny. Mae'n heriol yn erbyn cefndir o bwysau anhygoel, ond nid yw'n ffordd dderbyniol o ddarparu gofal heblaw yn yr amgylchiadau mwyaf eithriadol, lle mae yna elfen o hynny mewn unrhyw system. Felly, rwyf wedi bod yn glir—a bydd yr Aelod yn cofio, efallai, o'r tro blaenorol iddo ofyn i mi ynglŷn â hyn, yn y drafodaeth a gawsom ar dryloywder ychydig wythnosau yn ôl—fod gwaith eisoes ar y gweill i nodi sut y gallwn gasglu'r data hwnnw yn y ffordd orau a sicrhau ei fod ar gael fel y gallwn gael sgwrs wedi'i llywio gan ddata ar lawr gwlad.
It's interesting you mention Prince Charles Hospital, because I actually had a friend there not so long ago who was actually in an overcrowded ward, pushed against a sink. I had another constituent in Prince Charles Hospital who spent four days in a chair receiving treatment. So, I'm not sure what part of the hospital you visited, but perhaps there are other parts of the hospital you should have gone to.
But that petition clearly calls as well for a pause on any further bed reductions across Wales until safe alternatives are in place. At the same time, Public Health Wales, in their report, warned that winter pressures from respiratory viruses, cold homes and delayed discharges will push hospital capacity beyond comprehension. Corridor care is the visible symptom of deeper problems in our health system: too few staffed beds and backlogs in community and social care. So, what specific capacity-boosting measures will you have in place before the peak in January, including staffed escalation beds, rapid discharging lounges and step-down facilities across Wales, to ensure that no patients are left waiting in corridors? Can you also confirm, Cabinet Secretary, how many additional staffed beds will be operational across Wales this winter, compared to last year?
Mae'n ddiddorol eich bod yn sôn am Ysbyty'r Tywysog Siarl, gan fod ffrind i mi yno'n ddiweddar mewn ward orlawn, wedi'u gwthio yn erbyn sinc. Roedd gennyf etholwr arall yn Ysbyty'r Tywysog Siarl a dreuliodd bedwar diwrnod mewn cadair yn derbyn triniaeth. Felly, nid wyf yn siŵr pa ran o'r ysbyty yr ymweloch chi â hi, ond efallai y dylech fod wedi mynd i rannau eraill o'r ysbyty.
Ond mae'r ddeiseb honno hefyd yn galw'n glir am oedi cyn lleihau nifer y gwelyau ymhellach ledled Cymru hyd nes bod trefniadau amgen diogel ar waith. Ar yr un pryd, rhybuddiodd Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru yn eu hadroddiad y bydd pwysau'r gaeaf o ganlyniad i firysau anadlol, cartrefi oer ac oedi wrth ryddhau cleifion yn gwthio capasiti ysbytai y tu hwnt i ddirnadaeth. Gofal mewn coridorau yw symptom gweladwy problemau dyfnach yn ein system iechyd: dim digon o welyau wedi'u staffio ac ôl-groniadau mewn gofal yn y gymuned a gofal cymdeithasol. Felly, pa fesurau penodol i hybu capasiti a fydd gennych ar waith cyn bod pwysau'r gaeaf ar ei waethaf ym mis Ionawr, gan gynnwys gwelyau uwchgyfeirio wedi’u staffio, lolfeydd rhyddhau cleifion yn gyflym a chyfleusterau cam-i-lawr ledled Cymru, i sicrhau nad oes unrhyw gleifion yn cael eu gadael i aros mewn coridorau? A wnewch chi gadarnhau hefyd, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, faint o welyau ychwanegol wedi'u staffio a fydd yn weithredol ledled Cymru y gaeaf hwn, o gymharu â'r llynedd?
All hospitals have arrangements for surge capacity. This isn't fundamentally a question of the number of beds, however. It's about the system working in better balance and actually making sure that people have the services they need without needing to be admitted to hospital. So, there are very well-established and well-progressed plans. We brought forward winter planning this year to the spring in order to make sure that that community capacity is strengthened and that the ambulance service is working hand in glove with hospitals in order to make sure that, where people don't have to be transported to emergency departments, they aren't. In particular, in relation to breathlessness, a new pathway has been developed over recent months, which will enable patients to have the support they need for conditions related to breathlessness, which we saw, both last year and the year before, was the highest category of red calls on the ambulance service. A new pathway has been developed in response to that. And in relation to those patients who end up being brought to hospital because of a fall, because they're frail, there is now increasing provision in hospital sites to ensure that they don't have to be admitted to an ED. They can be treated separately and discharged in a prompt way, and we are starting to see the benefit of that.
I would just say to him once again that one of the challenges that, last year, he was rightly challenging me on was the number of patients in the back of ambulances over the winter months waiting to be admitted to hospital. We have the lowest number of lost hours in ambulances, which is how we describe that, of any point in the last four years as a consequence of the focus that the health service has brought onto this important issue. So, going into winter months, we are in a better position in terms of ambulance handover than at any point in the last four years. We all anticipate that winter will be challenging. The task we have is to prepare for it as best we can. I'm confident that we are doing that and that we have done that. There are always unpredictable aspects that come. We model for them as best any Government can. That is the situation we face going into winter.
Mae gan bob ysbyty drefniadau ar gyfer capasiti ymchwydd. Fodd bynnag, nid oes a wnelo hyn â nifer y gwelyau mewn gwirionedd. Mae a wnelo â'r system yn gweithio'n fwy cytbwys a sicrhau bod pobl yn cael y gwasanaethau sydd eu hangen arnynt heb orfod cael eu derbyn i'r ysbyty. Felly, mae yna gynlluniau sefydledig a datblygedig iawn. Fe wnaethom ddechrau cynllunio ar gyfer y gaeaf yn y gwanwyn eleni er mwyn sicrhau bod y capasiti cymunedol hwnnw'n cael ei gryfhau a bod y gwasanaeth ambiwlans yn gweithio law yn llaw ag ysbytai er mwyn sicrhau, lle nad oes yn rhaid cludo pobl i adrannau brys, nad yw hynny'n digwydd. Yn fwyaf arbennig, mewn perthynas â diffyg anadl, mae llwybr newydd wedi'i ddatblygu dros y misoedd diwethaf, a fydd yn galluogi cleifion i gael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt ar gyfer cyflyrau sy'n gysylltiedig â diffyg anadl, gan inni weld, y llynedd a'r flwyddyn cynt, mai dyna'r categori uchaf o alwadau coch i'r gwasanaeth ambiwlans. Mae llwybr newydd wedi'i ddatblygu mewn ymateb i hynny. Ac yn achos cleifion a gludir i'r ysbyty oherwydd cwymp, am eu bod yn eiddil, mae darpariaeth gynyddol bellach ar safleoedd ysbytai i sicrhau nad oes yn rhaid eu derbyn i adran achosion brys. Gellir eu trin ar wahân a'u rhyddhau'n gyflym, ac rydym yn dechrau gweld budd hynny.
Hoffwn ddweud wrtho unwaith eto mai un o'r heriau y gwnaeth fy herio yn eu cylch y llynedd, a hynny'n gywir ddigon, oedd nifer y cleifion yng nghefn ambiwlansys dros fisoedd y gaeaf yn aros i gael eu derbyn i'r ysbyty. Mae gennym y nifer isaf o oriau coll mewn ambiwlansys, sef y ffordd y disgrifir hynny, ar unrhyw adeg yn y pedair blynedd diwethaf o ganlyniad i'r ffocws y mae'r gwasanaeth iechyd wedi'i roi ar y mater pwysig hwn. Felly, ar drothwy misoedd y gaeaf, rydym mewn sefyllfa well o ran trosglwyddo o ambiwlansys nag ar unrhyw adeg yn y pedair blynedd diwethaf. Mae pob un ohonom yn rhagweld y bydd y gaeaf yn heriol. Y dasg sydd gennym yw paratoi cystal ag y gallwn ar ei gyfer. Rwy'n hyderus ein bod yn gwneud hynny a'n bod wedi gwneud hynny. Mae agweddau anrhagweladwy bob amser yn codi. Rydym yn modelu ar eu cyfer cystal ag y gall unrhyw Lywodraeth. Dyna'r sefyllfa sy'n ein hwynebu ar drothwy'r gaeaf.
But, Cabinet Secretary, I know you've said this isn't about beds, but it is, isn't it? Because the British Medical Association have said this is about beds, and the Royal College of Nursing have said this is about bed numbers, and they are the professionals on the front line. With all due respect, I would take their advice over your advice, Cabinet Secretary. So, I will ask again: they are saying that there are going to be unprecedented capacity issues in our hospitals this winter, and that we need to make sure that bed capacity is increased, not reduced. You didn't answer my question, Cabinet Secretary, on that point. We need to see more beds in our hospitals—that's clear. I'd like to hear from you: are you going to put more beds into our hospitals, or is this Welsh Government going to continue to reduce beds across our hospitals, which puts more people in corridors and more people waiting out the back of hospitals in ambulances?
Ond Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, gwn eich bod wedi dweud nad oes a wnelo hyn â gwelyau, ond mae'n ymwneud â gwelyau, onid yw? Oherwydd mae Cymdeithas Feddygol Prydain wedi dweud bod a wnelo hyn â gwelyau, ac mae'r Coleg Nyrsio Brenhinol wedi dweud bod a wnelo hyn â nifer y gwelyau, a nhw yw'r gweithwyr proffesiynol ar y rheng flaen. Gyda phob parch, buaswn yn cymryd eu gair nhw dros eich gair chi, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Felly, gofynnaf eto: maent hwy'n dweud y bydd problemau capasiti digynsail yn ein hysbytai y gaeaf hwn, a bod angen inni sicrhau bod capasiti gwelyau yn cael ei gynyddu, nid ei leihau. Ni wnaethoch ateb fy nghwestiwn ar y pwynt hwnnw, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Mae angen inni weld mwy o welyau yn ein hysbytai—mae hynny'n glir. Hoffwn glywed gennych: a ydych chi'n mynd i roi mwy o welyau yn ein hysbytai, neu a yw'r Llywodraeth hon yng Nghymru yn mynd i barhau i leihau nifer y gwelyau ar draws ein hysbytai, sy'n golygu mwy o bobl mewn coridorau a mwy o bobl yn aros y tu ôl i ysbytai mewn ambiwlansys?
I wonder whether the Member actually heard the answer I gave previously, or whether he was preparing for the next question. The very first thing I said was that all hospitals in Wales have plans for surge capacity. But fundamentally, if the Member thinks that the solution to this problem is more and more and more beds, he is absolutely fundamentally wrong about that. What we know, everywhere, globally, is that if we continue to provide healthcare in the most expensive part and least convenient part of the system for patients, we will fail. The way to fund, the way to make the progress that we want to see, and the Member says he wants to see, is by supporting services in the community, and this Government is committed to doing that.
Tybed a glywodd yr Aelod yr ateb a roddais yn flaenorol, neu a oedd yn paratoi ar gyfer y cwestiwn nesaf? Y peth cyntaf un a ddywedais oedd bod gan bob ysbyty yng Nghymru gynlluniau ar gyfer capasiti ymchwydd. Ond yn y bôn, os yw'r Aelod yn credu mai'r ateb i'r broblem hon yw mwy a mwy o welyau, mae'n gwbl anghywir am hynny. Yr hyn a wyddom, ym mhobman, ledled y byd, yw os byddwn yn parhau i ddarparu gofal iechyd yn y rhan ddrytaf a lleiaf cyfleus o'r system i gleifion, byddwn yn methu. Y ffordd i ariannu, y ffordd i wneud y cynnydd yr ydym am ei weld, ac y mae'r Aelod yn dweud ei fod am ei weld, yw drwy gefnogi gwasanaethau yn y gymuned, ac mae'r Llywodraeth hon wedi ymrwymo i wneud hynny.
Llefarydd Plaid Cymru, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Plaid Cymru spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor.
Diolch, Llywydd. Ym mis Mehefin, fe gyhoeddodd Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet becyn ariannu o £120 miliwn i fynd i'r afael â'r rhestrau aros, y diweddaraf mewn cyfres hir o fesurau drud y mae'r Llywodraeth wedi'u cyflwyno dros gyfnod tymor y Senedd yma er mwyn mynd i'r afael â'r ôl-groniad, sydd wedi chwyddo bron i 200,000 yn gyfan gwbl ers yr etholiad diwethaf. Mewn ymateb i gyfres o gwestiynau ysgrifenedig ar ddefnyddio'r cyllid yma, fe gadarnhaodd yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet fod £20 miliwn o'r gronfa yma yn cael ei ddefnyddio—a dwi'n dyfynnu—i gynnal y sefyllfa a gyflawnwyd ym mis Mawrth 2025 o ran arosiadau dwy flynedd, o leiaf, gan gefnogi gostyngiad pellach lle bynnag y bo modd.
I egluro sefyllfa mis Mawrth, roedd 8,400 o lwybrau yn aros dwy flynedd neu fwy am driniaeth, tra bod yr ystadegau diweddaraf yn dangos 8,700 o arosiadau o'r fath. Felly, nid yn unig y mae'r lleiafswm a ddisgwyliwyd o'r buddsoddiad yma wedi methu â chael ei wireddu, mae'r sefyllfa wedi dirywio ymhellach fyth. Felly, beth ydy esboniad yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet am pam nad ydy'r buddsoddiad yma wedi arwain at yr hyn a addawyd, a pham nad ydy'r Llywodraeth hon yn gallu cael gafael ar y sefyllfa?
Thank you, Llywydd. In June, the Cabinet Secretary announced a funding package of £120 million to tackle waiting lists, the latest in a long list of expensive measures that the Government have put in place over the term of this Senedd in order to tackle the backlog, which has built up to over 200,000 since the last election. In response to a series of written questions on the use of this funding, the Cabinet Secretary confirmed that £20 million from this fund was being used—and I quote—to maintain the situation delivered in March 2025 in terms of two-year waiting times, at least, while supporting a further reduction wherever possible.
To explain the situation in March, there were 8,400 pathways waiting more than two years for treatment, whilst the latest statistics show 8,700 such waits. So, not only has the minimum expected from this investment failed to be delivered, the situation has declined further. So, what is the Cabinet Secretary's explanation as to why this investment hasn't led to what was pledged, and why can't this Government get a grip of the situation?
Wel, dyw'r Aelod ddim yn disgrifio'r sefyllfa ar lawr gwlad fel y mae hi. Rŷn ni wedi gweld gostyngiadau sylweddol iawn o ran y bobl sy'n aros hwyaf yn ein system ers hydref diwethaf. Beth rŷn ni'n gweld, chwarter wrth chwarter, yw gostyngiad yn rhifau y bobl sydd yn aros dros ddwy flynedd. Mae gyda ni darged o symud hynny tuag at neb yn aros am y cyfnod hwnnw, ac rŷn ni'n gwneud cynnydd tuag at hwnnw. Byddwn ni hefyd yn gweld, pan gyhoeddwn ni'r ffigurau nesaf, gostyngiad sylweddol iawn mewn un mis yn rhifau y bobl sy'n aros am driniaeth ar ein rhestrau aros ni yma yng Nghymru.
Felly, beth rŷn ni'n gweld yw cynnydd, chwarter ar ôl chwarter, tuag at gyrraedd y nod. Mae'r buddsoddiad a roesom ni i mewn i'r system yn caniatáu i ni, ynghyd â diwygio'r ffordd rŷn ni'n darparu gwasanaethau, wneud y cynnydd hynny. Petasai e wedi bod lawr i'r penderfyniad oedd gyda chi, ni fyddem ni wedi cael mynediad at yr arian hwnnw i allu buddsoddi yn y system o gwbl.
Well, the Member isn't explaining the situation as it currently is on the ground. We've seen significant decreases in terms of the people who are waiting longest in our system since autumn of last year. What we are seeing, quarter on quarter, is a decrease in the number of people waiting over two years. We have a target of moving that towards nobody waiting for that period of time, and we are making progress towards that target. We'll also see, when we publish the next set of figures, a significant decline in one month in the number of people waiting for treatment on our waiting lists here in Wales.
So, what we're seeing is progress, quarter after quarter, towards that objective. The investment that we made into the system is allowing us, as well as reforming the way that we provide services, to make that progress. If it had been up to the decision that you had, we wouldn't have had access to that funding to be able to invest in the system at all.
The number back in March was 8,400. The number today is 8,700. That's not an improvement. That's things getting worse. Of course, the £20 million I referenced in my question formed part of a wider package of funding, which, according to the Cabinet Secretary, was designed to reduce the overall backlog by 200,000 by the March of next year. To say that this is a highly ambitious target would be an understatement, and the stats bear out this conclusion. As things stand, you have achieved less than 2 per cent of the total expected reduction. At this rate, it'll take over a quarter of a century to reach the target, which would still leave a backlog of almost 600,000. Can you confirm whether the intention to reduce the total backlog by 200,000 by March remains your goal? If so, what exactly are you going to do differently to ensure that it's achieved by March?
Y nifer ym mis Mawrth oedd 8,400. Y nifer heddiw yw 8,700. Nid yw hynny'n welliant. Mae pethau'n gwaethygu. Wrth gwrs, roedd yr £20 miliwn y cyfeiriais ato yn fy nghwestiwn yn rhan o becyn cyllido ehangach, a gynlluniwyd, yn ôl Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, i sicrhau gostyngiad o 200,000 yn yr ôl-groniad cyffredinol erbyn mis Mawrth y flwyddyn nesaf. Byddai dweud bod hwn yn darged uchelgeisiol iawn yn danddatganiad, ac mae'r ystadegau'n cadarnhau'r casgliad hwn. Fel y saif pethau, rydych chi wedi cyflawni llai na 2 y cant o'r gostyngiad disgwyliedig. Ar y gyfradd hon, bydd yn cymryd dros chwarter canrif i gyrraedd y targed, a fyddai'n dal i adael ôl-groniad o bron i 600,000. A allwch chi gadarnhau mai'r bwriad i sicrhau gostyngiad o 200,000 yn yr ôl-groniad erbyn mis Mawrth yw eich nod o hyd? Os felly, beth yn union ydych chi'n mynd i'w wneud yn wahanol i sicrhau ei fod yn cael ei gyflawni erbyn mis Mawrth?
It is the goal. The performance for the figures, as I've just indicated, the next time they're published, will show a significant reduction in one month, and we expect that to continue month on month. I'm sure that he, like every other Member, will be hearing from constituents that they're being called in for appointments in the evening, on Sunday evenings, on Saturday afternoons, in ways that are completely unprecedented—that's the truth of it. So, it's the aggregate of all that additional activity in the health service, both delivering out-patient activity and other activity more effectively in the core provision, increasing the capacity to provide extra sessions in the evenings and on the weekends, and supplemented by calling into public use, if you like, that extra independent provider capacity to support the public NHS. A mix of all of those things will get us to the levels of reduction that we want to see. There has been a reduction, month on month, and we will see next month a significantly increased reduction, and that pattern is expected to continue until March, and I'm sure he would welcome that.
Dyna'r nod. Bydd perfformiad y ffigurau, fel y nodais nawr, y tro nesaf y cânt eu cyhoeddi, yn dangos gostyngiad sylweddol mewn un mis, ac rydym yn disgwyl i hynny barhau fis ar ôl mis. Rwy'n siŵr y bydd ef, fel pob Aelod arall, yn clywed gan etholwyr eu bod yn cael eu galw i mewn am apwyntiadau gyda'r nos, ar nos Sul, ar brynhawn Sadwrn, mewn ffyrdd sy'n gwbl ddigynsail—dyna'r gwir amdani. Felly, mae a wnelo hyn â'r holl weithgarwch ychwanegol yn y gwasanaeth iechyd, sy'n darparu gweithgarwch cleifion allanol a gweithgarwch arall yn fwy effeithiol yn y ddarpariaeth graidd, gan gynyddu'r capasiti i ddarparu sesiynau ychwanegol gyda'r nos ac ar benwythnosau, ac wedi'i ategu drwy alw capasiti ychwanegol darparwyr annibynnol i ddefnydd cyhoeddus, os mynnwch, er mwyn cefnogi'r GIG cyhoeddus. Bydd cymysgedd o'r holl bethau hynny'n ein harwain at y lefelau o ostyngiad yr ydym am eu gweld. Gwelwyd gostyngiad, fis ar ôl mis, a byddwn yn gweld gostyngiad sylweddol uwch y mis nesaf, a disgwylir i'r patrwm hwnnw barhau tan fis Mawrth, ac rwy'n siŵr y bydd yn croesawu hynny.
One of the contributing factors to the long waiting lists has undoubtedly been the persistent pressure faced by the workforce, with unrelenting and increasing unsustainable workloads. Under such circumstances, you would naturally expect high demand amongst health boards for extra staff, especially as we approach the busiest time of the year for the NHS. But in a clear sign of the misalignment of available resources with the needs of the system, the very opposite is often the case. I'm sure the Cabinet Secretary will also be aware of an open letter recently signed by the students of the March 2023 cohort of Swansea University, who, despite each having completed over 2,000 hours of clinical practice for the NHS, have been informed that there will not be a single adult branch nurse post made available to them by Swansea bay. This is at a time when they continue to spend vast sums on agency nurses. And this is just one example of a wider pattern of young medical professionals in Wales encountering a shut door after shut door while trying to start their careers. Over recent months, I’ve been inundated with messages from recently graduated medical students who are struggling to find employment in Wales. In many cases, they were informed upon graduating in the summer of recruitment freezes of up to six months. It’s little wonder, therefore, why Wales fares particularly badly when it comes to retaining the enormous wealth of talent that we have been nurturing.
Can you explain why, given that universities are evidently being asked to provide medical training places by the health boards, that the likes of Swansea bay are now claiming they have no need for new staff in areas such as adult nursing, and nurses are graduating with no positions available for them?
Un o'r ffactorau sy'n cyfrannu at y rhestrau aros hir, heb os, yw'r pwysau parhaus y mae'r gweithlu'n ei wynebu, gyda llwythi gwaith anghynaliadwy di-baid a chynyddol. Mewn amgylchiadau o'r fath, fe fyddech chi'n naturiol yn disgwyl galw mawr ymhlith byrddau iechyd am staff ychwanegol, yn enwedig wrth inni agosáu at adeg brysuraf y flwyddyn i'r GIG. Ond mewn arwydd clir o'r gwahaniaeth rhwng yr adnoddau sydd ar gael ag anghenion y system, mae'r gwrthwyneb yn aml yn wir. Rwy'n siŵr y bydd Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet hefyd yn ymwybodol o lythyr agored a lofnodwyd yn ddiweddar gan fyfyrwyr carfan mis Mawrth 2023 Prifysgol Abertawe, sydd, er bod pob un ohonynt wedi cwblhau dros 2,000 awr o ymarfer clinigol i'r GIG, wedi cael gwybod na fydd unrhyw swydd nyrs oedolion ar gael iddynt ym mwrdd bae Abertawe. Daw hyn ar adeg pan ydynt yn parhau i wario symiau enfawr ar nyrsys asiantaeth. A dim ond un enghraifft yw hon o batrwm ehangach o weithwyr meddygol proffesiynol ifanc yng Nghymru'n curo ar ddrws caeedig ar ôl drws caeedig wrth geisio dechrau eu gyrfaoedd. Dros y misoedd diwethaf, rwyf wedi cael fy llethu â negeseuon gan fyfyrwyr meddygol sydd newydd raddio ac sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd dod o hyd i waith yng Nghymru. Mewn llawer o achosion, cawsant wybod wrth raddio yn yr haf fod recriwtio wedi'i rewi am hyd at chwe mis. Nid yw’n syndod, felly, fod Cymru’n gwneud yn arbennig o wael o ran cadw’r cyfoeth enfawr o dalent yr ydym wedi bod yn ei feithrin.
O ystyried bod y byrddau iechyd yn amlwg yn gofyn i brifysgolion ddarparu lleoedd hyfforddi meddygol, a allwch chi esbonio pam y mae sefydliadau fel bwrdd bae Abertawe bellach yn honni nad oes angen staff newydd arnynt mewn meysydd fel nyrsio oedolion, a bod nyrsys yn graddio heb fod swyddi ar gael iddynt?
Well, this is a complex area, and the Member, on other occasions, has been telling us we aren’t training enough nurses. So, I’m not sure what his analysis is of the problem, but let me tell him what my analysis is of the problem. I don’t think it is quite right to say that all the challenges that we have are ones that require additional staffing. So, for example, you might wish to go and visit some of these examples. I was at Llandough hospital very recently, looking at what they’ve done there in relation to the transformation of their cataract services, with the same staffing complement, with the same resource availability, but making very intelligent use of that capacity, co-locating it with other aspects of the service. And now they are at the top end of the Getting It Right First Time expectation anywhere in the UK in terms of the number of cataracts they’re able to deliver on the same resource base.
Now, obviously, with larger facilities, more resources, they could do even more, but I think it’s a false assumption that all the challenges in the system are ones that create a need for additional staffing. And the challenge, I think, for all parts of the health service is how we can make use of the extensive resources already in the system in a way that delivers an even better service to patients, and motivates staff to do that.
On the specific point he raises in relation to Swansea bay, he may be aware that Health Education and Improvement Wales, in order to seek to address the challenge that has arisen, has sought to extend the application window—the streamlining window, as it’s called—which allocates nursing graduate jobs, beyond the deadline of this week, for another three weeks, to enable more time to be found to identify a solution for the students. And my officials are working with both HEIW and Swansea bay health board to identify and to be able to publish further vacancies. And students are being reassured that they will be kept informed throughout, obviously. And should it be the case, at the end of that process, that sufficient posts are still not available, they will not be tied into the NHS Wales bursary conditions that otherwise they would be.
Wel, mae hwn yn faes cymhleth, ac mae'r Aelod, ar achlysuron eraill, wedi bod yn dweud wrthym nad ydym yn hyfforddi digon o nyrsys. Felly, nid wyf yn siŵr beth yw ei ddadansoddiad o'r broblem, ond gadewch imi ddweud wrtho beth yw fy nadansoddiad i o'r broblem. Ni chredaf ei bod yn iawn dweud bod yr holl heriau sydd gennym yn rhai sy'n galw am staff ychwanegol. Felly, er enghraifft, efallai yr hoffech fynd i ymweld â rhai o'r enghreifftiau hyn. Roeddwn yn ysbyty Llandochau yn ddiweddar iawn, yn edrych ar yr hyn y maent wedi'i wneud yno mewn perthynas â thrawsnewid eu gwasanaethau cataract, gyda'r un nifer o staff, gyda'r un adnoddau ar gael, ond gan wneud defnydd deallus iawn o'r capasiti hwnnw, gan ei gydleoli gydag agweddau eraill ar y gwasanaeth. A bellach, maent ar y pen blaen drwy'r DU gyfan gyda disgwyliad y rhaglen Gwneud Pethau'n Iawn y Tro Cyntaf o ran nifer y triniaethau cataract y maent yn gallu eu cyflawni gyda'r un sylfaen adnoddau.
Nawr, yn amlwg, gyda chyfleusterau mwy o faint, mwy o adnoddau, gallent wneud mwy eto, ond credaf ei bod yn rhagdybiaeth anghywir fod yr holl heriau yn y system yn rhai sy'n creu angen am staff ychwanegol. A chredaf mai'r her i bob rhan o'r gwasanaeth iechyd yw sut y gallwn wneud defnydd o'r adnoddau helaeth sydd eisoes yn y system mewn ffordd sy'n darparu gwasanaeth hyd yn oed yn well i gleifion, ac sy'n ysgogi staff i wneud hynny.
Ar y pwynt penodol y mae'n ei godi mewn perthynas â bwrdd bae Abertawe, efallai ei fod yn ymwybodol fod Addysg a Gwella Iechyd Cymru, er mwyn ceisio mynd i'r afael â'r her sydd wedi codi, wedi ceisio ymestyn y cyfnod ymgeisio—y cyfnod lliflinio, fel y'i gelwir—sy'n dyrannu swyddi nyrsio i raddedigion, y tu hwnt i'r dyddiad cau yr wythnos hon, am dair wythnos arall, er mwyn galluogi mwy o amser i ddod o hyd i ateb i'r myfyrwyr. Ac mae fy swyddogion yn gweithio gydag AaGIC a bwrdd iechyd bae Abertawe i nodi a gallu cyhoeddi swyddi gwag pellach. Ac yn amlwg, mae myfyrwyr yn cael sicrwydd y byddant yn cael y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf drwy gydol y broses. Ac ar ddiwedd y broses honno, os nad oes digon o swyddi ar gael o hyd, ni fyddant yn cael eu clymu wrth amodau bwrsari GIG Cymru fel y byddent fel arall.
3. Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i wella proses gwyno y GIG i breswylwyr yn Nwyrain De Cymru? OQ63327
3. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve the NHS complaints process for residents in South Wales East? OQ63327
The Senedd recently agreed the National Health Service (Concerns, Complaints and Redress Arrangements) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, reforming the 'Putting Things Right' process in Wales. The strengthened complaints process, renamed 'Listening to People', focuses on early resolution and clearer communication standards, designed to support people if something goes wrong.
Yn ddiweddar, cytunodd y Senedd ar Reoliadau’r Gwasanaeth Iechyd Gwladol (Trefniadau Pryderon, Cwynion ac Iawn) (Cymru) (Diwygio) 2025, gan ddiwygio'r broses 'Gweithio i Wella' yng Nghymru. Mae'r broses gwyno gryfach, sydd wedi'i hailenwi yn 'Gwrando ar Bobl', yn canolbwyntio ar ddatrys yn gynnar a safonau cyfathrebu cliriach, wedi'u cynllunio i gefnogi pobl os bydd rhywbeth yn mynd o'i le.
Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. One of my constituents endured a truly unimaginable, tragic and upsetting incident not too long ago when seeking medical assistance for his mother following a nasty fall at home. I have raised this specific incident with you before, Cabinet Secretary, so I won’t go into too much depth or detail, but just as a brief recap for you and for other Members in the room, my constituent’s mother faced unacceptable delays for help, including shamefully long waits for an ambulance, a doctor failing to turn up due to her shift finishing, and when an ambulance did turn up, my constituent’s 98-year-old mother was forced to wait more than nine hours in the back of an ambulance before being handed over to hospital. But perhaps more upsetting of all was the fact that the doctor phoned my constituent, who was in the hospital car park at the time, telling him to make his way to the hospital as his mother did not have long to live. After entering the hospital a short while later, he was informed that his mother had actually passed away four hours prior.
Cabinet Secretary, quite rightly, my constituent wants answers to the questions he has over his whole experience, including what happened in his mother’s last moments, and I have been helping him get those answers. The Welsh ambulance service, as well as the Aneurin Bevan health board, have finally responded to the complaint, but it has taken them eight months, Cabinet Secretary, and a lot of chasing on behalf of my team. Now, my constituent has gone through the responses that he’s received, and he’s concerned that it contains glaring mistruths and inaccuracies. So, Cabinet Secretary, do you think that it’s acceptable that my grieving constituent has had to wait eight months for answers, and how is the Welsh Government ensuring that health organisations provide timely and, more importantly, accurate responses to complaints that they receive? Thank you.
Diolch am eich ateb, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Dioddefodd un o fy etholwyr ddigwyddiad gwirioneddol annirnadwy, trasig ac annymunol yn eithaf diweddar wrth geisio cymorth meddygol i'w fam wedi iddi gael cwymp cas gartref. Rwyf wedi codi'r digwyddiad hwn gyda chi o'r blaen, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, felly nid wyf am fynd i ormod o fanylder, ond fel crynodeb byr i chi ac i Aelodau eraill yn yr ystafell, wynebodd mam fy etholwr oedi annerbyniol cyn cael cymorth, yn cynnwys arosiadau cywilyddus o hir am ambiwlans, meddyg na ddaeth ati am fod ei shifft wedi gorffen, a phan ddaeth yr ambiwlans, gorfodwyd mam 98 oed fy etholwr i aros mwy na naw awr yng nghefn ambiwlans cyn cael ei throsglwyddo i'r ysbyty. Ond efallai mai'r peth gwaethaf oedd bod y meddyg wedi ffonio fy etholwr, a oedd ym maes parcio'r ysbyty ar y pryd, i ddweud wrtho am fynd i'r ysbyty gan nad oedd gan ei fam lawer o amser i fyw. Ar ôl mynd i mewn i'r ysbyty ychydig bach yn ddiweddarach, dywedwyd wrtho fod ei fam wedi marw bedair awr ynghynt.
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, yn gywir ddigon, mae fy etholwr eisiau atebion i'r cwestiynau sydd ganddo ynghylch ei brofiad cyfan, gan gynnwys yr hyn a ddigwyddodd ychydig cyn i'w fam farw, ac rwyf wedi bod yn ei helpu i gael yr atebion hynny. Mae gwasanaeth ambiwlans Cymru, yn ogystal â bwrdd iechyd Aneurin Bevan, wedi ymateb i'r gŵyn o'r diwedd, ond mae wedi cymryd wyth mis iddynt, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, a llawer o gymell gan fy nhîm. Nawr, mae fy etholwr wedi mynd drwy'r ymatebion a gafodd, ac mae'n pryderu eu bod yn cynnwys anwireddau a gwallau amlwg. Felly, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, a ydych chi'n credu ei bod yn dderbyniol fod fy etholwr yn ei brofedigaeth wedi gorfod aros wyth mis am atebion, a sut y mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n sicrhau bod sefydliadau iechyd yn darparu ymatebion amserol, ac yn bwysicach fyth, ymatebion cywir i gwynion y maent yn eu cael? Diolch.
I'm very sorry to hear about the experience of her constituent, and she has raised it with me previously. It's difficult for me to comment on the specifics of that situation for reasons that I know she will understand. But it is in order to improve the experience that patients and their families have when they make a complaint or when they raise a concern that we have reformed, with the consent of the Senedd, the approach that the NHS takes to addressing complaints.
I am confident—I think we probably all are, given the support that the regulations were able to attract—that the new system will be more responsive, will be more transparent for patients, and, in introducing a two-stage approach with a higher value level of resolution, a higher maximum figure, that will enable patients' and their families' concerns to be addressed much more rapidly. And I can hear from her question that that would have been something that, obviously, her constituent would have appreciated in that particular context, and, in a way in which I think we would all recognise, the current system could be clearer and easier to navigate. I'm confident that the new arrangements that we are putting in place will have that effect.
Mae'n ddrwg iawn gennyf glywed am brofiad ei hetholwr, ac mae wedi codi'r mater gyda mi o'r blaen. Mae'n anodd imi wneud sylwadau ar fanylion y sefyllfa honno am resymau y gwn y bydd yn eu deall. Ond er mwyn gwella'r profiad y mae cleifion a'u teuluoedd yn ei gael pan fyddant yn gwneud cwyn neu pan fyddant yn codi pryder yw'r rheswm pam ein bod wedi diwygio, gyda chydsyniad y Senedd, y dull y mae'r GIG yn ei ddefnyddio i fynd i'r afael â chwynion.
Rwy'n hyderus—mae'n siŵr fod pob un ohonom, o ystyried y gefnogaeth y llwyddodd y rheoliadau i'w hennyn—y bydd y system newydd yn fwy ymatebol, yn fwy tryloyw i gleifion, a thrwy gyflwyno dull dau gam gyda lefel uwch o ddatrysiadau, ffigur uchaf uwch, bydd hynny'n ein galluogi i fynd i'r afael â phryderon cleifion a'u teuluoedd yn llawer cyflymach. A gallaf glywed o'i chwestiwn y byddai hynny wedi bod yn rhywbeth y byddai ei hetholwr, yn amlwg, wedi'i werthfawrogi yn y cyd-destun penodol hwnnw, ac mewn ffordd y credaf y byddai pob un ohonom yn ei chydnabod, gallai'r system bresennol fod yn gliriach ac yn haws ei defnyddio. Rwy'n hyderus y bydd y trefniadau newydd yr ydym yn eu rhoi ar waith yn cael yr effaith honno.
4. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio gyda byrddau iechyd lleol i ehangu fferyllfeydd ar y safle mewn ysbytai? OQ63354
4. How is the Welsh Government working with local health boards to expand onsite pharmacies in hospitals? OQ63354
The Welsh Labour Government is committed to a publicly funded NHS, paid for from general taxation, which does not drive patients into expensive private insurance. Following the independent review of clinical pharmacy services at hospitals in NHS Wales, health boards have been working to implement recommendations that support both the Welsh Government long-term plan for health and social care, 'A Healthier Wales' and immediate NHS priorities.
Mae Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru wedi ymrwymo i GIG a ariennir yn gyhoeddus, y telir amdano drwy drethiant cyffredinol, nad yw'n gorfodi cleifion i gael yswiriant preifat drud. Yn dilyn yr adolygiad annibynnol o wasanaethau fferyllol clinigol mewn ysbytai yn GIG Cymru, mae byrddau iechyd wedi bod yn gweithio i weithredu argymhellion sy'n cefnogi cynllun hirdymor Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, 'Cymru Iachach' a blaenoriaethau uniongyrchol y GIG.
Obviously, you didn't listen to me, Cabinet Secretary, the last time I spoke to you—Reform in Government next May will keep the NHS free at the point of delivery, as it is now, just to be absolutely clear.
Now, back to my important question. The Welsh NHS is constantly crying out for capacity, yet patients who are ready to go home and have the okay to do so are often stuck waiting hours, half a day perhaps, for their medication. This is inefficient and, of course, prevents many beds from being freed up. This is a particular problem on wards over the weekend at the Grange hospital in my region, where the onsite pharmacy closes at 12.30 in the afternoon on weekends. The transfer discharge lounge at the Grange, where patients wait to receive medication and arrange transport home, is an excellent idea for a multitude of reasons, but also, of course, to free up beds. However, I understand that, due to how busy it is, it could ideally do with more staff to manage the demand and, of course, the acute needs presenting there. It is a great idea, but it is only being fed by certain wards, not all. So, in some wards, beds are not being freed up like they should be.
Cabinet Secretary, are you looking to work with LHBs, like Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, to expand their transfer discharge lounge provision to all wards, which, of course, would take significant investment, but would pay dividends? Or are you looking to expand in-house pharmacy opening hours on weekends, so that beds can be made available far quicker for those that need them and, of course, patients can get back to their homes far quicker? Diolch.
Yn amlwg, nid oeddech yn gwrando arnaf, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, y tro diwethaf imi siarad â chi—bydd Reform mewn Llywodraeth fis Mai nesaf yn cadw'r GIG am ddim yn y man darparu, fel y mae nawr, i fod yn gwbl glir.
Nawr, yn ôl at fy nghwestiwn pwysig. Mae GIG Cymru'n crefu’n gyson am gapasiti, ond mae cleifion sy’n barod i fynd adref ac sy'n iawn i wneud hynny yn aml yn gorfod aros oriau, hanner diwrnod efallai, am eu meddyginiaeth. Mae hyn yn aneffeithlon, ac wrth gwrs, yn atal llawer o welyau rhag cael eu rhyddhau. Mae hon yn broblem arbennig ar wardiau dros y penwythnos yn ysbyty’r Faenor yn fy rhanbarth i, lle mae’r fferyllfa ar y safle yn cau am 12.30 y prynhawn ar benwythnosau. Mae’r lolfa drosglwyddo a rhyddhau yn ysbyty’r Faenor, lle mae cleifion yn aros i dderbyn meddyginiaeth a threfnu cludiant adref, yn syniad ardderchog am nifer o resymau, ond hefyd, wrth gwrs, i ryddhau gwelyau. Fodd bynnag, am ei bod hi mor brysur, rwy'n deall, yn ddelfrydol, y gallai wneud gyda rhagor o staff i reoli’r galw, ac wrth gwrs, yr anghenion acíwt sy’n ymgyflwyno yno. Mae’n syniad gwych, ond rhai wardiau'n unig sy’n anfon cleifion yno, nid pob un. Felly, mewn rhai wardiau, nid yw gwelyau’n cael eu rhyddhau fel y dylent.
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, a ydych chi'n bwriadu gweithio gyda byrddau iechyd lleol, fel Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan, i ehangu darpariaeth eu lolfeydd trosglwyddo a rhyddhau i bob ward, a fyddai, wrth gwrs, yn galw am fuddsoddiad sylweddol, ond a fyddai'n talu ar ei ganfed? Neu a ydych chi'n bwriadu ehangu oriau agor fferyllfeydd mewnol ar benwythnosau, fel y gellir sicrhau bod gwelyau ar gael yn llawer cyflymach i'r rhai sydd eu hangen, ac wrth gwrs, fel y gall cleifion fynd yn ôl i'w cartrefi yn llawer cyflymach? Diolch.
Well, Llywydd, so that the record is clear, the leader of reform, Nigel Farage, has on more than one occasion been very, very clear that he does not believe the NHS should be funded from public funds, from general taxation, and seeks the introduction of a private insurance system. There is only one consequence to a private insurance system: it is that it is based on an ability to pay—it is as simple as that. This Government will never countenance that situation. We believe in free health care, free at the point of use and unrelated to people's ability to pay. And it is a matter of great regret to me that her party doesn't subscribe to that principle.
On the specific question that she raised, she will know, as I mentioned in my earlier question, that there has been a review of clinical pharmacy services and there have been a number of recommendations about how to improve the service that pharmacies are able to provide to integrate pharmacy teams more fully into broader multidisciplinary teams. And hospitals right across Wales, including the Grange hospital, are implementing the recommendations from that review.
The Welsh Government issued a Welsh health circular that identifies five priorities in particular, which hospitals should be reporting. I do accept that it is important in order to ensure timely discharge of those people ready to leave hospital that they are able to access the medication that they need, and the recommendations that hospitals are implementing will have that effect. Of course, none of this would be paid for out of the public purse if Reform had their way.
Wel, Lywydd, er mwyn i'r cofnod fod yn glir, mae arweinydd Reform, Nigel Farage, wedi dweud yn glir iawn ar fwy nag un achlysur nad yw'n credu y dylid ariannu'r GIG o bwrs y wlad, drwy drethiant cyffredinol, a'i fod yn ffafrio cyflwyno system yswiriant preifat. Dim ond un canlyniad sydd i system yswiriant preifat: mae'n seiliedig ar y gallu i dalu—mae mor syml â hynny. Ni fydd y Llywodraeth hon byth yn caniatáu'r sefyllfa honno. Rydym yn credu mewn gofal iechyd am ddim, sy'n rhad ac am ddim lle caiff ei ddefnyddio ac nad yw'n gysylltiedig â gallu pobl i dalu. Ac mae'n destun cryn ofid i mi nad yw ei phlaid yn cytuno â'r egwyddor honno.
Ar y cwestiwn penodol a ofynnodd, fe fydd yn gwybod, fel y soniais yn fy nghwestiwn cynharach, fod adolygiad wedi'i gynnal o wasanaethau fferyllol clinigol a bod nifer o argymhellion wedi'u gwneud ynglŷn â sut i wella'r gwasanaeth y gall fferyllfeydd ei ddarparu i integreiddio timau fferyllfeydd yn fwy llawn mewn timau amlddisgyblaethol ehangach. Ac mae ysbytai ledled Cymru, yn cynnwys ysbyty'r Faenor, yn gweithredu'r argymhellion o'r adolygiad hwnnw.
Cyhoeddodd Llywodraeth Cymru gylchlythyr iechyd Cymru sy'n nodi pum blaenoriaeth yn enwedig, y dylai ysbytai adrodd yn eu cylch. Er mwyn sicrhau bod pobl sy'n barod i adael yr ysbyty yn cael eu rhyddhau'n amserol, rwy'n derbyn ei bod hi'n bwysig iddynt allu cael y feddyginiaeth sydd ei hangen arnynt, a bydd yr argymhellion y mae ysbytai'n eu gweithredu yn cael yr effaith honno. Wrth gwrs, ni fyddai pwrs y wlad yn talu am ddim o hyn pe bai Reform yn cael eu ffordd.
The Member does make a valid point about people being delayed from leaving hospital because they’re waiting for their medication. I think most of us have had casework on that, and those beds are very much needed. The Welsh Government have committed to improving and enhancing digital tools across pharmacies in Wales, with innovations such as electronic prescriptions, seamless care and improved app integration. Those improvements are certainly very relevant for outside of hospitals, but, for those inside the system, they may not be quite so effective. Therefore, Cabinet Secretary, would your recommendations you just spoke of talk of additional digital tools that could be available for our hospital pharmacies, to reduce the amount of time patients are waiting for that discharge medication?
Mae'r Aelod yn gwneud pwynt dilys ynglŷn â phobl yn wynebu oedi cyn gadael yr ysbyty am eu bod yn aros am eu meddyginiaeth. Credaf fod y rhan fwyaf ohonom wedi cael gwaith achos ar hynny, ac mae taer angen y gwelyau hynny. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo i ddiwygio a gwella offer digidol ar draws fferyllfeydd yng Nghymru, gyda syniadau newydd fel presgripsiynau electronig, gofal di-dor ac integreiddio apiau'n well. Mae'r gwelliannau hynny'n sicr yn berthnasol iawn y tu allan i ysbytai, ond i'r rhai y tu mewn i'r system, efallai na fyddant mor effeithiol. Felly, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, a fyddai'r argymhellion yr ydych chi newydd fod yn siarad amdanynt yn sôn am offer digidol ychwanegol a allai fod ar gael i fferyllfeydd ein hysbytai, i leihau'r amser y mae cleifion yn aros am feddyginiaeth cyn cael eu rhyddhau?
The Member makes a very important point about the role that digital applications have in order to support pharmacists and, most importantly, patients in relation to this. The digital medicines transformation programme has as its aim improving access to medicines, with future plans for prescriptions to be sent electronically from hospitals to community pharmacies so that people can have the more convenient access that they need to treatments. But he makes an important point about access to digital tools within settings as well. He is right to say that one of the recommendations in the review, recommendation 36, was that electronic medicines management systems must ensure, on a consistent basis right across Wales, across all settings, interoperability fundamental to any plans for safe and effective patient care.
Mae'r Aelod yn gwneud pwynt pwysig iawn am y rôl sydd gan dechnoleg ddigidol i gefnogi fferyllwyr, ac yn bwysicaf oll, i gefnogi cleifion mewn perthynas â hyn. Nod y rhaglen drawsnewid meddyginiaethau digidol yw gwella mynediad at feddyginiaethau, gyda chynlluniau yn y dyfodol i bresgripsiynau gael eu hanfon yn electronig o ysbytai i fferyllfeydd cymunedol fel y gall pobl gael y mynediad mwy cyfleus sydd ei angen arnynt at driniaethau. Ond mae'n gwneud pwynt pwysig ynglŷn â mynediad at offer digidol o fewn lleoliadau hefyd. Mae'n iawn i ddweud mai un o'r argymhellion yn yr adolygiad, argymhelliad 36, oedd bod yn rhaid i systemau rheoli meddyginiaethau electronig sicrhau, ar sail gyson ledled Cymru, ar draws pob lleoliad, fod y gallu i ryngweithredu yn hanfodol i unrhyw gynlluniau ar gyfer gofal cleifion diogel ac effeithiol.
5. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gwella gwasanaethau iechyd yng ngorllewin Cymru? OQ63323
5. How is the Welsh Government improving health services in west Wales? OQ63323
Health boards in Wales are responsible for ensuring the provision of safe, timely and high-quality clinical services for their local population. The Welsh Government continues to support health boards to make improvements through setting strategic national priorities, additional funding and direct intervention when challenges arise.
Y byrddau iechyd yng Nghymru'n sy'n gyfrifol am sicrhau bod gwasanaethau clinigol diogel, amserol ac o ansawdd uchel yn cael eu darparu i'w poblogaeth leol. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n parhau i gynorthwyo byrddau iechyd i wneud gwelliannau drwy osod blaenoriaethau cenedlaethol strategol, cyllid ychwanegol ac ymyrraeth uniongyrchol pan fydd heriau'n codi.
Cabinet Secretary, you will be aware of a report published a few weeks ago by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales in relation to specialist services for epilepsy patients with learning disabilities. The report found that, when the Hywel Dda University Health Board's learning disability epilepsy service ceased in June 2021, the health board did not review the patients on its lists in a timely manner, nor did it provide adequate alternative provision to meet their needs. The ombudsman also found that, four years on, there was still no appropriate and accessible pathway in place to ensure that the needs of this group of patients were adequately met. Cabinet Secretary, this is not acceptable, and urgent action must be taken to address the health board's poor planning and communication and to ensure there’s a clear and accessible pathway for these patients. Therefore, can you tell us what the Welsh Government is doing to urgently address the poor service planning within the health board? Can you tell us what support will be offered to ensure vulnerable epilepsy patients are able to get the appropriate care and support that they need and that they deserve?
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol o adroddiad a gyhoeddwyd ychydig wythnosau'n ôl gan Ombwdsmon Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus Cymru mewn perthynas â gwasanaethau arbenigol ar gyfer cleifion epilepsi ag anableddau dysgu. Canfu'r adroddiad, pan ddaeth gwasanaeth epilepsi anabledd dysgu Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda i ben ym mis Mehefin 2021, nad oedd y bwrdd iechyd wedi adolygu'r cleifion ar ei restrau mewn modd amserol, ac nad oedd wedi darparu darpariaeth amgen ddigonol i ddiwallu eu hanghenion. Canfu'r ombwdsmon hefyd, bedair blynedd yn ddiweddarach, nad oedd llwybr priodol a hygyrch ar waith o hyd i sicrhau bod anghenion y grŵp hwn o gleifion yn cael eu diwallu'n ddigonol. Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, nid yw hyn yn dderbyniol, ac mae’n rhaid cymryd camau brys i fynd i'r afael â chynllunio a chyfathrebu gwael y bwrdd iechyd ac i sicrhau bod llwybr clir a hygyrch ar gael i'r cleifion hyn. Felly, a allwch chi ddweud wrthym beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n ei wneud i fynd i'r afael ar frys â'r cynllunio gwasanaeth gwael o fewn y bwrdd iechyd? A allwch chi ddweud wrthym pa gymorth a fydd yn cael ei gynnig i sicrhau bod cleifion epilepsi agored i niwed yn gallu cael y gofal a'r cymorth priodol sydd eu hangen arnynt ac y maent yn eu haeddu?
The Member will know that the health board has been consulting recently on a range of service changes and the potential future direction for clinical services in its footprint area. I think it is incumbent, obviously, on all health boards to make sure that the way services are provided and configured meets the needs of their local population. I am aware of the report to which the Member refers, about the closure in 2021. I am conscious of the contents of it, and I intend to raise the point specifically that the Member raised with the chair of the health board at my next meeting with him.
Bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod bod y bwrdd iechyd wedi bod yn ymgynghori'n ddiweddar ar ystod o newidiadau i wasanaethau a'r cyfeiriad posib yn y dyfodol ar gyfer gwasanaethau clinigol yn ei ardal. Credaf ei bod yn ddyletswydd ar bob bwrdd iechyd, yn amlwg, i sicrhau bod y ffordd y caiff gwasanaethau eu darparu a'u ffurfweddu yn diwallu anghenion eu poblogaeth leol. Rwy'n ymwybodol o'r adroddiad y cyfeiria'r Aelod ato, ynglŷn â chau'r gwasanaeth yn 2021. Rwy'n ymwybodol o'i gynnwys, ac rwy'n bwriadu codi'r pwynt penodol a gododd yr Aelod gyda chadeirydd y bwrdd iechyd yn fy nghyfarfod nesaf gydag ef.
6. Sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gwella mynediad at ofal iechyd sylfaenol? OQ63322
6. How is the Welsh Government improving access to primary healthcare? OQ63322
Improving access to the right health professional is a Government commitment. Our strategy is more preventative care from more integrated services, with people only going to hospital for reasons of safety or acute need. To improve primary care contractor services, we work with the NHS and professional representatives to develop and support those most familiar and accessed services.
Mae gwella mynediad at y gweithiwr gofal iechyd proffesiynol cywir yn ymrwymiad gan y Llywodraeth. Ein strategaeth yw mwy o ofal ataliol gan wasanaethau mwy integredig, gyda phobl yn mynd i'r ysbyty am resymau diogelwch neu angen acíwt yn unig. Er mwyn gwella gwasanaethau contractwyr gofal sylfaenol, rydym yn gweithio gyda'r GIG a chynrychiolwyr proffesiynol i ddatblygu a chefnogi'r gwasanaethau mwyaf cyfarwydd a'r rhai sy'n cael y mwyaf o ddefnydd.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. You will be aware that within my constituency is the Argyle Medical Group surgery, the second largest in Wales, with over 20,000 registered patients. However, they've only got nine general practitioners, whereas similar-sized surgeries have nearly doubled that at 18 or 17 GPs. Now, I've written to the Argyle Medical Group in good faith, offering support because it continues to be one of the No. 1 issues within my mailbag—getting access to see a GP. I'm disappointed as well that they've made the decision to shut the patient participation group. Now, I want this surgery, like every one of my constituents, to succeed. Their success is a success for the staff and success for the patients. So, Cabinet Secretary, would you meet with me and with the local health board to see how we can collaboratively help Argyle Medical Group to satisfy the needs of the 22,000 patients on their list?
Diolch, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Fe fyddwch yn ymwybodol fod meddygfa Grŵp Meddygol Argyle, y fwyaf ond un yng Nghymru, gyda dros 20,000 o gleifion cofrestredig, yn fy etholaeth i. Fodd bynnag, dim ond naw meddyg teulu sydd ganddynt, tra bo gan feddygfeydd o faint tebyg bron ddwywaith hynny gyda 18 neu 17 o feddygon teulu. Nawr, rwyf wedi ysgrifennu at Grŵp Meddygol Argyle yn ddiffuant, i gynnig cymorth gan fod hyn yn parhau i fod yn un o'r problemau mwyaf yn fy mag post—cael mynediad i weld meddyg teulu. Rwyf hefyd yn siomedig eu bod wedi gwneud y penderfyniad i gau'r grŵp cyfranogiad cleifion. Nawr, fel pob un o fy etholwyr, rwyf eisiau i'r feddygfa hon lwyddo. Mae eu llwyddiant yn llwyddiant i'r staff ac yn llwyddiant i'r cleifion. Felly, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet, a wnewch chi gyfarfod â mi a'r bwrdd iechyd lleol i weld sut y gallwn helpu Grŵp Meddygol Argyle ar y cyd i fodloni anghenion y 22,000 o gleifion ar eu rhestr?
Well, there's an extraordinarily high demand for GP services in Wales, as the Member will be aware—about 1.6 million contacts with GP practices every single month. There are challenges that some practices face in providing the level of access that we would wish them to provide. The Government is very clear about the expectations we have in relation to the access commitment, in terms of the opportunities available for patients to make the bookings, as well as alternative mechanisms for appointments to be booked. The most recent contract discussions with GP representatives included a provision for the health boards to monitor compliance with those standards in all parts of general practice. I hope the health board will be able to work with the practice to ensure the level of access that his constituents are entitled to, and I'll keep that very much under review.
Wel, mae galw eithriadol o uchel am wasanaethau meddygon teulu yng Nghymru, fel y gŵyr yr Aelod—oddeutu 1.6 miliwn o gysylltiadau â meddygfeydd teulu bob mis. Mae rhai meddygfeydd yn wynebu heriau wrth ddarparu'r lefel o fynediad y byddem yn dymuno iddynt ei darparu. Mae'r Llywodraeth yn glir iawn ynghylch y disgwyliadau sydd gennym mewn perthynas â'r ymrwymiad i fynediad, o ran y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael i gleifion wneud apwyntiad, yn ogystal â mecanweithiau amgen ar gyfer gwneud apwyntiadau. Roedd y trafodaethau contract diweddaraf gyda chynrychiolwyr meddygon teulu yn cynnwys darpariaeth i'r byrddau iechyd fonitro cydymffurfiaeth â'r safonau hynny ym mhob rhan o feddygaeth deulu. Rwy'n gobeithio y bydd y bwrdd iechyd yn gallu gweithio gyda'r practis i sicrhau'r lefel o fynediad y mae gan ei etholwyr hawl iddi, a byddaf yn cadw llygad manwl ar hynny.
7. Pa asesiad y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud o a yw lefelau staffio nyrsys arbenigol yn ddigonol ym Mwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda? OQ63341
7. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the adequacy of specialist nurse staffing levels within Hywel Dda University Health Board? OQ63341
Mae byrddau iechyd yn gyfrifol am osod eu lefelau gweithlu eu hunain i ddiwallu anghenion lleol. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio'n agos gydag Addysg a Gwella Iechyd Cymru a sefydliadau’r NHS i gefnogi’r broses o gynllunio a recriwtio'r gweithlu. Mae bwrdd iechyd Hywel Dda bellach yn cyflogi dros 3,100 o nyrsys cofrestredig, cynnydd o 25 y cant ers cyn y pandemig.
Health boards are responsible for setting their own workforce levels to meet local needs. The Welsh Government works closely with Health Education and Improvement Wales and NHS Wales organisations to support workforce planning and recruitment. Hywel Dda health board now employs over 3,100 registered nurses, an increase of 25 per cent since before the pandemic.
Diolch. Mewn trafodaethau diweddar gydag Endometriosis UK a theuluodd sy'n gofalu am unigolion ag epilepsi, rwyf wedi clywed am fylchau difrifol mewn darpariaethau nyrsio arbenigol ar draws bwrdd iechyd Hywel Dda. Mae'r unig nyrs arbenigol endometriosis, er enghraifft, ar hyn o bryd bant ar gyfnod mamolaeth a dŷn nhw ddim wedi penodi neb yn ei lle hi. Dim ond dwy nyrs arbenigol epilepsi sydd ar gael i weithio ar draws tair sir yn ne-orllewin Cymru.
Thank you. In recent discussions with Endometriosis UK and families who care for individuals with epilepsy, I've heard about serious gaps in specialist nursing provision across Hywel Dda health board. The only specialist nurse for endometriosis, for example, is presently on maternity leave and they haven't appointed a replacement for her. There are only two specialist epilepsy nurses available to work across three counties in south-west Wales.
As we've already heard from Paul Davies, the public services ombudsman has already found that Hywel Dda failed to provide adequate support for people with learning disabilities and epilepsy, and the service that was previously provided closed entirely following the retirement of a single specialist nurse. Now, surely a system that is dependent on single individuals is not a sustainable or resilient workforce. So, what we need is what we haven't got, which is a coherent and co-ordinated common service provision.
Fel rydym eisoes wedi'i glywed gan Paul Davies, mae'r ombwdsmon gwasanaethau cyhoeddus eisoes wedi canfod bod Hywel Dda wedi methu darparu cymorth digonol i bobl ag anableddau dysgu ac epilepsi, ac mae'r gwasanaeth a gâi ei ddarparu'n flaenorol wedi cau'n gyfan gwbl yn dilyn ymddeoliad un nyrs arbenigol. Nawr, nid yw system sy'n dibynnu ar unigolion yn weithlu cynaliadwy na gwydn. Felly, yr hyn sydd ei angen arnom yw'r hyn nad oes gennym, sef gwasanaeth cyffredin cydlynol a chydgysylltiedig.
Felly, pa ymyrraeth benodol mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei gwneud i recriwtio a chadw nyrsys arbenigol, a pha gamau a fydd yn cael eu cymryd i sicrhau bod y strategaeth gweithlu cenedlaethol yn cefnogi byrddau iechyd gwledig yn ddigonol i lenwi a chynnal y rolau arbenigol hyn?
So, what specific interventions is the Welsh Government making to recruit and retain specialist nurses, and what steps will be taken to ensure that the national workforce strategy supports health boards in rural areas adequately to fill and retain these specialist roles?
I would agree that there are challenges in running a sustainable service when there is an over-reliance on a very small number of professionals. I know that Hywel Dda University Health Board is strengthening its workforce and is seeking innovative ways in order to do that. I think recruiting specialist nurses in west Wales remains a persistent challenge, unfortunately, and I think innovative solutions are needed to meet the unique workforce demands in some of our rural communities. I know, for example, that nearly 100 internationally educated nurses have joined the workforce across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire as part of the health board's recruitment strategy.
As a Government, we don't set specialist nurse staffing levels for individual organisations. Our role, which we discharge, is to work with HEIW and NHS Wales to monitor workforce planning. The professional framework that HEIW has to support the development of advanced nursing roles in Wales is funded by over £2 million a year from us in order to be able to support that work, and that sits alongside the work of the strategic nursing workforce plan. But, as I say, it is incumbent on the health board to look at increasingly innovative approaches to meet the needs of the services that the Member refers to.
Buaswn yn cytuno bod heriau wrth redeg gwasanaeth cynaliadwy pan fo gorddibyniaeth ar nifer bach iawn o weithwyr proffesiynol. Gwn fod Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda yn cryfhau ei weithlu ac yn chwilio am ffyrdd arloesol o wneud hynny. Mae recriwtio nyrsys arbenigol yng ngorllewin Cymru'n parhau i fod yn her barhaus, yn anffodus, a chredaf fod angen atebion arloesol i ddiwallu gofynion unigryw'r gweithlu yn rhai o'n cymunedau gwledig. Gwn, er enghraifft, fod bron i 100 o nyrsys sydd wedi'u haddysgu'n rhyngwladol wedi ymuno â'r gweithlu ar draws sir Gaerfyrddin, Ceredigion a sir Benfro yn rhan o strategaeth recriwtio'r bwrdd iechyd.
Fel Llywodraeth, nid ydym yn pennu lefelau staffio nyrsys arbenigol ar gyfer sefydliadau unigol. Ein rôl ni, rôl yr ydym yn ei chyflawni, yw gweithio gydag Addysg a Gwella Iechyd Cymru a GIG Cymru i fonitro'r gwaith o gynllunio'r gweithlu. Rydym yn rhoi dros £2 filiwn y flwyddyn i ariannu fframwaith proffesiynol sydd gan AaGIC i gefnogi datblygiad rolau nyrsio uwch yng Nghymru er mwyn gallu cefnogi'r gwaith hwnnw, ochr yn ochr â gwaith y cynllun gweithlu nyrsio strategol. Ond fel y dywedais, mae'n ddyletswydd ar y bwrdd iechyd i edrych ar ddulliau mwyfwy arloesol i ddiwallu anghenion y gwasanaethau y cyfeiria'r Aelod atynt.
Ac yn olaf, cwestiwn 8, Buffy Williams.
And finally, question 8, Buffy Williams.
8. Sut mae buddsoddiad Llywodraeth Cymru yn cefnogi staff y GIG i leihau amseroedd aros i gleifion yn ardal Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg? OQ63347
8. How is the Welsh Government's investment supporting NHS staff to reduce waiting times for patients in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board area? OQ63347
Following investment from the Welsh Government and support to Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board over the last 12 months, there has been a 75 per cent reduction in two-year waits, a 67 per cent decrease in the number of over one-hour ambulance handovers, and an 89 per cent decrease in the number of over four-hour ambulance handovers.
Yn dilyn buddsoddiad gan Lywodraeth Cymru a chefnogaeth i Fwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg dros y 12 mis diwethaf, bu gostyngiad o 75 y cant mewn amseroedd aros o ddwy flynedd, gostyngiad o 67 y cant yn nifer y trosglwyddiadau ambiwlans dros awr, a gostyngiad o 89 y cant yn nifer y trosglwyddiadau ambiwlans dros bedair awr.
Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. Before the summer, I visited the mobile theatre unit at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. I met the one thousandth patient to receive treatment there. The team are working miracles to bring waiting lists down at pace, and it's clear that Welsh Government funding has given NHS staff the facilities to deliver treatment faster. Nobody should have to wait in pain and discomfort for their operation, but, in recent months, I've heard so many positive stories from residents in Rhondda who've been called for surgery earlier than expected. Can the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the future of these mobile theatres, knowing the difference they are making for patients and for staff?
Diolch am yr ateb hwnnw, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet. Cyn yr haf, ymwelais â'r uned theatr symudol yn Ysbyty Brenhinol Morgannwg. Cyfarfûm â'r milfed claf i gael triniaeth yno. Mae'r tîm yn gwneud gwyrthiau i leihau rhestrau aros yn gyflym, ac mae'n amlwg fod cyllid Llywodraeth Cymru wedi rhoi'r cyfleusterau i staff y GIG ddarparu triniaeth yn gyflymach. Ni ddylai unrhyw un orfod aros mewn poen ac anghysur am eu llawdriniaeth, ond dros y misoedd diwethaf, clywais gymaint o straeon cadarnhaol gan drigolion yn y Rhondda sydd wedi cael eu galw am lawdriniaeth yn gynt na'r disgwyl. A all Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ddyfodol y theatrau symudol hyn, gan wybod am y gwahaniaeth y maent yn ei wneud i gleifion ac i staff?
I visited shortly after her, and the health board was telling me that they'd had the opportunity of showing the Member around the Vanguard facilities. As the Member will know, obviously, the mobile theatre unit was commissioned following the critical incident at the Princess of Wales Hospital, which resulted in the temporary closure of all eight theatres on the site. The current contract for the theatre unit runs til the spring of next year, as the Member will know. As a consequence of the capital works that we funded, the main theatre suites at the Princess of Wales Hospital are now reopened and are fully functioning. But the mobile unit can and will further assist the health board with its capacity on the Royal Glamorgan site, as there is additional maintenance work and replacement work that will shortly commence on the main theatre block at the hospital. So, it still has a very important role to play. It enables the health board to continue with a range of general surgery, urological and ear, nose and throat procedures whilst those main theatres undergo the essential upgrade works, so that we can make sure that people continue to be called sooner than they expected for the treatments that they need. It'll be a matter for the health board, then, to consider whether that is something that can continue beyond that into the future.
Ymwelais yn fuan ar ôl iddi hi wneud, ac roedd y bwrdd iechyd yn dweud wrthyf eu bod wedi cael cyfle i ddangos yr Aelod o amgylch y cyfleusterau Vanguard. Fel y bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod, yn amlwg, fe gomisiynwyd yr uned theatr symudol yn dilyn y digwyddiad critigol yn Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru, a arweiniodd at gau pob un o'r wyth theatr ar y safle dros dro. Mae'r contract presennol ar gyfer yr uned theatr yn weithredol tan y gwanwyn, fel y bydd yr Aelod yn gwybod. O ganlyniad i'r gwaith cyfalaf a ariannwyd gennym, mae'r prif ystafelloedd theatr yn Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru bellach wedi'u hailagor ac yn gweithredu'n llawn. Ond gall yr uned symudol gynorthwyo'r bwrdd iechyd ymhellach gyda'i gapasiti ar safle Ysbyty Brenhinol Morgannwg, gan fod gwaith cynnal a chadw ychwanegol a gwaith adnewyddu'n dechrau cyn bo hir ar brif floc theatr yr ysbyty. Felly, mae ganddo rôl bwysig iawn i'w chwarae o hyd. Mae'n galluogi'r bwrdd iechyd i barhau gydag ystod o lawdriniaethau cyffredinol, llawfeddygaeth wrolegol a thriniaethau clust, trwyn a gwddf tra bod y prif theatrau hynny'n cael gwaith uwchraddio hanfodol wedi'i wneud, fel y gallwn sicrhau bod pobl yn parhau i gael eu galw'n gynt na'r disgwyl am y triniaethau sydd eu hangen arnynt. Mater i'r bwrdd iechyd, felly, fydd ystyried a yw hynny'n rhywbeth a all barhau y tu hwnt i hynny i'r dyfodol.
Diolch i'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet.
I thank the Cabinet Secretary.
Yr eitem nesaf yw'r cwestiynau amserol—dau gwestiwn heddiw, y ddau i'w hateb gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newis Hinsawdd a Materion Gwledig, ac mae'r cyntaf gan Peredur Owen Griffiths.
The next item is the topical questions—two topical questions today, both to be answered by the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, and the first is to be asked by Peredur Owen Griffiths.
1. Beth y mae'r Llywodraeth yn ei wneud i wella diogelwch cymunedol yn sgil ymosodiad angheuol gan gi yn sir Fynwy? TQ1393
1. What is the Government doing to improve community safety in the wake of a fatal dog attack in Monmouthshire? TQ1393
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Pred. First of all, can I say we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and the community affected by this tragic incident in Monmouthshire? This is a deeply distressing case. You will understand it'll be inappropriate for me to speculate while the investigations are ongoing, but I can assure you the Welsh Government continues to keep dog control policy under close review, to ensure public safety.
Diolch yn fawr, Pred. Yn gyntaf oll, a gaf i ddweud ein bod yn estyn ein cydymdeimlad dwysaf â'r teulu a'r gymuned yr effeithiwyd arnynt gan y digwyddiad trasig hwn yn sir Fynwy? Mae hwn yn achos hynod o ofidus. Fe fyddwch yn deall y bydd yn amhriodol i mi ddyfalu tra bod ymchwiliadau'n parhau, ond gallaf eich sicrhau bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn parhau i gadw polisi rheoli cŵn dan adolygiad manwl, er mwyn sicrhau diogelwch y cyhoedd.
You are right, this is a deeply distressing incident, and my heart and condolences go out to the family of the baby that has died in this incident, and the whole community of Rogiet will also have been affected. The investigation, as you say, is ongoing, and we are yet to learn the breed of the dog involved in the attack, and it wouldn't be appropriate for you to comment on that investigation. Nevertheless, we know that admissions to hospital as a result of dog bites are on the rise in Wales. Indeed, a University of Liverpool study shows dog bite admissions in Wales nearly doubled between 2014 and 2022, with the most incidents occurring in the home. In my region, there have been a number of fatalities and serious dog attacks since my election in 2021. This is why I've previously called on the Government to introduce measures to promote community safety as far as responsible dog ownership is concerned. Can you let this Senedd know, as well as the many animal welfare groups watching that are also concerned about the rise in dog attacks in Wales, what has been achieved and whether you're confident that measures taken will lead to enhanced community safety? Diolch.
Rydych chi'n iawn, mae hwn yn ddigwyddiad gofidus iawn, ac rwy'n cydymdeimlo'n fawr â theulu'r babi a fu farw yn y digwyddiad hwn, a bydd cymuned gyfan Rogiet wedi cael ei heffeithio hefyd. Mae'r ymchwiliad yn parhau, fel y dywedwch, ac nid ydym eto'n gwybod pa frîd oedd y ci yn yr ymosodiad, ac ni fyddai'n briodol i chi wneud sylwadau ar yr ymchwiliad hwnnw. Serch hynny, fe wyddom fod nifer y derbyniadau i'r ysbyty o ganlyniad i frathiadau gan gŵn ar gynnydd yng Nghymru. Yn wir, mae astudiaeth o Brifysgol Lerpwl yn dangos bod nifer y cleifion a dderbyniwyd i'r ysbyty yn sgil brathiadau gan gŵn yng Nghymru bron â bod wedi dyblu rhwng 2014 a 2022, gyda'r nifer mwyaf o ddigwyddiadau yn digwydd yn y cartref. Yn fy rhanbarth i, cafwyd nifer o farwolaethau ac ymosodiadau difrifol gan gŵn ers fy ethol yn 2021. Dyma pam y gelwais yn flaenorol ar y Llywodraeth i gyflwyno mesurau i hyrwyddo diogelwch cymunedol mewn perthynas â chadw cŵn yn gyfrifol. A allwch chi roi gwybod i'r Senedd hon, yn ogystal â'r nifer o grwpiau lles anifeiliaid sy'n gwylio ac sydd hefyd yn pryderu am y cynnydd yn nifer yr ymosodiadau gan gŵn yng Nghymru, beth sydd wedi'i gyflawni ac a ydych chi'n hyderus y bydd y mesurau a roddwyd ar waith yn arwain at well diogelwch cymunedol? Diolch.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd (David Rees) i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer (David Rees) took the Chair.
Thank you, Pred. And as well as extending our sympathies to the family and communities affected, we have to recognise that this is not the only incident we've seen in recent years, including in this part of Wales, but in other parts of Wales and the United Kingdom as well. So, we have to use every possible measure at our control to deal with the issue of responsible dog ownership, but also control of dogs as well.
So, since the UK Government's approach in 2023 within the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Welsh Government has taken a very proactive and, actually, what we would term a multi-agency approach. So, we work with many, many people out there with great expertise to promote public safety and responsible ownership. So, for example—. And Pred, my thanks to you as well for the commitment that you've shown to this area and the interest that you've shown in this. So, things, for example, such as the local environmental awareness on dogs initiative with the Gwent police force, which actually works in a very nuanced and intelligent way with owners to identify early on any issues—I'm not saying it's related to this instance, but identifying issues—that could be to do with behaviour of animals or, alternatively, could be to do with behaviour of the owners and keepers of those animals as well, and intervenes very early.
We also have the uptake of the responsible dog ownership courses, which are promoted by Blue Cross, another one of our partners. So, the idea there is that you engage with the owners in a similar way to what you would do with things such as speed offences and so on, and you get in early and say, 'You need to understand what is happening here. We can help you in terms of the way you approach responsible ownership and the behaviour of your animal as well.' And also there's the influential work conducted by Hope Rescue in the community and the support that they give to dog owners and also to mental health charities. And, of course, this is all backed up by what we do through Animal Licensing Wales as well, and the enforcement approach that they do, working alongside local authorities, breeders and the public.
So, there are many things that we need to keep building on, and all this is brought together, I have to say, in the responsible ownership forums that we bring together, when all those people sit around and say, 'What more can we do?' Because we cannot be complacent on this. But it's an absolute tragedy that we've seen once again visited upon our communities.
Diolch, Pred. Ac yn ogystal ag estyn ein cydymdeimlad â'r teulu a'r cymunedau yr effeithir arnynt, mae'n rhaid inni gydnabod nad dyma'r unig ddigwyddiad a welsom dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, gan gynnwys yn y rhan hon o Gymru, ac mewn rhannau eraill o Gymru a'r Deyrnas Unedig hefyd. Felly, rhaid inni ddefnyddio pob mesur posib at ein defnydd i ddelio â mater cadw cŵn yn gyfrifol, a rheolaeth ar gŵn hefyd.
Felly, ers i Lywodraeth y DU weithredu yn 2023 o dan Ddeddf Cŵn Peryglus 1991, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi mabwysiadu dull rhagweithiol iawn o weithredu, a'r hyn y byddem yn ei alw'n ddull amlasiantaethol mewn gwirionedd. Felly, rydym yn gweithio gyda llawer iawn o bobl arbenigol iawn allan yno i hyrwyddo diogelwch y cyhoedd a chadw cŵn yn gyfrifol. Felly, er enghraifft—. A Pred, diolch i chi hefyd am yr ymrwymiad a ddangoswyd gennych i'r maes hwn a'r diddordeb rydych chi wedi'i ddangos yn hyn. Felly, pethau fel y fenter ymwybyddiaeth amgylcheddol leol ar gŵn gyda heddlu Gwent, sy'n gweithio mewn ffordd fanwl a deallus iawn gyda pherchnogion i nodi unrhyw broblemau'n gynnar—nid wyf yn dweud ei fod yn gysylltiedig â'r achos hwn, ond nodi problemau—a allai ymwneud ag ymddygiad anifeiliaid neu, fel arall, ag ymddygiad perchnogion a cheidwaid yr anifeiliaid hynny hefyd, ac mae'n ymyrryd yn gynnar iawn.
Mae gennym hefyd y defnydd o gyrsiau ar gadw cŵn yn gyfrifol, sy'n cael eu hyrwyddo gan Blue Cross, un arall o'n partneriaid. Felly, y syniad yno yw eich bod chi'n ymgysylltu â'r perchnogion mewn ffordd debyg i'r hyn y byddech chi'n ei wneud gyda phethau fel troseddau cyflymder ac yn y blaen, ac rydych chi'n mynd i mewn yn gynnar ac yn dweud, 'Mae angen i chi ddeall beth sy'n digwydd yma. Gallwn eich helpu gyda chadw ci'n gyfrifol ac ymddygiad eich anifail hefyd.' Ac mae Hope Rescue yn gwneud gwaith dylanwadol yn y gymuned ac yn rhoi cefnogaeth i berchnogion cŵn ac i elusennau iechyd meddwl. Ac wrth gwrs, caiff hyn i gyd ei ategu gan yr hyn a wnawn drwy Trwyddedu Anifeiliaid Cymru, a'u dull o orfodi, gan weithio ochr yn ochr ag awdurdodau lleol, bridwyr a'r cyhoedd.
Felly, mae yna lawer o bethau y mae angen inni barhau i adeiladu arnynt, a daw hyn i gyd at ei gilydd, rhaid i mi ddweud, yn ein fforymau ar gadw cŵn yn gyfrifol, pan fydd yr holl bobl hynny'n trafod ac yn dweud, 'Beth arall y gallwn ni ei wneud?' Oherwydd ni allwn fod yn hunanfodlon ar hyn. Ond mae'n drasiedi yr ydym wedi'i gweld yn digwydd unwaith eto yn ein cymunedau.
Deputy First Minister, I'm sure, as we've heard, that all Members of the Senedd would want to send their deepest sympathies to the family on this unimaginable loss and the unimaginable grief that they're suffering at this time, and to trust that all necessary support is being provided to the family. The wider community in Rogiet, which is quite a tight-knit village, has been deeply affected by this, and I know that the community is pulling together to provide mutual support at such a difficult time.
As you say, Deputy First Minister, police enquiries are ongoing and it wouldn't be right to speculate in any way at the current time as to the precise circumstances of this incident, but I do agree that, more widely, we do see far too many problems arising from dog ownership and dogs in Wales. And I do believe—and I know other Members here have raised these issues more generally regularly—that we do need to think more deeply and more urgently as to what further action can be taken to deal with the issues in general. And I'm sure that, as well as that, we will, in due course, look at the particular circumstances of this tragedy, as to whether there are any lessons to be learned.
Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog, rwy'n siŵr, fel y clywsom, y byddai pob Aelod o'r Senedd yn cydymdeimlo'n llwyr â'r teulu yn y golled enfawr hon a'r galar na ellir ei ddychmygu y maent yn ei ddioddef ar hyn o bryd, ac yn hyderus fod yr holl gefnogaeth angenrheidiol yn cael ei darparu i'r teulu. Mae'r gymuned ehangach yn Rogiet, sy'n bentref eithaf clos, wedi cael ei heffeithio'n ddwfn gan hyn, ac rwy'n gwybod bod y gymuned honno'n dod at ei gilydd i ddarparu cefnogaeth i'w gilydd ar adeg mor anodd.
Fel y dywedwch, Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog, mae ymholiadau'r heddlu'n parhau ac ni fyddai'n iawn dyfalu mewn unrhyw ffordd ar hyn o bryd beth oedd union amgylchiadau'r digwyddiad hwn, ond rwy'n cytuno, yn fwy cyffredinol, ein bod yn gweld llawer gormod o broblemau'n deillio o gadw cŵn a chŵn yng Nghymru. Ac rwy'n credu—ac rwy'n gwybod bod Aelodau eraill yma wedi codi'r materion hyn yn fwy cyffredinol a sawl achlysur—fod angen i ni feddwl yn ddyfnach ac yn fwy difrifol ynghylch pa gamau pellach y gellir eu cymryd i ddelio â'r problemau yn gyffredinol. Ac yn ogystal â hynny, rwy'n siŵr y byddwn ni, maes o law, yn edrych ar amgylchiadau penodol y drasiedi hon i weld a oes unrhyw wersi i'w dysgu.
Thank you, John. And you're right, we won't—. It's not for any of us to speculate today, but there will be lessons to learn, I'm sure, from this once the investigation has taken place. And as well as our sympathies going out to those affected on this loss and this tragedy, we also want to make sure that the support is given to the family affected as well, and I know the community will rally around as well.
But you are right in saying that you, amongst others, have championed a more joined-up approach to this. So, it isn't simply based on breed of dogs and so on, it's to do with responsible ownership and it's to do with an approach—. I've mentioned some of the things we're doing with the LEAD approach, about early identification of worrying signs in animal ownership or behaviour of animals. But it's also what we do with Animal Licensing Wales, because part of the funding—and, by the way, we've extended the funding for Animal Licensing Wales—is to do with the award-winning, now, training initiatives that they've done with owners, but also with the enforcement initiatives that they do as well when they need to. But our approach needs to be a properly joined-up one, which is to do with education, because that's the lifelong piece, with keepers and owners of companion animals, and dogs in this instance. It's education, it is enforcement, but it's also community engagement, and that's where pieces like the LEAD piece comes in, so that the whole community is actually working together with enforcement agencies, with those who can educate owners to say, 'We think we might have an issue. Before it becomes too much of an issue, can somebody help give the support, give the advice?' But it doesn't take away from this particular instance, which we have to see the investigation carried through on, and the tragedy that has unfolded once again here in Wales.
Diolch, John. Ac rydych chi'n iawn, ni fyddwn—. Nid lle unrhyw un ohonom yw dyfalu heddiw, ond bydd gwersi i'w dysgu o hyn pan fydd yr ymchwiliad wedi digwydd, rwy'n siŵr. Ac yn ogystal â'n cydymdeimlad â'r rhai yr effeithiwyd arnynt yn y golled a'r drasiedi hon, rydym hefyd eisiau sicrhau bod cefnogaeth yn cael ei rhoi i'r teulu yr effeithiwyd arnynt hefyd, ac rwy'n gwybod y bydd y gymuned yn gefn iddynt.
Ond rydych chi'n iawn i ddweud eich bod chi, ymhlith eraill, wedi hyrwyddo dull mwy cydgysylltiedig o weithredu ar hyn. Felly, nid yw'n deillio'n syml o frîd cŵn ac yn y blaen, mae'n ymwneud â chadw cŵn yn gyfrifol ac mae'n ymwneud â dull o weithredu—. Rwyf wedi sôn am rai o'r pethau a wnawn gyda'r dull ymwybyddiaeth amgylcheddol leol ar gŵn (LEAD), am adnabod arwyddion pryderus yn gynnar o ran cadw anifeiliaid neu yn ymddygiad anifeiliaid. Ond mae hefyd yn ymwneud â'r hyn a wnawn gyda Trwyddedu Anifeiliaid Cymru, oherwydd mae rhan o'r cyllid—a chyda llaw, rydym wedi ymestyn y cyllid ar gyfer Trwyddedu Anifeiliaid Cymru—yn ymwneud â'r mentrau hyfforddi a wnaethom gyda pherchnogion, mentrau sydd wedi ennill gwobrau, ond hefyd gyda'r cynlluniau gorfodi y maent yn eu gwneud pan fydd angen. Ond mae angen i'n dull o weithredu fod yn un cydgysylltiedig priodol, sy'n ymwneud ag addysg, oherwydd mae'n addysg gydol oes, gyda cheidwaid a pherchnogion anifeiliaid anwes a chŵn yn yr achos hwn. Mae'n cynnwys addysg, mae'n cynnwys gorfodi, ond mae hefyd yn cynnwys ymgysylltu â'r gymuned, a dyna lle mae elfennau fel y gwaith LEAD yn dod i mewn, fel bod y gymuned gyfan yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd gydag asiantaethau gorfodi, gyda'r rhai sy'n gallu addysgu perchnogion i ddweud, 'Rydym yn meddwl y gallai fod problem. Cyn iddi ddod yn ormod o broblem, a all rhywun helpu i roi'r gefnogaeth, i roi'r cyngor?' Ond nid yw'n tynnu oddi wrth yr achos penodol hwn, ac mae'n rhaid i ni weld yr ymchwiliad yn cael ei gwblhau, a'r drasiedi sydd wedi digwydd eto yma yng Nghymru.
I concur with everything my colleague John Griffiths has said. I think the incident in Rogiet on Sunday was utterly heartbreaking, and my deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family who have suffered the unimaginable loss of their child in such horrific circumstances. I think it's difficult for any of us to comprehend the pain that they must be experiencing, and I know, as has already been said, that we all across this Chamber share our sorrow and collective support for the family and the community. Deputy First Minister, my question is simple: what is the Welsh Government doing to help that family, that community, and what can it do for these situations when they do happen, too often, sadly?
Rwy'n cytuno â phopeth y mae fy nghyd-Aelod John Griffiths wedi'i ddweud. Rwy'n credu bod y digwyddiad yn Rogiet ddydd Sul yn hollol dorcalonnus, ac rwy'n cydymdeimlo'n ddwys â'r teulu sydd wedi colli plentyn mewn amgylchiadau mor ofnadwy. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn anodd i unrhyw un ohonom ddeall y boen y mae'n rhaid eu bod yn ei dioddef, ac rwy'n gwybod, fel y dywedwyd eisoes, ein bod ni i gyd ar draws y Siambr hon yn rhannu ein tristwch a'n cefnogaeth i'r teulu a'r gymuned. Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog, mae fy nghwestiwn yn syml: beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i helpu'r teulu hwnnw, y gymuned honno, a beth y gall ei wneud yn y sefyllfaoedd hyn sy'n digwydd yn rhy aml, yn anffodus?
Thank you, Peter, for that. You're right in saying, as everyone has said today, that it's not just the investigation that goes on and the lessons that could be learnt, because each one of these tragedies will bring us different learning experiences that we might well need to act on, but it's also the support that is there now for the family, because this has been the loss of a baby—none of us would want to go through that—in the most tragic of circumstances. So, I can assure you that that support is being provided in the community by the relevant statutory services, but also from the community and the family as well wrapping around, as well as, of course, the police carrying out their investigations as well. It's a deeply sad occurrence. You can be assured, Peter, that, as we've always done here in Wales, and in the approach that we're taking, the joined-up approach, we will not leave any stone unturned going forward about what more we can do to try and avoid these tragedies. I think that really does require this joined-up approach and this focus on responsible ownership, early intervention where needed, education, enforcement and working with the community.
Diolch am hynny, Peter. Rydych chi'n iawn i ddweud, fel y mae pawb wedi dweud heddiw, ei fod yn fwy na'r ymchwiliad sy'n mynd rhagddo a'r gwersi y gellid eu dysgu, oherwydd bydd pob un o'r trasiedïau hyn yn dod â phrofiadau dysgu gwahanol i ni y gallai fod angen i ni weithredu arnynt, ond hefyd y gefnogaeth sydd yno nawr i'r teulu, oherwydd mae hyn wedi arwain at golli babi—ni fyddai unrhyw un ohonom eisiau mynd trwy hynny—yn yr amgylchiadau mwyaf trasig. Felly, gallaf eich sicrhau bod y gefnogaeth honno'n cael ei darparu yn y gymuned gan y gwasanaethau statudol perthnasol, ond hefyd gan y gymuned a'r teulu yn ogystal â'r heddlu sy'n cynnal eu hymchwiliadau. Mae'n ddigwyddiad trist iawn. Gallwch fod yn sicr, Peter, y byddwn yn gwneud ein gorau glas yn y dyfodol i ganfod beth arall y gallwn ei wneud i geisio osgoi'r trasiedïau hyn. Rwy'n credu bod angen y dull cydgysylltiedig hwn a'r ffocws ar gadw cŵn yn gyfrifol, ymyrraeth gynnar lle bo angen, addysg, gorfodaeth a gweithio gyda'r gymuned.
Diolch, Dirprwy Brif Weinidog. Bydd yr ail gwestiwn amserol gan Adam Price.
I thank the Deputy First Minister. The second topical question will be asked by Adam Price.
2. A wnaiff yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet ddatganiad am y llifogydd eang yn sir Gaerfyrddin neithiwr, ac amlinellu sut mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu darparu cymorth a mesurau ataliol yn y dyfodol i gymunedau yr effeithir arnynt? TQ1396
2. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the widespread flooding in Carmarthenshire last night, and outline how the Welsh Government intends to provide support and future preventative measures to affected communities? TQ1396
Diolch, Adam. Thank you for raising this question. Our hearts go out to those affected by the flooding we've seen in the recent hours and days. The impacts on homes and businesses and lives can be devastating. We also thank our emergency services, the local authorities, Natural Resources Wales and many others who are working tirelessly to support the people and the communities affected.
Diolch, Adam. Diolch am ofyn y cwestiwn hwn. Rydym yn cydymdeimlo â'r rhai yr effeithiwyd arnynt gan y llifogydd a welsom dros yr oriau a'r dyddiau diwethaf. Gall yr effeithiau ar gartrefi a busnesau a bywydau fod yn ddinistriol. Rydym hefyd yn diolch i'n gwasanaethau brys, yr awdurdodau lleol, Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru a llawer o rai eraill sy'n gweithio'n ddiflino i gefnogi'r bobl a'r cymunedau yr effeithiwyd arnynt.
Yes, I think we all will have seen the desperately heart-rending pictures from communities in my constituency, and in neighbouring constituencies, on social media overnight: houses inundated with water, belongings damaged beyond repair. I think, above all, for many of them—because this won't be the first time that this has happened to them—it's that creeping sense of dread that they feel that the next rainfall could bring this nightmare around again. I would also like to pay tribute to all the public services, the staff of the local authority and emergency services and others who really worked heroically overnight rescuing vulnerable residents and trying their best, really, to mitigate the damage.
But I suppose what residents will want to hear from the Government is an assurance that the Government is working as hard as it can on ensuring that this doesn't keep happening to the same communities. What is in place, in terms of investment, to ensure that, as far as we can, we're protecting the communities from going through the same cycle time after time again?
In the short term, I'd appreciate it if the Cabinet Secretary could give us any information that he has about the effectiveness of the flood warning system that the Welsh Government has invested in with NRW and the Met Office—the Flood Forecasting Centre. There is some concern locally that the severity of what actually happened wasn't conveyed in a sufficiently clear and timely manner. I'll ask the Cabinet Secretary: does he have anything he can share with us on that?
What financial support can be provided, both to the local authority, but also directly to individuals? Many of them, of course, don't have insurance precisely because they've been flooded repeatedly. The Welsh Government has set out its response to the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales report on building resilience to flooding in Wales. In some of those responses, you said, 'Well, we'll do the 30-year strategy in the next Senedd. We'll introduce a catchment approach, yes, but maybe a pilot first.' Don't we need to accelerate that, Cabinet Secretary?
And can I make a particular plea on behalf of villages like Pontargothi? I know it very well. I lived just next door in Llanegwad. Residents there, I know many of them personally, have been flooded time and time again. Yet, because they're small communities, they don't meet the investment threshold necessary to become a priority for the flooding investment programme of the Welsh Government. Isn't it now time that we had a specific pot of money for these smaller rural communities that are facing the tremendous despairing situation of being flooded time after time after time? Shouldn't they be a priority as part of the Government's plan throughout the whole of Wales?
Ie, rwy'n credu y byddwn i gyd wedi gweld y lluniau torcalonnus o gymunedau yn fy etholaeth, ac mewn etholaethau cyfagos, ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol dros nos: dŵr wedi gorlifo i dai, eiddo wedi'i ddifrodi y tu hwnt i'r gallu i'w atgyweirio. Rwy'n credu, yn fwy na dim, i lawer ohonynt—oherwydd nid dyma'r tro cyntaf y bydd hyn wedi digwydd iddynt—mae'n ymdeimlad cynyddol o arswyd y gallai'r glaw nesaf arwain at yr hunllef hon eto. Hoffwn dalu teyrnged i'r holl wasanaethau cyhoeddus, staff yr awdurdod lleol a'r gwasanaethau brys ac eraill a weithiodd yn arwrol dros nos i achub trigolion agored i niwed a cheisio eu gorau glas i liniaru'r difrod.
Ond mae'n debyg mai'r hyn y bydd trigolion eisiau ei glywed gan y Llywodraeth yw sicrwydd ei bod yn gweithio mor galed ag y gall i sicrhau nad yw hyn yn parhau i ddigwydd i'r un cymunedau. Beth sydd ar waith, o ran buddsoddiad, i sicrhau ein bod ni'n diogelu'r cymunedau rhag mynd trwy'r un peth dro ar ôl tro eto?
Yn y tymor byr, buaswn yn gwerthfawrogi pe gallai'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet roi unrhyw wybodaeth sydd ganddo i ni am effeithiolrwydd y system rhybuddio rhag llifogydd y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi buddsoddi ynddi gydag CNC a'r Swyddfa Dywydd—y Ganolfan Darogan Llifogydd. Mae yna bryder yn lleol na chafodd difrifoldeb yr hyn a ddigwyddodd ei ragfynegi mewn modd digon clir ac amserol. Rwyf am ofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet: a oes ganddo unrhyw beth y gall ei rannu gyda ni ar hynny?
Pa gymorth ariannol y gellir ei ddarparu, i'r awdurdod lleol, ond yn uniongyrchol i unigolion hefyd? Mae llawer ohonynt heb yswiriant, a hynny am eu bod wedi cael llifogydd dro ar ôl tro. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi nodi ei hymateb i adroddiad Comisiwn Seilwaith Cenedlaethol Cymru ar adeiladu gwydnwch rhag llifogydd yng Nghymru. Mewn rhai o'r ymatebion hynny, fe ddywedoch chi, 'Wel, fe wnawn y strategaeth 30 mlynedd yn y Senedd nesaf. Byddwn yn cyflwyno dull o weithredu yn ôl dalgylch, ond efallai'n cynnal cynllun peilot yn gyntaf.' Onid oes angen inni gyflymu hynny, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet?
A gaf i wneud apêl arbennig ar ran pentrefi fel Pontargothi? Rwy'n ei adnabod yn dda iawn. Roeddwn i'n byw yn y pentref nesaf, yn Llanegwad. Rwy'n adnabod llawer o'r trigolion yno sydd wedi cael llifogydd dro ar ôl tro. Eto i gyd, oherwydd eu bod yn gymunedau bach, nid ydynt yn cyrraedd y trothwy buddsoddi sy'n angenrheidiol i ddod yn flaenoriaeth ar gyfer rhaglen fuddsoddi rhag llifogydd Llywodraeth Cymru. Onid yw'n bryd nawr i ni gael pot penodol o arian ar gyfer y cymunedau gwledig llai hyn sy'n wynebu llifogydd enbyd dro ar ôl tro? Oni ddylent fod yn flaenoriaeth fel rhan o gynllun y Llywodraeth ledled Cymru gyfan?
Adam, thank you very much indeed. I'll try and respond to all of the questions that you've asked there. First, in terms of additional support, we're always live, in Welsh Government, to the individual nature of any particular flooding incidents. This was a combination of heavy rainfall, but also, in some areas, coastal flooding as well that was to do with the sea level at the same time, which is the worst sort of one. As a boy who used to live on the Loughor estuary, I understand that very much indeed there.
But we're always very live to the calls from communities for support. One of the things we can do is to make sure that we are continuing the levels of investment that we do, both in terms of the large flood defence schemes, but also those smaller initiatives that make a real difference on the ground, where we work with the local authorities and put the funding, actually, into those local flood authorities so that they can invest. That is often in things that are unseen. It's in the culverts, it's in the monitoring, it's the cleaning of the gullies, and all of those sorts of things, as well as the big heavy infrastructure. You're right in saying we will take forward, increasingly, not only those hard-engineering approaches, but nature-based solutions as well, where we deal with this in the upstream areas on top of that.
There is in place, as you know, the emergency financial assistance scheme, EFAS. That has trigger points. You say, 'Well, can we look at that in terms of—?' Sorry, that is available, and I know the local authorities, when they think they've reached the thresholds on that, they will be in touch with us if they consider they can draw down funding from that.
You talk about flood investment, the flood investment that can be there for smaller scale schemes. Well, we do that already with local authorities, by putting specific pots of money where they think that the priorities are. But, again, they need to make their prioritisation choices as well as to which communities are the right ones to do that sort of investment in.
From an NRW perspective, they work to very set criteria. I'm simplifying it, but it's largely to do with where the best value for money is for the greatest protection of the number of homes and businesses and lives. So, there will always be additional calls to say, 'But we fall just outside of that', but they will keep on looking at that, and the case needs to be made. But there has to be a prioritisation, even with the record funding that we've now put in place.
I can tell you where we see this has worked. Recently, I was at the Ammanford flood defences, which is one of our biggest schemes in Wales, and I'm pleased to report that even with the surge along that stretch, the protection of the hundreds of properties there held. It was within the capacity of what we had designed for, and so on, and that's important. So, we can make a difference. We will keep on listening, though, Adam, as well. But there will be some communities who will say, 'We just fall outside of a current scheme.' Well, we need to hear the case. The case needs to be put forward to NRW for that.
Can I just say as well, just to reassure you and your constituents in particular, that this year we've made £1.2 million available for schemes in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr? That's four local authority schemes; one scheme by NRW. We've completed now, as I've said, the NRW scheme in Ammanford. That's 386 properties protected. That was an investment of £4.1 million. But there are also new works that have been recently undertaken—construction works—at areas that you'll know quite well: Arthur Street and Quarry Ffinant, reducing the risks to another nearly 60 residential properties and 35 non-residential properties as well. And we're supporting the local authority in further schemes. So, for example, there is design development now going on at pace for schemes in Llanybydder and Ferryside as well. So, we will keep on doing this. We do need to prioritise that funding, but we've got it at a record level as well, and we need to keep that going.
Adam, diolch yn fawr. Fe geisiaf ymateb i'r holl gwestiynau a ofynnoch chi. Yn gyntaf, ar gymorth ychwanegol, rydym bob amser yn fyw, yn Llywodraeth Cymru, i natur unigryw unrhyw ddigwyddiadau llifogydd penodol. Deilliodd hyn o gyfuniad o law trwm, a llifogydd arfordirol hefyd mewn rhai ardaloedd, a oedd yn ymwneud â lefel y môr ar yr un pryd, sef y math gwaethaf o lifogydd. Fel bachgen a arferai fyw ar aber afon Llwchwr, rwy'n deall hynny'n iawn.
Ond rydym bob amser yn fyw iawn i'r galwadau gan gymunedau am gefnogaeth. Un o'r pethau y gallwn ei wneud yw sicrhau ein bod yn parhau â'r lefelau o fuddsoddiad a wnawn, o ran y cynlluniau amddiffyn rhag llifogydd mawr, ond hefyd y mentrau llai hynny sy'n gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol ar lawr gwlad, lle rydym yn gweithio gyda'r awdurdodau lleol ac yn rhoi cyllid i awdurdodau llifogydd lleol fel y gallant hwy fuddsoddi. Mae hynny'n aml yn digwydd mewn pethau na ellir eu gweld, y cwlfertau, y gwaith monitro, glanhau'r cwteri, a'r holl bethau hynny, yn ogystal â'r seilwaith trwm mawr. Rydych chi'n iawn i ddweud y byddwn yn bwrw rhagddi, yn gynyddol, nid yn unig ar y materion peirianneg galed hynny, ond atebion ar sail natur hefyd, lle byddwn yn delio â hyn yn yr ardaloedd i fyny'r afon yn ogystal.
Mae yna gynllun cymorth ariannol brys ar waith fel y gwyddoch. Mae pwyntiau sbarduno i hwnnw. Rydych chi'n dweud, 'Wel, a gawn ni edrych ar hynny yn nhermau —?' Mae'n ddrwg gennyf, mae hwnnw ar gael, ac rwy'n gwybod y bydd yr awdurdodau lleol, pan fyddant yn meddwl eu bod wedi cyrraedd y trothwyon ar hynny, yn cysylltu â ni os ydynt o'r farn y gallant hawlio arian o'r cynllun hwnnw.
Rydych chi'n sôn am fuddsoddi rhag llifogydd, y buddsoddiad rhag llifogydd a all fod yno ar gyfer cynlluniau ar raddfa lai. Wel, rydym yn gwneud hynny eisoes gydag awdurdodau lleol, drwy roi potiau penodol o arian lle maent yn ystyried bod yna flaenoriaethau. Ond unwaith eto, mae angen iddynt wneud eu dewisiadau blaenoriaethu o ran pa gymunedau yw'r rhai iawn i wneud y math hwnnw o fuddsoddiad ynddynt.
O safbwynt CNC, maent hwy'n gweithio yn ôl meini prawf penodol iawn. Rwy'n ei symleiddio, ond mae'n ymwneud i raddau helaeth â ble mae'r gwerth gorau am arian ar gyfer diogelu'r nifer mwyaf o gartrefi a busnesau a bywydau. Felly, bydd yna bob amser alwadau ychwanegol yn dweud, 'Ond rydym ychydig bach islaw'r trothwyon hynny', ond byddant yn dal i edrych arno, ac mae angen dadlau'r achos. Ond mae'n rhaid blaenoriaethu, hyd yn oed gyda'r cyllid mwy nag erioed yr ydym wedi'i roi.
Gallaf ddweud wrthych lle gwelwn fod hyn wedi gweithio. Yn ddiweddar, roeddwn wrth yr amddiffynfeydd rhag llifogydd yn Rhydaman, sef un o'n cynlluniau mwyaf yng Nghymru, a hyd yn oed gyda'r ymchwydd ar hyd y darn hwnnw, rwy'n falch o adrodd bod cannoedd o adeiladau yno wedi'u diogelu. Roedd o fewn capasiti yr hyn y cynlluniwyd ar ei gyfer, ac yn y blaen, ac mae hynny'n bwysig. Felly, fe allwn wneud gwahaniaeth. Ond byddwn yn parhau i wrando, Adam. Ond fe fydd rhai cymunedau'n dweud, 'Rydym ychydig bach islaw trothwyon rhyw gynllun cyfredol.' Wel, mae angen inni glywed yr achos. Mae angen cyflwyno'r achos i CNC amdano.
A gaf i ddweud hefyd, i dawelu eich meddwl chi a'ch etholwyr yn enwedig, ein bod wedi sicrhau eleni fod £1.2 miliwn ar gael ar gyfer cynlluniau yn Nwyrain Caerfyrddin a Dinefwr? Dyna bedwar cynllun awdurdod lleol; un cynllun gan CNC. Fel y dywedais, rydym wedi cwblhau cynllun CNC yn Rhydaman. Dyna 386 o adeiladu wedi'u diogelu. Roedd hwnnw'n fuddsoddiad o £4.1 miliwn. Ond mae yna waith newydd wedi'i wneud yn ddiweddar—gwaith adeiladu—mewn ardaloedd y byddwch chi'n eu hadnabod yn eithaf da: Stryd Arthur a Chwarel Ffinant, gan leihau'r risgiau i bron 60 eiddo preswyl arall a 35 eiddo amhreswyl hefyd. Ac rydym yn cefnogi'r awdurdod lleol mewn cynlluniau pellach. Felly, er enghraifft, mae cynlluniau ar y gweill i ddatblygu cynlluniau yn Llanybydder a Glanyfferi hefyd. Felly, byddwn yn parhau i wneud hyn. Mae angen inni flaenoriaethu'r cyllid hwnnw, ond mae ar lefel uwch nag erioed gennym, ac mae angen i ni ei gadw i fynd.
I'm grateful to the Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr for securing this topical debate, because the scenes that we've seen in Carmarthenshire and in Pembrokeshire as well, in my constituency of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, are tragic. I commend the emergency services, NRW, the local council teams, but also local county councillors as well, who are often the first point of contact for these communities in supporting them, and also to the agricultural community, because a lot of farmers have gone above and beyond in supporting their communities, moving people through flooded waters, et cetera.
In Carmarthen town itself, we've seen the quay flood once again, and I've raised with your predecessors a number of times, Deputy First Minister, the need to treat businesses equally to homes in terms of flood defence. Because these businesses are often the livelihoods of these individuals, and in the way that the planning around flood defences is currently drafted, support is prioritised for homes, which I understand, but there is a lack of recognition for flood defence support for businesses. We know that the Cresselly Arms in my neighbour constituency, Adam Price's seat, that has been flooded. A number of businesses along the quayside flooded, and in Pembrokeshire as well. So, what guarantees can you say to this Chamber and to our constituents, following this flood event, that you will go away to have a look at what support can be made available, so that there is equity in that flood defence for properties as well as businesses?
Rwy'n ddiolchgar i'r Aelod dros Ddwyrain Caerfyrddin a Dinefwr am sicrhau'r ddadl amserol hon, oherwydd mae'r golygfeydd a welsom yn sir Gaerfyrddin ac yn sir Benfro hefyd, yn fy etholaeth i, Gorllewin Caerfyrddin a De Sir Benfro, yn drasig. Rwy'n canmol y gwasanaethau brys, CNC, timau'r cynghorau lleol, a chynghorwyr sir lleol hefyd, sy'n aml yn bwynt cyswllt cyntaf i'r cymunedau hyn i'w cefnogi, a hefyd i'r gymuned amaethyddol, oherwydd mae llawer o ffermwyr wedi gweithio'n galed i gefnogi eu cymunedau, gan symud pobl drwy ddyfroedd llifogydd, ac ati.
Yn nhref Caerfyrddin ei hun, rydym wedi gweld llifogydd yn y cei unwaith eto, ac rwyf wedi codi'r angen i drin busnesau yn gyfartal â chartrefi o ran amddiffyn rhag llifogydd gyda'ch rhagflaenwyr sawl gwaith, Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog. Oherwydd mae'r busnesau hyn yn aml iawn yn fywoliaeth i'r unigolion hyn, ac yn y ffordd y mae cynlluniau amddiffynfeydd rhag llifogydd yn cael eu drafftio ar hyn o bryd, caiff cymorth ei flaenoriaethu ar gyfer cartrefi, ac rwy'n deall hynny, ond mae diffyg cydnabyddiaeth i gymorth amddiffyn rhag llifogydd i fusnesau. Gwyddom fod y Cresselly Arms yn yr etholaeth sy'n ffinio â fy un i, sedd Adam Price, wedi dioddef llifogydd. Llifodd dŵr i nifer o fusnesau ar hyd y cei, ac yn sir Benfro hefyd. Felly, pa warantau y gallwch chi eu rhoi i'r Siambr hon ac i'n hetholwyr, yn dilyn y digwyddiad llifogydd hwn, y byddwch chi'n edrych i weld pa gymorth y gellir ei ddarparu, fel bod cydraddoldeb o ran amddiffyn rhag llifogydd i eiddo sy'n fusnesau hefyd?
Well, the challenge here is the point that you just made of equity, because the nearest relation to equity is fairness, and we've come to an approach that I think is widely recognised as being the most fair and equitable, which is that we do focus on homes and the risk to lives as well within homes, as well as businesses. But let me just say very, very clearly, because it relates to the point that Adam was making as well, about those who don't see the same level of support as some of the schemes that are going on, that there is, as I say, record investment.
The quay is an interesting one, and I know you've raised it before. So, NRW, as the responsible risk management authority for the risk of flooding from the River Towy in Carmarthen, holds the ring on whether a flood alleviation scheme is brought forward at Carmarthen quay. All the schemes receiving Welsh Government flood and coastal erosion risk management funding must be shown to be reducing risk to life by reducing the risk to homes, because that's where the most significant risk is. Now, schemes may also provide a risk reduction to businesses as well, and to infrastructure as well, as a wider benefit. However, it is homes that remain the foremost priority for funding. And by the way, we're not distant from what happens in other parts of the UK on this as well; the focus is on homes and lives as well as businesses, but homes are the key priority for funding. So, any risk management authority that pursues a scheme, including for businesses, will need to justify why it's diverting funding away from other high-risk communities elsewhere within your area or within Wales, and that's the decision they need to make.
But can I say as well that Welsh Government officials are currently exploring wider resilience opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that are vulnerable to flooding, to source alternative finance and investment to become more resilient to flooding, whilst also helping them then to grow? Also, linked to that, the Development Bank of Wales, for example, has confirmed that it can support smaller businesses that are impacted by flooding through the Wales micro loan fund, offering fast-tracked loans from £1,000 to £50,000. And I'm sorry, Adam, I didn't address, Dirprwy Lywydd, your point about insurance. I would direct people towards the Flood Re insurance, which is in place for home owners, but also to Business Wales for businesses for the support and advice that they can give as well.
Wel, yr her yma yw'r pwynt yr ydych chi newydd ei wneud ynghylch cydraddoldeb, oherwydd y berthynas agosaf i gydraddoldeb yw tegwch, ac rydym wedi ffurfio dull o weithredu sydd, fy marn i, yn cael ei gydnabod yn eang fel y mwyaf teg a chyfartal, sef ein bod yn canolbwyntio ar gartrefi a'r risg i fywydau o fewn cartrefi, yn ogystal â busnesau. Ond gadewch i mi ddweud yn glir iawn, oherwydd mae'n ymwneud â'r pwynt yr oedd Adam yn ei wneud hefyd, am y rhai nad ydynt yn gweld yr un lefel o gymorth â rhai o'r cynlluniau sy'n digwydd, fod yna, fel y dywedaf, lefel uwch nag erioed o fuddsoddiad.
Mae'r cei yn un diddorol, ac rwy'n gwybod eich bod wedi ei godi o'r blaen. Felly, CNC, fel yr awdurdod rheoli risg cyfrifol ar gyfer y risg o lifogydd o afon Tywi yng Nghaerfyrddin, sydd i farnu ynghylch cyflwyno cynllun lliniaru llifogydd yn y cei yng Nghaerfyrddin. Rhaid i'r holl gynlluniau sy'n derbyn cyllid rheoli perygl llifogydd ac erydu arfordirol Llywodraeth Cymru ddangos eu bod yn lleihau'r risg i fywyd drwy leihau'r risg i gartrefi, oherwydd dyna lle mae'r risg fwyaf arwyddocaol. Nawr, gall cynlluniau ddarparu dulliau o leihau risg i fusnesau hefyd, ac i seilwaith, fel budd ehangach. Fodd bynnag, cartrefi sy'n parhau i fod yn brif flaenoriaeth ar gyfer cyllid. Gyda llaw, nid ydym yn bell o'r hyn sy'n digwydd mewn rhannau eraill o'r DU ar hyn; mae'r ffocws ar gartrefi a bywydau yn ogystal â busnesau, ond cartrefi yw'r brif flaenoriaeth ar gyfer cyllid. Felly, bydd angen i unrhyw awdurdod rheoli risg sy'n gweithredu cynllun, yn cynnwys ar gyfer busnesau, gyfiawnhau pam ei fod yn dargyfeirio cyllid oddi wrth gymunedau risg uchel eraill mewn mannau eraill yn eich ardal chi neu yng Nghymru, a dyna'r penderfyniad y mae angen iddynt ei wneud.
Ond a gaf i ddweud hefyd fod swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru ar hyn o bryd yn archwilio cyfleoedd gwydnwch ehangach, yn enwedig i fusnesau bach a chanolig sy'n agored i lifogydd, i ddod o hyd i gyllid a buddsoddiad amgen i ddod yn fwy gwydn rhag llifogydd, gan eu helpu i dyfu ar yr un pryd? Hefyd, yn gysylltiedig â hynny, mae Banc Datblygu Cymru, er enghraifft, wedi cadarnhau y gall gefnogi busnesau llai yr effeithir arnynt gan lifogydd drwy gronfa microfenthyciadau Cymru, sy'n cynnig benthyciadau cyflym rhwng £1,000 a £50,000. Ac mae'n ddrwg gennyf, Adam, nid euthum i'r afael â'ch pwynt am yswiriant, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Rwyf am gyfeirio pobl tuag at yr yswiriant Flood Re, sydd ar waith ar gyfer perchnogion tai, ond hefyd at Busnes Cymru ar gyfer y gefnogaeth a'r cyngor y gallant hwy eu rhoi i fusnesau.
Of course, we've seen the widespread disruption. We've seen several schools forced to close in Pembrokeshire and also in Carmarthenshire, and those were as a result of roads being impassable. We've seen the Whitland housing complex, where people were evacuated in the early hours of this morning and, of course, the effort that went into that has been, quite rightly, praised here today.
But there are some key obvious things here. If you get a lot of rain and wind at the same time as a full moon, when you're going to have a high tide, the alert goes out. And there are other obvious things that need addressing. When you're talking about surface water flooding, you have to ensure that the ditches alongside those roads are clear, that everybody involved—landowners, councils—take their responsibilities really seriously, and that annually those things are worked on. And we know that 14 years of austerity and reduced public funds have lessened the capability to do that, but I think we urgently need to put that back in place. So, I would like to know how those things are going to be funded.
You're right to say, of course, and I checked it myself this morning, that that £6 million flood defence did hold up in Ammanford, that it did protect those houses it was intended to protect, and that is reassuring, especially since that was what we were hoping would happen. But climate change isn't going to go away, and I ask you, Deputy First Minister, whether we need to perhaps revisit some of the planning applications that are on the table, and the planning rules, in terms of the heavy rainfall that we're now experiencing that might put areas into a floodplain that weren't previously there, and in the very short term, because I don't think it's going to be for the short term.
Wrth gwrs, rydym wedi gweld tarfu eang. Rydym wedi gweld sawl ysgol yn cael eu gorfodi i gau yn sir Benfro a hefyd yn sir Gaerfyrddin, a hynny o ganlyniad i'r ffaith bod ffyrdd dan ddŵr. Rydym wedi gweld cyfadeilad tai Hendy-gwyn ar Daf, y cafodd pobl eu hachub ohono yn oriau mân y bore ac wrth gwrs, mae'r ymdrech a aeth i mewn i hynny wedi cael ei chanmol yma heddiw.
Ond mae yna rai pethau amlwg yma. Os ydych chi'n cael llawer o law a gwynt ar yr un pryd â lleuad lawn, pan fydd llanw uchel ar y ffordd, mae'r rhybudd yn mynd allan. Ac mae yna bethau amlwg eraill sydd angen mynd i'r afael â nhw. Pan fyddwch chi'n sôn am lifogydd dŵr wyneb, rhaid i chi sicrhau bod y ffosydd wrth ochr y ffyrdd yn glir, fod pawb sy'n gysylltiedig—tirfeddianwyr, cynghorau—o ddifrif ynghylch eu cyfrifoldebau, a bod gwaith yn digwydd ar y pethau hynny bob blwyddyn. Ac fe wyddom fod 14 mlynedd o gyni a llai o arian cyhoeddus wedi lleihau'r gallu i wneud hynny, ond rwy'n credu bod angen inni roi hynny yn ôl yn ei le ar frys. Felly, hoffwn wybod sut y mae'r pethau hynny'n mynd i gael eu hariannu.
Rydych chi'n iawn i ddweud, wrth gwrs, ac fe wneuthum ei wirio fy hun y bore yma, fod yr amddiffynfa rhag llifogydd gwerth £6 miliwn yn Rhydaman yn gwneud ei gwaith ac wedi diogelu'r tai y bwriadwyd iddi eu diogelu, ac mae hynny'n rhoi tawelwch meddwl, yn enwedig gan mai dyna y gobeithiem ei weld yn digwydd. Ond nid yw newid hinsawdd yn mynd i ddiflannu, ac rwy'n gofyn i chi, Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog, a oes angen i ni ailedrych ar rai o'r ceisiadau cynllunio sydd ar y bwrdd, a'r rheolau cynllunio, yng nghyd-destun y glaw trwm a welwn nawr a allai roi ardaloedd nad oeddent yno o'r blaen mewn gorlifdir, ac yn y tymor byr iawn, gan nad wyf yn credu mai mater ar gyfer y tymor byr ydyw.
Thank you very much. Yes, you're absolutely right, we need to make sure through both the planning policy but also the individual decisions being made at a local level that there is flood resilience built into any new communities, because we do have a drive to have more affordable housing in communities, not least in rural areas, but they do absolutely need to be in the right place and to be flood resilient as well, otherwise we are building up problems going forward.
You mentioned the issue of ditches and watercourses, which is something that you and others, including Carolyn, our colleague, have regularly raised here. I just want to reiterate the responsibility of riparian owners in terms of watercourses, including ditches and drainage and so on, because if they are blocked or obstructed or diverted, they could add to the problem. I'm not talking about these particular circumstances today, but it is a general principle. It's not only for local authorities and statutory bodies to go around continuously clearing stuff away, riparian owners also have a responsibility as well. But linked to that, I have to say, was Sam's point that some of those riparian owners are actually the farmers who do the work in helping people out from these situations as well, so we've got to give credit where credit is due.
I just wanted to touch on the other aspect that you and others have mentioned, which is to do with what we can do with warnings and alerts and so on. It is definitely true that the £60 million that we've put into upgrading the warnings and alerts in Wales has been money well spent, but what we now need to do is that work with communities to make sure not simply that the alerts are going out, but people understand how to respond to them, with the three different levels of it as well, and what to do, and to heed it, and actually to work together on a community basis then to respond. Because it's not every man, woman and child for themselves—it shouldn't be that. It should be how do you then respond, where do the statutory agencies kick in, and the responders, but, also, how can communities actually help themselves as well, and support each other. But that's a piece of work that we are doing, because putting the technology in place, having the alerts going out, is one piece, the main thing is how people react to that and how they respond to it.
Diolch yn fawr. Rydych chi'n hollol iawn, mae angen inni wneud yn siŵr drwy'r polisi cynllunio ond hefyd y penderfyniadau unigol sy'n cael eu gwneud ar lefel leol fod gwydnwch rhag llifogydd wedi'i adeiladu i mewn i unrhyw gymunedau newydd, oherwydd mae gennym ymgyrch i gael mwy o dai fforddiadwy mewn cymunedau, yn enwedig mewn ardaloedd gwledig, ond mae angen iddynt fod yn y lle iawn ac yn wydn rhag llifogydd, neu fel arall rydym yn pentyrru problemau ar gyfer y dyfodol.
Fe wnaethoch chi sôn am fater ffosydd a chyrsiau dŵr, sy'n rhywbeth yr ydych chi ac eraill, gan gynnwys Carolyn, ein cyd-Aelod, wedi'i godi yma yn rheolaidd. Rwyf am ailadrodd cyfrifoldeb perchnogion glannau afonydd mewn perthynas â chyrsiau dŵr, yn cynnwys ffosydd a draeniau ac yn y blaen, oherwydd os ydynt wedi'u blocio neu eu dargyfeirio, gallent ychwanegu at y broblem. Nid wyf yn sôn am yr amgylchiadau penodol hyn heddiw, ond mae'n egwyddor gyffredinol. Nid lle awdurdodau lleol a chyrff statudol yn unig yw mynd o gwmpas yn clirio pethau'n barhaus, mae gan berchnogion glannau afonydd gyfrifoldeb hefyd. Ond rhaid i mi ddweud, roedd pwynt Sam yn gysylltiedig â hynny, pan ddywedodd mai rhai o'r perchnogion glannau afonydd hynny yw'r ffermwyr sy'n gwneud y gwaith o helpu pobl allan o'r sefyllfaoedd hyn hefyd, felly rhaid inni roi clod lle mae'n ddyledus.
Roeddwn i eisiau cyffwrdd â'r agwedd arall yr ydych chi ac eraill wedi'i chrybwyll, sy'n ymwneud â'r hyn y gallwn ei wneud gyda rhybuddion ac yn y blaen. Mae'n bendant yn wir fod y £60 miliwn a roddwyd gennym tuag at uwchraddio'r rhybuddion yng Nghymru wedi bod yn arian a wariwyd yn dda, ond yr hyn sydd angen i ni ei wneud nawr yw gweithio gyda chymunedau i wneud yn siŵr, nid yn unig fod y rhybuddion yn mynd allan, ond bod pobl yn deall sut i ymateb iddynt, gyda'r tair lefel wahanol, a beth i'w wneud, ac i roi sylw iddynt, ac i weithio gyda'n gilydd ar sail gymunedol i ymateb. Oherwydd nid yw'n bob dyn, menyw a phlentyn drostynt eu hunain—nid felly y dylai fod. Dylai fod yn fater o sut ydych chi'n ymateb wedyn, lle mae'r asiantaethau statudol yn dod i mewn, a'r ymatebwyr, ond hefyd, sut y gall cymunedau helpu eu hunain, a chefnogi ei gilydd. Ond mae hwnnw'n waith sydd ar y gweill gennym, oherwydd mae rhoi'r dechnoleg ar waith, cael y rhybuddion i fynd allan, yn un agwedd ar y gwaith, ond y prif beth yw sut y mae pobl yn ymateb i hynny.
Rŷn ni i gyd wedi gweld y lluniau torcalonnus neithiwr a'r bore yma ar y teledu a'r cyfryngau cymdeithasol. Dwi eisiau diolch yn fawr iawn i'r gwasanaethau brys hefyd am y gwaith y maen nhw wedi'i wneud dros nos ac yn ystod y bore.
Yn digwydd bod, dwi'n byw ar lawr dyffryn Tywi. Ro'n i ar y ffôn gyda fy ngwraig y bore yma, ac rŷn ni wedi cael ein hynysu. Ond, yn anffodus, yn y cartref drws nesaf i ni, mae naw modfedd o ddŵr wedi mynd i mewn, ac mae hi'n cael llifogydd yn y tŷ bob tro y mae'r afon yn gorlifo. Felly, dwi eisiau dilyn y pwynt roedd Adam Price wedi ei godi ynglŷn â pha gymorth ariannol sydd ar gael ar gyfer perchnogion eiddo sydd o hyd ac o hyd yn dioddef llifogydd. Mae hi wedi ceisio cael cymorth ariannol ac mae hi wedi cael ei gwrthod dro ar ôl tro. Felly, dwi eisiau gofyn ichi am y cymorth yna sydd ar gael i eiddo mewn ardaloedd gwledig.
Wrth gwrs, mae ysgolion yn sir Gaerfyrddin a sir Benfro wedi cau heddiw, a nifer o ddisgyblion i fod i sefyll arholiadau TGAU heddiw ac yfory. Felly, pa gefnogaeth sydd ar gael, a pha drefniadau sydd wedi cael eu gwneud, i sicrhau nad yw'r disgyblion yma'n dioddef mewn unrhyw ffordd oherwydd eu bod nhw wedi methu â sefyll yr arholiadau yna heddiw, ac, o bosibl, yfory?
Yn olaf, rŷn ni wedi gweld y lluniau o dafarn y Creseli ym Mhontargothi dan ddŵr a'r difrod difrifol fan yna. Felly, ydych chi'n gallu'n sicrhau ni bod yna ddigon o gapasiti gan NRW, er enghraifft, i gynnal a chadw glannau afonydd, er mwyn gwneud yn siŵr nad oes brigau mawr a choed yn cwympo i mewn i'r dŵr ac yn cael eu dal wrth y bont, sydd yn golygu bod y dŵr wedyn yn codi i lefel uwch nag arfer yn uwch i fyny'r afon? Felly, mae'r rhain i gyd yn bethau y gellid eu datrys a gwneud bywyd yn haws i bobl sydd yn byw yn yr ardaloedd yma.
We have all seen the heartbreaking images from last night and this morning on television and on social media. I want to give great thanks to the emergency services for the work that they did overnight and during the morning.
As it happens, I live in the basin of the Tywi valley. I was on the phone with my wife this morning, and we have been isolated there. But, unfortunately, the home next door is under nine inches of water, and she experiences flooding in her home every time the river floods. So, I want to follow on from the point that Adam Price raised in terms of what financial support is available for property owners who are suffering flooding time and time again. She has sought financial support but she has been refused time and time again. So, I would ask you about that support that is available for properties in rural areas.
Of course, schools in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have been closed today, and many pupils were supposed to be taking GCSE examinations both today and tomorrow. So, what support is available, and what arrangements have been made, to ensure that these pupils do not suffer in any way because they have failed to take those examinations today, and may fail to do so tomorrow?
The final point is that we have also seen the pictures from the Cresselly Arms in Pontargothi, which has been flooded and has suffered serious damage. So, can you assure us that there is sufficient capacity within NRW, for example, to maintain river banks, in order to ensure that large branches and trees do not fall into the water and get caught under the bridge, which means that the water then goes to a higher than usual level further up the river? So, these are all things that could be resolved and that would make life easier for people living in these areas.
Thank you very much, Cefin. Just so that everybody is aware, because we've touched on some of the most intense flooding that we've seen, in the pictures, as you rightly say, over the last 24 hours, there has been reported flooding to 60 residential properties, 28 of which are in Carmarthenshire, 12 in Pembrokeshire, 18 in Ceredigion, and two in Swansea. So, it has been quite widespread.
You ask about the support for householders. I've mentioned Flood Re, which is the insurance approach, but the Welsh Government also supports the Flood Re Build Back Better initiative, which we've mentioned in this Chamber before. We've asked the risk management authorities to help us promote awareness of this, because this allows participating insurers to offer up to £10,000 towards property flood resilience measures when repairing homes after a flood. They can be very immediate, very simple interventions to prevent flooding to that individual property, or, if flooding happens again, that you have things such as no wooden skirting boards, which will simply be taken away and washed away, or whatever, you have electricity points that are placed higher up, et cetera, et cetera, so you can be back on your feet much more quickly.
You raised the matter of schools. Indeed, we have had several schools closed. My officials and I have been in touch with the Cabinet Secretary for Education as well, because there is the question of those who have been affected with their education and, indeed, exams today. I know that the Cabinet Secretary for Education is also in touch with schools on that matter and how that can be dealt with, because this is an unforeseen eventuality, but those things will need to be considered as well. As for this moment, we still have the response ongoing, we need to help businesses and home owners back into their properties as soon as possible, and the recovery of it, as well as making sure that the education continues seamlessly as well.
Diolch yn fawr, Cefin. Fel bod pawb yn ymwybodol, gan ein bod wedi crybwyll rhai o'r llifogydd mwyaf dwys a welsom, yn y lluniau, fel y dywedwch yn gywir ddigon, dros y 24 awr ddiwethaf, cafwyd adroddiadau o ddifrod llifogydd i 60 eiddo preswyl, 28 ohonynt yn sir Gaerfyrddin, 12 yn sir Benfro, 18 yng Ngheredigion, a dau yn Abertawe. Felly, mae wedi bod yn eithaf eang.
Rydych chi'n gofyn ynglŷn â'r cymorth i ddeiliaid tai. Rwyf wedi sôn am Flood Re, sef yr yswiriant, ond mae Llywodraeth Cymru hefyd yn cefnogi menter Ailgodi’n Gryfach Flood Re, yr ydym wedi sôn amdani yn y Siambr hon o'r blaen. Rydym wedi gofyn i'r awdurdodau rheoli risg ein helpu i hyrwyddo ymwybyddiaeth ohoni, gan ei bod yn caniatáu i yswirwyr sy'n rhan o'r fenter gynnig hyd at £10,000 tuag at fesurau gwydnwch rhag llifogydd i eiddo wrth atgyweirio cartrefi ar ôl llifogydd. Gallant fod yn ymyriadau syml ac uniongyrchol iawn i atal llifogydd i'r eiddo unigol hwnnw, neu, os ceir llifogydd eto, fod gennych bethau fel dim sgertins pren, a fydd yn cael eu golchi i ffwrdd, neu beth bynnag, mae gennych bwyntiau trydan wedi'u gosod yn uwch i fyny, ac ati, fel y gallwch fod yn ôl ar eich traed yn llawer cyflymach.
Fe wnaethoch chi godi mater ysgolion. Yn wir, cafodd sawl ysgol ei chau. Mae fy swyddogion a minnau wedi bod mewn cysylltiad ag Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg hefyd, gan fod cwestiwn ynglŷn â'r rhai yr effeithiwyd ar eu haddysg, ac arholiadau heddiw, yn wir. Gwn fod Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg mewn cysylltiad ag ysgolion ar y mater hwnnw a sut y gellir mynd i'r afael â hynny, gan fod hwn yn ddigwyddiad annisgwyl, ond bydd angen ystyried y pethau hynny hefyd. Ar hyn o bryd, mae'r ymateb yn dal i fynd rhagddo, mae angen inni helpu busnesau a pherchnogion tai i ddychwelyd i'w heiddo cyn gynted â phosib, a'i adfer, yn ogystal â sicrhau bod yr addysg yn parhau'n ddi-dor hefyd.
Diolch i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet.
I thank the Cabinet Secretary.
Eitem 4 heddiw yw'r datganiadau 90 eiliad. Yn gyntaf, Sam Rowlands.
Item 4 is the 90-second statements. First, Sam Rowlands.
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Last week, on World Stroke Day, we were reminded of a health crisis that too many people in Wales still don't fully understand: stroke. New research from the Stroke Association revealed that two thirds of people in Wales don't know that stroke is the leading cause of complex adult disability.
Every single day in the UK, 240 people experience a stroke, often leaving them unable to move, speak, see or even swallow. Stroke remains the fourth biggest killer in the UK, yet awareness of its long-term impact is alarmingly low. Here in Wales, around 70,000 people are living with the effects of stroke, and two thirds are left with a lifelong disability. Shockingly, only 35 per cent of survivors receive the essential six-month review to assess their recovery needs; that's the lowest rate in the last six years.
Organisations like the Stroke Association are urging the Welsh Government to act to make stroke care a national priority. That means 24/7 access to life-saving treatments, better mental health services, and ongoing rehabilitation for every survivor, no matter where they live in Wales.
Stroke can change a life in an instant, but with the right care and commitment, recovery is possible. Let's build on the message of World Stroke Day and make sure every stroke survivor in Wales gets the chance not just to survive, but to live well and to thrive. Diolch.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Yr wythnos diwethaf, ar Ddiwrnod Strôc y Byd, cawsom ein hatgoffa o argyfwng iechyd nad yw gormod o bobl yng Nghymru'n ei ddeall yn iawn o hyd: strôc. Datgelodd ymchwil newydd gan y Gymdeithas Strôc nad yw dwy ran o dair o bobl yng Nghymru'n gwybod mai strôc yw prif achos anabledd cymhleth mewn oedolion.
Bob dydd yn y DU, mae 240 o bobl yn cael strôc, gan eu gadael yn aml yn methu symud, siarad, gweld na hyd yn oed llyncu. Strôc yw'r pedwerydd lladdwr mwyaf yn y DU o hyd, ond mae ymwybyddiaeth o'r effaith hirdymor yn frawychus o isel. Yma yng Nghymru, mae oddeutu 70,000 o bobl yn byw gydag effeithiau strôc, ac mae dwy ran o dair yn cael anabledd gydol oes. Yn syfrdanol, dim ond 35 y cant o oroeswyr sy'n cael yr adolygiad chwe mis hanfodol i asesu eu hanghenion adfer; dyna'r gyfradd isaf yn y chwe blynedd diwethaf.
Mae sefydliadau fel y Gymdeithas Strôc yn annog Llywodraeth Cymru i weithredu i wneud gofal strôc yn flaenoriaeth genedlaethol. Mae hynny'n golygu mynediad 24/7 at driniaethau sy'n achub bywydau, gwasanaethau iechyd meddwl gwell, ac adsefydlu parhaus i bob goroeswr, ble bynnag y maent yn byw yng Nghymru.
Gall strôc newid bywyd mewn amrantiad, ond gyda'r gofal a'r ymrwymiad cywir, mae adferiad yn bosib. Gadewch inni adeiladu ar neges Diwrnod Strôc y Byd a sicrhau bod pob goroeswr strôc yng Nghymru'n cael cyfle nid yn unig i oroesi, ond i fyw'n dda ac i ffynnu. Diolch.
Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Melbourne, Seattle: rhai o ddinasoedd llên UNESCO yw’r rhain. A nawr mae Aberystwyth wedi ymuno â’r rhestr. Yr wythnos diwethaf, daeth y newyddion gwych fod cais llwyddiannus y bartneriaeth leol wedi llwyddo, a bod Aberystwyth Ceredigion i'w dynodi yn ddinas llên UNESCO, y cyntaf yng Nghymru, y chweched o fewn y Deyrnas Gyfunol, ac yn un o ddim ond tua 50 ar draws y byd.
Bydd y rhai craff yn eich plith yn dweud, 'Ond dyw Aberystwyth ddim yn ddinas'. Cywir. Ddim yn ystyr ffurfiol y term. Ond mae’n bihafio ac yn perfformio fel dinas. Mae’n gartref i brifysgolion, i gyrff cenedlaethol diwylliannol a llenyddol, i siopau a gwyliau llyfrau, i gyhoeddwyr, awduron, dylunwyr—yn y Gymraeg a'r Saesneg. Mae yna draddodiad hir yn Aberystwyth a Cheredigion o lenydda, barddoni, cyhoeddi. Aberystwyth yw’r unig dref yng Nghymru i benodi bardd y dref. Felly, nid teitl yn unig yw’r dynodiad yma, mae’n adlewyrchu bwrlwm llenyddol presennol yr ardal, ac yn rhoi llwybr i ddefnyddio’r statws a'r sector i hybu'r economi leol ac i annog cynhwysiant a dysg i’r dyfodol.
Yng ngeiriau cadeirydd dinas llên Aberystwyth Ceredigion, Mererid Hopwood, 'O’n gwobr nawr i’n gwaith'. Felly, llongyfarchiadau, Aberystwyth Ceredigion. Drwy ffawd ffortunus, yn y rhestr rhyngwladol o ddinasoedd llên y byd, Aberystwyth sydd ar frig y rhestr. Mae’n handi, weithiau, cael enw sy’n dechrau gydag 'Ab'.
Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Melbourne, Seattle: these are but a few of UNESCO’s cities of literature. Now, Aberystwyth has been added to the list. Last week brought the excellent news that the bid submitted by the local partnership in Ceredigion was successful, and that Aberystwyth Ceredigion would be designated as an UNESCO city of literature, the first in Wales, the sixth in the United Kingdom, and one of just 50 or so worldwide.
The eagle-eyed among you will say, 'But Aberystwyth isn’t a city’. Correct. Not in the formal sense of the term. But it conducts itself and performs like a city. It's home to universities, to national cultural and literary bodies, to book shops and festivals, to publishers, authors, designers—in Welsh and in English. There is a long-standing tradition in Aberystwyth and Ceredigion of literature, poetry and publishing. Aberystwyth is the only town in Wales to have appointed a town bard. So, this designation isn’t just a title, it reflects the current literary activity in the area, and provides a route for using this new status and the sector to boost the local economy and to encourage inclusion and learning for the future.
In the words of the chair of Aberystwyth Ceredigion city of literature, Mererid Hopwood, 'First the award, and then to work'. So, congratulations to Aberystwyth Ceredigion. And by a stroke of luck, in that list of global cities of literature, Aberystwyth is at the very top. It’s handy, sometimes, to have a name that starts with ‘Ab’.
Diolch i chi'ch dau.
Thank you, both.
Eitem 5 yw'r cynnig i ddiwygio'r Rheolau Sefydlog, newidiadau sy’n deillio o Ddeddf Deddfwriaeth (Gweithdrefn, Cyhoeddi a Diddymiadau) (Cymru) 2025. Galwaf ar Aelod o'r Pwyllgor Busnes i wneud y cynnig. Paul Davies.
Item 5 is the motion to amend Standing Orders, changes resulting from the Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales) Act 2025. I call on a Member of the Business Committee to move the motion. Paul Davies.
Cynnig NDM9033 Elin Jones
Cynnig bod y Senedd, yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 33.2:
1. Yn ystyried adroddiad y Pwyllgor Busnes 'Diwygio Rheolau Sefydlog: Newidiadau sy’n deillio o Ddeddf Deddfwriaeth (Gweithdrefn, Cyhoeddi a Diddymiadau) (Cymru) 2025' a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 29 Hydref.
2. Yn cymeradwyo’r cynnig i ddiwygio’r Rheolau Sefydlog, fel y nodir yn Atodiad B i Adroddiad y Pwyllgor Busnes.
3. Yn nodi y bydd y newidiadau yn dod i rym ar 1 Ionawr 2026.
Motion NDM9033 Elin Jones
To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 33.2:
1. Considers the report of the Business Committee 'Amending Standing Orders: Changes resulting from the Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales) Act 2025' laid in the Table Office on 29 October.
2. Approves the proposal to amend Standing Orders, as set out in Annex B of the Report of the Business Committee.
3. Notes that these changes will come into effect on 1 January 2026.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Yn ffurfiol.
Formally.
Y cynnig yw diwygio'r Rheolau Sefydlog. A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Nac oes. Felly, derbynnir y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
The proposal is to amend Standing Orders. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Eitem 6 yw'r cynnig i ddiwygio'r Rheolau Sefydlog, Rheol Sefydlog 17: pleidleisio mewn Pwyllgor o'r Senedd Gyfan a chyfrifoldeb am fynediad i gyfarfodydd. Galwaf ar Aelod o'r Pwyllgor Busnes i wneud y cynnig. Paul Davies.
Item 6 is the motion to amend Standing Orders, Standing Order 17: voting in a Committee of the Whole Senedd and responsibility for meeting access. I call on a Member of the Business Committee to move the motion. Paul Davies.
Cynnig NDM9032 Elin Jones
Cynnig bod y Senedd, yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 33.2:
1. Yn ystyried adroddiad y Pwyllgor Busnes, 'Diwygio’r Rheolau Sefydlog: Rheol Sefydlog 17: pleidleisio mewn Pwyllgor o'r Senedd Gyfan a chyfrifoldeb am fynediad i gyfarfodydd', a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 29 Hydref 2025.
2. Yn cymeradwyo'r cynnig i ddiwygio Rheol Sefydlog 17, fel y nodir yn Atodiad 2 i adroddiad y Pwyllgor Busnes.
Motion NDM9032 Elin Jones
To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 33.2:
1. Considers the report of the Business Committee, 'Amending Standing Orders: Standing Order 17: voting in a Committee of the Whole Senedd and responsibility for meeting access', laid in the Table Office on 29 October 2025.
2. Approves the proposal to amend Standing Order 17, as set out in Annex 2 of the Business Committee’s report.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Yn ffurfiol.
Formally.
Y cynnig yw diwygio'r Rheolau Sefydlog. A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Nac oes. Felly, derbynnir y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
The proposal is to amend Standing Orders. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Nesaf mae'r cynnig i ethol Aelod i bwyllgor. Galwaf ar Aelod o'r Pwyllgor Busnes i wneud y cynnig yn ffurfiol. Paul Davies.
We now move to a motion to elect a Member to a committee. I call on a Member of the Business Committee to formally move the motion. Paul Davies.
Cynnig NNDM9037 Elin Jones
Cynnig bod y Senedd, yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 17.14, yn ethol Sam Rowlands (Ceidwadwyr Cymreig) yn lle Paul Davies (Ceidwadwyr Cymreig) yn aelod o Bwyllgor y Bil Atebolrwydd Aelodau.
Motion NNDM9037 Elin Jones
To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Sam Rowlands (Welsh Conservatives) in place of Paul Davies (Welsh Conservatives) as a member of the Member Accountability Bill Committee.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Yn ffurfiol.
Formally.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid derbyn y cynnig? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Nac oes. Felly, mae'r cynnig wedi ei dderbyn yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Eitem 7, dadl ar gynnig deddfwriaethol gan Aelod: Bil i wahardd defnyddio plastig untro ar ffrwythau a llysiau. Galwaf ar Rhys ab Owen i wneud y cynnig.
Item 7, debate on a Member's legislative proposal: a Bill to ban the use of single-use plastic on fruits and vegetables. I call on Rhys ab Owen to move the motion.
Cynnig NDM8985 Rhys ab Owen
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn nodi cynnig ar gyfer Bil i wahardd defnyddio plastig untro ar gynnyrch ffres ar gyfer ffrwythau a llysiau sydd wedi cael eu profi i fod o ddim budd neu fod y budd yn ddibwys, o ran ymestyn oes silff pan fyddant wedi'u pecynnu mewn plastig.
2. Yn nodi mai diben y Bil hwn fyddai:
a) lleihau faint o blastig untro diangen sydd ar draws cadwyni cyflenwi Cymru, gan ddiogelu'r amgylchedd ac iechyd pobl;
b) lleihau gwastraff bwyd a lleihau'r baich ar gyllid cartrefi drwy ganiatáu i ddefnyddwyr brynu dim ond yr hyn sydd ei angen arnynt yn seiliedig ar bwysau.
3. Yn nodi y byddai'r Bil yn berthnasol dim ond wrth brynu ffrwythau a llysiau mewn symiau is na 1.5kg.
Motion NDM8985 Rhys ab Owen
To propose that Senedd:
1. Notes a proposal for a Bill to ban the use of single use plastic on fresh produce for fruits and vegetables that have been proven to receive no or negligible benefit in elongating shelf life when packaged in plastic.
2. Notes that the purpose of this Bill would be to:
a) reduce the amount of unnecessary single use plastic across Welsh supply chains, protecting the environment and human health;
b) reduce food waste and reduce the burden on household finances by allowing consumers to buy only what they need based on weight.
3. Notes that the Bill would apply only when purchasing fruit and vegetables in quantities below 1.5kg.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd, a diolch yn fawr am y cyfle i gyflwyno'r cynnig deddfwriaethol yma. Dwi'n siŵr bod pob un ohonom ni sydd yn y Siambr y prynhawn yma, wrth i ni siopa, neu wrth i ni dderbyn pecyn yn y post, yn cwestiynu pam bod cymaint o becynnu ynghylch yr hyn rŷn ni'n ei dderbyn. Yn sicr, pan ŷn ni'n trio stwffio'r pecynnu i mewn i'r bin ailgylchu, ac yn aml i'r bin sydd ddim yn fin ailgylchu, achos bod dim modd inni ailgylchu'r pecynnu, rŷn ni'n diawlio hyd yn oed yn fwy pam yn y byd rŷn ni'n derbyn cymaint o becynnu plastig untro.
Mae'r peth hyd yn oed yn fwy rhyfeddol pan ŷn ni'n dod at ffrwythau a llysiau—pethau sydd yn aml â gorchudd naturiol yn barod, gorchudd llawer gwell nag unrhyw beth y mae dyn yn gallu ei gynhyrchu. Yn ôl yr elusen wrth-wastraff WRAP, nid yw pecynnu plastig yn gwneud unrhyw wahaniaeth i hirhoedledd dros 20 o ffrwythau a llysiau—nifer ohonyn nhw y ffrwythau a'r llysiau mwyaf poblogaidd sy'n cael eu defnyddio a'u bwyta fwyaf. Yn syml, mae pecynnu plastig yn aml yn wastraff llwyr, yn hollol ddiangen, ac yn hollol ddibwrpas. Dŷn ni ddim eu hangen nhw o gwbl.
Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you very much for the opportunity to put forward this legislative motion. I’m sure that all of us in the Siambr this afternoon, as we shop, or as we receive packages in the post, question why there is so much packaging wrapped around what we’ve received. Certainly, when we try to stuff the packaging into the recycling bin, and very often into a bin that isn’t a recycling bin, because we can’t recycle the packaging, it’s even harder to accept why we receive so much single-use plastic packaging.
It’s even more shocking when it comes to fruit and vegetables—those things that often have a natural wrapping already, a wrapper that is better than anything that could be produced by humankind. According to the Waste and Resources Action Programme, plastic packaging makes no difference whatsoever to the shelf life of over 20 fruit and vegetables—a number of them being the fruit and vegetables that are the most popular, and are used and eaten most often. Simply put, plastic packaging, very often, is entirely wasteful, is unnecessary, and is purposeless. We don’t need that packaging at all.
This proposal is that those items should not be packaged in plastic. They should be sold by weight and put in a paper bag, if necessary, to carry home. Because this is more than just an environmental issue. We know that when things are prepackaged in plastic, you've got to buy them as they are, and you've got to buy what's in the package already. Quite often, a family would not need everything that has been determined to them already, which has been placed in the plastic container already. And for those living through a cost-of-living crisis, this causes unnecessary hardship to them. They're spending their money on things they simply do not need, and that's stopping them from spending money on things that they do need.
Research has found that plastic packaging contributes to £2.1 billion-worth of food waste that happens in the UK—£2.1 billion-worth of food waste every year. Items unnecessarily prepackaged in plastic, in a predetermined quantity, come at the expense of being able to afford a different item. It's as simple as that. It stops them buying a different item that could contribute to a healthier and more varied diet.
As we all know, there's been a huge increase in foodbanks in Wales over the last few years—a 61 per cent increase according to the Trussell Trust. Food is becoming more and more unaffordable for many, and the ability to buy smaller amounts of multiple foods can help make the difference to get all the ingredients necessary for a healthy and proper meal.
When suggesting this risk, I was also considering the long-term risk of plastic. It's something I've raised with you, Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, on many occasions. As we all know, plastic breaks down in several different ways, many of which carry serious and untested health risks. When plastic breaks down into microplastics, it's then absorbed into the human body, and has now been found in all organs of the body, including our brains. Microplastics have also been connected to disorders in all systems of the body. For example, a study last year by the New England Journal of Medicine found that when micro and nano plastics were found in the plaque on a coronary artery, the person was more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or death. This is scary stuff, and things that haven't been tested enough in this country.
All sizes of plastic, from visible rubbish to microplastic and resultant forever chemicals, also have an impact on the environment and our ecosystem. Animals of all sizes are affected in multiple ways. In 2023 a paper was released detailing how wild sea birds are suffering from what's called plasticosis. Now, this is a kind of fibrosis induced by plastic that prevents the digestive system from working properly. That is just one example. Reducing the plastic produced and used and thrown away is therefore essential for a healthy world.
Despite this, the use of plastic continues to grow and has grown dramatically over the past few decades. I'll give you the figures: the yearly manufacture of plastic has increased from 230 million tonnes in 2009 to over 350 million tonnes in the year 2019. Now, all of us here can remember back to the year 2009. Were our lives really that dramatically more inconvenient because of the lack of an extra 100 million tonnes of plastic? Of course not. We do not need anything near that amount of plastic that is currently in our supply chains.
Now, some people hark back to the past far too often, but I think this is a good example where we do hark back to the past. And it still happens in some examples: greengrocers, market stalls and many corner shops already operate, and have over the years operated, on the principle of buying only what you want from a crate of produce that isn't wrapped in plastic. And that's how fruits and vegetables have been bought across the centuries. That's how our grandparents shopped. It's how we and our children should shop. In terms of practicalities, I think a Bill passed on this principle would allow Welsh Ministers to add and remove items from the list when they see what works in practice and what doesn't work and then respond to it.
Y cynnig hwn yw na ddylid pecynnu'r eitemau hynny mewn plastig. Dylid eu gwerthu yn ôl pwysau a'u rhoi mewn bag papur, os oes angen, i'w cludo adref. Oherwydd mae hyn yn fwy na mater amgylcheddol yn unig. Pan fydd pethau wedi'u pecynnu ymlaen llaw mewn plastig, fe wyddom fod yn rhaid i chi eu prynu fel y maent, ac mae'n rhaid ichi brynu'r hyn sydd eisoes yn y pecyn. Yn aml iawn, ni fyddai teulu angen popeth sydd eisoes wedi'i bennu ar eu cyfer ac sydd eisoes wedi'i roi yn y cynhwysydd plastig. Ac i'r rhai sy'n byw drwy argyfwng costau byw, mae hyn yn achosi caledi diangen iddynt. Maent yn gwario eu harian ar bethau nad oes eu hangen arnynt, ac mae hynny'n eu hatal rhag gwario arian ar bethau sydd eu hangen arnynt.
Mae ymchwil wedi canfod bod deunydd pecynnu plastig yn cyfrannu at werth £2.1 biliwn o wastraff bwyd yn y DU—gwerth £2.1 biliwn o wastraff bwyd bob blwyddyn. Mae eitemau sydd wedi'u pecynnu ymlaen llaw'n ddiangen mewn plastig, mewn cyfeintiau penodol, yn dod ar draul gallu fforddio eitem wahanol. Mae mor syml â hynny. Mae'n eu hatal rhag prynu eitem wahanol a allai gyfrannu at ddeiet iachach a mwy amrywiol.
Fel y gŵyr pob un ohonom, bu cynnydd enfawr mewn banciau bwyd yng Nghymru dros yr ychydig flynyddoedd diwethaf—cynnydd o 61 y cant yn ôl Ymddiriedolaeth Trussell. Mae bwyd yn dod yn fwyfwy anfforddiadwy i lawer, a gall y gallu i brynu gwahanol fwydydd mewn cyfeintiau llai helpu i wneud y gwahaniaeth i gael yr holl gynhwysion sydd eu hangen ar gyfer pryd iach a phriodol.
Wrth awgrymu'r risg hon, roeddwn hefyd yn ystyried risg hirdymor plastig. Mae'n rhywbeth yr wyf wedi'i godi gyda chi ar sawl achlysur, Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog. Fel y gŵyr pob un ohonom, mae plastig yn dadelfennu mewn sawl ffordd wahanol, ac mae llawer ohonynt yn peri risgiau difrifol i iechyd a risgiau sydd heb eu profi. Pan fydd plastig yn dadelfennu'n ficroplastigion, caiff ei amsugno i'r corff dynol, ac mae bellach wedi'i ganfod ym mhob organ yn y corff, gan gynnwys ein hymennydd. Mae microplastigion hefyd wedi'u cysylltu ag anhwylderau ym mhob system yn y corff. Er enghraifft, canfu astudiaeth y llynedd gan y New England Journal of Medicine, pan ganfuwyd microplastigion a nanoplastigion yn y plac ar rydweli goronaidd, fod yr unigolyn yn fwy tebygol o gael trawiad ar y galon, strôc neu o farw. Mae hyn yn frawychus, ac yn ymwneud â phethau nad ydynt wedi'u profi ddigon yn y wlad hon.
Mae plastig o bob maint, o sbwriel gweladwy i ficroplastigion a'r cemegau am byth sy'n deillio o hynny, hefyd yn cael effaith ar yr amgylchedd a'n hecosystem. Effeithir ar anifeiliaid o bob maint mewn sawl ffordd. Yn 2023, cyhoeddwyd papur yn manylu ar sut y mae adar môr gwyllt yn dioddef o'r hyn a elwir yn 'plasticosis'. Nawr, math o ffeibrosis yw hwn a achosir gan blastig sy'n atal y system dreulio rhag gweithio'n iawn. Dim ond un enghraifft yw hynny. Felly, mae lleihau faint o blastig sy'n cael ei gynhyrchu a'i ddefnyddio a'i daflu yn hanfodol ar gyfer byd iach.
Er gwaethaf hyn, mae'r defnydd o blastig yn parhau i gynyddu ac mae wedi cynyddu'n sylweddol dros yr ychydig ddegawdau diwethaf. Dyma'r ffigurau i chi: mae cynhyrchiant plastig blynyddol wedi cynyddu o 230 miliwn tunnell yn 2009 i dros 350 miliwn tunnell yn y flwyddyn 2019. Nawr, gall pob un ohonom yma gofio'r flwyddyn 2009. A oedd ein bywydau mor ddramatig o anghyfleus heb 100 miliwn tunnell ychwanegol o blastig? Wrth gwrs nad oeddent. Nid oes angen yn agos at faint o blastig sydd yn ein cadwyni cyflenwi ar hyn o bryd.
Nawr, mae rhai pobl yn edrych yn ôl tua'r gorffennol yn rhy aml, ond credaf fod hon yn enghraifft dda o edrych yn ôl tua'r gorffennol. Ac mae'n dal i ddigwydd mewn rhai mannau: mae siopau llysiau a ffrwythau, stondinau marchnad a llawer o siopau cornel eisoes yn gweithredu, ac wedi gweithredu dros y blynyddoedd, ar yr egwyddor o brynu'r hyn rydych chi ei eisiau'n unig o focs o gynnyrch nad yw wedi'i lapio mewn plastig. A dyna sut y mae ffrwythau a llysiau wedi cael eu prynu dros y canrifoedd. Dyna sut oedd ein neiniau a'n teidiau'n siopa. Dyna sut y dylem ni a'n plant siopa. O ran ymarferoldeb, rwy'n credu y byddai pasio Bil ar yr egwyddor hon yn caniatáu i Weinidogion Cymru ychwanegu a thynnu eitemau oddi ar y rhestr pan fyddant yn gweld beth sy'n gweithio'n ymarferol a beth nad yw'n gweithio, ac ymateb i hynny wedyn.
Dyma gynnig a fydd yn adeiladu ar waith arloesol y Senedd pan mae'n dod i daclo plastig untro. Mawr obeithiaf y bydd y Senedd yn ystyried y ddeddfwriaeth yma yn y dyfodol. Mae'r manteision i fi yn hollol amlwg. Edrychaf ymlaen at wrando ar eich cyfraniadau. Diolch yn fawr.
This is a proposal that would build on the innovative work done by the Senedd when it comes to tackling single-use plastic. I very much hope that the Senedd will consider this legislative proposal in the future. The advantages to me are entirely clear. I look forward to hearing your contributions. Thank you.
Thank you very much for raising this issue and recommending it as a legislative proposal. I think it's a much bigger problem than we realise and there are various sources of this contamination, both through the soil and the plastic packaging, and with fruit, vegetables, along with seafood, being particularly affected. So, there's no reason to do it and more and more information is turning up, both at Cardiff University, in New Mexico and other places, to show that it's penetrating our brains and it's passing the blood-brain barrier. The samples in New Mexico, taken in 2024, were significantly higher than in 2016. The work done by Cardiff University, working with the waste treatment plant in Newport, which is run by Dŵr Cymru, indicates very significant levels in wastewater, which is often, throughout Europe, spread on agricultural land, following treatment, and this obviously brings the plastic back into the whole food production system.
I would particularly recommend to anybody not to drink water from plastic water bottles—it can add around six times more microplastics into your system compared to just tap water. So, all these things are accumulating, and I would suggest that it's not to keep the fruit and vegetables fresh that the supermarkets are doing this—it's to please the people who are the bean counters in their organisations so that they can barcode exactly what's being sold and when.
So, I think we absolutely have to change the way we do things and to, if necessary, wrap things in paper bags or newspapers, which are easily used for free. So, I thank you very much for raising this issue and I hope that we can seriously consider it for a future piece of legislation.
Diolch yn fawr am godi'r mater hwn a'i argymell fel cynnig deddfwriaethol. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn broblem fwy o lawer nag a sylweddolwn, ac mae'r halogiad hwn yn tarddu o amryw ffynonellau, drwy'r pridd a'r deunydd pecynnu plastig, gyda ffrwythau, llysiau, ynghyd â bwyd môr, yn cael eu heffeithio'n fwyaf arbennig. Felly, nid oes unrhyw reswm dros ei wneud, ac mae mwy a mwy o wybodaeth yn dod i'r amlwg, ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd, yn New Mexico a mannau eraill, i ddangos ei fod yn treiddio i'n hymennydd ac yn pasio drwy'r rhwystr gwaed-ymennydd. Roedd y samplau yn New Mexico, a gymerwyd yn 2024, yn sylweddol uwch nag yn 2016. Mae'r gwaith a wnaed gan Brifysgol Caerdydd, gan weithio gyda'r gwaith trin dŵr gwastraff yng Nghasnewydd, sy'n cael ei redeg gan Dŵr Cymru, yn dangos lefelau sylweddol iawn mewn dŵr gwastraff, sy'n aml, ledled Ewrop, yn cael ei wasgaru ar dir amaethyddol, ar ôl cael ei drin, ac mae hyn yn amlwg yn cyflwyno'r plastig yn ôl i'r system gynhyrchu bwyd.
Buaswn yn argymell yn arbennig i unrhyw un beidio ag yfed dŵr o boteli dŵr plastig—gall ychwanegu oddeutu chwe gwaith yn fwy o ficroplastigion i'ch system o gymharu â dŵr tap yn unig. Felly, mae'r holl bethau hyn yn cronni, a buaswn yn awgrymu nad er mwyn cadw'r ffrwythau a'r llysiau'n ffres yn unig y mae'r archfarchnadoedd yn gwneud hyn—maent yn gwneud hyn er mwyn plesio'r cyfrifwyr yn eu sefydliadau fel y gallant nodi'n union beth sy'n cael ei werthu a phryd.
Felly, rwy'n credu bod yn rhaid inni newid y ffordd y gwnawn bethau, ac os oes angen, lapio pethau mewn bagiau papur neu bapurau newydd, sy'n hawdd eu defnyddio am ddim. Felly, diolch yn fawr i chi am godi'r mater hwn, ac rwy'n gobeithio y gallwn ei ystyried o ddifrif ar gyfer deddfwriaeth yn y dyfodol.
I had no hesitation whatsoever when Rhys ab Owen asked me whether I would support him on this. Certainly, as a member of the climate change committee over the years, evidence that we've received proves how there does need now to be some legislation brought in that would prevent so much plastic being used. The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act has put our nation in the right direction, but we haven't gone quite far enough. In 2013-14, 13,781 tonnes of mixed plastics were disposed of from households. A decade later, the figure is up to 20,384 tonnes.
Marine Conservation Society beach cleans—and I've done a few of these—have reported that plastic accounted for 72 per cent of all recorded litter items in 2024. We cannot forget that microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood, with scientists finding the tiny particles in almost 80 per cent of people tested. The more we can do to reduce this unnecessary plastic use the better. A ban on the use of single-use plastic on fresh produce for fruits and vegetables would be the step in the right direction. Who on earth needs bananas wrapping up? They've come in their own protective skin. You know, we even see eggs now in polystyrene bases and then a polystyrene-type plastic lid—not necessary. WRAP's evidence shows that selling apples, bananas and potatoes loose could prevent 8 million shopping baskets-worth of food going to waste, having the added benefit of eliminating around 1,100 rubbish trucks of avoidable plastic every year. It would also, as has been rightly pointed out earlier, save our residents some money. Almost 1.7 million tonnes of edible fruit and vegetables are thrown away each year, costing us £4 billion.
So, during a cost-of-living and climate crisis, it is common sense to back a legislative proposal that empowers residents to buy exactly what they need and at the same time reducing any waste. In fact, this legislative proposal would work. For hundreds of years, at markets such as Llanrwst, Swansea, Machynlleth, produce has been sold loose. It's how things were done many years ago, and there was never a problem then. People want to choose what they want to buy and need. I see no reason why even more should be empowered to do so again and, as such, I thank you, Rhys, for bringing this forward. I encourage the Cabinet Secretary to take this forward. I ask all Members to support this very common-sense request and a 'thank you' to WRAP also for the work that they do. Diolch.
Ni wneuthum oedi o gwbl pan ofynnodd Rhys ab Owen i mi ei gefnogi ar hyn. Yn sicr, fel aelod o'r pwyllgor newid hinsawdd dros y blynyddoedd, mae tystiolaeth a ddaeth i law yn profi sut y mae angen deddfwriaeth nawr a fyddai'n atal cymaint o blastig rhag cael ei ddefnyddio. Mae Deddf Diogelu’r Amgylchedd (Cynhyrchion Plastig Untro) (Cymru) wedi rhoi ein cenedl ar y llwybr cywir, ond nid ydym wedi mynd yn ddigon pell. Yn 2013-14, cafodd 13,781 tunnell o blastig cymysg ei waredu o gartrefi. Ddegawd yn ddiweddarach, mae'r ffigur wedi cynyddu i 20,384 tunnell.
Mae digwyddiadau glanhau traethau'r Gymdeithas Cadwraeth Forol—ac rwyf wedi cymryd rhan mewn sawl un—wedi nodi mai plastig yw 72 y cant o'r holl eitemau sbwriel a gofnodwyd yn 2024. Ni allwn anghofio bod llygredd microplastigion wedi'i ganfod mewn gwaed dynol, gyda gwyddonwyr yn canfod y gronynnau bach mewn bron i 80 y cant o'r bobl a brofwyd. Gorau po fwyaf y gallwn ei wneud i leihau'r defnydd diangen hwn o blastig. Byddai gwaharddiad ar ddefnyddio plastig untro ar gynnyrch ffrwythau a llysiau ffres yn gam i'r cyfeiriad cywir. Pwy ar y ddaear sydd angen bananas wedi'u lapio? Maent yn dod yn eu croen amddiffynnol eu hunain. Wyddoch chi, rydym hyd yn oed yn gweld wyau nawr mewn cynwysyddion polystyren a chaead plastig tebyg i bolystyren—nid oes ei angen. Mae tystiolaeth rhaglen weithredu'r cynllun gwastraff ac adnoddau (WRAP) yn dangos y gallai gwerthu afalau, bananas a thatws yn rhydd atal 8 miliwn llond basged siopa o fwyd rhag mynd yn wastraff, gyda'r fantais ychwanegol o ddileu gwerth oddeutu 1,100 o lorïau sbwriel o blastig y gellir ei osgoi bob blwyddyn. Byddai hefyd, fel y nodwyd yn gywir yn gynharach, yn arbed arian i'n trigolion. Mae bron i 1.7 miliwn tunnell o ffrwythau a llysiau bwytadwy yn cael eu taflu bob blwyddyn, gan gostio £4 biliwn i ni.
Felly, mewn argyfwng costau byw a hinsawdd, mae cefnogi cynnig deddfwriaethol sy'n grymuso trigolion i brynu'r hyn sydd ei angen arnynt a dim mwy, a lleihau unrhyw wastraff ar yr un pryd, yn synnwyr cyffredin. Mewn gwirionedd, byddai'r cynnig deddfwriaethol hwn yn gweithio. Am gannoedd o flynyddoedd, mewn marchnadoedd fel Llanrwst, Abertawe, Machynlleth, mae cynnyrch wedi cael ei werthu'n rhydd. Dyna sut y byddai pethau'n cael eu gwneud flynyddoedd lawer yn ôl, ac nid oedd unrhyw broblem bryd hynny. Mae pobl eisiau dewis yr hyn y maent eisiau ei brynu a'i angen. Nid wyf yn gweld unrhyw reswm pam na ddylid grymuso mwy o bobl i wneud hynny eto, ac felly diolch, Rhys, am gyflwyno hyn. Rwy'n annog Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet i fwrw ymlaen â hyn. Gofynnaf i bob Aelod gefnogi'r cais synnwyr cyffredin hwn, a diolch i WRAP hefyd am y gwaith a wnânt. Diolch.
I would also like to thank Rhys ab Owen for bringing forward this important legislative proposal today. I was pleased to support it. The proposal is a simple one, but its impact would be significant, reducing both the amount of unnecessary plastic used across Wales and the amount of perfectly good food ending up in the bin. Wales has always led the way before. We were the first nation in the UK to introduce a plastic bag charge and it worked. Carrier bag use fell by more than 95 per cent and that bold action became a model for others to follow. I previously worked alongside Friends of the Earth to secure commitments from the retail consortium to install fridge doors across supermarkets. It was a practical step that reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. And today's proposal is the next logical step in cutting the climate impact of our supermarkets and food supply chains.
Evidence shows that we are beginning to fall behind, and research from the anti-waste charity WRAP reveals that only 19.4 per cent of our fresh produce sales are sold loose, as compared with 50 per cent across mainland Europe. France has already gone further, passing legislation to ban plastic packaging on fresh produce altogether. If France can do it, why not Wales? We've made progress on the recycling of plastics in recent years, with supermarkets now collecting packaging for reuse. But the truth is stark: around 70 per cent of the plastics collected are still incinerated. The best solution is not to recycle more plastic but to create less of it in the first place.
Every year, people in the UK throw away around £2 billion-worth of fruits and vegetables, and packaging is not solving that problem, it’s making it worse. Studies show that wrapping fruit and veg in plastic does not extend its shelf life. It does force customers to buy more than they need, leading to 30 per cent of produce being wasted. The public want change: 83 per cent of consumers say they’re concerned about the amount of plastic in their food shopping, and this proposal directly responds to that concern. By ending the use of pointless plastic packaging where it makes no difference to shelf life, we can reduce waste, cut costs and protect our environment. So, today, Members, we have the chance to take another proud step forward to build on Wales’s record of leadership in sustainability and fairness. Let’s act where it matters most, and show once again that small, sensible changes can make a lasting difference. Diolch yn fawr.
Hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i Rhys ab Owen am gyflwyno'r cynnig deddfwriaethol pwysig hwn heddiw. Roeddwn yn falch o'i gefnogi. Mae'r cynnig yn un syml, ond byddai ei effaith yn sylweddol, gan leihau faint o blastig diangen a ddefnyddir ledled Cymru a faint o fwyd cwbl fwytadwy sy'n mynd i'r bin. Mae Cymru bob amser wedi arwain y ffordd yn y gorffennol. Ni oedd y genedl gyntaf yn y DU i gyflwyno tâl am fagiau plastig, ac fe weithiodd. Gostyngodd y defnydd o fagiau siopa fwy na 95 y cant a daeth y camau beiddgar hynny i fod yn fodel i eraill ei ddilyn. Gweithiais ochr yn ochr â Cyfeillion y Ddaear yn flaenorol i sicrhau ymrwymiadau gan y consortiwm manwerthu i osod drysau ar oergelloedd mewn archfarchnadoedd. Roedd yn gam ymarferol sy'n lleihau'r defnydd o ynni ac allyriadau carbon. A chynnig heddiw yw'r cam rhesymegol nesaf i leihau effaith ein harchfarchnadoedd a'n cadwyni cyflenwi bwyd ar yr hinsawdd.
Mae tystiolaeth yn dangos ein bod yn dechrau colli tir, ac mae ymchwil gan yr elusen gwrth-wastraff WRAP yn datgelu mai dim ond 19.4 y cant o'n gwerthiant cynnyrch ffres sy'n cael ei werthu'n rhydd, o gymharu â 50 y cant ar dir mawr Ewrop. Mae Ffrainc eisoes wedi mynd gam ymhellach, gan basio deddfwriaeth i wahardd deunydd pecynnu plastig ar gynnyrch ffres yn gyfan gwbl. Os gall Ffrainc ei wneud, pam na all Cymru? Rydym wedi gwneud cynnydd ar ailgylchu plastig yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf, gydag archfarchnadoedd bellach yn casglu deunydd pecynnu i'w ailddefnyddio. Ond mae'r gwir yn llwm: mae oddeutu 70 y cant o'r plastig a gesglir yn dal i gael ei losgi. Nid ailgylchu mwy o blastig yw'r ateb gorau, ond creu llai ohono yn y lle cyntaf.
Bob blwyddyn, mae pobl yn y DU yn cael gwared ar werth oddeutu £2 biliwn o ffrwythau a llysiau, ac nid yw deunydd pecynnu'n datrys y broblem honno, mae'n ei gwaethygu. Mae astudiaethau'n dangos nad yw lapio ffrwythau a llysiau mewn plastig yn ymestyn eu hoes silff. Mae'n gorfodi cwsmeriaid i brynu mwy nag sydd ei angen arnynt, gan arwain at wastraffu 30 y cant o gynnyrch. Mae'r cyhoedd eisiau newid: mae 83 y cant o ddefnyddwyr yn dweud eu bod yn poeni ynghylch faint o blastig sydd yn y bwyd y maent yn ei siopa, ac mae'r cynnig hwn yn ymateb yn uniongyrchol i'r pryder hwnnw. Drwy roi'r gorau i ddefnyddio pecynnu plastig dibwynt lle nad yw'n gwneud unrhyw wahaniaeth i oes silff, gallwn leihau gwastraff, torri costau a diogelu ein hamgylchedd. Felly heddiw, Aelodau, mae gennym gyfle i gymryd cam balch arall ymlaen i adeiladu ar hanes Cymru o arwain mewn cynaliadwyedd a thegwch. Gadewch inni weithredu lle sydd bwysicaf i ni wneud hynny, a dangos unwaith eto y gall newidiadau bach, synhwyrol wneud gwahaniaeth parhaol. Diolch yn fawr.
Diolch i Rhys am gyflwyno'r cynnig hwn.
I thank Rhys for tabling this proposal.
A slightly clumsy, slightly ugly phrase that’s used sometimes when we say that something is so obvious that it needs to be done is that it’s a 'no-brainer'. It feels like this is a no-brainer, but that does take on a slightly macabre element when we’ve just heard from Jenny that microplastics are now found in the brain; they are found in human breastmilk, they’re found in our blood. This is something that quite literally permeates into our lives, and it’s something that young people feel so passionately about. This is something that we have to guard against for their sake. It’s something very young children feel passionately about as well because of how quite viscerally frightening it will be for them. It is so important that we change this.
Ymadrodd braidd yn drwsgl, braidd yn hyll a ddefnyddir weithiau pan ddywedwn fod rhywbeth mor amlwg fel bod angen ei wneud yw ei fod yn 'no-brainer'. Mae'n teimlo fel pe bai hyn yn 'no-brainer', ond mae braidd yn erchyll clywed gan Jenny fod microplastigion bellach wedi'u canfod yn yr ymennydd; maent wedi'u canfod mewn llaeth y fron, maent wedi eu canfod yn ein gwaed. Mae hyn yn rhywbeth sy'n llythrennol yn treiddio i'n bywydau, ac mae'n rhywbeth y mae pobl ifanc yn teimlo mor angerddol yn ei gylch. Mae'n rhywbeth y mae'n rhaid inni warchod rhagddo er eu mwyn nhw. Mae'n rhywbeth y mae plant ifanc iawn yn teimlo'n angerddol yn ei gylch hefyd gan mor frawychus y bydd hyn iddynt. Mae mor bwysig ein bod yn newid hyn.
Hoffwn i ar y mater yna ddyfynnu eco-bwyllgor Ysgol y Lawnt yn fy rhanbarth, ac maen nhw wedi dweud, 'Rydym ni'n ceisio torri lawr ar faint o blastig untro dŷn ni'n defnyddio yn yr ysgol. Rydyn ni'n gwneud hyn oherwydd rydyn ni'n bryderus am yr effaith ar anifeiliaid, yn enwedig anifeiliaid yn y môr fel crwbanod, sy'n meddwl eu bod nhw'n llyncu pysgodyn jeli.' Mi wnaeth y plant ddarganfod taw'r caffi yn eu hysgol oedd y lle gwaethaf ar gyfer y plastig untro. Fe wnaethon nhw berswadio'r ysgol i ddefnyddio bagiau papur yn lle clingfilm am fyrbrydau. Ac mi wnaeth yr eco-bwyllgor hefyd ffeindio bagiau creision a bagiau plastig ar iard yr ysgol ac mewn afon gyfagos. Roedd y plant yn poeni bod y dŵr yn cario'r plastig i lawr i Gaerdydd, i mewn i'r môr. Mae'r plant yma eisiau gweld Llywodraethau yn codi treth ar blastig er mwyn sicrhau bod cwmnïau mawr yn defnyddio pacedi wedi eu gwneud mas o blanhigion yn lle plastig a pherswadio cwmnïau i ddefnyddio deunyddiau sydd yn fwy eco-gyfeillgar.
Hoffwn i ddiolch i'r plant yn yr ysgol hon am eu brwdfrydedd a phlant a phobl ifanc dros Gymru sydd yn credu mor gryf yn yr angen i leihau plastig untro. Gall y mesurau yn y cynnig hwn fod yn ddechreuad. Felly, er mwyn plant cenedlaethau'r dyfodol, er mwyn y plant sydd yn byw heddiw, rhaid inni fynd i'r afael â hyn. Felly, diolch Rhys, dwi'n meddwl gall hyn wneud gwahaniaeth. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
I would like on this particular matter quote the eco-committee at Ysgol y Lawnt in my region. They’ve said, ‘We’re trying to cut down on how much single-use plastic we use at the school. We’re doing this because we are concerned about the impact on animals, particularly marine animals, such as turtles, which think that they’re swallowing jellyfish.’ The children found that the cafe at the school was the worst place for single-use plastics, and they persuaded the school to use paper bags instead of clingfilm for snacks. The eco-committee also found crisp packets and plastic bags on the school yard and in the nearby river. The children were concerned that the river was carrying the plastics down towards Cardiff and out to sea. These children want to see Governments levying a tax on plastics to ensure that major corporations use packets made from plants rather than plastic, and they want to persuade these corporations to use more eco-friendly packaging materials.
I’d like to thank the pupils at the school for their enthusiasm and children and young people across Wales who believe so strongly in the need to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The measures outlined in this proposal are a good place to start. So, for the sake of future generations, for the children living in Wales today, we must tackle this. So, thank you, Rhys, I think this could make a difference. Thank you very much.
Galwaf ar y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog ac Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd a Materion Gwledig, Huw Irranca-Davies.
I call on the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd. Diolch hefyd i'r Aelod am gyflwyno'r ddadl bwysig hon ac i'r Aelodau eraill am eu cyfraniadau gwerthfawr heddiw ar y Bil arfaethedig i wahardd defnyddio plastig untro ar ffrwythau a llysiau ffres.
Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd. I also thank the Member for bringing forward this important debate and to the other Members for their valuable contributions this afternoon on the proposed Bill to ban the use of single-use plastics on fruits and vegetables.
I believe that many Members here in this Siambr—and, indeed, many members of the public in Wales—will share the bemusement and often frustration of Members here at seeing so much of our natural produce of fruits and vegetables in their natural wrappings being given plastic wrapping too on top of that. So, what I’m going to try and do in my response to this debate is to get a little bit under the skin of this proposal and offer Welsh Government’s thoughts on it. Now, as you know, Welsh Government, as has been remarked by Carolyn and others, has put waste reduction and prevention at the very heart of policy making, whether by tackling plastic pollution or encouraging recycling, and I have to say, reducing unnecessary food waste. We have proudly led the way across the UK, as has been noted. So, we’re making significant progress on this through the programme for government, and the groundbreaking—and it still remains groundbreaking—Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023, for example, has already restricted the supply of several commonly littered single-use plastic products, such as plastic straws, cutlery and cotton buds. And I'm very pleased that, only last week, the regulation on wet wipes received the assent here of this Senedd once again. So, once again, we are pushing forward. And we're proud to be recognised—I never tire of saying this, Dirprwy Lywydd—as the second best in the world, narrowly second best, for municipal recycling. And we're not stopping there; we're introducing the new workplace recycling reforms and piloting the collection of flexible plastics as well, pertinent to today's debate, to boost our recycling rates even more. There's work to be done on the flexible plastics issue. And it's important to note as well that this type of food packaging is already being addressed through the extended producer responsibility scheme. Now, that's really interesting, because that incentivises producers to minimise the unnecessary packaging by making them responsible for the associated costs. Now, in the first year of the scheme, it will see local authorities in Wales receive £89 million of additional investment to support the collection and management of these materials, but the EPR, of course, is based on the polluter-pays principle, so it incentivises those producers over time to reduce and reduce and reduce unnecessary packaging and avoid costs for them, as well as for the consumers.
And, of course, our circular economy strategy, which is 'Beyond Recycling', sets an ambitious target in terms of food waste. It's a 60 per cent reduction in avoidable food waste by 2030. Of course, alongside this, we have the Be Mighty campaign tackling food waste, which empowers households, works with households, to make smarter choices—comments have been made by Members already about the staggering amount of food waste that we currently have that goes into the bins; it's quite remarkable—so, using up what people purchase and purchasing responsibly, and the Love Food Hate Waste website and campaign as well, and practical campaigns, including what we're seeing going on this week, by the way, in terms of Climate Action Wales—practical everyday tips for people to help cut down on food waste.
And, of course, we're providing funding to FareShare Cymru, redistributing surplus food, so it's not waste, it's surplus food, to good causes, and since 2015—just to remind the Senedd—they've redistributed 7,000 tonnes of food to create 20 million meals for those people who need access to that. But, genuinely, Rhys, I understand and I recognise the intentions behind this proposed legislation, which—I'll continue on this path of driving down food waste—remove the excessive plastic packaging from the supply chain. Now, as you've highlighted in your proposal, offering fruit and vegetables loose can encourage consumers to buy only what they need. In Wales, 80 per cent, as has been remarked, of the food we throw away could have been eaten. The average household of four throws away food costing a staggering £84 per month. So, tackling food waste could also help reduce the cost of living.
However—and there is a 'however' in this—there are several important aspects that we need to explore further before we consider bringing forward legislation, to get the right outcome, and some of these, Rhys, as you'll be aware, have been highlighted in previous WRAP reports. For example—[Interruption.] I'm going to just put some of these issues here, Jenny. First of all, they raised, 'Would setting a limit on supplying loose fruit and veg below 1.5 kg inadvertently encourage consumers to purchase larger packs, potentially then having the opposite effect of increasing food waste, increasing consumption that is not needed, increasing purchase that is not needed and increasing, then, food waste and household costs as well, while we have cost-of-living issues?' 'Are there other—', and these are identified by WRAP, by the way, '—currently hidden cost implications for consumers?' So, whilst loose produce is intended to help lower costs, as you've laid out, there is a risk that unit prices could then be increased to compensate. We understand how this works in the retail chain. Now, this could disproportionately affect those on lower incomes whose grocery bills tend to make up a larger proportion of their limited income. Jenny, sorry.
Rwy'n credu y bydd llawer o'r Aelodau yma yn y Siambr hwn—ac yn wir, llawer o aelodau'r cyhoedd yng Nghymru—yn rhannu'r dryswch a'r rhwystredigaeth y mae'r Aelodau yma'n aml yn ei deimlo wrth weld cymaint o'n cynnyrch ffrwythau a llysiau naturiol yn eu crwyn naturiol eu hunain yn cael eu lapio mewn plastig ar ben hynny. Felly, yr hyn rwy'n mynd i geisio ei wneud yn fy ymateb i'r ddadl hon yw mynd o dan groen y cynnig hwn a chynnig syniadau Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei gylch. Nawr, fel y gwyddoch, mae Llywodraeth Cymru, fel y nododd Carolyn ac eraill, wedi sicrhau bod lleihau ac atal gwastraff yn cael lle canolog wrth lunio polisïau, boed hynny drwy fynd i'r afael â llygredd plastig neu annog ailgylchu, ac mae'n rhaid imi ddweud, lleihau gwastraff bwyd diangen. Rydym wedi bod yn falch o arwain y ffordd ledled y DU, fel y nodwyd. Felly, rydym yn gwneud cynnydd sylweddol ar hyn drwy'r rhaglen lywodraethu, ac mae Deddf Diogelu’r Amgylchedd (Cynhyrchion Plastig Untro) (Cymru) 2023, sy'n arloesol—ac mae'n dal i fod yn arloesol—er enghraifft, eisoes wedi cyfyngu ar gyflenwad sawl cynnyrch plastig untro sy'n cael ei daflu fel sbwriel, fel gwellt, cyllyll a ffyrc a ffyn cotwm plastig. Ac rwy'n falch iawn fod y rheoliad ar weips gwlyb wedi cael cydsyniad y Senedd hon unwaith eto yr wythnos diwethaf. Felly, unwaith eto, rydym yn gwthio yn ein blaenau. Ac rydym yn falch o gael ein cydnabod—nid wyf byth yn blino ar ddweud hyn, Ddirprwy Lywydd—fel y gorau ond un drwy'r byd, yr ail o drwch blewyn, mewn perthynas ag ailgylchu trefol. Ac nid ydym yn bodloni ar hynny; rydym yn cyflwyno'r diwygiadau newydd i ailgylchu yn y gweithle ac yn treialu casglu plastig hyblyg hefyd, sy'n berthnasol i'r ddadl heddiw, i hybu ein cyfraddau ailgylchu yn fwy eto. Mae gwaith i'w wneud ar fater plastig hyblyg. Ac mae'n bwysig nodi hefyd fod y math hwn o ddeunydd pecynnu bwyd eisoes yn cael sylw drwy'r cynllun cyfrifoldeb estynedig cynhyrchwyr. Nawr, mae hynny'n ddiddorol iawn, gan fod hynny'n rhoi cymhelliant i gynhyrchwyr leihau'r deunydd pecynnu diangen drwy eu gwneud yn gyfrifol am y costau cysylltiedig. Nawr, ym mlwyddyn gyntaf y cynllun, bydd awdurdodau lleol yng Nghymru'n derbyn £89 miliwn o fuddsoddiad ychwanegol i gefnogi'r gwaith o gasglu a rheoli'r deunyddiau hyn, ond mae'r cyfrifoldeb estynedig cynhyrchwyr, wrth gwrs, yn seiliedig ar yr egwyddor mai'r llygrwr sy'n talu, felly mae'n rhoi cymhelliant i'r cynhyrchwyr hynny dros amser i leihau a lleihau deunydd pecynnu diangen ac osgoi costau iddynt hwy, yn ogystal â'r defnyddwyr.
Ac wrth gwrs, mae ein strategaeth economi gylchol, sef 'Mwy nag Ailgylchu', yn gosod targed uchelgeisiol ar gyfer gwastraff bwyd, sef gostyngiad o 60 y cant mewn gwastraff bwyd y gellir ei osgoi erbyn 2030. Wrth gwrs, ochr yn ochr â hyn, mae gennym yr ymgyrch Bydd Wych sy'n mynd i'r afael â gwastraff bwyd, yn grymuso aelwydydd, yn gweithio gydag aelwydydd, i wneud dewisiadau mwy doeth—mae sylwadau eisoes wedi'u gwneud gan Aelodau am y cyfeintiau enfawr o wastraff bwyd sy'n mynd i'r bin ar hyn o bryd; mae'n eithaf syfrdanol—felly, defnyddio'r hyn y mae pobl yn ei brynu a phrynu'n gyfrifol, a gwefan ac ymgyrch Hoffi Bwyd Casáu Gwastraff, ac ymgyrchoedd ymarferol, yn cynnwys yr hyn a welwn yr wythnos hon, gyda llaw, gan Gweithredu ar Newid Hinsawdd—awgrymiadau ymarferol bob dydd i bobl i helpu i leihau gwastraff bwyd.
Ac wrth gwrs, rydym yn darparu cyllid i FareShare Cymru, sy'n ailddosbarthu bwyd dros ben, felly nid gwastraff mohono, ond bwyd dros ben, i achosion da, ac ers 2015—i atgoffa'r Senedd—maent wedi ailddosbarthu 7,000 tunnell o fwyd i greu 20 miliwn o brydau bwyd i bobl sydd eu hangen. Ond o ddifrif, Rhys, rwy'n deall ac yn cydnabod y bwriadau sy'n sail i'r ddeddfwriaeth arfaethedig hon, sydd—rwy'n mynd i barhau ar drywydd lleihau gwastraff bwyd—yn cael gwared ar y deunydd pecynnu plastig gormodol o'r gadwyn gyflenwi. Nawr, fel rydych chi wedi'i nodi yn eich cynnig, gall cynnig ffrwythau a llysiau rhydd annog defnyddwyr i brynu'r hyn sydd ei angen arnynt yn unig. Yng Nghymru, fel y nodwyd, mae 80 y cant o'r bwyd yr ydym yn ei daflu yn fwytadwy. Mae'r aelwyd gyfartalog o bedwar yn taflu gwerth £84 y mis o fwyd. Felly, gallai mynd i'r afael â gwastraff bwyd helpu i leihau costau byw hefyd.
Fodd bynnag—ac mae yna 'fodd bynnag' yn hyn—mae yna sawl agwedd bwysig y mae angen inni eu harchwilio ymhellach cyn inni ystyried cyflwyno deddfwriaeth, er mwyn cael y canlyniad cywir, ac mae rhai o'r rhain, Rhys, fel y byddwch yn gwybod, wedi cael sylw gan WRAP mewn adroddiadau blaenorol. Er enghraifft—[Torri ar draws.] Rwy’n mynd i sôn am rai o'r pethau hyn yma, Jenny. Yn gyntaf oll, fe wnaethant godi, 'A fyddai gosod terfyn ar gyflenwi ffrwythau a llysiau rhydd o dan 1.5 kg yn annog defnyddwyr yn anfwriadol i brynu pecynnau mwy, gan gael yr effaith groes, o bosib, o gynyddu gwastraff bwyd, cynyddu defnydd nad oes ei angen, cynyddu pryniant nad oes ei angen a chynyddu, felly, gwastraff bwyd a chostau aelwydydd hefyd, tra bo gennym broblemau costau byw?' 'A oes goblygiadau cost eraill i ddefnyddwyr—', ac mae'r rhain wedi'u nodi gan WRAP, gyda llaw, '—nad ydynt yn amlwg ar hyn o bryd?' Felly, er mai bwriad y cynnyrch rhydd yw helpu i ostwng costau, fel rydych chi wedi'i nodi, mae risg y gallai prisiau uned gael eu codi wedyn i wneud iawn am y golled. Rydym yn deall sut y mae hyn yn gweithio yn y gadwyn fanwerthu. Nawr, gallai hyn effeithio'n anghymesur ar y rhai ar incwm is y mae eu biliau siopa bwyd yn tueddu i fod yn rhan fwy o'u hincwm cyfyngedig. Jenny, mae’n ddrwg gennyf.
I just wondered, as we're reaching the end of this Senedd, whether it's possible to include a target for eliminating plastic wrapping for fruit and veg in the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, because I know there are targets that you're having to consider.
Wrth inni gyrraedd diwedd y Senedd hon, roeddwn i'n meddwl tybed a yw'n bosib cynnwys targed ar gyfer cael gwared ar ddeunydd lapio plastig ar gyfer ffrwythau a llysiau ym Mil yr Amgylchedd (Egwyddorion, Llywodraethiant a Thargedau Bioamrywiaeth) (Cymru), oherwydd rwy'n gwybod bod yna dargedau y mae'n rhaid i chi eu hystyried.
I don't think within the environmental governance Bill, because the targets that have been worked up for that have been long worked on, including with stakeholders who are trying to agree the set of meaningful targets. So, it's not that I am not open to that; it's actually where stakeholders amongst the environmental non-governmental organisations think our focus should be. However, we are in a period where everybody is thinking now, 'Well, what comes next?', in terms of policy offers going forward, whether it's legislation or whether it's other targets. This is an interesting period, where a lot of ideas are being put forward. In the current legislation, it would be interesting to see whether there was environmental stakeholder agreement to somehow lever that into it at this late period.
Can I just raise some of the other issues that WRAP have identified as things that need to be considered here? One of those is public perceptions of hygiene in handling fruit and vegetables. You rightly point out I'm used to going to a local grocer, a local fruit and veg supplier, loose vegetables put into a paper bag and so on. For many, myself included, this wouldn't be an issue. It would be very familiar. It's the traditional model of going to a grocer or a market and so on. However, understanding wider public perceptions, particularly in modern retail environments, is an important consideration that we need to think about.
Finally, we also need to think about those alternative solutions: what consumers will use, then, to carry the loose produce home, and whether these, in themselves, create new waste challenges or not, or avoiding those situations. So, I have to say, like many policy proposals that we consider, I don't think that these concerns are necessarily insurmountable. However—
Nid wyf yn credu o fewn y Bil llywodraethiant amgylcheddol, oherwydd mae'r targedau a luniwyd ar gyfer hwnnw wedi eu llunio ers amser maith, yn cynnwys gyda rhanddeiliaid sy'n ceisio cytuno ar y set o dargedau ystyrlon. Felly, nid nad wyf yn agored i hynny; dyma lle mae rhanddeiliaid ymhlith y sefydliadau amgylcheddol anllywodraethol yn meddwl y dylai ein ffocws fod. Fodd bynnag, rydym mewn cyfnod lle mae pawb yn meddwl nawr, 'Wel, beth sy'n dod nesaf?', o ran cynigion polisi yn y dyfodol, ai deddfwriaeth neu dargedau eraill. Mae hwn yn gyfnod diddorol, lle mae llawer o syniadau'n cael eu cyflwyno. Yn y ddeddfwriaeth bresennol, byddai'n ddiddorol gweld a fyddai rhanddeiliaid amgylcheddol yn cytuno i dynnu hynny i mewn iddo rywsut ar y cam diweddar hwn.
A gaf i godi rhai o'r materion eraill y mae WRAP wedi'u nodi fel pethau sydd angen eu hystyried yma? Un o'r rheini yw canfyddiadau cyhoeddus o hylendid wrth drin ffrwythau a llysiau. Rydych chi'n nodi'n gywir fy mod wedi arfer mynd i siop groser leol, cyflenwr ffrwythau a llysiau lleol, llysiau rhydd yn cael eu rhoi mewn bag papur ac yn y blaen. I lawer, gan fy nghynnwys i, ni fyddai hyn yn broblem. Byddai'n gyfarwydd iawn. Dyma'r model traddodiadol o fynd i siop groser neu farchnad ac yn y blaen. Fodd bynnag, mae deall canfyddiadau cyhoeddus ehangach, yn enwedig mewn amgylcheddau manwerthu modern, yn ystyriaeth bwysig y mae angen inni feddwl amdani.
Yn olaf, mae angen inni feddwl hefyd am yr atebion amgen hynny: beth fydd defnyddwyr yn ei ddefnyddio i gario'r cynnyrch rhydd adref, ac a yw'r rhain, ynddynt eu hunain, yn creu heriau gwastraff newydd ai peidio, neu osgoi'r sefyllfaoedd hynny. Felly, mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud, fel llawer o gynigion polisi yr ydym yn eu hystyried, nid wyf yn credu bod y pryderon hyn o reidrwydd yn anorchfygol. Fodd bynnag—
I have given you quite a bit of time, Cabinet Secretary.
Rwyf wedi rhoi cryn dipyn o amser i chi, Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet.
Oh, my apologies, my apologies. Including the intervention?
O, mae'n ddrwg gennyf. Yn cynnwys yr ymyriad?
Including the intervention.
Yn cynnwys yr ymyriad.
Oh. Well, let me say, in conclusion, then: to this end, we have already engaged with WRAP, our environmental NGO with expertise in the area, and with Government officials across the UK to discuss how the recommendations in the report—and I'd recommend it—'Removing packaging from uncut fresh produce' might be advanced.
I understand the motives behind this proposal, but I think that there are things to consider before we risk impacting, potentially, on consumers' costs in a cost-of-living crisis, but also some of the practicalities. But I agree with the sentiment here, which is that we need to reduce as much as possible plastic wrapping from fruit and veg, which are often naturally wrapped themselves.
O. Wel, gadewch i mi ddweud, i gloi, felly: i'r perwyl hwn, rydym eisoes wedi cysylltu â WRAP, ein sefydliad amgylcheddol anllywodraethol sydd ag arbenigedd yn y maes, a chyda swyddogion Llywodraeth ledled y DU i drafod sut y gellid datblygu'r argymhellion yn yr adroddiad—a byddwn i'n ei argymell—'Removing packaging from uncut fresh produce'.
Rwy'n deall y cymhellion sy'n sail i'r cynnig hwn, ond rwy'n credu bod yna bethau i'w hystyried cyn i ni greu risg o effeithio, o bosib, ar gostau i ddefnyddwyr mewn argyfwng costau byw, a rhai o'r agweddau ymarferol hefyd. Ond rwy'n cytuno â'r teimlad yma, sef bod angen inni leihau cymaint â phosib y deunydd lapio plastig ar ffrwythau a llysiau, sy'n aml wedi'u lapio'n naturiol eu hunain.
Diolch yn fawr i bawb am eu cyfraniadau. Fel mae rhai wedi dweud yn barod, diolch yn fawr i WRAP a Chyfeillion y Ddaear am eu cefnogaeth.
Thank you very much to everyone for their contributions. As some have said already, thank you very much to WRAP and Friends of the Earth for their support.
Jenny mentioned more and more research in this area, and what we have already seen is frightening. Thinking about what you've mentioned, we can often think that it's a shame that Governments in the past didn't act on what they knew, and previous generations of leaders—it is a shame that they didn't act on what they knew, and acted more swiftly.
On the issue of plastic pollution and its impacts, as Jenny and experts say, we are nowhere near, probably, the future body of research that we will see. But, from what we have already seen, I think that we have got enough. We know enough already of its impact on the human body, on animal bodies. We know that there are multiple ways an excess of unnecessary plastic is damaging to household budgets, to human health and to our environment. We know all of this already. We do not need further research.
Janet Finch-Saunders, thank you, as always, for your support and for calling it common sense. We all enjoy hearing your stories about your regular beach litter picks, but it's incredible and frightening that 72 per cent of rubbish on beaches is plastics. I agree with you, Janet. It is bananas to see bananas packaged in plastic.
Another point: pre-packaged quantities of fruit and vegetables mean that it's difficult to ensure that the food you are buying is fresh and of good quality, unbruised. When I go to Canton fruit market, I can check the fruit and veg before I buy. When it's pre-packaged in plastic, we cannot. As Carolyn said, this is a simple proposal, like one we've done in the past, and it will bring us closer to the Wales and the world that we want to live in.
Soniodd Jenny am fwy a mwy o ymchwil yn y maes hwn, ac mae'r hyn a welsom eisoes yn frawychus. Wrth feddwl am yr hyn rydych chi wedi'i grybwyll, gallwn yn aml feddwl ei bod yn drueni nad wnaeth Llywodraethau yn y gorffennol weithredu ar yr hyn a wyddent, a chenedlaethau blaenorol o arweinwyr—mae'n drueni na wnaethant weithredu ar yr hyn a wyddent, a gweithredu'n gyflymach.
Ar fater llygredd plastig a'i effeithiau, fel y dywed Jenny ac arbenigwyr, mae'n debyg nad ydym yn agos at gyrraedd y corff o ymchwil y byddwn yn ei weld yn y dyfodol. Ond o'r hyn a welsom eisoes, rwy'n credu bod gennym ddigon. Gwyddom ddigon eisoes am ei effaith ar y corff dynol, ar gyrff anifeiliaid. Gwyddom fod sawl ffordd y mae gormodedd o blastig diangen yn niweidiol i gyllidebau cartrefi, i iechyd dynol ac i'n hamgylchedd. Rydym yn gwybod hyn oll eisoes. Nid oes angen rhagor o ymchwil arnom.
Janet Finch-Saunders, diolch am eich cefnogaeth fel arfer ac am ei alw'n synnwyr cyffredin. Rydym i gyd yn mwynhau clywed eich straeon am eich casgliadau sbwriel traeth rheolaidd, ond mae'n anhygoel ac yn frawychus fod 72 y cant o sbwriel ar draethau yn blastig. Rwy'n cytuno â chi, Janet. Mae'n hurt gweld bananas wedi'u pecynnu mewn plastig.
Pwynt arall: mae ffrwythau a llysiau wedi'u pecynnu ymlaen llaw yn golygu ei bod yn anodd sicrhau bod y bwyd a brynwch yn ffres ac o ansawdd da, a heb ei gleisio. Pan fyddaf yn mynd i farchnad ffrwythau Treganna, gallaf archwilio'r ffrwythau a'r llysiau cyn i mi eu prynu. Pan fydd wedi'i becynnu ymlaen llaw mewn plastig, ni allwn wneud hynny. Fel y dywedodd Carolyn, mae hwn yn gynnig syml, fel un a wnaethom yn y gorffennol, a bydd yn dod â ni'n agosach at y Gymru a'r byd yr ydym am fyw ynddynt.
Dwi'n cytuno gyda Delyth: mae yn no-brainer. Mae mor amlwg i blant ysgolion cynradd, onid yw e, y dylem ni wneud hyn. Roeddwn i'n falch dy fod ti'n sôn am Ysgol y Lawnt, ble buodd fy mam yn dysgu, ac, rwy'n credu, lle roedd hi'n gwrdd â dy fam di yn gyntaf—
I agree with Delyth: it is a no-brainer. It's so obvious to primary school children that we should do this. I'm glad that you mentioned Ysgol y Lawnt, where my mother taught, and, I think, where she first met your mother—
Rhys, I have given you additional time as well.
Rhys, rwyf wedi rhoi amser ychwanegol i chi hefyd.
I will finish now. Can I just address the Welsh Government's response? Now, I'm very used to the Dirprwy Brif Weinidog's—and other Welsh Ministers'—'howevers'. I'm used to, 'Oh, I agree with the sentiment, however, we need to check this. We need to do other research, another commission', or whatever. Can I just, please, maybe give a message for future Governments? I think we need bolder governance here in Wales, where people are willing to make decisions, where they don't wait and wait and wait until they know 100 per cent that this the right thing. Sometimes, we just need to get on and do it. Diolch yn fawr.
Fe ddof i ben nawr. A gaf i roi sylw i ymateb Llywodraeth Cymru? Nawr, rwyf wedi hen arfer â 'fodd bynnag' y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog—a Gweinidogion eraill. Rwy'n arfer â, 'O, rwy'n cytuno â'r teimlad, fodd bynnag, mae angen inni archwilio hyn. Mae angen inni wneud gwaith ymchwil arall, comisiwn arall', neu beth bynnag. A gaf i roi neges i Lywodraethau'r dyfodol? Rwy'n credu bod angen llywodraethu mwy beiddgar yma yng Nghymru, lle mae pobl yn barod i wneud penderfyniadau, lle nad ydynt yn aros ac yn aros nes eu bod yn gwybod 100 y cant mai dyma'r peth iawn. Weithiau, mae angen inni fwrw ati a'i wneud. Diolch yn fawr.
And a good point to finish.
A phwynt da i orffen.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid nodi'r cynnig? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? [Torri ar draws.]
The proposal is to note the motion. Does any Member object? [Interruption.]
Are you objecting? [Objection.] Yes, okay.
A ydych chi'n gwrthwynebu? [Gwrthwynebiad.] Ie, iawn.
Oes. Felly, gohiriaf y bleidlais o dan yr eitem hon tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
Yes, there is objection. Therefore, we'll defer voting under this item until voting time.
Gohiriwyd y pleidleisio tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
Voting deferred until voting time.
Eitem 8 heddiw yw dadl ar yr adroddiad traws-bwyllgor ar yr adolygiad o weithrediad y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu rhwng y Deyrnas Unedig a’r Undeb Ewropeaidd. Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol i wneud y cynnig—Delyth Jewell.
Item 8 today is a debate on the cross-committee report on the UK-EU implementation review of the trade and co-operation agreement. I call on the Chair of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee to move the motion—Delyth Jewell.
Cynnig NDM9034 Delyth Jewell
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
Yn nodi adroddiad traws-bwyllgor y Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon, a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol; y Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd, yr Amgylchedd a Seilwaith; Pwyllgor yr Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig; a’r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a’r Cyfansoddiad: 'Adolygiad o weithrediad y Cytundeb Masnach a Chydweithredu rhwng y DU a’r UE' a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 10 Medi 2025.
Motion NDM9034 Delyth Jewell
To propose that the Senedd:
Notes the cross-committee report of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee; the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee; the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee; and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee: 'UK-EU implementation review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement' which was laid in the Table Office on 10 September 2025.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd. Hoffwn roi fy niolch i ar y record i’r holl bwyllgorau, a’r timoedd cymorth tu ôl i’r pwyllgorau, sydd wedi bod yn rhan o’r gwaith hwn. Hoffwn ddiolch yn arbennig i Sara Moran am ei harbenigedd a’i gwaith.
Dechreuaf heddiw drwy amlinellu, ar ran fy nghyd-Gadeiryddion pwyllgorau, y dull a gymerwyd ar gyfer yr ymchwiliad ar y cyd hwn i’r adolygiad o weithrediad y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu rhwng y Deyrnas Unedig a’r Undeb Ewropeaidd. Mae'r gwaith hwn yn ddigynsail. Gan adeiladu ar ymdrechion ein pedwar pwyllgor drwy gydol y chweched Senedd, mae’r Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol, Pwyllgor yr Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig, y Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd, yr Amgylchedd a Seilwaith, a'r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad, wedi dod at ei gilydd. Ein nod ar y cyd oedd ystyried yn fanwl y dull yr ymdriniodd Llywodraeth Cymru â’r adolygiad ac archwilio effeithiau go iawn y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu ar Gymru.
Cafodd ein hymchwiliad ei lansio gan edrych tuag at yr adolygiad ffurfiol o'r cytundeb yn 2026. Ym mis Awst 2024, gwnaethom gyhoeddi ein cylch gorchwyl, a gwahoddwyd tystiolaeth ar brofiadau o'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu ers iddo ddod i rym. Fe wnaethom chwilio am farn ar ei effeithiolrwydd yn ymarferol, meysydd nad ydynt wedi'u gweithredu'n llawn, canlyniadau anfwriadol, a'r newidiadau yr hoffai rhai rhanddeiliaid eu gweld. Ym mis Gorffennaf 2025, eleni, ymwelodd Aelodau â Brwsel hefyd i ymgysylltu'n uniongyrchol â sefydliadau a rhanddeiliaid yr Undeb Ewropeaidd.
Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to put on record my thanks to all the committees, and the support teams behind those committees, who have been involved in this work. I'd like to give particular thanks to Sara Moran for her expertise and her work.
I'll begin today by outlining on behalf of my fellow committee Chairs the approach taken to this joint inquiry into the implementation review of the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement. This work is unprecedented. Building on the efforts of our four committees throughout the sixth Senedd, the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, have come together. Our joint aim was to consider in detail the Welsh Government's approach to the review and to examine the real-world effects of the trade and co-operation agreement on Wales.
Our inquiry was launched in anticipation of the formal review of the agreement in 2026. In August 2024, we published our terms of reference, and invited evidence on experiences of the trade and co-operation agreement since it came into force. We sought views on its effectiveness in practice, areas not fully implemented, unintended consequences, and the changes some stakeholders would like to see. In July 2025, Members also visited Brussels to engage directly with EU institutions and stakeholders.
This report brings together evidence across a wide range of policy areas: touring artists, the UK’s participation in EU programmes, Wales-EU trade, animal welfare, the environment, climate and energy. It also considers constitutional issues, including Wales’s international obligations and UK inter-governmental relations.
Throughout our deliberations, common themes emerged. The evidence was clear: the EU relationship remains of utmost importance to Wales. Despite the challenges brought about by Brexit, including the TCA’s terms, there is a strong desire to continue co-operation with the EU. Respondents suggested practical improvements, such as simplifying processes, providing clearer guidance and offering better support. Others called for more fundamental changes, including rejoining the EU, the single market and customs union and restoring freedom of movement. We also examined the role of the devolved nations in UK-EU relations, revisiting previous findings on inter-governmental arrangements and Wales’s representation at meetings. We considered the Senedd’s role in overseeing and scrutinising these arrangements, as well as legislation implementing UK-EU obligations.
For some time, committees have raised concerns about a lack of transparency and information on UK-EU matters, both domestically and at the UK-EU level. Finally, we reaffirmed the long-standing view of the culture committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee that the absence of dedicated EU strategies at both a UK and a Wales level presents additional challenges for effective scrutiny of the Welsh Government's own EU priorities.
Mae'r adroddiad hwn yn dwyn tystiolaeth ynghyd ar draws ystod eang o feysydd polisi: artistiaid teithiol, cyfranogiad y DU yn rhaglenni'r UE, masnach rhwng Cymru a'r UE, lles anifeiliaid, yr amgylchedd, hinsawdd ac ynni. Mae hefyd yn ystyried materion cyfansoddiadol, yn cynnwys rhwymedigaethau rhyngwladol Cymru a chysylltiadau rhynglywodraethol y DU.
Drwy gydol ein trafodaethau, daeth themâu cyffredin i'r amlwg. Roedd y dystiolaeth yn glir: mae'r berthynas â'r UE yn parhau i fod yn bwysig iawn i Gymru. Er gwaethaf yr heriau a achoswyd gan Brexit, yn cynnwys telerau'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu, mae awydd cryf i barhau i gydweithredu â'r UE. Awgrymodd ymatebwyr welliannau ymarferol, megis symleiddio prosesau, darparu arweiniad cliriach a chynnig gwell cefnogaeth. Galwodd eraill am newidiadau mwy sylfaenol, yn cynnwys ailymuno â'r UE, y farchnad sengl a'r undeb tollau ac adfer rhyddid i symud. Hefyd, fe wnaethom archwilio rôl y cenhedloedd datganoledig mewn cysylltiadau rhwng y DU a'r UE, gan ailedrych ar ganfyddiadau blaenorol ynghylch trefniadau rhynglywodraethol a chynrychiolaeth Cymru mewn cyfarfodydd. Fe wnaethom ystyried rôl y Senedd yn goruchwylio a chraffu ar y trefniadau hyn, yn ogystal â deddfwriaeth sy'n gweithredu rhwymedigaethau rhwng y DU a'r UE.
Ers peth amser, mae pwyllgorau wedi codi pryderon am ddiffyg tryloywder a gwybodaeth ar faterion rhwng y DU a'r UE, yn ddomestig ac ar lefel y DU a'r UE. Yn olaf, fe wnaethom ailddatgan barn hirsefydlog y pwyllgor diwylliant a'r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad fod absenoldeb strategaethau pwrpasol yr UE ar lefel y DU a Chymru yn cyflwyno heriau ychwanegol i graffu'n effeithiol ar flaenoriaethau Llywodraeth Cymru ei hun o ran yr UE.
As we concluded our deliberations, the UK and EU announced the common understanding agreement in May 2025. This development provides a framework for closer co-operation and future negotiations, including commitments to explore youth mobility schemes and association to Erasmus+. Now, whilst these steps are most welcome, they do not yet address many of the concerns raised in evidence, particularly those affecting the creative sectors.
Collectively, our committees made 55 recommendations to the Welsh Government. It accepted 34, accepted in principle 15, rejected five, and agreed to one. There are key themes across the response. Firstly, the number of recommendations made reflects the paucity of information published by the Welsh Government on the TCA, UK-EU relations and on its EU priorities. The reality is, Dirprwy Lywydd, that we are all only aware of its EU priorities because my committee has, during the sixth Senedd, made repeated requests to the Welsh Government for them. The effort made by all of us to find out the most basic information is disproportionate to the importance of the EU relationship to Wales.
Secondly, it is difficult to discern in the response what the Government will do differently as a result of our work—our four committees' historic work. In the face of such stark messages, those who gave evidence deserve more.
Thirdly, since 2021, my committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, have sounded the alarm on the diminishing voice of Welsh stakeholders in UK-EU relations. Our stakeholders should be supported to take part, to inform decisions, and to have a seat at the table, but this is not the case. The response says it all. No financial support, no record of how it is advertised membership of expert bodies, and no deliberate effort to ensure Welsh groups are linked to UK-wide groups. Dual membership is left to chance, reliant on goodwill and resource of individual organisations. No wonder then that our predictions over the years of a fading Welsh presence have played out. It is left to chance. I'm reminded of the words of Clare Dwyer Hogg in her poem about the realities of hard Brexit on the border in Northern Ireland, and she says,
'chance and hope come in forms like steam and smoke.'
Fourthly, and lastly, the Welsh Government's relationship to the UK Government looms large in this work. It appears from the Cabinet Secretary's response that the UK Government isn't going to publish its EU priorities. It declined an invitation from we four Chairs to give evidence to this inquiry, and now it has not responded to our report as requested. I would welcome the Cabinet Secretary's view on how the UK Government is taking Wales into account in UK-EU relations, because the optics are not good.
Dirprwy Lywydd, a representative from each committee will speak today to the findings and recommendations relating to our respective portfolio areas. I turn now briefly to speak to present the findings of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee, and to set out why these issues demand urgent and sustained attention as we look to the future.
Our inquiry confirmed to many in this Chamber what we know: the cultural and creative sectors in Wales have borne a greater share of the challenges arising from the UK's departure from the EU. Touring artists, creative professionals and cultural organisations face barriers that were unimaginable before Brexit, barriers that restrict mobility, increase costs, and diminish Wales's cultural presence on the international stage. The evidence is stark. Current arrangements for cultural touring are described as unworkable. The Schengen 90:180-day rule, carnet requirements and cabotage restrictions have created a web of complexity that stifles opportunity, creativity and collaboration. These are not abstract problems. They affect real people, real businesses and the vibrancy of our cultural life.
Our committee also heard compelling arguments for restoring access to EU programmes like Erasmus+ and Creative Europe. These programmes are more than funding streams; they are gateways to collaboration, exchange and growth. They connect Welsh artists, students and institutions to networks that enrich our society and our economy. The absence of these opportunities is felt keenly across Wales. These issues were highlighted and echoed in our recent report, 'Culture shock', and remain unresolved.
When reporting the findings of this joint inquiry, our committee made 10 recommendations, including reviewing and updating EU priorities, developing a dedicated EU strategy and deepening engagement with EU institutions. We have called for greater transparency on Wales’s role in UK-EU meetings, and to review priorities and reflect the urgent need for a comprehensive solution for touring artists. Our recommendations also press for active representation to keep cultural mobility on the agenda, a full list of EU programmes Wales seeks to join, and clarity on why wider association was not agreed in common understanding. We urge the Welsh Government to confirm whether changes to the TCA are needed for programme participation, provide cost estimates for Erasmus+ and Creative Europe, and publish a perspectives document on the TCA to guide future scrutiny and negotiations.
The Cabinet Secretary has accepted many recommendations in principle, and reaffirmed her commitment to EU engagement. She has raised the issue of touring artists at inter-governmental meetings and expressed support for association to Erasmus+. We welcome this. These steps matter, but they are not enough.
The announcement of the common understanding agreement in May offers a genuine window of opportunity to strengthen Wales’s relationship with the EU. It sets out plans for a youth mobility scheme and commits the UK and EU to work towards association with Erasmus+. These developments are positive, but they do not yet address the pressing needs of the creative sector.
Dirprwy Lywydd, I see that my time is short so I will leave that there, and I will look forward to hearing the views of other Members during this debate. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Wrth inni orffen ein trafodaethau, cyhoeddodd y DU a'r UE y cytundeb dealltwriaeth gyffredin ym mis Mai 2025. Mae'r datblygiad hwn yn darparu fframwaith ar gyfer cydweithredu agosach a thrafodaethau yn y dyfodol, gan gynnwys ymrwymiadau i archwilio cynlluniau symudedd ieuenctid a chyswllt ag Erasmus+. Nawr, er bod y camau hyn i'w croesawu'n fawr, nid ydynt eto'n mynd i'r afael â llawer o'r pryderon a godwyd mewn tystiolaeth, yn enwedig y rhai sy'n effeithio ar y sectorau creadigol.
Gyda'i gilydd, fe wnaeth ein pwyllgorau 55 o argymhellion i Lywodraeth Cymru. Derbyniodd 34 ohonynt, derbyniodd 15 mewn egwyddor, gwrthododd bump, a chytunodd i un. Mae themâu allweddol ar draws yr ymateb. Yn gyntaf, mae nifer yr argymhellion a wnaed yn adlewyrchu prinder y wybodaeth a gyhoeddir gan Lywodraeth Cymru ar y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu, cysylltiadau rhwng y DU a'r UE ac ar ei blaenoriaethau o ran yr UE. Y gwir amdani, Ddirprwy Lywydd, yw mai'r unig reswm ein bod i gyd yn ymwybodol o'i flaenoriaethau o ran yr UE yw oherwydd bod fy mhwyllgor, yn ystod y chweched Senedd, wedi gwneud ceisiadau dro ar ôl tro i Lywodraeth Cymru amdanynt. Mae'r ymdrech a wneir gan bob un ohonom i ddod o hyd i'r wybodaeth fwyaf sylfaenol yn anghymesur â phwysigrwydd perthynas yr UE â Chymru.
Yn ail, mae'n anodd dirnad yn yr ymateb beth fydd y Llywodraeth yn ei wneud yn wahanol o ganlyniad i'n gwaith—gwaith hanesyddol ein pedwar pwyllgor. Yn wyneb negeseuon mor llwm, mae'r rhai a roddodd dystiolaeth yn haeddu mwy.
Yn drydydd, ers 2021, mae fy mhwyllgor a'r Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad, wedi tynnu sylw at lais mwyfwy distaw rhanddeiliaid Cymru mewn cysylltiadau rhwng y DU a'r UE. Dylid cefnogi ein rhanddeiliaid i gymryd rhan, i lywio penderfyniadau, ac i gael sedd wrth y bwrdd, ond nid yw hyn yn digwydd. Mae'r ymateb yn dweud y cyfan. Dim cymorth ariannol, dim cofnod o sut yr hysbysebir aelodaeth o gyrff arbenigol, a dim ymdrech fwriadol i sicrhau bod grwpiau Cymreig yn cael eu cysylltu â grwpiau ledled y DU. Mae aelodaeth ddeuol yn cael ei gadael i ddigwydd ar hap, yn dibynnu ar ewyllys da ac adnoddau sefydliadau unigol. Nid yw'n syndod felly fod ein rhagfynegiadau dros y blynyddoedd o lai a llai o bresenoldeb Cymreig wedi'u gwireddu. Mae'n cael ei adael i ddigwydd ar hap. Caf fy atgoffa o eiriau Clare Dwyer Hogg yn ei cherdd am realiti Brexit caled ar y ffin yng Ngogledd Iwerddon, ac mae hi'n dweud,
'daw cyfle a gobaith ar ffurfiau fath â stêm a mwg.'
Yn bedwerydd, ac yn olaf, mae perthynas Llywodraeth Cymru â Llywodraeth y DU yn amlwg yn y gwaith hwn. Mae'n ymddangos o ymateb Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet nad yw Llywodraeth y DU yn mynd i gyhoeddi ei blaenoriaethau o ran yr UE. Gwrthododd wahoddiad gan ein pedwar Cadeirydd i roi tystiolaeth i'r ymchwiliad hwn, a nawr nid yw wedi ymateb i'n hadroddiad fel y gofynnwyd. Buaswn yn croesawu barn Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ar sut y mae Llywodraeth y DU yn ystyried Cymru yn y berthynas rhwng y DU a'r UE, oherwydd nid yw'n edrych yn dda.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, bydd cynrychiolydd o bob pwyllgor yn siarad heddiw ynghylch y canfyddiadau a'r argymhellion sy'n ymwneud â'n gwahanol feysydd portffolio. Yn fyr, rwyf am gyflwyno canfyddiadau'r Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol, a nodi pam y mae'r materion hyn yn galw am sylw brys a pharhaus wrth inni edrych tua'r dyfodol.
I lawer yn y Siambr, cadarnhaodd ein hymchwiliad yr hyn a wyddom: mae'r sectorau diwylliannol a chreadigol yng Nghymru wedi ysgwyddo cyfran fwy o'r heriau sy'n codi o ymadawiad y DU â'r UE. Mae artistiaid teithiol, gweithwyr creadigol proffesiynol a sefydliadau diwylliannol yn wynebu rhwystrau na ellid eu dychmygu cyn Brexit, rhwystrau sy'n cyfyngu ar symudedd, yn cynyddu costau, ac yn lleihau presenoldeb diwylliannol Cymru ar y llwyfan rhyngwladol. Mae'r dystiolaeth yn llwm. Disgrifir y trefniadau presennol ar gyfer teithiau diwylliannol fel rhai anymarferol. Mae'r rheol Schengen 90:180-diwrnod, gofynion trwydded a chyfyngiadau masnach arforol wedi creu gwe o gymhlethdod sy'n mygu cyfleoedd, creadigrwydd a chydweithio. Nid problemau haniaethol yw'r rhain. Maent yn effeithio ar bobl go iawn, busnesau go iawn a bywiogrwydd ein bywyd diwylliannol.
Clywodd ein pwyllgor ddadleuon cymhellol hefyd dros adfer mynediad at raglenni'r UE fel Erasmus+ ac Ewrop Greadigol. Mae'r rhaglenni hyn yn fwy na ffrydiau ariannu; maent yn byrth i gydweithio, teithiau cyfnewid a thwf. Maent yn cysylltu artistiaid, myfyrwyr a sefydliadau o Gymru â rhwydweithiau sy'n cyfoethogi ein cymdeithas a'n heconomi. Mae absenoldeb y cyfleoedd hyn yn cael ei deimlo'n fawr ledled Cymru. Tynnwyd sylw at y materion hyn a'u hadleisio yn ein hadroddiad diweddar, 'Sioc ddiwylliannol', ac maent yn parhau heb eu datrys.
Wrth adrodd ar ganfyddiadau'r ymchwiliad ar y cyd, fe wnaeth ein pwyllgor 10 argymhelliad, gan gynnwys adolygu a diweddaru blaenoriaethau o ran yr UE, datblygu strategaeth UE bwrpasol a dyfnhau ymgysylltiad â sefydliadau'r UE. Rydym wedi galw am fwy o dryloywder ar rôl Cymru mewn cyfarfodydd rhwng y DU a'r UE, ac adolygu blaenoriaethau ac adlewyrchu'r angen brys am ddatrysiad cynhwysfawr ar gyfer artistiaid teithiol. Mae ein hargymhellion hefyd yn pwyso am gynrychiolaeth weithredol i gadw symudedd diwylliannol ar yr agenda, rhestr lawn o raglenni'r UE y mae Cymru am ymuno â nhw, ac eglurder ynghylch pam na chytunwyd ar gyswllt ehangach yn y ddealltwriaeth gyffredin. Rydym yn annog Llywodraeth Cymru i gadarnhau a oes angen newidiadau i'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu ar gyfer cymryd rhan mewn rhaglenni, darparu amcangyfrifon cost ar gyfer Erasmus+ ac Ewrop Greadigol, a chyhoeddi dogfen safbwyntiau ar y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu i lywio gwaith craffu a thrafodaethau yn y dyfodol.
Mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi derbyn llawer o argymhellion mewn egwyddor, ac wedi ailddatgan ei hymrwymiad i ymgysylltiad â'r UE. Mae hi wedi codi mater artistiaid teithiol mewn cyfarfodydd rhynglywodraethol ac wedi mynegi cefnogaeth i gyswllt ag Erasmus+. Rydym yn croesawu hyn. Mae'r camau hyn yn bwysig, ond nid ydynt yn ddigon.
Mae cyhoeddi'r cytundeb dealltwriaeth gyffredin ym mis Mai yn cynnig cyfle gwirioneddol i gryfhau perthynas Cymru â'r UE. Mae'n nodi cynlluniau ar gyfer cynllun symudedd ieuenctid ac yn ymrwymo'r DU a'r UE i weithio tuag at gyswllt ag Erasmus+. Mae'r datblygiadau hyn yn gadarnhaol, ond nid ydynt eto'n mynd i'r afael ag anghenion dybryd y sector creadigol.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, rwy'n gweld bod fy amser yn brin felly rwyf am ei gadael yn y fan honno, ac rwy'n edrych ymlaen at glywed barn Aelodau eraill yn ystod y ddadl hon. Diolch yn fawr.
Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd, yr Amgylchedd a Seilwaith, Llyr Gruffydd.
I call on the Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Llyr Gruffydd.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd. Dwi'n falch i fedru cyfrannu i'r drafodaeth yma, fel rŷch chi'n dweud, yn rhinwedd fy rôl fel Cadeirydd y pwyllgor, ac mi fuaswn i hefyd, fel Delyth, eisiau diolch i fy nghyd-Gadeiryddion ac i aelodau'r pwyllgorau sydd wedi cydweithredu i dynnu'r adroddiad ar y cyd yma at ei gilydd.
Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm pleased to be able to contribute to today's debate, as you say, in light of my role as the Chair of the committee, and I, like Delyth, would like to thank my fellow Chairs and committee members for their co-operation in drawing together this joint report.
The committee has repeatedly raised concerns that Wales has an environmental governance gap since Brexit. You'll know that I've said that in this Chamber a number of times. Of course, the TCA contains no dedicated chapter on environment and climate co-operation. Instead, it focuses on the environment within the context of trade. The TCA includes some high-level environmental provisions, but these largely reflect existing international commitments. Neither do the level playing field provisions and non-regression commitments replace environmental co-operation as was experienced under EU membership.
EU alignment and divergence aren't explicit priorities for the Welsh Government in terms of the review. Common understanding envisages the UK's alignment to EU rules in specific areas, including on emissions trading and electricity. The Cabinet Secretary did acknowledge potential benefits of closer alignment with the EU on a case-by-case basis, but there is a lack of clarity around the Welsh Government's overarching approach.
Stakeholders called for alignment on decarbonisation in light of the UK and EU's introduction of separate carbon border taxes. The TCA commits the UK and the EU to consider linking their emissions trading systems, which could potentially avoid carbon border taxes on UK-EU imports and exports. We heard calls for linkage to be expedited, saying that it would reduce the burden on businesses.
The Welsh Government told us that they have undertaken an initial internal analysis on the potential implications of the EU's carbon border tax for Welsh exports. However, it's disappointing that only limited information on linking emissions trading systems is currently available, particularly given the environmental and climate impacts of trade, like the increases in air pollution and, of course, in Wales's carbon footprint.
Given the TCA includes provision for potential ETS linkage, and in light of consistent calls from stakeholders for strategic alignment between the UK and EU systems, it's concerning that neither emissions trading systems nor carbon border taxes are currently prioritised in the Welsh Government's review agenda. We recommended that the Welsh Government should finalise a clear position on ETS linkage as a matter of priority, and I have to say, we are disappointed that this was only accepted in principle. So, we ask that the Cabinet Secretary keeps us updated on forthcoming negotiations relating to ETS linkage, as a minimum.
We are pleased that more effective and longer term electricity trading arrangements are one of the Welsh Government’s priorities for the TCA review. The common understanding commits the UK and EU to explore the UK’s participation in the EU’s single electricity market, including its trading platforms, which, of course, we hope could reduce energy bills.
The TCA has fundamentally altered the nature of UK-EU environmental co-operation, moving away, as I said at the start, from a shared governance framework to one underpinned primarily by economic interests. We, as a committee, in terms of a clear message that we wish to convey, sincerely hope that the future negotiation of trade agreements won't lead to a reduced focus on climate change as a policy priority. Diolch yn fawr.
Mae'r pwyllgor wedi codi pryderon dro ar ôl tro fod gan Gymru fwlch llywodraethu amgylcheddol ers Brexit. Fe fyddwch chi'n gwybod fy mod wedi dweud hynny yn y Siambr sawl gwaith. Wrth gwrs, nid yw'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn cynnwys pennod benodol ar gydweithredu ar yr amgylchedd a'r hinsawdd. Yn hytrach, mae'n canolbwyntio ar yr amgylchedd yng nghyd-destun masnach. Mae'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn cynnwys rhai darpariaethau amgylcheddol lefel uchel, ond i raddau helaeth, adlewyrchu ymrwymiadau rhyngwladol presennol y mae'r rhain. Ac nid yw'r darpariaethau i sicrhau tegwch a'r ymrwymiadau dim atchwelyd yn cymryd lle cydweithredu amgylcheddol fel y'u profwyd pan oeddem yn aelod o'r UE.
Nid yw alinio ac ymwahanu o ran yr UE yn flaenoriaethau penodol i Lywodraeth Cymru o ran yr adolygiad. Mae dealltwriaeth gyffredin yn rhagweld aliniad y DU â rheolau'r UE mewn meysydd penodol, gan gynnwys ar fasnachu allyriadau a thrydan. Cydnabu Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet fanteision posib aliniad agosach â'r UE ar sail achosion unigol, ond ceir diffyg eglurder ynglŷn â dull trosfwaol Llywodraeth Cymru o weithredu.
Galwodd rhanddeiliaid am alinio ar ddatgarboneiddio yng ngoleuni cyflwyno trethi carbon ar wahân ar draws ffiniau gan y DU a'r UE. Mae'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn ymrwymo'r DU a'r UE i ystyried cysylltu eu systemau masnachu allyriadau, a allai arwain at osgoi trethi carbon ar draws ffiniau ar fewnforion ac allforion y DU a'r UE. Clywsom alwadau am gyflymu cysylltiad, gan ddweud y byddai'n lleihau'r baich ar fusnesau.
Dywedodd Llywodraeth Cymru wrthym eu bod wedi cynnal dadansoddiad mewnol cychwynnol ar oblygiadau posib treth carbon ar draws ffiniau yr UE ar gyfer allforion Cymru. Fodd bynnag, mae'n siomedig mai dim ond gwybodaeth gyfyngedig ar gysylltu systemau masnachu allyriadau sydd ar gael ar hyn o bryd, yn enwedig o ystyried effeithiau amgylcheddol a hinsawdd masnach, fel y cynnydd mewn llygredd aer ac i ôl troed carbon Cymru wrth gwrs.
O ystyried bod y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn cynnwys darpariaeth ar gyfer cyswllt posib â chynllun masnachu gollyngiadau, ac yng ngoleuni galwadau cyson gan randdeiliaid am aliniad strategol rhwng systemau'r DU a'r UE, mae'n bryderus nad yw systemau masnachu allyriadau na threthi carbon ar draws ffiniau'n cael eu blaenoriaethu ar hyn o bryd yn agenda adolygu Llywodraeth Cymru. Fe wnaethom argymell y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru gwblhau safbwynt clir ar gyswllt â'r cynllun masnachu gollyngiadau fel mater o flaenoriaeth, ac mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud, rydym yn siomedig mai dim ond mewn egwyddor y derbyniwyd hyn. Felly, gofynnwn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i ni ar drafodaethau sydd ar y ffordd yn ymwneud â chyswllt â chynllun masnachu gollyngiadau, o leiaf.
Rydym yn falch fod trefniadau masnachu trydan mwy effeithiol a hirdymor yn un o flaenoriaethau Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer yr adolygiad o'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu. Mae'r ddealltwriaeth gyffredin yn ymrwymo'r DU a'r UE i archwilio cyfranogiad y DU ym marchnad drydan sengl yr UE, gan gynnwys ei phlatfformau masnachu, y gobeithiwn y gallai leihau biliau ynni wrth gwrs.
Mae'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu wedi newid natur cydweithrediad amgylcheddol rhwng y DU a'r UE yn sylfaenol, gan symud i ffwrdd, fel y dywedais ar y dechrau, o fframwaith llywodraethu a rennir i un wedi'i seilio'n bennaf ar fuddiannau economaidd. Rydym ni, fel pwyllgor, o ran y neges glir yr ydym am ei chyfleu, yn gobeithio'n ddiffuant na fydd negodi cytundebau masnach yn y dyfodol yn arwain at lai o ffocws ar newid hinsawdd fel blaenoriaeth bolisi. Diolch yn fawr.
Galwaf ar aelod o'r Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig, Hannah Blythyn.
I call on a member of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, Hannah Blythyn.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Heddiw byddaf yn siarad ar ran y Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig.
Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. Today I'll be speaking on behalf of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee.
The total of Wales's trade in goods is currently £37.6 billion, and £17.6 billion of that, 47 per cent, is with the EU. It is our biggest trading partner and is fundamental to our economy. We need the relationship to work. We know that the UK's new relationship with the EU has resulted in increased trade barriers. The evidence we received very much brought this home. Our report documents evidence of increased bureaucracy, costs, time and disruption to supply chains, and unintended or unforeseen consequences. Ninety per cent of businesses are still dealing with challenges. According to committee witnesses, processes cause extreme levels of cost, administration, complications and loss, intense annoyance, and are hugely frustrating. Therefore, understanding the full impact of the TCA is imperative in order to inform decisions and support for Welsh businesses.
Our first recommendation, which was rejected, called on the Welsh Government to produce a prospective document on the TCA in line with its approach to other international trade agreements. In response, the Welsh Government maintains that the TCA has been in operation for several years and that analysis of its impacts is already available. To our knowledge, our committee's reports are the first such accounts of Wales-specific impacts of the operation of the TCA. So, could I ask the Cabinet Secretary to share a list of analyses to which the Government's committee response refers to, in order to inform our future work?
The Welsh Government also makes the case that potential changes from current negotiations will render any immediate report out of date almost immediately. However, this would appear to contradict the case made to the culture committee that negotiations are unlikely to result in changes to the text of the TCA. As set out in the report, a Welsh Government document on the TCA has not been published since 2021.
We heard in evidence that businesses would benefit from more information, more guidance and more support from Government. With that in mind, the Government's response doesn't quite address committee questions about plans to support the affected sectors that we heard from. We know there are likely more than those from whom we took direct evidence, and a Government assessment would provide a clearer picture from which to work.
The committee's understanding is that the Welsh Government has done comparative work for every other post-Brexit trade agreement, agreements with partners where the trading value to Wales does not come anywhere near to the value of EU trade to Wales. Perhaps, then, the Cabinet Secretary could set out today why there's been a resource dedicated to understanding trade agreements with Wales's smaller trading partners, but not its largest to date.
We also ask that regular updates be provided on the ongoing negotiations. The Government agreed that this could be in general scrutiny sessions with our committee, but can we suggest that it might be a better use of Senedd time for the Welsh Government to provide regular written updates for discussion at committee?
Dirprwy Lywydd, it also came across in evidence that the Welsh Government wasn't clear on what the UK Government's priorities are for the review. It's vital that the Welsh Government has an effective means to be fully versed with the UK Government's priorities and, likewise, has a meaningful mechanism to represent the issues raised with our sectors and the impacts on Wales. There needs to be clarity and transparency when it comes to how the Welsh Government has successfully influenced the UK Government in terms of vital Welsh trade.
It's also still unclear as to how involved the Welsh Government is in negotiations on devolved areas: what is the structure for this, and does such a structure exist? On a committee delegation to Brussels for this report, we were concerned to learn that EU partners were, in some aspects, unaware that some parts of trade, such as sanitary and phytosanitary, are devolved. Although we hope that with increased engagement as part of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, we can collectively change and increase that understanding.
As the UK nation most reliant on exporting to the EU, we are more vulnerable to the challenges of alignment and divergence. Effective monitoring is essential and should not be left to Wales alone. Consequently, we are pleased that our final two recommendations relating to the monitoring of alignment and divergence with the EU were accepted, but ask that the Cabinet Secretary set out a timetable for this work.
Ar hyn o bryd mae cyfanswm masnach nwyddau Cymru yn £37.6 biliwn, ac mae £17.6 biliwn o hwnnw, 47 y cant, gyda'r UE. Dyma ein partner masnachu mwyaf ac mae'n sylfaenol i'n heconomi. Mae angen i'r berthynas weithio. Gwyddom fod perthynas newydd y DU â'r UE wedi arwain at fwy o rwystrau masnach. Mae'r dystiolaeth a gawsom yn cadarnhau hyn. Mae ein hadroddiad yn dogfennu tystiolaeth o fwy o fiwrocratiaeth, costau, amser ac aflonyddwch i gadwyni cyflenwi, a chanlyniadau anfwriadol neu annisgwyl. Mae 90 y cant o fusnesau'n dal i ddelio â heriau. Yn ôl tystion i'r pwyllgor, mae prosesau'n achosi lefelau eithafol o gost, gweinyddiaeth, cymhlethdodau a cholled, annifyrrwch dwys, ac yn hynod o rwystredig. Felly, mae deall effaith lawn y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn hanfodol er mwyn llywio penderfyniadau a chefnogaeth i fusnesau Cymru.
Roedd ein hargymhelliad cyntaf, a gafodd ei wrthod, yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i gynhyrchu dogfen ragolygol ar y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn unol â'i dull o ymdrin â chytundebau masnach ryngwladol eraill. Mewn ymateb, mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn honni bod y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu wedi bod ar waith ers sawl blwyddyn a bod dadansoddiad o'i effeithiau eisoes ar gael. Hyd y gwyddom, adroddiadau ein pwyllgor yw'r cyfrifon cyntaf o'r fath o effeithiau gweithrediad y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu sy'n benodol i Gymru. Felly, a gaf i ofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet rannu rhestr o ddadansoddiadau y mae ymateb pwyllgor y Llywodraeth yn cyfeirio atynt, er mwyn llywio ein gwaith yn y dyfodol?
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru hefyd yn gwneud yr achos y bydd newidiadau posib o'r negodiadau presennol yn golygu y bydd unrhyw adroddiad uniongyrchol wedi dyddio bron ar unwaith. Fodd bynnag, ymddengys bod hyn yn gwrth-ddweud yr achos a wnaed i'r pwyllgor diwylliant fod negodiadau'n annhebygol o arwain at newidiadau i destun y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu. Fel y nodir yn yr adroddiad, nid yw dogfen Llywodraeth Cymru ar y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu wedi'i chyhoeddi ers 2021.
Clywsom mewn tystiolaeth y byddai busnesau'n elwa o fwy o wybodaeth, mwy o arweiniad a mwy o gefnogaeth gan y Llywodraeth. Gyda hynny mewn golwg, nid yw ymateb y Llywodraeth yn mynd i'r afael yn llawn â chwestiynau'r pwyllgor am gynlluniau i gefnogi'r sectorau yr effeithir arnynt y clywsom ganddynt. Gwyddom fod mwy na'r rhai y gwnaethom gymryd tystiolaeth uniongyrchol ganddynt, a byddai asesiad gan y Llywodraeth yn darparu darlun cliriach i weithio ohono.
Dealltwriaeth y pwyllgor yw bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gwneud gwaith cymharol ar gyfer pob cytundeb masnach arall ar ôl Brexit, cytundebau gyda phartneriaid lle nad yw'r gwerth masnachu i Gymru yn dod yn agos at werth masnach yr UE i Gymru. Efallai, felly, y gallai Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet nodi heddiw pam y mae adnodd wedi'i neilltuo ar gyfer deall cytundebau masnach gyda phartneriaid masnach llai Cymru, ond nid y rhai mwyaf hyd yn hyn.
Gofynnwn hefyd am ddiweddariadau rheolaidd ar y negodiadau parhaus. Cytunodd y Llywodraeth y gallai hyn fod mewn sesiynau craffu cyffredinol gyda'n pwyllgor, ond a gawn ni awgrymu y gallai fod yn well defnydd o amser y Senedd i Lywodraeth Cymru ddarparu diweddariadau ysgrifenedig rheolaidd i'w trafod yn y pwyllgor?
Ddirprwy Lywydd, dangosodd tystiolaeth hefyd nad oedd Llywodraeth Cymru yn glir ynglŷn â beth yw blaenoriaethau Llywodraeth y DU ar gyfer yr adolygiad. Mae'n hanfodol fod gan Lywodraeth Cymru fodd effeithiol o fod yn gyfarwydd iawn â blaenoriaethau Llywodraeth y DU ac yn yr un modd, fod ganddi fecanwaith ystyrlon i gynrychioli'r materion a godir gyda'n sectorau a'r effeithiau ar Gymru. Mae angen eglurder a thryloywder o ran y ffordd y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi llwyddo i ddylanwadu ar Lywodraeth y DU mewn perthynas â masnach Gymreig allweddol.
Mae'n dal i fod yn aneglur hefyd faint o ran sydd gan Lywodraeth Cymru mewn negodiadau ar feysydd datganoledig: beth yw'r strwythur ar gyfer hyn, ac a oes strwythur o'r fath yn bodoli? Ar ddirprwyaeth pwyllgor i Frwsel ar gyfer yr adroddiad hwn, roedd yn bryderus clywed bod partneriaid yr UE, mewn rhai agweddau, yn anymwybodol fod rhai rhannau o fasnach, fel materion iechydol a ffytoiechydol, wedi'u datganoli. Ond gyda mwy o ymgysylltiad yn rhan o Gynulliad Partneriaeth Seneddol yr UE a'r DU, rydym yn gobeithio y gallwn newid a chynyddu'r ddealltwriaeth honno gyda'n gilydd.
Fel y genedl yn y DU sy'n fwyaf dibynnol ar allforio i'r UE, rydym yn fwy agored i heriau alinio ac ymwahanu. Mae monitro effeithiol yn hanfodol ac ni ddylid ei adael i Gymru yn unig. O ganlyniad, rydym yn falch fod ein dau argymhelliad terfynol sy'n ymwneud â monitro alinio ac ymwahanu o ran yr UE wedi'u derbyn, ond gofynnwn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet osod amserlen ar gyfer y gwaith hwn.
Hoffwn ddiolch i fy nghydweithwyr ar draws yr holl bwyllgorau am eu gwaith cyfunol ar yr adroddiad hwn. Mae cydweithio o'r fath yn arwydd o natur drawsbynciol y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu a'i bwysigrwydd i Gymru. Diolch.
I would like to thank my colleagues across all of the committees for their joint work on this report. Co-operation of this kind is a sign of the cross-cutting nature of the trade and co-operation agreement and its importance to Wales. Thank you.
Galwaf ar Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad, Mike Hedges.
I call on the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Mike Hedges.
Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. I had a bit of a problem getting unmuted. Can I start where the last speaker just finished and say that it's nice to see four committees getting together to produce this report? I hope it is setting a precedent for the next Senedd. Because we're not working in silos, and I agree with everything Hannah Blythyn said when she gave that report.
The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee was pleased to contribute to the report on the implementation review. In doing so, the committee considered the constitutional, external affairs and inter-governmental relationship elements of the trade and co-operation agreement.
The post-Brexit UK-EU relationship remains highly relevant to the committee's work, given the increasing complexity of multiple international treaties, over 30 joint forums and legislation that either implements or touches on UK-EU matters in devolved areas. We believe it is vital that the Welsh Government has the opportunity to set out its position on devolved matters well in advance of any UK-EU meeting. It was regrettable that a meeting of the inter-ministerial group on UK-EU relations only occurred a week before the May reset summit—too late to have any meaningful impact on the UK's negotiating position.
We welcome the commitment made by the Cabinet Secretary to request that the group's terms of reference are updated. Perhaps she could set out a timeline for these discussions. It was more concerning to note that not only were the Welsh Government not invited to discuss and agree the UK Government's priorities for the review, but they weren't informed of any priorities in advance. The committee, therefore, said that the Welsh Government should call on the UK Government to outline their priorities for the review as a matter of urgency. The Cabinet Secretary confirms in her response that the UK Government still has not done so publicly.
The Welsh Government's observer status in UK-EU meetings is another serious concern. Whilst Welsh Government officials can propose an agenda item and influence discussion, it is questionable whether this status allows them to fully represent Wales. In our previous report on UK-EU governance, the committee concluded there was a strong and compelling case, with broad consensus among stakeholders, for further inclusion of devolved institutions in formal governance structures. We were concerned by the Cabinet Secretary's view that observer status is sufficient and reject the argument put forward that EU member states also have observer status. This misses a key point. The EU's competence extends only so far as it is conferred on it by member states, meaning that the trade and co-operation agreement is wholly in the EU's competence. It's the exact opposite of the UK constitutional reserved model, where the TCA cuts across reserved and devolved competencies.
On alignment and divergence to and from EU rules, we welcome the commitment to working with other Governments to develop a centralised mechanism for monitoring and ask that the Cabinet Secretary provides a timetable for these discussions.
I'm going to move on now to how Welsh stakeholders are represented in UK-EU relations. In 2021, the culture committee first noted that Welsh stakeholders' involvement in UK-EU relations has reduced since Brexit and warned they would likely reduce further. We have drawn the same conclusion on several occasions and note with regret that in the absence of UK Government funding to support organisations to participate, the Welsh Government has not stepped in. Indeed, the general attitude to stakeholders in the Cabinet Secretary's response to our report is alarming. It says it has no record of how it has engaged with the review of membership of the UK trade and co-operation agreement advisory group, nor of steps it took to raise awareness of that review. When asked to explain how it links to its own advisory group, the response astonishingly states that no deliberate effort is made to ensure a link at all. The Welsh Government is aware, as we all are, of the resource challenges Welsh organisations face, and it should be proactive in ensuring that civil society's voice is heard.
Finally, the Welsh Government has not published any Wales-specific information, advice or guidance on the trade and co-operation agreement since 2021. This is incredible. It is one of the most significant international treaties that will ever be considered by the Senedd. As Members, we've all had to navigate different aspects of its 2,500 pages with the help of our officials. This is no easy task. In the response, the Cabinet Secretary commits to developing guidance when EU-UK negotiations have concluded, both for the implementation review and for the latest plan in the common understanding agreement. This unfortunately falls short of the trade and co-operation agreement assessment requested by the economy committee. It also begs the question of when the guidance will be produced.
The common understanding sets out new arrangements that need to be negotiated both now and in the future. There will be different negotiations with different arrangements. At what point will the Welsh Government draw the line? Is the intention to produce guidance as each set of negotiations concludes? Will this be published or shared with Senedd committees? Perhaps the Cabinet Secretary can address these questions.
In conclusion, Dirprwy Lywydd, we understand that many aspects of the UK-EU relationship are outside the control and influence of the Welsh Government. That is why it is so important that the Welsh Government tells us today, not just us as Senedd Members, but the organisations and the public who are watching, what it is doing that is within its control.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. Cefais ychydig o broblem gydag agor y microffon. A gaf i ddechrau lle mae'r siaradwr diwethaf newydd ddod i ben a dweud ei bod yn braf gweld pedwar pwyllgor yn dod at ei gilydd i gynhyrchu'r adroddiad hwn? Gobeithio ei fod yn gosod cynsail ar gyfer y Senedd nesaf. Oherwydd nid ydym yn gweithio mewn seilos, ac rwy'n cytuno â phopeth a ddywedodd Hannah Blythyn pan roddodd yr adroddiad hwnnw.
Roedd y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad yn falch o gyfrannu at yr adroddiad ar yr adolygiad o weithrediad. Wrth wneud hynny, ystyriodd y pwyllgor elfennau cyfansoddiadol, materion allanol ac elfennau cysylltiadau rhynglywodraethol y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu.
Mae'r berthynas rhwng y DU a'r UE ar ôl Brexit yn parhau i fod yn berthnasol iawn i waith y pwyllgor, o ystyried cymhlethdod cynyddol cytuniadau rhyngwladol lluosog, dros 30 o fforymau ar y cyd a deddfwriaeth sydd naill ai'n gweithredu neu'n cyffwrdd â materion rhwng y DU a'r UE mewn meysydd datganoledig. Credwn ei bod yn hanfodol fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn cael cyfle i nodi ei safbwynt ar faterion datganoledig ymhell cyn unrhyw gyfarfod rhwng y DU a'r UE. Roedd yn anffodus mai dim ond wythnos cyn yr uwchgynhadledd ailosod ym mis Mai y digwyddodd cyfarfod o'r grŵp rhyngweinidogol ar gysylltiadau rhwng y DU a'r UE—yn rhy hwyr i gael unrhyw effaith ystyrlon ar safbwynt negodi'r DU.
Rydym yn croesawu'r ymrwymiad a wnaed gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet i ofyn am ddiweddaru cylch gorchwyl y grŵp. Efallai y gallai nodi amserlen ar gyfer y trafodaethau hyn. Roedd yn fwy pryderus nodi nid yn unig na chafodd Llywodraeth Cymru eu gwahodd i drafod a chytuno ar flaenoriaethau Llywodraeth y DU ar gyfer yr adolygiad, ond na chawsant wybod am unrhyw flaenoriaethau ymlaen llaw. Dywedodd y pwyllgor, felly, y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru alw ar Lywodraeth y DU i amlinellu eu blaenoriaethau ar gyfer yr adolygiad fel mater o frys. Mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn cadarnhau yn ei hymateb fod Llywodraeth y DU yn dal heb wneud hynny'n gyhoeddus.
Mae statws arsylwr Llywodraeth Cymru mewn cyfarfodydd rhwng y DU a'r UE yn bryder difrifol arall. Er y gall swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru gynnig eitem ar yr agenda a dylanwadu ar drafodaeth, mae'n amheus a yw'r statws hwn yn caniatáu iddynt gynrychioli Cymru'n llawn. Yn ein hadroddiad blaenorol ar lywodraethiant rhwng y DU a'r UE, daeth y pwyllgor i'r casgliad fod achos cryf a chymhellol, gyda chonsensws eang ymhlith rhanddeiliaid, dros gynnwys sefydliadau datganoledig ymhellach mewn strwythurau llywodraethu ffurfiol. Roeddem yn pryderu am farn Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet fod statws arsylwr yn ddigon ac yn gwrthod y ddadl a gyflwynwyd fod gan aelod-wladwriaethau'r UE statws arsylwr hefyd. Nid dyna'r pwynt allweddol. Nid yw cymhwysedd yr UE ond yn ymestyn cyn belled ag y'i rhoddir iddo gan yr aelod-wladwriaethau, sy'n golygu bod y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn gyfan gwbl o fewn cymhwysedd yr UE. Mae'n gwbl groes i fodel materion a gedwir yn ôl cyfansoddiadol y DU, lle mae'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn torri ar draws cymwyseddau a gadwyd yn ôl a chymwyseddau datganoledig.
Ar alinio ac ymwahanu o ran rheolau'r UE, rydym yn croesawu'r ymrwymiad i weithio gyda Llywodraethau eraill i ddatblygu mecanwaith canolog ar gyfer monitro ac yn gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ddarparu amserlen ar gyfer y trafodaethau hyn.
Rwy'n mynd i symud ymlaen nawr at sut y mae rhanddeiliaid Cymru'n cael eu cynrychioli yn y berthynas rhwng y DU a'r UE. Yn 2021, nododd y pwyllgor diwylliant am y tro cyntaf fod cyfranogiad rhanddeiliaid Cymru yn y berthynas rhwng y DU a'r UE wedi lleihau ers Brexit a rhybuddiodd y byddai'n debygol o leihau ymhellach. Rydym wedi dod i'r un casgliad ar sawl achlysur ac yn nodi gyda thristwch nad yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi camu i mewn yn absenoldeb cyllid gan Lywodraeth y DU i gefnogi sefydliadau i gymryd rhan. Yn wir, mae'r ymagwedd gyffredinol at randdeiliaid yn ymateb Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet i'n hadroddiad yn peri pryder. Mae'r ymateb yn dweud nad oes ganddo unrhyw gofnod o sut y mae wedi ymgysylltu â'r adolygiad o aelodaeth y grŵp cynghori ar gytundeb masnach a chydweithredu y DU, nac o'r camau a gymerodd i godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r adolygiad hwnnw. Pan ofynnwyd iddo esbonio sut y mae'n cysylltu â'i grŵp cynghori ei hun, mae'r ymateb yn dweud yn rhyfeddol na wneir unrhyw ymdrech fwriadol i sicrhau cysylltiad o gwbl. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ymwybodol, fel pawb ohonom, o'r heriau y mae sefydliadau Cymru yn eu hwynebu o ran adnoddau, a dylai fod yn mynd ati'n rhagweithiol i sicrhau bod llais y gymdeithas sifil yn cael ei glywed.
Yn olaf, nid yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyhoeddi unrhyw wybodaeth, cyngor na chanllawiau penodol i Gymru ar y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu ers 2021. Mae hyn yn anghredadwy. Mae'n un o'r cytundebau rhyngwladol mwyaf arwyddocaol y bydd y Senedd yn ei ystyried byth. Fel Aelodau, rydym i gyd wedi gorfod llywio gwahanol agweddau ar ei 2,500 tudalen gyda chymorth ein swyddogion. Nid yw'n dasg hawdd. Yn yr ymateb, mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn ymrwymo i ddatblygu canllawiau pan fydd negodiadau rhwng yr UE a'r DU wedi dod i ben, ar gyfer yr adolygiad o weithrediad ac ar gyfer y cynllun diweddaraf yn y cytundeb dealltwriaeth gyffredin. Yn anffodus, mae hyn yn syrthio'n fyr o'r asesiad o'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu y gofynnwyd amdano gan bwyllgor yr economi. Mae hefyd yn codi cwestiwn ynghylch pryd y caiff y canllawiau eu cynhyrchu.
Mae'r ddealltwriaeth gyffredin yn nodi'r trefniadau newydd sydd angen eu negodi nawr ac yn y dyfodol. Bydd negodiadau gwahanol a gwahanol drefniadau. Ar ba bwynt y bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn tynnu'r llinell? Ai'r bwriad yw cynhyrchu canllawiau wrth i bob set o negodiadau ddod i ben? A fydd y rhain yn cael eu cyhoeddi neu eu rhannu gyda phwyllgorau'r Senedd? Efallai y gall Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet fynd i'r afael â'r cwestiynau hyn.
I gloi, Ddirprwy Lywydd, rydym yn deall bod llawer o agweddau ar y berthynas rhwng y DU a'r UE y tu allan i reolaeth a dylanwad Llywodraeth Cymru. Dyna pam ei bod hi mor bwysig fod Llywodraeth Cymru'n dweud wrthym heddiw, ac nid yn unig ni fel Aelodau o'r Senedd, ond y sefydliadau a'r cyhoedd sy'n gwylio, beth y mae'n ei wneud sydd o fewn ei rheolaeth.
It's been very interesting and fascinating listening to this debate. As a new Member—I obviously wasn't here in the previous Senedd when we were still members of the European Union—coming in following the referendum vote and understanding the Senedd's role within the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union is something that I have really enjoyed getting my teeth stuck into. I have been very fortunate to have attended the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly with my good friend Alun Davies and the Deputy First Minister, when he was previously the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee.
That was where I really saw that maybe Wales's voice is not being represented. Alun and I sent a joint letter saying that we needed speaking rights within the PPA as a Senedd. I think that was wholly important, and that is something that I still think, going forward, we need to champion—our ability to contribute in the PPA. That is something that I think is long-standing, that commitment.
It was only through the relationships forged behind the scenes by the now Deputy First Minister, by myself, by Alun Davies, by Luke Fletcher as well—who is a representative of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, who also attends the UK-EU PPA—that we were able to get Welsh concerns, Welsh opportunities, Welsh challenges raised at the PPA. I think that was beneficial, but it should be formalised. So, that is one of my biggest takeaways from this.
I wanted to keep my remarks short. I concur with much of what Hannah Blythyn has said on behalf of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee. But what I found quite refreshing was—and it has been stressed a number of times here today—the cross-working of a number of committees, because our relationship with the European Union does lean into every single one of the committees that the Senedd has and is represented. So, it's right that when something of this importance comes together, we as a Senedd are able to be flexible in how we scrutinise, how we challenge the Government, because that is our role as backbenchers, to challenge and scrutinise the Government and ensure that they are doing the best to represent Wales and Wales's interests. So, I have really enjoyed the ability to do that on this cross-committee basis.
I would like to commend the hard work of the Commission staff as well, who have really worked tirelessly on this. Sometimes it is like herding cats with us as committee members and backbenchers, but I think the quality of the piece of work that has come out from this is a testament to that strength of working and to the chairmanship of all those who chair the committees as well. Diolch yn fawr.
Mae wedi bod yn ddiddorol iawn gwrando ar y ddadl hon. Fel Aelod newydd—yn amlwg, nid oeddwn yma yn y Senedd flaenorol pan oeddem yn dal i fod yn aelodau o'r Undeb Ewropeaidd—a ddaeth i mewn ar ôl pleidlais y refferendwm, mae deall rôl y Senedd yn y berthynas rhwng y Deyrnas Unedig a'r Undeb Ewropeaidd yn y dyfodol yn rhywbeth yr wyf wedi mwynhau tyrchu iddo. Rwyf wedi bod yn ffodus iawn o fod wedi mynychu Cynulliad Partneriaeth Seneddol y DU a'r UE gyda fy nghyfaill Alun Davies a'r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, pan oedd yn Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Deddfwriaeth, Cyfiawnder a'r Cyfansoddiad yn flaenorol.
Dyna lle gwelais efallai nad yw llais Cymru yn cael ei gynrychioli. Anfonodd Alun a minnau lythyr ar y cyd yn dweud bod angen hawliau siarad arnom fel Senedd o fewn y Cynulliad Partneriaeth Seneddol. Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n hollbwysig, ac mae'n rhywbeth rwy'n dal i feddwl, wrth fwrw ymlaen, y mae angen i ni ei hyrwyddo—ein gallu i gyfrannu yn y Cynulliad Partneriaeth Seneddol. Mae hwnnw'n ymrwymiad hirsefydlog yn fy marn i.
Dim ond drwy'r cysylltiadau a ffurfiwyd y tu ôl i'r llen gan y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog erbyn hyn, gennyf i fy hun, gan Alun Davies, gan Luke Fletcher hefyd—sy'n cynrychioli'r Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig, ac sydd hefyd yn mynychu'r Cynulliad Partneriaeth Seneddol rhwng y DU a'r UE—y gallasom gael pryderon Cymreig, cyfleoedd Cymreig, heriau Cymreig wedi'u codi yn y Cynulliad Partneriaeth Seneddol. Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n fuddiol, ond dylid ei ffurfioli. Felly, dyna un o'r prif bethau a ddysgais o hyn.
Roeddwn eisiau cadw fy sylwadau yn fyr. Rwy'n cytuno â llawer o'r hyn y mae Hannah Blythyn wedi'i ddweud ar ran y Pwyllgor Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig. Ond yr hyn y teimlwn ei fod yn eithaf cadarnhaol—ac mae wedi cael ei bwysleisio sawl gwaith yma heddiw—oedd y croesweithio rhwng nifer o bwyllgorau, oherwydd mae ein perthynas â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd yn berthnasol i bob un o'r pwyllgorau sydd gan y Senedd ac sy'n cael ei gynrychioli. Felly, mae'n iawn, pan fydd rhywbeth mor bwysig â hyn yn dod at ei gilydd, ein bod ni fel Senedd yn gallu bod yn hyblyg o ran y ffordd y craffwn ar y Llywodraeth, y ffordd y'i heriwn, am mai dyna yw ein rôl ni fel aelodau o'r meinciau cefn, herio a chraffu ar y Llywodraeth a sicrhau ei bod yn gwneud ei gorau i gynrychioli buddiannau Cymru a Chymru. Felly, rwyf wedi mwynhau'r gallu i wneud hynny ar sail draws-bwyllgor o'r fath.
Rwyf am ganmol gwaith caled staff y Comisiwn hefyd, sydd wedi gweithio'n ddiflino ar hyn. Weithiau mae fel bugeilio cathod gyda ni fel aelodau pwyllgor a'r meinciau cefn, ond rwy'n credu bod ansawdd y gwaith a ddeilliodd o hyn yn dyst i gryfder gweithio yn y ffordd honno ac i gadeiryddiaeth pawb sy'n cadeirio'r pwyllgorau hefyd. Diolch yn fawr.
Daeth y Llywydd i’r Gadair.
The Llywydd took the Chair.
The TCA review is an opportunity for us to stocktake on where we are. I think the four committees are to be commended on the level of detail in the report and the 55 recommendations, but if I can sum it up, we are in a mess, aren't we? The WTO last week produced their first post-Brexit review of UK trade, and it was pretty sobering reading, wasn't it? It showed the decline, relatively speaking, in goods exports. We're still, the UK, 17 per cent, in total volume of exports, below where we were in 2018.
At the same time, there’s been a huge increase, of course, in services exports—up 73 per cent since 2010—and what that means is that the UK now is the only G7 economy where service exports are greater than goods exports. And, of course, that has been accelerated by Brexit. And where does that hurt? Well, that hurts parts of the UK like Wales, because we are more reliant on goods exports with our manufacturing and agricultural bases, and, of course, we have smaller companies, by and large, as well. As the WTO pointed out, large companies can cope with regulatory and political risk, et cetera, and there were no risks bigger than Brexit. Smaller companies can't, because they don't have the capacity and the scope to do it. So we have been hurt the hardest.
There's no point wallowing in despair. So what are we going to do? I think that we can take a leaf, maybe, out of Northern Ireland's book. They're in a far more fortunate position than us. They are the bridge, aren't they? They are the bridge between the EU and the UK. Well, maybe we can be the beacon. We can be the lighthouse by which we can steer the UK. Maybe together, maybe Wales on its own can steer a path back to the EU, step by step. They are the gatehouse, we can be the greenhouse of new ideas, sector by sector, which allow us to get closer to our main trading partners.
For example, we can lead by example on environmental alignment. We saw last week concern that EU officials have been expressing in terms of the infrastructure and planning Bill. We discussed that yesterday—that trying to, basically, engage in a race to the bottom in order to promote economic growth through cutting back on environmental standards could break the level playing field rules of the TCA. That's not the way to drive economic development. What we should be doing—and I hope the next Government, a Plaid Cymru Government, will do this—is passing an alignment Act so that we can send out a message to the EU, practically and symbolically, that we want to align with the best in class of environmental standards right across the piece, because that's the way that we want to drive economic development, by driving up standards.
On exports, how do we respond to the reduction, relatively speaking, in exports? We don't do what the UK Government is doing by actually sacking 20 per cent of the export promotion officers in embassies right across the world. Madness—absolute madness. We need to set up our own development agency with an export promotion arm, increasing our footprint of representation in key markets so that we can actually drive up Welsh exports, working with businesses, sector by sector, the length and breadth of Wales.
We need to be working more closely with Ireland, but let's actually crystallise that in a practical way. When the political declaration was signed, there was a commitment that the UK Government would revisit participation in the European Investment Bank. The EIB used to invest a lot in Wales, in infrastructure and business. Nothing has been done. Let's lead on that with Ireland, because there are plenty of shared investment opportunities in the Celtic sea and in terms of infrastructure, et cetera, where we could, with the EIB, co-invest in projects that benefited both Wales and Ireland. We could do it. There's a mechanism to do that in the EIB's constitution. They already invest in the European Free Trade Association. EFTA's outside of the EU. They've invested €800 million in the last three years in the Nordic countries. Why couldn't Wales, sitting down with the Republic of Ireland, through the co-operation agreement that we have with the Republic, come to the table and say, 'Let's have the EIB investing jointly in Wales and Ireland'? These are the kind of practical ideas whereby we can symbolise, in ways that are going to deliver to our communities, our intention to work as closely as we can with our European partners.
Mae'r adolygiad o'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn gyfle i ni asesu ble rydym arni. Rwy'n credu bod y pedwar pwyllgor i'w canmol am lefel y manylder yn yr adroddiad a'r 55 o argymhellion, ond os caf ei grynhoi, rydym mewn llanast, onid ydym? Yr wythnos diwethaf, cyhoeddodd Sefydliad Masnach y Byd eu hadolygiad cyntaf ar ôl Brexit o fasnach y DU, ac roedd yn sobreiddiol, onid oedd? Dangosodd y dirywiad, a siarad yn gymharol, mewn allforion nwyddau. Rydym yn dal i fod, y DU, 17 y cant, o ran cyfanswm cyfaint allforion, yn is na lle roeddem yn 2018.
Ar yr un pryd, bu cynnydd enfawr, wrth gwrs, mewn allforion gwasanaethau—i fyny 73 y cant ers 2010—a'r hyn y mae hynny'n ei olygu yw mai'r DU bellach yw'r unig economi G7 lle mae allforion gwasanaethau yn fwy nag allforion nwyddau. Ac wrth gwrs, mae hynny wedi ei gyflymu gan Brexit. A lle mae hynny'n brifo? Wel, mae hynny'n brifo rhannau o'r DU fel Cymru, am ein bod yn fwy dibynnol ar allforion nwyddau gyda'n sylfeini gweithgynhyrchu ac amaethyddiaeth, ac wrth gwrs, mae gennym gwmnïau llai ar y cyfan hefyd. Fel y nododd Sefydliad Masnach y Byd, gall cwmnïau mawr ymdopi â risg reoleiddiol a gwleidyddol ac ati, ac nid oedd unrhyw risgiau mwy na Brexit. Ni all cwmnïau llai wneud hynny, am nad oes ganddynt gapasiti na gallu i'w wneud. Felly, ni sydd wedi cael ein taro galetaf.
Nid oes unrhyw bwynt ymroi i lyfu clwyfau. Felly, beth a wnawn? Rwy'n credu y gallwn ddilyn esiampl Gogledd Iwerddon. Maent mewn sefyllfa lawer mwy ffodus na ni. Nhw yw'r bont, onid e? Nhw yw'r bont rhwng yr UE a'r DU. Wel, efallai y gallwn ni fod yn oleudy. Gallwn fod yn oleudy ar gyfer llywio'r DU. Gyda'n gilydd efallai, neu efallai y gall Cymru ar ei phen ei hun lywio llwybr yn ôl i'r UE, gam wrth gam. Nhw yw'r tŷ porth, gallwn ni fod yn dŷ gwydr o syniadau newydd, sector wrth sector, sy'n ein galluogi i ddod yn agosach at ein prif bartneriaid masnachu.
Er enghraifft, gallwn arwain drwy esiampl ar alinio amgylcheddol. Gwelsom swyddogion yr UE yn mynegi pryder yr wythnos diwethaf ynghylch y Bil seilwaith a chynllunio. Fe wnaethom drafod hynny ddoe—y gallai ceisio cymryd rhan, i bob pwrpas, mewn ras i'r gwaelod er mwyn hyrwyddo twf economaidd drwy dorri'n ôl ar safonau amgylcheddol dorri rheolau tegwch y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu. Nid dyna'r ffordd i yrru datblygiad economaidd. Yr hyn y dylem ei wneud—ac rwy'n gobeithio y bydd y Llywodraeth nesaf, Llywodraeth Plaid Cymru, yn gwneud hyn—yw pasio Deddf alinio fel y gallwn anfon neges i'r UE, yn ymarferol ac yn symbolaidd, ein bod am alinio â'r safonau amgylcheddol gorau oll, oherwydd dyna sut rydym am yrru datblygiad economaidd, drwy godi safonau.
Ar allforion, sut y gwnawn ni ymateb i'r gostyngiad, a siarad yn gymharol, yn yr allforion? Nid ydym yn gwneud yr hyn y mae Llywodraeth y DU yn ei wneud trwy ddiswyddo 20 y cant o'r swyddogion hyrwyddo allforion mewn llysgenadaethau ledled y byd. Gwallgofrwydd llwyr. Mae angen inni sefydlu ein hasiantaeth ddatblygu ein hunain gyda changen hyrwyddo allforion, gan gynyddu ein hôl troed o gynrychiolaeth mewn marchnadoedd allweddol fel y gallwn gynyddu allforion Cymru, drwy weithio gyda busnesau, sector wrth sector, ar hyd a lled Cymru.
Mae angen inni weithio'n agosach ag Iwerddon, ond gadewch inni grisialu hynny mewn ffordd ymarferol. Pan lofnodwyd y datganiad gwleidyddol, roedd yna ymrwymiad y byddai Llywodraeth y DU yn ailystyried cyfranogiad ym Manc Buddsoddi Ewrop. Roedd y banc yn arfer buddsoddi llawer yng Nghymru, mewn seilwaith a busnes. Nid oes unrhyw beth wedi'i wneud. Gadewch inni arwain ar hynny gydag Iwerddon, oherwydd mae digon o gyfleoedd buddsoddi ar y cyd yn y môr Celtaidd ac o ran seilwaith ac ati, lle gallwn, gyda Banc Buddsoddi Ewrop, fuddsoddi ar y cyd mewn prosiectau sydd o fudd i Gymru ac Iwerddon. Gallem ei wneud. Mae yna fecanwaith i wneud hynny yng nghyfansoddiad Banc Buddsoddi Ewrop. Maent eisoes yn buddsoddi yn y Gymdeithas Fasnach Rydd Ewropeaidd. Mae'r Gymdeithas Fasnach Rydd Ewropeaidd y tu allan i'r UE. Maent wedi buddsoddi €800 miliwn yn y tair blynedd diwethaf yn y gwledydd Nordig. Pam na allai Cymru ddod at y bwrdd gyda Gweriniaeth Iwerddon, drwy'r cytundeb cydweithio sydd gennym gyda'r Weriniaeth, a dweud, 'Gadewch i ni gael Banc Buddsoddi Ewrop i fuddsoddi ar y cyd yng Nghymru ac Iwerddon'? Dyma'r math o syniadau ymarferol lle gallwn symboleiddio, mewn ffyrdd sy'n mynd i gyflawni ar ran ein cymunedau, ein bwriad i weithio mor agos ag y gallwn gyda'n partneriaid Ewropeaidd.
I agree very much with what's been said by other Members about the importance of committees working together and collaborating on these matters. I sat on two of the four committees that examined this, so I did a fair amount of collaborating with myself on this report. But one of the most striking features of the evidence that we took—and we took evidence from a wide range of stakeholders on these matters—was the unanimity of the evidence that we received. Quite often, of course, you can take evidence on something like this and have wildly different interpretations and viewpoints, which makes the synthesising of the report almost impossible. But on this there was unanimity.
Rwy'n cytuno'n fawr â'r hyn a ddywedwyd gan Aelodau eraill am bwysigrwydd pwyllgorau'n gweithio gyda'i gilydd a chydweithio ar y materion hyn. Roeddwn yn aelod o ddau o'r pedwar pwyllgor a archwiliodd hyn, felly fe wneuthum gryn dipyn o gydweithio â mi fy hun ar yr adroddiad hwn. Ond un o'r nodweddion mwyaf trawiadol o'r dystiolaeth a gasglwyd gennym—ac fe wnaethom gasglu tystiolaeth gan ystod eang o randdeiliaid ar y materion hyn—oedd unfrydedd y dystiolaeth a gawsom. Yn eithaf aml, wrth gwrs, gallwch gasglu tystiolaeth ar rywbeth fel hyn a chael dehongliadau a safbwyntiau gwahanol iawn, sy'n gwneud syntheseiddio'r adroddiad bron yn amhosib. Ond roedd unfrydedd ar hyn.
I can think of no witness who came in front of our committees who said that Brexit had benefited Wales. I can't think of a single witness. I can't think of anybody who said, 'Do you know what? Wales has benefited from Brexit.' We spoke to people from across different sectors. One of the most heartbreaking things, actually, was speaking to people like musicians, who had been travelling around Europe, sharing our culture across the European continent—our common civilisation—and they listed all the barriers to that now. Creating barriers between peoples: it's the most heartbreaking thing that I can think of. We've heard—and Hannah explained this afternoon—about the decline in volumes of trade. Now, if anybody needs to know why we're in the economic situation that we're in today, you need to do no more than read that chapter of the report. The reduced volumes of trade lead to the reductions in tax available to the economy and to the Government, and lead directly, then, to some of the issues that we have in our public services. What Brexit has been successful in doing, of course, is creating barriers, costs and bureaucracy. There are a number of people who spoke about the additional costs to businesses and the inability of businesses to export in the way that they used to do. All of these issues are creating more complexity in an economy, and anybody who's run a business will tell you that you need less complexity, fewer barriers, you need more open borders, and you need to be able to trade to create wealth, which can then be redistributed. This is GCSE stuff. And yet, the Government of the United Kingdom at the time created those barriers and they described it as a triumph of democracy. Well, it's certainly not what Winston Churchill had in mind when he spoke about the creation of a European Union in his Zurich speech at the end of the second world war. And it certainly isn't what anybody put to the British people in 2016.
So, we have here a unanimity, both from committees and from the evidence received. So, what do we do in order to take these matters forward? I think we need to reinvent some of our own democracy, in fact, because one thing that the withdrawal Act demonstrates is the importance of parliamentary scrutiny. Those of us who were Members at the time remember being brought back here after Christmas, before the new year—I'm sure the Presiding Officer will remind me exactly when it was. My memory is that it was the end of December; I might be wrong. But we were brought back here for an afternoon to pass a consent motion: brought back here for an afternoon to pass a consent motion in an hour on one of the most far-reaching pieces of legislation that I can remember us debating in this place in the time that I've been a Member. In Westminster, they had 12 hours. And what we've seen since then, of course, is the work that was done by the European Parliament, where they had several months to do the same piece of work, and they were able to identify all the issues that have plagued our relationship with the European Union since that date. And that is the importance of parliamentary scrutiny.
So, I think it is important that here as a Parliament we emphasise the importance of our committees, of our voices, being heard when legislation is placed in front of us. But we need to then move forward. I was disappointed that the First Minister didn't give evidence on this matter, and I was disappointed by the quality of evidence from the Welsh Government, if I'm quite honest with you. Welsh Government does do some exemplary work. The work of Derek Vaughan in Brussels I think is first class. But the Welsh Government doesn't seem to want to talk about it, and I'm astonished by that. I'm astonished that the Welsh Government doesn't seem to want to set real objectives for the future. What is our future relationship going to look like? What is it that the Welsh Government wants to see from this relationship? We've been through the review, which took place last year, which still hasn't been implemented, of course, and there has been a better relationship since the general election of 2024, that's absolutely clear. But there are still fundamental issues caused by the disaster of Brexit, and what I hope we'll be able to do—and I will come to a conclusion now, Presiding Officer—is that we are able ourselves, as a Parliament, to set out the route that we want Wales to follow.
Now, I know that the Cabinet Secretary responding to this debate is as fervent a European as I am, and I know that she would like to see—I think I know, at least—Wales and the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union. And what we need to do, I believe, as parliamentarians, is to say that out loud and clear. The best interests of the people of Wales are served by being members of the European Union and taking our place again in the leadership of this continent and not scuttling and running away from the responsibilities that leadership delivers.
Ni allaf feddwl am unrhyw dyst a ddaeth ger bron ein pwyllgorau a ddywedodd fod Brexit wedi bod o fudd i Gymru. Ni allaf feddwl am un tyst. Ni allaf feddwl am unrhyw un a ddywedodd, 'Wyddoch chi beth? Mae Cymru wedi elwa o Brexit.' Fe wnaethom siarad â phobl o wahanol sectorau. Un o'r pethau mwyaf torcalonnus mewn gwirionedd oedd siarad â phobl fel cerddorion, a oedd wedi bod yn teithio o amgylch Ewrop, yn rhannu ein diwylliant ar draws cyfandir Ewrop—ein gwareiddiad cyffredin—ac fe wnaethant restru'r holl rwystrau i hynny nawr. Creu rhwystrau rhwng pobloedd: dyma'r peth mwyaf torcalonnus y gallaf feddwl amdano. Rydym wedi clywed—ac esboniodd Hannah y prynhawn yma—am y dirywiad yn y meintiau masnachu. Nawr, os oes angen i unrhyw un wybod pam ein bod yn y sefyllfa economaidd yr ydym ynddi heddiw, nid oes angen i chi wneud dim mwy na darllen y bennod honno o'r adroddiad. Mae'r meintiau masnachu llai yn arwain at y gostyngiadau yn y dreth sydd ar gael i'r economi ac i'r Llywodraeth, ac yn arwain yn uniongyrchol felly at rai o'r problemau sydd gennym yn ein gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Yr hyn y mae Brexit wedi llwyddo i'w wneud, wrth gwrs, yw creu rhwystrau, costau a biwrocratiaeth. Mae yna nifer o bobl wedi siarad am y costau ychwanegol i fusnesau ac anallu busnesau i allforio yn y ffordd yr arferent ei wneud. Mae'r holl faterion hyn yn creu mwy o gymhlethdod mewn economi, a bydd unrhyw un sydd wedi rhedeg busnes yn dweud wrthych fod angen llai o gymhlethdod, llai o rwystrau, mae angen mwy o ffiniau agored, ac mae angen i chi allu masnachu i greu cyfoeth, y gellir ei ailddosbarthu wedyn. Deunydd TGAU yw hyn. Ac eto, creodd Llywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig ar y pryd y rhwystrau hynny ac fe wnaethant ei ddisgrifio fel buddugoliaeth i ddemocratiaeth. Wel, yn sicr nid dyna beth oedd gan Winston Churchill mewn golwg pan siaradodd am greu Undeb Ewropeaidd yn ei araith yn Zurich ar ddiwedd yr ail ryfel byd. Ac yn sicr nid dyna a gynigiwyd i bobl Prydain yn 2016.
Felly, mae gennym unfrydedd yma, gan bwyllgorau ac o'r dystiolaeth a ddaeth i law. Felly, beth a wnawn er mwyn bwrw ymlaen â'r materion hyn? Rwy'n credu bod angen inni ailddyfeisio rhywfaint o'n democratiaeth ein hunain mewn gwirionedd, oherwydd un peth y mae'r Ddeddf ymadael yn ei ddangos yw pwysigrwydd craffu seneddol. Mae'r rhai ohonom a oedd yn Aelodau ar y pryd yn cofio cael ein galw'n ôl yma ar ôl y Nadolig, cyn y flwyddyn newydd—rwy'n siŵr y gwnaiff y Llywydd fy atgoffa'n union pryd oedd hi. Yn ôl yr hyn a gofiaf, diwedd mis Rhagfyr oedd hi; efallai fy mod i'n anghywir. Ond cawsom ein galw'n ôl yma am brynhawn i basio cynnig cydsyniad: cawsom ein galw'n ôl yma am brynhawn i basio cynnig cydsyniad mewn awr ar un o'r darnau mwyaf pellgyrhaeddol o ddeddfwriaeth y gallaf gofio i ni ei drafod yma yn lle hwn yn yr amser y bûm yn Aelod. Yn San Steffan, fe gawsant 12 awr. A'r hyn a welsom ers hynny, wrth gwrs, yw'r gwaith a wnaed gan Senedd Ewrop, lle roedd ganddynt sawl mis i wneud yr un darn o waith, ac fe fu modd iddynt nodi'r holl faterion sydd wedi plagio ein perthynas â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd ers y dyddiad hwnnw. A dyna bwysigrwydd craffu seneddol.
Felly, rwy'n credu ei bod yn bwysig ein bod ni yma fel Senedd yn pwysleisio pa mor bwysig yw hi i'n pwyllgorau, ein lleisiau, gael eu clywed pan fydd deddfwriaeth yn cael ei rhoi ger ein bron. Ond mae angen inni symud ymlaen wedyn. Roeddwn yn siomedig na roddodd y Prif Weinidog dystiolaeth ar y mater hwn, ac roeddwn i'n siomedig ynghylch ansawdd y dystiolaeth gan Lywodraeth Cymru, a bod yn onest. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gwneud gwaith ardderchog. Mae gwaith Derek Vaughan ym Mrwsel yn rhagorol yn fy marn i. Ond mae'n ymddangos nad yw Llywodraeth Cymru eisiau siarad amdano, ac rwy'n synnu ynghylch hynny. Rwy'n synnu nad yw'n ymddangos bod Llywodraeth Cymru eisiau gosod amcanion go iawn ar gyfer y dyfodol. Sut olwg fydd ar ein perthynas yn y dyfodol? Beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru eisiau ei weld o'r berthynas hon? Rydym wedi bod drwy'r adolygiad, a gynhaliwyd y llynedd, nad yw wedi'i weithredu eto, wrth gwrs, ac mae perthynas well wedi bod ers etholiad cyffredinol 2024, mae hynny'n hollol glir. Ond mae yna broblemau sylfaenol o hyd a achoswyd gan drychineb Brexit, a'r hyn rwy'n ei obeithio—ac fe ddof i ben nawr, Lywydd—yw y gallwn ni ein hunain, fel Senedd, nodi'r llwybr yr ydym am i Gymru ei ddilyn.
Nawr, rwy'n gwybod bod Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet sy'n ymateb i'r ddadl hon lawn mor frwd â minnau, ac rwy'n gwybod—neu o leiaf, rwy'n meddwl fy mod yn gwybod—y byddai'n hoffi gweld Cymru a'r Deyrnas Unedig yn ailymuno â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd. Ac rwy'n credu mai'r hyn sydd angen i ni ei wneud fel seneddwyr yw dweud hynny'n uchel ac yn glir. Mae buddiannau gorau pobl Cymru yn cael eu gwasanaethu drwy fod yn aelodau o'r Undeb Ewropeaidd a chymryd ein lle eto yn arweinyddiaeth y cyfandir hwn, a pheidio â chilio rhag y cyfrifoldebau a ddaw yn sgil yr arweinyddiaeth honno.
I'd like to begin by acknowledging the hard work of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee in producing our section of this report, along with the essential work of the clerks and committee staff and, indeed, those across the committees who all contributed to the UK-EU implementation review of the TCA. It provides a valuable overview of how the trade and co-operation agreement continues to shape Wales's cultural and international landscape, but as Conservatives and supporters of Brexit, we have a responsibility to make sure this conversation is rooted in opportunity and optimism, not nostalgia for EU membership. It's clear from the evidence we've seen that many organisations who gave evidence still see re-entry to the single market, the customs union or even freedom of movement as solutions to the challenges they face. I respect those views, but I have to say plainly that debate on those is over. The people of the United Kingdom, and most importantly of Wales, voted to leave the EU, and our task should be to make Brexit work for Wales, not to re-run the arguments of 2016 or drift towards re-entry by stealth.
There are strong arguments for re-evaluating elements of the single market, but rejoining the customs union would be incredibly foolish, given that it was always the most harmful aspect of our membership, particularly as we sell more outside of the European Union than to the EU, and this was the case when we were still a member of the EU and something we were penalised for. The trade and co-operation agreement gives the UK full control over its trade, its borders and its laws. It also allows us to tailor solutions where they are needed, which is sensible. And that is exactly how we should approach issues like the touring arts, creative mobility and youth exchange, through practical targeted agreements, not by signing away sovereignty or regulatory control.
I welcome the UK Government's common understanding with the EU earlier this year, which recognised the value of cultural exchange and set the stage for constructive talks on youth mobility and travel for artists. These are the kinds of incremental steps that will deliver results without compromising the freedoms that Brexit secured. However, I must say that the Welsh Government's approach has too often lacked focus. Instead of calling for even broader EU strategies or hinting at rejoining multiple EU programmes, Ministers should be concentrating on how to use these powers that they already have. Programmes like Taith, designed and delivered here in Wales, show that international exchange doesn’t depend on Brussels. They demonstrate that we can design something more flexible, more inclusive and better suited to Welsh needs.
And while it is right that we can maintain close working relationships with European partners, I do find it disappointing that so much of the Welsh Government's rhetoric still suggests that the only route to success lies through EU structures. Where are the new partnerships with Canada, Japan or Australia? Where is the same energy for strengthening our global links through the UK's new trade deals? I’m also concerned that Labour Members of the Senedd are calling for Britain's re-entry into the European Union, and two of the Members in question have set up a cross-party group on this subject. So, I'd like the Welsh Government to clarify whether this is the official position of the Welsh Labour Party, to rejoin the European Union, and I'd be grateful if the Cabinet Secretary could make that clear in her response to this debate.
On data protection and adequacy, too, I'd like to stress the importance of balance. Businesses need certainty when trading with the EU, but we should also celebrate the UK's ability to develop a more innovation-friendly data regime that supports growth and does not stifle it.
So, Llywydd, while this report raises legitimate issues, particularly around communication between Governments and the cultural impacts of the TCA, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. Brexit has given us the ability to do things differently and better if we have the confidence to use that freedom. And those in favour of rejoining the EU cite Brexit as our reason for our economic woes, but I'd like to firstly point out that the day that Brexit took effect, on 31 January 2020, was the day that the first two cases of COVID were diagnosed in the UK, leading to the worst peacetime economic disaster in our history, caused by the need to pay people to stay at home for two years.
It's worth noting that we've outgrown the eurozone since the referendum was held in 2016, so rather than continuously framing the TCA as a list of those losses, we should be looking for gains, not more creative export opportunities, stronger links with the Commonwealth and Anglosphere markets, and new forms of cultural diplomacy that reflect Wales's place in a truly global Britain. The cultural sector can still benefit from Brexit, but it requires a different mindset, one that focuses on the potential opportunities that lay outside of the union, rather than considering post-Brexit Britain as damage control.
So, in short, and to close, let's make Brexit work for the arts, for our young people and for the Welsh economy by being ambitious and outward looking, and the Welsh Government must play its part in this, rather than harking back to the past.
Hoffwn ddechrau drwy gydnabod gwaith caled y Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol yn llunio ein rhan ni o'r adroddiad hwn, ynghyd â gwaith hanfodol y clercod a staff y pwyllgorau, ac yn wir, y rhai ar draws y pwyllgorau a gyfrannodd at yr adolygiad o weithrediad y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu rhwng y DU a'r UE. Mae'n rhoi trosolwg gwerthfawr o sut y mae'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn parhau i lunio tirwedd ddiwylliannol a rhyngwladol Cymru, ond fel Ceidwadwyr a chefnogwyr Brexit, mae gennym gyfrifoldeb i sicrhau bod y sgwrs hon wedi'i gwreiddio mewn cyfle ac optimistiaeth, nid hiraeth am aelodaeth o'r UE. Mae'n amlwg o'r dystiolaeth a welsom fod llawer o sefydliadau a roddodd dystiolaeth yn dal i weld ailfynediad i'r farchnad sengl, yr undeb tollau neu hyd yn oed ryddid i symud fel atebion i'r heriau y maent yn eu hwynebu. Rwy'n parchu'r safbwyntiau hynny, ond mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud yn glir fod y ddadl ar y rheini drosodd. Pleidleisiodd pobl y Deyrnas Unedig, ac yn bwysicaf oll, pobl Cymru, o blaid gadael yr UE, a'n tasg ni yw gwneud i Brexit weithio i Gymru, nid ailredeg dadleuon 2016 neu lithro'n llechwraidd tuag at ailymuno.
Mae yna ddadleuon cryf dros ailwerthuso elfennau o'r farchnad sengl, ond byddai ailymuno â'r undeb tollau yn anhygoel o wirion, o ystyried mai dyma'r agwedd fwyaf niweidiol ar ein haelodaeth bob amser, yn enwedig gan ein bod yn gwerthu mwy y tu allan i'r Undeb Ewropeaidd nag i'r UE, ac roedd hyn yn wir pan oeddem yn dal i fod yn aelod o'r UE ac yn rhywbeth y cawsom ein cosbi amdano. Mae'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn rhoi rheolaeth lawn i'r DU dros ei masnach, ei ffiniau a'i chyfreithiau. Mae hefyd yn caniatáu inni deilwra atebion lle mae eu hangen, sy'n synhwyrol. A dyna'n union sut y dylem fynd i'r afael â materion fel y celfyddydau teithiol, symudedd creadigol a theithiau cyfnewid i ieuenctid, drwy gytundebau ymarferol wedi'u targedu, nid drwy gytuno i ildio sofraniaeth neu fesurau rheoleiddio.
Rwy'n croesawu dealltwriaeth gyffredin Llywodraeth y DU gyda'r UE yn gynharach eleni, a oedd yn cydnabod gwerth teithiau cyfnewid diwylliannol ac yn gosod y llwyfan ar gyfer trafodaethau adeiladol ar symudedd ieuenctid a theithio i artistiaid. Dyma'r mathau o gamau cynyddrannol a fydd yn cyflawni canlyniadau heb gyfaddawdu'r rhyddid a sicrhaodd Brexit. Fodd bynnag, mae'n rhaid i mi ddweud bod diffyg ffocws yn rhy aml yn null Llywodraeth Cymru o weithredu. Yn hytrach na galw am strategaethau UE ehangach neu awgrymu ein bod yn ailymuno â sawl rhaglen UE, dylai Gweinidogion ganolbwyntio ar sut i ddefnyddio'r pwerau sydd ganddynt eisoes. Mae rhaglenni fel Taith, a luniwyd ac a gyflwynir yma yng Nghymru, yn dangos nad yw teithiau cyfnewid rhyngwladol yn dibynnu ar Frwsel. Maent yn dangos y gallwn lunio rhywbeth mwy hyblyg, mwy cynhwysol ac sy'n fwy addas i anghenion Cymru.
Ac er ei bod yn iawn inni allu cynnal perthynas waith agos â phartneriaid Ewropeaidd, mae'n siomedig fod cymaint o rethreg Llywodraeth Cymru yn dal i awgrymu mai'r unig ffordd i lwyddiant yw drwy strwythurau'r UE. Ble mae'r partneriaethau newydd gyda Chanada, Japan neu Awstralia? Ble mae'r un egni ar gyfer cryfhau ein cysylltiadau byd-eang drwy gytundebau masnach newydd y DU? Rwy'n pryderu hefyd fod Aelodau Llafur o'r Senedd yn galw am weld Prydain yn ailymuno â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd, a bod dau o'r Aelodau dan sylw wedi sefydlu grŵp trawsbleidiol ar y pwnc. Felly, hoffwn i Lywodraeth Cymru egluro ai ailymuno â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd yw safbwynt swyddogol Plaid Lafur Cymru, a hoffwn pe bai Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn gallu gwneud hynny'n glir yn ei hymateb i'r ddadl hon.
Ar ddiogelu data a digonolrwydd data hefyd, hoffwn bwysleisio pwysigrwydd cydbwysedd. Mae angen sicrwydd ar fusnesau wrth fasnachu gyda'r UE, ond dylem ddathlu gallu'r DU hefyd i ddatblygu cyfundrefn ddata fwy cyfeillgar i arloesedd sy'n cefnogi twf ac nad yw'n ei dagu.
Felly, Lywydd, er bod yr adroddiad hwn yn codi materion dilys, yn enwedig ynghylch cyfathrebu rhwng Llywodraethau ac effeithiau diwylliannol y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu, rhaid inni beidio â cholli golwg ar y darlun mwy. Mae Brexit wedi rhoi'r gallu i ni wneud pethau'n wahanol ac yn well os oes gennym hyder i ddefnyddio'r rhyddid hwnnw. Ac mae'r rhai sydd o blaid ailymuno â'r UE yn nodi Brexit fel y rheswm dros ein trafferthion economaidd, ond hoffwn nodi yn gyntaf mai'r diwrnod y daeth Brexit i rym, ar 31 Ionawr 2020, oedd y diwrnod y gwnaed diagnosis o'r ddau achos cyntaf o COVID yn y DU, gan arwain at y trychineb economaidd gwaethaf yn ein hanes ar adeg o heddwch, wedi'i achosi gan yr angen i dalu pobl i aros gartref am ddwy flynedd.
Mae'n werth nodi ein bod wedi tyfu y tu hwnt i ardal yr ewro ers i'r refferendwm gael ei gynnal yn 2016, felly yn hytrach na fframio'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yn barhaus fel rhestr o'r colledion hynny, dylem chwilio am enillion, cyfleoedd allforio mwy creadigol, cysylltiadau cryfach â marchnadoedd y Gymanwlad a'r Einglsffer, a mathau newydd o ddiplomyddiaeth ddiwylliannol sy'n adlewyrchu lle Cymru mewn Prydain wirioneddol fyd-eang. Gall y sector diwylliannol elwa o Brexit o hyd, ond mae angen meddylfryd gwahanol, un sy'n canolbwyntio ar y cyfleoedd posib y tu allan i'r undeb, yn hytrach nag ystyried Prydain ar ôl Brexit fel prosiect rheoli niwed.
Felly, yn fyr, ac i gloi, gadewch inni wneud i Brexit weithio i'r celfyddydau, i'n pobl ifanc ac i economi Cymru drwy fod yn uchelgeisiol a thrwy edrych tuag allan, ac mae'n rhaid i Lywodraeth Cymru chwarae ei rhan yn hyn, yn hytrach nag edrych yn ôl i'r gorffennol.
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi, Ynni a Chynllunio nawr i gyfrannu i'r ddadl—Rebecca Evans.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning now to contribute to the debate—Rebecca Evans.
Thank you. I'd like to thank all MS colleagues and also stakeholders who contributed to this work, and for the effort and the care that's gone into producing the report. It really is a comprehensive piece of work, and it covers a really wide range of important areas, and I commend all four committees for working collaboratively to produce what we've heard is the first joint report of its kind of the Senedd. The scope of the report and the need for the involvement of all four committees really does demonstrate just how many varied topics a trade negotiation can cover.
As discussion of the TCA progressed, the UK and the EU announced the new agreement in May 2025, the common understanding agreement, which set out the way forward for further co-operation between the UK and the EU. Whilst the Welsh Government welcomed this announcement, as we've always advocated for a closer association with the EU, I think this is a really good example of just how quickly the trade landscape can change and how we as a Welsh Government have to be constantly reviewing and updating our positions. There are always a large number of recommendations in a report of this kind, and I absolutely agree with the comments of the Chair in the foreword that the common themes begin to emerge in relation to the review of the TCA, and by extension to the work for the negotiations for the common understanding. Due to the large number of recommendations, I'll try and address some of the themes, as it's impossible to go through each of the recommendations individually.
An important theme that stands out is the role of the Senedd, and the role that it must have in reviewing trade negotiations. Whilst only the UK Government can conclude legally binding agreements on behalf of the four nations, many of the UK's trade agreements, such as the EU TCA and the negotiations around the common understanding, are in areas that are devolved. I recognise that it is important that the Senedd has an opportunity to scrutinise and to give a view on the range of topics that are being negotiated. But that also then has to be balanced with our obligations as a Welsh Government not to disclose information that may jeopardise those negotiations. So, I do hope that I and my officials have struck the right balance in this regard by providing information and updates to committees that allow for an overview of the direction of negotiations, whilst also not compromising those negotiations themselves.
And that's also why the Welsh Government has committed to producing a report, our perspectives document, on key trade agreements only once we are able to provide information. These reports will enable the Senedd to understand and scrutinise how each agreement might impact Wales, and this is something that we will continue to do for the EU negotiations once they are complete.
I'd like to now turn to discuss how our views are represented in the ongoing discussions between the UK and the EU, and this is something that all committees were interested in. We've always been an open, outward-looking nation, with international goods exports accounting for a larger proportion of our economy here in Wales than any other UK nation. And whilst this has brought opportunities, it's also brought risks, with Wales's economy perhaps more exposed to changes in trading relationships than elsewhere in the UK. The Centre for European Reform found that, at the end of 2024, UK trade intensity remained 3.5 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels. In addition, UK trade volumes have grown by just 1 per cent on 2019 levels in real terms, compared to 8 per cent growth in both the G7 and the EU. So, that really highlights the relatively poor trade performance of the UK and Wales due to the UK's exit from the EU.
The impact of EU exit has been felt right across Wales, impacting on a range of sectors, increasing trade barriers for Welsh business, ending the free movement of people, and impacting on the ability of young people to live and travel overseas. The EU remains our most important trading partner and, as the UK begins to reset its relationship with the EU, it is vital that the views of the devolved nations are heard in these negotiations to ensure that any new arrangements are representative of and beneficial to all parts of the UK.
The Welsh Government maintains and is developing active relationships with many EU institutions, regions and networks. We're committed to constructive engagement with the EU to ensure mutual benefit through continued collaboration. Retaining the Brussels office is a programme for government commitment and our proactive engagement has raised Wales's profile and credibility with EU partners, despite the previously challenging backdrop of EU-UK relations. We are pleased with the new, more positive direction of the EU-UK relationship and we're focused on ensuring that Wales's distinct priorities are represented at EU-UK discussions on the TCA and new agreements resulting from the EU-UK summit earlier this year.
Our teams in Wales, Brussels and across Europe are dedicated to delivering the Welsh Government's international delivery plan, published earlier this year, which has a clear focus on European engagement. I've heard the concern from committee members that the UK Government will not adequately engage with us on the negotiations that follow the common understanding, particularly in devolved areas. Given that these negotiations have not yet begun, it's impossible for us to say if this will be the case, however early indications and engagement to date suggest that the UK Government does understand that, in areas such as SPS, these matters are devolved and any implementation of any agreement will be the responsibility of the devolved Governments, and this means that we must have a role in forming the UK's position before negotiations and deciding what is ultimately agreed.
We have ministerial engagement with the UK Government through our inter-ministerial group structures, but we are seeking reassurances that these structures will adapt to take into account the pace of negotiations. At an official level, we've also had positive engagement to date with the UK Government on the upcoming negotiations, which we hope will be a sign of things to come.
So, I'd once again like to thank the Senedd Members for the time they've taken in examining this issue. Trade policy is a complex and often very fast-moving area, and I hope that we can continue to work constructively together.
Diolch. Hoffwn ddiolch i'r holl gyd-Aelodau a rhanddeiliaid a gyfrannodd at y gwaith hwn, ac am yr ymdrech a'r gofal sydd wedi mynd tuag at gynhyrchu'r adroddiad. Mae'n ddarn cynhwysfawr o waith, ac mae'n cwmpasu ystod eang iawn o feysydd pwysig, ac rwy'n canmol pob un o'r pedwar pwyllgor am weithio ar y cyd i gynhyrchu'r hyn y clywsom ei fod yr adroddiad ar y cyd cyntaf o'i fath gan y Senedd. Mae cwmpas yr adroddiad a'r angen am gyfranogiad y pedwar pwyllgor yn dangos faint o bynciau amrywiol y gall trafodaethau masnach eu cwmpasu.
Wrth i'r drafodaeth am y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu fynd rhagddi, cyhoeddodd y DU a'r UE y cytundeb newydd ym mis Mai 2025, y cytundeb dealltwriaeth gyffredin, a oedd yn nodi'r ffordd ymlaen ar gyfer cydweithredu pellach rhwng y DU a'r UE. Tra bo Llywodraeth Cymru wedi croesawu'r cyhoeddiad hwn, gan ein bod bob amser wedi dadlau dros gyswllt agosach â'r UE, rwy'n credu bod hon yn enghraifft dda iawn o ba mor gyflym y gall y dirwedd fasnach newid a sut y mae'n rhaid i ni fel Llywodraeth Cymru adolygu a diweddaru ein safbwyntiau'n gyson. Mae yna bob amser nifer fawr o argymhellion mewn adroddiad o'r math hwn, ac rwy'n cytuno'n llwyr â sylwadau'r Cadeirydd yn y rhagair fod y themâu cyffredin yn dechrau dod i'r amlwg mewn perthynas ag adolygiad o'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu, a thrwy hynny y gwaith ar gyfer negodiadau'r ddealltwriaeth gyffredin. Oherwydd y nifer fawr o argymhellion, fe geisiaf fynd i'r afael â rhai o'r themâu, gan ei bod yn amhosib mynd drwy bob un o'r argymhellion yn unigol.
Thema bwysig sy'n sefyll allan yw rôl y Senedd, a'r rôl y mae'n rhaid iddi ei chael i adolygu negodiadau masnach. Er mai dim ond Llywodraeth y DU a all gwblhau cytundebau cyfreithiol rwymol ar ran y pedair gwlad, mae llawer o gytundebau masnach y DU, fel cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu yr UE a negodiadau'r ddealltwriaeth gyffredin, mewn meysydd sydd wedi'u datganoli. Rwy'n cydnabod ei bod yn bwysig fod y Senedd yn cael cyfle i graffu a rhoi barn ar yr ystod o bynciau sy'n cael eu negodi. Ond mae'n rhaid cydbwyso hynny hefyd â'n rhwymedigaethau fel Llywodraeth Cymru i beidio â datgelu gwybodaeth a allai beryglu'r negodiadau hynny. Felly, rwy'n gobeithio fy mod i a fy swyddogion wedi taro'r cydbwysedd cywir yn hyn o beth drwy ddarparu gwybodaeth a diweddariadau i bwyllgorau sy'n caniatáu trosolwg o gyfeiriad y negodiadau, heb beryglu'r negodiadau hynny eu hunain.
A dyna pam y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi ymrwymo hefyd i gynhyrchu adroddiad, ein dogfen safbwyntiau, ar gytundebau masnach allweddol pan allwn ddarparu gwybodaeth, ac nid cyn hynny. Bydd yr adroddiadau hyn yn galluogi'r Senedd i ddeall a chraffu ar sut y gallai pob cytundeb effeithio ar Gymru, ac mae hyn yn rhywbeth y byddwn yn parhau i'w wneud ar gyfer negodiadau'r UE pan fyddant wedi'u cwblhau.
Hoffwn droi nawr i drafod sut y mae ein barn yn cael ei chynrychioli yn y trafodaethau parhaus rhwng y DU a'r UE, ac mae hyn yn rhywbeth yr oedd gan bob pwyllgor ddiddordeb ynddo. Rydym bob amser wedi bod yn genedl agored, sy'n edrych tuag allan, gydag allforion nwyddau rhyngwladol yn ffurfio cyfran uwch o'n heconomi yma yng Nghymru nag unrhyw genedl arall yn y DU. Ac er bod hyn wedi creu cyfleoedd, mae hefyd wedi creu risgiau yn ei sgil, gydag economi Cymru'n fwy agored efallai i newidiadau i gysylltiadau masnachu na mannau eraill yn y DU. Canfu'r Ganolfan Diwygio Ewropeaidd, ar ddiwedd 2024, fod dwysedd masnach y DU yn parhau i fod 3.5 y cant yn is na'r lefelau cyn y pandemig. Yn ogystal, nid yw meintiau masnachu'r DU ond wedi tyfu 1 y cant o lefelau 2019 mewn termau real, o'i gymharu â thwf o 8 y cant yn y G7 a'r UE. Felly, mae hynny'n dangos perfformiad masnach cymharol wael y DU a Chymru oherwydd ymadawiad y DU â'r UE.
Mae effaith ymadael â'r UE wedi'i theimlo ledled Cymru, gan effeithio ar ystod o sectorau, cynyddu rhwystrau masnach i fusnesau Cymru, rhoi diwedd ar allu pobl i symud yn rhydd, ac effeithio ar allu pobl ifanc i fyw a theithio dramor. Yr UE yw ein partner masnachu pwysicaf o hyd, ac wrth i'r DU ddechrau ailosod ei pherthynas â'r UE, mae'n hanfodol fod barn y cenhedloedd datganoledig yn cael eu clywed yn y negodiadau hyn i sicrhau bod unrhyw drefniadau newydd yn cynrychioli pob rhan o'r DU ac o fudd iddynt.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cynnal ac yn datblygu perthynas weithredol â llawer o sefydliadau, rhanbarthau a rhwydweithiau'r UE. Rydym wedi ymrwymo i ymgysylltu'n adeiladol â'r UE i sicrhau budd i'r ddwy ochr drwy gydweithredu parhaus. Mae cadw'r swyddfa ym Mrwsel yn ymrwymiad yn y rhaglen lywodraethu ac mae ein hymgysylltiad rhagweithiol wedi codi proffil a hygrededd Cymru ymhlith partneriaid yr UE, er gwaethaf cefndir heriol y berthynas rhwng yr UE a'r DU. Rydym yn hapus gyda chyfeiriad newydd, mwy cadarnhaol y berthynas rhwng yr UE a'r DU ac rydym yn canolbwyntio ar sicrhau bod blaenoriaethau penodol Cymru yn cael eu cynrychioli mewn trafodaethau rhwng yr UE a'r DU ar y cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu a chytundebau newydd sy'n deillio o uwchgynhadledd yr UE a'r DU yn gynharach eleni.
Mae ein timau yng Nghymru, Brwsel a ledled Ewrop yn ymroddedig i gyflawni cynllun cyflawni rhyngwladol Llywodraeth Cymru, a gyhoeddwyd yn gynharach eleni, sy'n canolbwyntio'n glir ar ymgysylltiad Ewropeaidd. Rwyf wedi clywed y pryder gan aelodau'r pwyllgor na fydd Llywodraeth y DU yn ymgysylltu'n ddigonol â ni ar y negodiadau sy'n dilyn y ddealltwriaeth gyffredin, yn enwedig mewn meysydd datganoledig. O ystyried nad yw'r negodiadau hyn wedi dechrau eto, mae'n amhosib i ni ddweud a fydd hyn yn wir, ond mae arwyddion cynnar a'r ymgysylltiad hyd yma yn awgrymu bod Llywodraeth y DU yn deall bod y materion hyn wedi'u datganoli mewn meysydd fel cynllun y taliad sengl, a bydd gweithredu unrhyw gytundeb yn gyfrifoldeb y Llywodraethau datganoledig, ac mae hyn yn golygu bod yn rhaid i ni gael rhan yn y broses o ffurfio safbwynt y DU cyn y negodiadau a phenderfynu beth sy'n cael ei gytuno yn y pen draw.
Mae gennym ymgysylltiad gweinidogol â Llywodraeth y DU drwy strwythurau ein grŵp rhyngweinidogol, ond rydym yn ceisio sicrwydd y bydd y strwythurau hyn yn addasu i gyd-fynd â chyflymder y negodiadau. Ar lefel swyddogol, rydym hefyd wedi cael ymgysylltiad cadarnhaol hyd yma â Llywodraeth y DU ar y negodiadau sydd ar y ffordd, a gobeithiwn fod hynny'n arwydd o'r hyn sydd i ddod.
Felly, hoffwn ddiolch unwaith eto i Aelodau'r Senedd am yr amser y maent wedi'i roi i archwilio'r mater hwn. Mae polisi masnach yn faes cymhleth ac yn aml yn newid yn gyflym iawn, ac rwy'n gobeithio y gallwn barhau i weithio'n adeiladol gyda'n gilydd.
Diolch i'r Ysgrifennydd Cabinet. Delyth Jewell nawr sydd yn ymateb i'r ddadl, Cadeirydd y pwyllgor.
I thank the Cabinet Secretary. Delyth Jewell now to reply to the debate, Chair of the committee.
Diolch, Llywydd, a diolch i bawb sydd wedi cyfrannu. Diolch i'r cynrychiolwyr o bob pwyllgor sydd wedi gosod mas y rhwystrau sy'n wynebu pob un o'n meysydd i ni, boed busnesau, ein hamgylchedd, llywodraethiant, a'n gallu i ddeall gweithrediad ein Llywodraethau.
Thank you, Llywydd, and thank you to everyone who's contributed. I would like to thank the representatives of all the committees who have set out the barriers facing all of these areas, be it businesses, our environment, governance, and our ability to understand the workings of our Governments.
Some discrepancies have been highlighted too in the information given to our various committees on the same questions at some points. It was useful to hear Members' own individual reflections—Sam's reflections on the PPA and the need for Wales's voice to be heard. And yes, Alun is right: the unanimity of the evidence we received was stark. I agree too about the heart-breaking, the heart-rending effect of hearing about the barriers being placed perversely in trade, be it monetary trade or the trade in ideas, innovation, experiences. It is not barriers we need, but to be a beacon, as Adam suggested. Nor can I disagree either with Adam's quite stark summary of the 55 recommendations, that we are indeed in a mess. But it is not a mess that should be insurmountable. There are plenty of ideas here. There is more than enough appetite for change. I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her response. I'm still not clear, though, how things will change as a result of this work. This cannot be another report that is left on a shelf. This should be a chance to change things. We must do better.
As we conclude this debate, Llywydd, I want to reflect on what this inquiry has taught us as committees, and why its findings matter for the future of Wales. This inquiry has demonstrated the complexity of the EU-UK relationship and its profound implications for Wales. The challenges before us are significant, but so too are the opportunities. It's perhaps one of the only ways in which I would agree with the points that Gareth made—we have to look, of course, at the opportunities that are provided at this crucial juncture.
The common understanding agreement signals a willingness to reset relations. Likewise, the upcoming review of the TCA provides a platform for influence and change. This is a moment for ambition, and for Wales not to be a mere passive observer in the processes that happen. We must take an active role in shaping outcomes that matter to our culture, our economy, our environment, our communities. That means championing solutions for businesses facing complex—overly complex—rules. It means advocating for creative professionals, who need workable touring arrangements. It means ensuring that young people regain opportunities for cultural and educational exchange. It means that facing transboundary challenges should be made together, from the fight against climate change to the security of our energy supplies.
We have to think strategically. A dedicated EU strategy is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It would provide clarity, coherence and a framework for engagement. Without it, we risk navigating the complexities of UK–EU relations without a clear road map, without the beacon that Adam had talked about. So, let us seize these moments with determination and with vision. This is not just about restoring what was lost. It is about building a future that works for Wales. We must ensure that Wales's voice is heard and that our relationship with the EU reflects the values and the aspirations of the people we serve.
In conclusion, Llywydd, our committees will remain vigilant in ensuring that Welsh interests are represented and that the opportunities arising from these processes are fully realised. I commend the report to the Senedd.
Mae rhai anghysondebau wedi'u hamlygu hefyd yn y wybodaeth a roddwyd i'n gwahanol bwyllgorau ar yr un cwestiynau ar rai pwyntiau. Roedd yn ddefnyddiol clywed syniadau'r Aelodau eu hunain—syniadau Sam ynglŷn â'r Cynulliad Partneriaeth Seneddol a'r angen i lais Cymru gael ei glywed. Ac ydy, mae Alun yn iawn: roedd unfrydedd y dystiolaeth a gawsom yn glir. Rwy'n cytuno hefyd ynglŷn ag effaith dorcalonnus, ingol clywed am y rhwystrau gwrthnysig sy'n cael eu gosod mewn masnach, boed yn fasnach ariannol neu'n fasnach mewn syniadau, arloesedd, profiadau. Nid rhwystrau sydd eu hangen arnom, ond bod yn oleudy, fel yr awgrymodd Adam. Ni allaf anghytuno chwaith â chrynodeb llwm Adam o'r 55 argymhelliad, ein bod mewn llanast. Ond nid yw'n llanast a ddylai fod yn anorchfygol. Mae digon o syniadau yma. Mae mwy na digon o awydd am newid. Diolch i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet am ei hymateb. Nid wyf yn deall yn iawn o hyd, serch hynny, sut y bydd pethau'n newid o ganlyniad i'r gwaith hwn. Ni all hwn fod yn adroddiad arall sy'n cael ei adael ar silff. Dylai fod yn gyfle i newid pethau. Rhaid inni wneud yn well.
Wrth inni gloi'r ddadl hon, Lywydd, hoffwn fyfyrio ar yr hyn y mae'r ymchwiliad wedi'i ddysgu i ni fel pwyllgorau, a pham fod ei ganfyddiadau'n bwysig i ddyfodol Cymru. Mae'r ymchwiliad wedi dangos cymhlethdod y berthynas rhwng yr UE a'r DU a'i goblygiadau dwys i Gymru. Mae'r heriau o'n blaenau yn sylweddol, ond felly hefyd y cyfleoedd. Efallai mai dyma un o'r unig ffyrdd y buaswn yn cytuno â'r pwyntiau a wnaeth Gareth—rhaid inni edrych, wrth gwrs, ar y cyfleoedd a ddarperir ar yr adeg hollbwysig hon.
Mae'r cytundeb dealltwriaeth gyffredin yn arwydd o barodrwydd i ailosod cysylltiadau. Yn yr un modd, mae'r adolygiad o'r cytundeb masnach a chydweithredu sydd ar y ffordd yn darparu platfform ar gyfer dylanwadu a newid. Mae'n foment ar gyfer uchelgais, ac i Gymru beidio â bod yn arsylwr goddefol yn unig yn y prosesau sy'n digwydd. Rhaid inni chwarae rhan weithredol yn llunio canlyniadau sy'n bwysig i'n diwylliant, ein heconomi, ein hamgylchedd, ein cymunedau. Mae hynny'n golygu hyrwyddo atebion i fusnesau sy'n wynebu rheolau cymhleth—rhy gymhleth. Mae'n golygu eirioli dros weithwyr proffesiynol creadigol, sydd angen trefniadau teithio ymarferol. Mae'n golygu sicrhau bod pobl ifanc yn adennill cyfleoedd ar gyfer teithiau cyfnewid diwylliannol ac addysgol. Mae'n golygu y dylem wynebu heriau trawsffiniol gyda'n gilydd, o'r frwydr yn erbyn newid hinsawdd i ddiogelwch ein cyflenwadau ynni.
Rhaid inni feddwl yn strategol. Nid moethusrwydd yw strategaeth bwrpasol ar gyfer yr UE; mae'n anghenraid. Byddai'n darparu eglurder, cydlyniant a fframwaith ar gyfer ymgysylltu. Heb strategaeth, rydym mewn perygl o lywio cymhlethdodau'r berthynas rhwng y DU a'r UE heb gynllun clir, heb y goleudy y soniodd Adam amdano. Felly, gadewch inni fanteisio ar yr adegau hyn gyda phenderfynoldeb a gweledigaeth. Mae'n ymwneud â mwy nag adfer yr hyn a gollwyd. Mae'n ymwneud ag adeiladu dyfodol sy'n gweithio i Gymru. Rhaid inni sicrhau bod llais Cymru'n cael ei glywed a bod ein perthynas â'r UE yn adlewyrchu gwerthoedd a dyheadau'r bobl a wasanaethwn.
I gloi, Lywydd, bydd ein pwyllgorau’n parhau i fod yn wyliadwrus wrth sicrhau bod buddiannau Cymru'n cael eu cynrychioli a bod y cyfleoedd sy’n deillio o’r prosesau hyn yn cael eu gwireddu’n llawn. Rwy’n cymeradwyo’r adroddiad i’r Senedd.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid nodi adroddiad y pwyllgor? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? Nac oes. Felly, mae'r adroddiad yna wedi cael ei nodi.
The proposal is to note the committee's report. Does any Member object? There is no objection. Therefore, the motion is agreed.
Derbyniwyd y cynnig yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 12.36.
Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Detholwyd y gwelliannau canlynol: gwelliant 1 yn enw Paul Davies, a gwelliant 2 yn enw Jane Hutt. Os derbynnir gwelliant 1, caiff gwelliant 2 ei ddad-dethol.
The following amendments have been selected: amendment 1 in the name of Paul Davies, and amendment 2 in the name of Jane Hutt. If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be deselected.
Eitem 9 yw dadl Plaid Cymru ar wasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol. Mabon ap Gwynfor sy'n gwneud y cynnig.
Item 9 is the Plaid Cymru debate on a national care service for Wales. Mabon ap Gwynfor is moving the motion.
Cynnig NDM9031 Heledd Fychan
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn nodi'r rhaglen i sefydlu gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol i Gymru, a gychwynnwyd gan Blaid Cymru fel rhan o'r cytundeb cydweithio.
2. Yn gresynu bod cynnydd ar y rhaglen waith hon wedi bod yn araf o dan arweinyddiaeth Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru.
3. Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i gyflymu'r cynnydd o ran diwygio'r system gofal cymdeithasol drwy wneud y canlynol:
a) penodi cyfarwyddwr ar gyfer Cymru gyfan gyda goruchwyliaeth strategol o drefniadau gofal y tu allan i'r ysbyty;
b) datblygu cyllidebau cyfunol ar gyfer trefniadau gofal y tu allan i'r ysbyty;
c) gosod byrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol ar sail statudol gyda chylch gwaith clir i feithrin mwy o gydweithredu rhwng byrddau iechyd ac awdurdodau lleol;
d) sicrhau bod pob gofalwr di-dâl yn cael asesiad o anghenion o fewn cyfnod o 28 diwrnod; ac
e) ymgorffori o fewn cyfraith Cymru isafswm blynyddol cyfreithiol o ddiwrnodau seibiant ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl.
Motion NDM9031 Heledd Fychan
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes the programme to establish a national care service for Wales, initiated by Plaid Cymru as part of the co-operation agreement.
2. Regrets that progress on this programme of work has been protracted under the Welsh Labour Government’s direction.
3. Calls on the Welsh Government to accelerate progress on reforming the social care system by:
a) appointing a pan-Wales director with strategic oversight of out-of-hospital care arrangements;
b) developing pooled budgets for out-of-hospital care arrangements;
c) placing regional partnership boards on a statutory footing with a clear remit to foster greater collaboration between health boards and local authorities;
d) ensuring that all unpaid carers receive a needs assessment within a 28-day period; and
e) incorporating within Welsh law a legal minimum annual allocation of respite days for unpaid carers.
Cynigiwyd y cynnig.
Motion moved.
Diolch, Llywydd. The health and care service in Wales rests on three pillars: primary care, secondary care and social care. Of those three, social care is perhaps the most fragile, the least supported and often the most forgotten. And yet it's a service that every one of us, at some stage in our lives, will rely on. Whether it's an ageing parent, a disabled partner, or a neighbour needing daily help, social care touches us all.
We are an ageing nation, after all. People in Wales are living longer, but not necessarily healthier, lives. The gap between healthy life expectancy and overall life expectancy—nearly 18 years for men and 22.5 years for women—is the widest of any UK nation. That means that, for almost two decades of their lives, too many of our citizens live with illness, frailty or disability. Age-related conditions such as dementia are already among our leading causes of death. By 2040, over 53,000 people in Wales will be living with severe dementia. That reality alone should compel any Government with moral purpose to act.
Nearly a decade has passed since the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act became law. Yet its good intentions remain unrealised on the ground. Too many rights exist on paper only. There has been no coherent strategy, no meaningful insight and no consistent follow-through from this Government. The result is a postcode lottery of care across Wales.
The rhetoric of well-being and prevention has not been matched by implementation nor investment. The regional partnership boards were intended to bridge the gap between health and social care, but, without statutory footing or clear accountability, their impact is limited, and money is transferred from local authority to an RPB and back again within the same day, more often than not, without having made any meaningful impact to improve people's lives.
Diolch, Lywydd. Mae'r gwasanaeth iechyd a gofal yng Nghymru wedi'i seilio ar dri philer: gofal sylfaenol, gofal eilaidd a gofal cymdeithasol. O'r tri, gofal cymdeithasol yw'r mwyaf bregus o bosib, yr un sy'n cael y lleiaf o gymorth, ac yn aml, yr un sy'n cael ei anghofio fwyaf. Ac eto, mae'n wasanaeth y bydd pob un ohonom, ar ryw adeg yn ein bywydau, yn dibynnu arno. Boed yn rhiant sy'n heneiddio, yn bartner anabl, neu'n gymydog sydd angen cymorth dyddiol, mae gofal cymdeithasol yn cyffwrdd â phob un ohonom.
Wedi'r cyfan, rydym yn genedl sy'n heneiddio. Mae pobl yng Nghymru yn byw bywydau hirach, ond nid bywydau iachach o reidrwydd. Y bwlch rhwng disgwyliad oes iach a disgwyliad oes cyffredinol—bron i 18 mlynedd i ddynion a 22.5 mlynedd i fenywod—yw'r mwyaf ymhlith gwledydd y DU. Mae hynny'n golygu, am bron i ddau ddegawd o'u bywydau, fod gormod o'n dinasyddion yn byw gyda salwch, eiddilwch neu anabledd. Mae cyflyrau sy'n gysylltiedig ag oedran fel dementia eisoes ymhlith ein prif achosion marwolaeth. Erbyn 2040, bydd dros 53,000 o bobl yng Nghymru yn byw gyda dementia difrifol. Dylai'r realiti hwnnw ynddo'i hun orfodi unrhyw Lywodraeth â phwrpas moesol i weithredu.
Mae bron i ddegawd wedi mynd heibio ers i Ddeddf Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a Llesiant (Cymru) ddod yn gyfraith. Ac eto, mae ei bwriadau da yn parhau i fod heb eu gwireddu ar lawr gwlad. Mae gormod o hawliau'n bodoli ar bapur yn unig. Nid oes unrhyw strategaeth gydlynol, dim mewnwelediad ystyrlon nac unrhyw waith dilynol cyson gan y Llywodraeth hon. Y canlyniad yw loteri cod post o ofal ledled Cymru.
Nid oes gweithredu na buddsoddiad i gyd-fynd â'r rhethreg o lesiant ac atal. Bwriadwyd i'r byrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol bontio'r bwlch rhwng iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, ond heb sail statudol nac atebolrwydd clir, mae eu heffaith yn gyfyngedig, a chaiff arian ei drosglwyddo o awdurdod lleol i fwrdd partneriaeth rhanbarthol ac yn ôl eto o fewn yr un diwrnod, yn amlach na pheidio heb wneud unrhyw effaith ystyrlon i wella bywydau pobl.
Mae rhanddeiliaid wedi galw dro ar ôl tro am gynllun ymarferol er mwyn sicrhau bod gofalwyr a phobl sy'n derbyn gofal yn gweld gwireddu'r hawliau y mae'r Ddeddf yma yn eu haddo. Yn rhy aml mae'r galwadau hynny wedi cael eu hanwybyddu. Mae'r methiant yma i fyw i fyny i'r Ddeddf yn amlwg i bawb pan fo'n dod at y diffyg cefnogaeth i ofalwyr di-dâl, y gweithlu cudd y byddai'n systemau iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol yn chwalu hebddyn nhw. Mae tua 100,000 o ofalwyr di-dâl yng Nghymru heddiw yn byw mewn tlodi. Mae nifer yn jyglo gwaith, gofal plant a chyfrifoldebau gofalu eraill heb gefnogaeth ariannol, heb seibiant digonol, a chyda rhy ychydig o gyfleoedd i orffwys neu wella.
O dan y Ddeddf, mae gan awdurdodau lleol ddyletswydd glir i asesu anghenion lles gofalwyr trwy asesiad anghenion gofalwyr, a gallant fod yn gymwys i baratoi a chyflwyno cynllun cymorth statudol. Dylai'r asesiadau hyn nodi nid yn unig pa gymorth sydd ei angen ar y gofalwyr o ddydd i ddydd, ond hefyd a oes angen seibiant arnynt—cydnabyddiaeth syml, ddynol. Ond dydy o ddim yn gweithio, a dim ond hyd at 8 y cant sy'n derbyn yr asesiadau yma, gyda channoedd o filoedd o ofalwyr yn byw eu bywydau heb y gefnogaeth angenrheidiol.
Rŵan, pan mae polisi'n gweithio, yna mae o'n gwneud gwahaniaeth. Mae'r cynllun seibiannau byr cenedlaethol wedi dangos beth sy'n bosibl pan fydd polisi da, sydd yn ddealladwy a ddim yn gofyn gormod, yn cael y gefnogaeth angenrheidiol. Mae gwerthusiad annibynnol wedi dangos ei fod o'n cyrraedd y rhai sydd yn fwyaf mewn angen, gan gynnwys cyrraedd gofalwyr sydd wedi mynd blwyddyn gyfan heb un seibiant o'u rôl gofalu. Mae hynny yn drawsnewidiol. Mae'n enghraifft o'r hyn y gellir ei gyflawni pan fydd bwriad cenedlaethol yn paru ag ymddiriedaeth a buddsoddiad lleol. Mae'n profi, pan fyddwn yn grymuso sefydliadau cymunedol ac yn gwrando ar ofalwyr eu hunain, y gallwn ni ddarparu gofal sy'n teimlo'n bersonol, yn dosturiol ac yn effeithiol.
Ochr yn ochr â hynny, mae cronfa cymorth i ofalwyr wedi profi i fod yn gefnogaeth hanfodol i'r rhai sydd yn dioddef yn fwyaf yn sgil tlodi. Dwi ddim yn un sydd yn osgoi dweud pryd mae pethau wedi cael eu gwneud yn dda. Mae angen cynnal yr arfer da hynny. Boed ein gofalwyr yn rhai cyflogedig neu'n rhai di-dâl, nhw ydy asgwrn cefn ein system gofal, ac eto yn rhy aml maen nhw'n cael eu tan-barchu, eu tan-dalu a'u hanwybyddu. I ormod o bobl sydd angen gofal, mae'r ddarpariaeth yn anghyson ar y gorau ac yn ddrud neu'n anhygyrch i ormod o bobl.
Fe gafodd gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol Llywodraeth Cymru, a ddechreuwyd drwy ein cytundeb cydweithredu efo'r Llywodraeth, ei gynllunio er mwyn newid hynny: i greu system cwbl integredig sy'n rhoi'r un gwerth i ofal ac i'n hiechyd. Y bwriad oedd sicrhau cyflog teg i weithwyr gofal, cefnogaeth briodol i ofalwyr di-dâl a phartneriaeth ddi-dor rhwng iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol. Ond, o dan gyfarwyddyd y Llywodraeth hon, mae cynnydd wedi bod yn boenus o araf. Mae'r hyn a ddechreuodd fel gweledigaeth feiddgar wedi cael ei adael i lusgo'n ddi-gyfeiriad. Oherwydd mae unrhyw gynllun, dim ots pa mor deilwng, yn llipa heb yr ewyllys neu'r arweiniad gwleidyddol i'w wthio ymlaen. Mae angen gweithredu ar frys. Mae angen eglurder ynghylch yr uchelgais. Mae angen map er mwyn dangos sut y bydd y gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol yn dwyn ynghyd gwasanaethau, cyllid a'r atebolrwydd er mwyn cyflawni a sicrhau nad ydy pobl a'u teuluoedd yn cael eu gadael i lawr.
Stakeholders have called time and time again for a practical plan in order to ensure that carers and those in receipt of care do see the rights that this Act promised delivered. Too often those calls have been ignored. This failing to live up to the legislation is clear to everyone when it comes to the lack of support for unpaid carers, that hidden workforce that our health and social care systems would be destroyed without. There are around 100,000 unpaid carers in Wales today who are living in poverty. Many are juggling work, childcare and other caring responsibilities without financial support, without sufficient respite, and with too few opportunities to rest or recover.
Under the Act, local authorities have a clear duty to assess the welfare needs of carers through a carer's needs assessment, and they could be eligible for the preparation and introduction of a statutory plan of support. These assessments should set out not only what support is needed by the carers day to day, but also whether they need respite—simple, human recognition. But it doesn't work, and only around 8 per cent receive these assessments, with hundreds of thousands of carers living their lives without the necessary support.
Now, when policy works, then it makes a difference. The national short-breaks scheme has shown what's possible when good policy, which is understandable and doesn't ask too much, gets the necessary support. An independent evaluation has shown that it's reaching those people who are most in need, including reaching carers who have gone a whole year without a single break from their caring responsibilities. That is transformational. It's an example of what can be achieved when national objectives are paired with trust and local investment. It proves that, when we empower community organisations and listen to the carers themselves, we can provide care that feels personal, compassionate and effective.
Alongside that, the carers support fund has proved to be crucial support for those suffering most as a result of poverty. I'm not one who avoids saying when things are done well. We need to maintain that good practice. Whether our carers are paid or unpaid, they are the backbone of our care system, and yet too often they are under-valued, underpaid and ignored. For too many people who need care, the provision is inconsistent at best and expensive or inaccessible for too many people.
The Welsh Government's national care service, which began through our co-operation agreement with the Government, was planned in order to change that: to create an integrated system that gives the same value to care and to our health. The intention was to ensure a fair wage for care workers, appropriate support for unpaid carers and an unbroken partnership between health and social care. But, under the guidance of this Government, progress has been painfully slow. What started as a bold vision has been allowed to drag on without direction. Because any plan, no matter how worthy, is not fit for purpose without the political will to drive it forward. We need urgent action. We need clarity on ambition. We need a map to set out how the national care service will bring together services, funding and accountability in order to deliver and ensure that people and their families are not let down.
Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd i’r Gadair.
The Deputy Presiding Officer took the Chair.
Rachel Reeves said yesterday that there were painful decisions ahead. What's painful to a Chancellor of the Exchequer sitting in Downing Street with a £164,000 salary is very different to what is painful to a person living in chronic pain, needing care but having to choose between heating, eating or an extra hour of help. We have more people in Wales living in need of care because of our older, sicker and poorer circumstances. I have not heard anything from the Secretary of State for Wales championing Wales's needs, and this Government has remained silent during the UK budget process on the need to ensure that we receive the required funding to care for the people of Wales.
Local authorities are being asked to push people to the brink, forced into painful decisions of their own. How much will they increase the most regressive tax, which hurts the poorest the most? Which services will they close? Will they have to make key workers redundant? And that is the context in which social care providers are expected to function.
So, the solution must be twofold: investment, yes, but also clear national direction, a shared understanding that social care is not a cost to be contained, but a service that sustains communities, enables independence and strengthens the economy. Imagine what Wales could achieve if we treated social care not as a crisis to manage, but as a national asset to build upon, where people's access to care isn't dependent on how deep their wallets are; a system where carers have genuine rights and access to respite, where the carers support fund and the short-break scheme are embedded as core pillars of support, where local innovation is backed by national commitment. That is the Wales that Plaid Cymru wants to see, a Wales where care is not the forgotten pillar of our health system, but its foundation.
Dirprwy Lywydd, the moral test of any Government is how it treats those who give care and those who need it. It's time to pass that test. So, let's accelerate the process towards a truly national care service, one that delivers on its promises, values its people, and gives dignity to every citizen it serves. Because when we care better, we all live better. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Dywedodd Rachel Reeves ddoe fod penderfyniadau poenus o'n blaenau. Mae'r hyn sy'n boenus i Ganghellor y Trysorlys sy'n eistedd yn Stryd Downing ar gyflog o £164,000 yn wahanol iawn i'r hyn sy'n boenus i unigolyn sy'n byw mewn poen cronig, sydd angen gofal ond sy'n gorfod dewis rhwng gwresogi, bwyta neu awr ychwanegol o gymorth. Mae gennym fwy o bobl yng Nghymru sydd angen gofal oherwydd ein hamgylchiadau hŷn, salach a thlotach. Nid wyf wedi clywed unrhyw beth gan Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cymru am hyrwyddo anghenion Cymru, ac mae'r Llywodraeth hon wedi bod yn dawel yn ystod proses gyllidebol y DU ynglŷn â'r angen i sicrhau ein bod yn derbyn y cyllid sydd ei angen i ofalu am bobl Cymru.
Gofynnir i awdurdodau lleol wthio pobl i ymyl y dibyn, a chânt eu gorfodi i wneud penderfyniadau poenus eu hunain. Faint y byddant yn cynyddu’r dreth fwyaf atchweliadol, sy’n brifo’r tlotaf fwyaf? Pa wasanaethau y byddant yn eu torri? A fydd yn rhaid iddynt ddiswyddo gweithwyr allweddol? A dyna’r cyd-destun y disgwylir i ddarparwyr gofal cymdeithasol weithredu ynddo.
Felly, rhaid i'r ateb fod yn ddeublyg: buddsoddiad, ie, ond hefyd, cyfeiriad cenedlaethol clir, dealltwriaeth gyffredin nad cost i'w ffrwyno yw gofal cymdeithasol, ond gwasanaeth sy'n cynnal cymunedau, yn galluogi annibyniaeth ac yn cryfhau'r economi. Dychmygwch beth y gallai Cymru ei gyflawni pe baem yn trin gofal cymdeithasol nid fel argyfwng i'w reoli, ond fel ased cenedlaethol i adeiladu arno, lle nad yw mynediad pobl at ofal yn dibynnu ar ba mor ddwfn yw eu waledi; system lle mae gan ofalwyr hawliau go iawn a mynediad at seibiant, lle mae'r gronfa gymorth i ofalwyr a'r cynllun seibiant byr wedi'u hymgorffori yn bileri cymorth craidd, lle caiff arloesi lleol ei gefnogi gan ymrwymiad cenedlaethol. Dyna'r Gymru y mae Plaid Cymru eisiau ei gweld, Cymru lle mae gofal yn sylfaen i'n system iechyd, nid y piler sy'n cael ei anghofio.
Ddirprwy Lywydd, prawf moesol unrhyw Lywodraeth yw sut y mae'n trin y rhai sy'n rhoi gofal a'r rhai sydd ei angen. Mae'n bryd pasio'r prawf hwnnw. Felly, gadewch inni gyflymu'r broses tuag at wasanaeth gofal gwirioneddol genedlaethol, un sy'n cyflawni ei addewidion, yn gwerthfawrogi ei bobl, ac yn rhoi urddas i bob dinesydd y mae'n ei wasanaethu. Oherwydd pan fyddwn yn gofalu'n well, mae pob un ohonom yn byw'n well. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Rwyf wedi dethol y gwelliannau i'r cynnig. Os derbynnir gwelliant 1, caiff gwelliant 2 ei ddad-dethol. Galwaf ar James Evans i gynnig gwelliant 1 yn enw Paul Davies.
I have selected the amendments to the motion. If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be deselected. I call on James Evans to move amendment 1 in the name of Paul Davies.
Gwelliant 1—Paul Davies
Dileu popeth a rhoi yn ei le:
1. Yn gresynu:
a) bod y Cytundeb Cydweithio rhwng Llafur a Phlaid Cymru i sefydlu gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol wedi methu â chyflawni newid ystyrlon yn y sector gofal cymdeithasol;
b) bod baich treth cynyddol Llywodraeth Lafur y DU a roddir ar gyflogwyr, drwy godiadau yswiriant gwladol, yn bygwth hyfywedd llawer o ddarparwyr gofal;
c) bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi methu cefnogi'r gwaith o ddatblygu gweithlu digonol ar gyfer y sector gofal cymdeithasol, gan gynnwys mynediad digonol at hyfforddiant, a chadw gweithwyr gofal cymdeithasol yng Nghymru;
d) bod bwlch brawychus ac annerbyniol rhwng polisi ac ymarfer ar asesiadau ar gyfer gofalwyr a darparu cymorth; ac
e) bod problemau parhaus o ran mynediad at becynnau gofal sy'n arwain at oedi wrth ryddhau o'r ysbyty.
2. Yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i:
a) cyflwyno hawl statudol i seibiant, gydag isafswm o 14 diwrnod y flwyddyn ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl; a
b) datblygu a chyhoeddi dangosyddion perfformiad allweddol ystyrlon, yn y parth cyhoeddus, i gefnogi gwelliannau mewn gofal cymdeithasol, gan gynnwys mynediad at asesiadau, darparu cymorth amserol, mynediad at seibiant, a datblygu'r gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol.
Amendment 1—Paul Davies
Delete all and replace with:
1. Regrets:
a) that the Co-operation Agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru to establish a national care service has failed to deliver meaningful change in the social care sector;
b) the UK Labour Government’s increased tax burden placed upon employers, through national insurance rises, are threatening the viability of many care providers;
c) the failure of the Welsh Government to support the development of a sufficient workforce for the social care sector, including adequate access to training, and the retention of social care workers in Wales;
d) the alarming and unacceptable gap between policy and practice on assessments for carers and the provision of support; and
e) the continued problems with accessing care packages resulting in delays in hospital discharges.
2. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) introduce a statutory right to respite, with a minimum of 14 days per annum for unpaid carers; and
b) develop and publish in the public domain, meaningful key performance indicators to support improvements in social care, including on access to assessments, the timely provision of support, access to respite, and the development of the social care workforce.
Cynigiwyd gwelliant 1.
Amendment 1 moved.
Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I move the amendment tabled in the name of my colleague Paul Davies. As has been rightly said, this debate today is on social care in Wales, and I think it's a debate we need to have more and more regularly, because it is a system that truly works for those people who rely on it, when it works, and when it isn't falling down. But I think what we do need to acknowledge is it is a system under huge strain. The people who are working in it are under huge strain, and the people who need to access it can't get that timely access that they need, and that really does need to change.
The Government's programme to establish a national care service, developed through the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, was announced with ambition, and it was warmly received on these benches at the time, but progress has been slow. I'm sure the Minister will update us later on what progress has been made because, years on, we're still lacking that clear structure, the accountability and the measurable outcomes of what that national care service is going to deliver.
Our amendment does regret the Labour-Plaid Cymru plan, that it has failed to deliver that meaningful change. As I said, the sector remains under pressure, and the gaps between policy and practice continue to grow, because time and time again, Government come out with a policy and, unfortunately, it isn't implemented on the ground.
There are other problems facing our social care sector, aren't there? The UK Labour Government's decision to raise national insurance contributions has placed further burdens on employers, threatening the viability of many small and medium-sized care providers across Wales. Care businesses need support, not extra costs, and I'm sure I'm not the only Member who speaks to care providers in my own constituency who tell us how the national insurance contributions put a real pressure on them, and actually their ability to employ those fantastic staff who work in our social care sector. It's very disappointing that we've actually not heard much on that from the Welsh Government, in opposition to what their colleagues have been doing down in Westminster.
But I think what we need to regret as well is the Welsh Government's ongoing failure to build and retain a sustainable care workforce across Wales, because social care staff continue to face low pay, poor progression and limited access to training, despite being on the front line of community well-being, because if we didn't have those staff there, we would not be able to support the people who really do need that care. What I want to see is better career progression for people in our social care system. I want to see them have better training opportunities. I want to see them have better pay for the work that they do, because the work they do is absolutely phenomenal, supporting the most vulnerable people in our society.
And I think what we haven't mentioned much there—Mabon did touch on it—is about unpaid carers, and the situation is equally concerning for unpaid carers. Too many still wait far too long for their carers' needs assessments, the level of respite support varies drastically between the local authorities across Wales, and these delays are totally unacceptable. We have heard numerous accounts that if we put those unpaid carers into the system and paid them, it would bankrupt the Welsh Government. It's equivalent to what the health budget is. So, we do need to do more to support our unpaid carers, especially our young carers as well—those people who sometimes don't realise that they're caring, those children who look after their parents or their siblings before they go to school, when they come home, or when they're in school having texts saying, 'You're going to have to come home because I need help.' That's one thing we really do need to focus on, and make sure that they have proper educational outcomes, that they're not losing their education, that they have that mental health support available to them. Also, that they get the same opportunities afforded to them as any other person in their year group in school, and that's something I think we really do need to focus on.
But one thing I do not want to see is the arguments that really frustrate me—and, I'm sure, other Members—that we have between local authorities and health boards about who is actually managing someone's care. I would like to see much closer integration than we've currently got—over and above, probably, the regional partnership board model that we've got—because I think, far too often, we have seen people arguing back and forth about money and not putting that person's needs front and centre of what they need.
So, our motion today wants to introduce a statutory right to respite, guaranteeing 14 days of respite care a year for unpaid carers. I'd like to see that potentially go even further, because carers deserve a legal right of rest and support, and not just the promise of rest and support that comes from local authorities.
Secondly, I think we need to develop and publish clear performance indicators for social care, so we can measure improvements in workforce development and access to assessment, provision of respite and the timelines of care packages, because sometimes without that transparency and accountability of data, there cannot be that real progress that we need to see in the system.
I know I've run out of time very quickly, Deputy Presiding Officer, but I believe the actions in our motion are practical, measurable and achievable, and they'd make a genuine difference to carers, patients and families, and, ultimately, the workforce that underpins our care system. I think everybody across this Chamber, regardless of political affiliation, should do everything we can to support our social care system, because if we don't sort out our social care system we will never address some of the problems that we face in our NHS.
I know I've run out of time, Deputy Presiding Officer—
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd, ac rwy'n cynnig y gwelliant a gyflwynwyd yn enw fy nghyd-Aelod Paul Davies. Fel y dywedwyd yn gywir ddigon, mae'r ddadl hon heddiw ar ofal cymdeithasol yng Nghymru, ac rwy'n credu ei bod yn ddadl y mae angen i ni ei chael yn fwyfwy rheolaidd, gan ei bod yn system sy'n gweithio'n iawn i'r bobl sy'n dibynnu arni pan fo'n gweithio, a phan nad yw'n methu. Ond rwy'n credu bod angen inni gydnabod ei bod yn system sydd o dan straen enfawr. Mae'r bobl sy'n gweithio ynddi o dan straen enfawr, ac ni all y bobl sydd angen mynediad ati gael y mynediad amserol sydd ei angen arnynt, ac mae gwir angen i hynny newid.
Cyhoeddwyd rhaglen y Llywodraeth i sefydlu gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol, a ddatblygwyd drwy'r cytundeb cydweithio â Phlaid Cymru, gydag uchelgais, a chafodd ei chroesawu ar y meinciau hyn ar y pryd, ond mae'r cynnydd wedi bod yn araf. Rwy'n siŵr y bydd y Gweinidog yn rhoi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i ni yn nes ymlaen ynglŷn â pha gynnydd a wnaed, oherwydd flynyddoedd yn ddiweddarach, rydym yn dal i fod heb strwythur clir, atebolrwydd a chanlyniadau mesuradwy i'r hyn y bydd y gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol hwnnw'n ei gyflawni.
Mae ein gwelliant yn gresynu at gynllun Llafur a Phlaid Cymru, ei fod wedi methu cyflawni'r newid ystyrlon hwnnw. Fel y dywedais, mae'r sector yn parhau i fod o dan bwysau, ac mae'r bylchau rhwng polisi ac ymarfer yn parhau i dyfu, oherwydd dro ar ôl tro, mae'r Llywodraeth yn cyhoeddi polisi, ac yn anffodus, nid yw'n cael ei weithredu ar lawr gwlad.
Mae problemau eraill yn wynebu ein sector gofal cymdeithasol, onid oes? Mae penderfyniad Llywodraeth Lafur y DU i gynyddu cyfraniadau yswiriant gwladol wedi rhoi beichiau pellach ar gyflogwyr, gan fygwth hyfywedd llawer o ddarparwyr gofal bach a chanolig ledled Cymru. Cymorth sydd ei angen ar fusnesau gofal, nid costau ychwanegol, ac rwy'n siŵr nad fi yw'r unig Aelod sy'n siarad â darparwyr gofal yn fy etholaeth sy'n dweud wrthym sut y mae'r cyfraniadau yswiriant gwladol yn rhoi pwysau gwirioneddol arnynt, ac ar eu gallu i gyflogi'r staff gwych sy'n gweithio yn ein sector gofal cymdeithasol. Mae'n siomedig iawn nad ydym wedi clywed llawer am hynny gan Lywodraeth Cymru, i wrthwynebu'r hyn y mae eu cymheiriaid wedi bod yn ei wneud i lawr yn San Steffan.
Ond credaf fod angen inni resynu hefyd at fethiant parhaus Llywodraeth Cymru i adeiladu a chadw gweithlu gofal cynaliadwy ledled Cymru, gan fod staff gofal cymdeithasol yn parhau i wynebu cyflogau isel, dilyniant gyrfa gwael a mynediad cyfyngedig at hyfforddiant, er eu bod ar reng flaen llesiant cymunedol, oherwydd pe na bai gennym y staff hynny yno, ni fyddem yn gallu cefnogi'r bobl sydd angen y gofal hwnnw mewn gwirionedd. Yr hyn yr hoffwn ei weld yw dilyniant gyrfa gwell i bobl yn ein system gofal cymdeithasol. Hoffwn eu gweld yn cael cyfleoedd hyfforddi gwell. Hoffwn eu gweld yn cael cyflog gwell am y gwaith a wnânt, gan fod y gwaith a wnânt yn gwbl wych, yn cefnogi'r bobl fwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymdeithas.
A chredaf mai'r hyn nad ydym wedi sôn llawer amdano—er i Mabon ei grybwyll—yw gofalwyr di-dâl, ac mae'r sefyllfa yr un mor wael i ofalwyr di-dâl. Mae gormod o ofalwyr yn dal i aros yn rhy hir am asesiadau o'u hanghenion, mae lefel y cymorth seibiant yn amrywio'n sylweddol rhwng yr awdurdodau lleol ledled Cymru, ac mae'r oedi hwn yn gwbl annerbyniol. Rydym wedi clywed nifer o adroddiadau sy'n nodi, pe baem yn rhoi'r gofalwyr di-dâl hynny yn y system ac yn eu talu, y byddai Llywodraeth Cymru yn mynd yn fethdalwr. Mae'n gyfwerth â'r gyllideb iechyd. Felly, mae angen inni wneud mwy i gefnogi ein gofalwyr di-dâl, yn enwedig ein gofalwyr ifanc—y bobl hynny nad ydynt weithiau'n sylweddoli eu bod yn gofalu, y plant hynny sy'n gofalu am eu rhieni neu frodyr a chwiorydd cyn iddynt fynd i'r ysgol, pan fyddant yn dod adref, neu pan fyddant yn yr ysgol yn cael negeseuon testun yn dweud, 'Rhaid iti ddod adref gan fod angen help arnaf.' Dyna un peth y mae gwir angen inni ganolbwyntio arno, a sicrhau bod ganddynt ganlyniadau addysgol priodol, nad ydynt yn colli eu haddysg, fod cymorth iechyd meddwl ar gael iddynt. Hefyd, eu bod yn cael yr un cyfleoedd ag unrhyw unigolyn arall yn eu grŵp blwyddyn yn yr ysgol, ac mae hynny'n rhywbeth y credaf fod gwir angen inni ganolbwyntio arno.
Ond un peth nad wyf am ei weld yw'r dadleuon sy'n gwneud imi deimlo'n hynod rwystredig—ac Aelodau eraill, rwy'n siŵr—a welwn rhwng awdurdodau lleol a byrddau iechyd ynghylch pwy sy'n rheoli gofal rhywun. Hoffwn weld integreiddio llawer agosach na'r hyn sydd gennym ar hyn o bryd—yn ychwanegol at fodel y byrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol sydd gennym yn ôl pob tebyg—gan fy mod yn credu ein bod, yn rhy aml, wedi gweld pobl yn dadlau yn ôl ac ymlaen am arian yn hytrach na rhoi anghenion yr unigolyn dan sylw yn gyntaf.
Felly, mae ein cynnig heddiw am gyflwyno hawl statudol i seibiant, gan warantu 14 diwrnod o ofal seibiant y flwyddyn i ofalwyr di-dâl. Hoffwn weld hynny'n mynd hyd yn oed ymhellach o bosib, gan fod gofalwyr yn haeddu hawl gyfreithiol i orffwys a chymorth, yn hytrach nag addewid o orffwys a chymorth yn unig gan awdurdodau lleol.
Yn ail, credaf fod angen inni ddatblygu a chyhoeddi dangosyddion perfformiad clir ar gyfer gofal cymdeithasol, fel y gallwn fesur gwelliannau i ddatblygu'r gweithlu a mynediad at asesiadau, darpariaeth seibiant ac amserlenni pecynnau gofal, oherwydd weithiau, heb ddata atebol a thryloyw, ni ellir sicrhau'r cynnydd gwirioneddol y mae angen i ni ei weld yn y system.
Gwn fod fy amser yn dod i ben yn fuan iawn, Ddirprwy Lywydd, ond rwy'n credu bod y camau gweithredu yn ein cynnig yn ymarferol, yn fesuradwy ac yn gyraeddadwy, ac y byddent yn gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol i ofalwyr, cleifion a theuluoedd, ac yn y pen draw, i'r gweithlu sy'n sail i'n system ofal. Credaf y dylai pawb ar draws y Siambr, ym mhob un o'r pleidiau, wneud popeth yn ein gallu i gefnogi ein system gofal cymdeithasol, oherwydd os na chawn drefn ar ein system gofal cymdeithasol, nid awn byth i'r afael â rhai o'r problemau a wynebwn yn ein GIG.
Rwy'n gwybod bod fy amser ar ben, Ddirprwy Lywydd—
You have.
Ydy.
—and I would encourage everybody today to support the Welsh Conservative amendment.
—ac rwy'n annog pawb heddiw i gefnogi gwelliant y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig.
A galwaf ar y Gweinidog Plant a Gofal Cymdeithasol i gynnig gwelliant 2 yn enw Jane Hutt.
And I call on the Minister for Children and Social Care to move amendment 2, tabled in the name of Jane Hutt.
Do you formally move the amendment?
A ydych chi'n cynnig y gwelliant yn ffurfiol?
Gwelliant 2—Jane Hutt
Dileu popeth a rhoi yn ei le:
Cynnig bod y Senedd:
1. Yn nodi'r rhaglen i sefydlu gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol i Gymru, sef ymrwymiad ar y cyd yn y cytundeb cydweithio rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a Phlaid Cymru.
2. Yn cydnabod y cynnydd a wnaed ar raglen waith Cam 1 mewn partneriaeth, gan gynnwys:
a) sefydlu Swyddfa Genedlaethol Gofal a Chymorth i ddarparu arweinyddiaeth genedlaethol gref, gan weithio ochr yn ochr â swydd Prif Swyddog Gofal Cymdeithasol Cymru.
b) sefydlu'r egwyddorion a'r safonau cenedlaethol i lywio'r gwaith o drawsnewid i gomisiynu gwasanaethau gofal a chymorth mewn modd sy'n canolbwyntio ar y person;
c) deddfu ar ddileu elw o ofal plant ac estyn yr opsiwn o daliadau uniongyrchol i bobl sy'n cael gofal iechyd parhaus; a
d) sefydlu Partneriaeth y Gweithlu Gofal Cymdeithasol a'i gwaith i ddatblygu fframwaith tâl a dilyniant.
3. Yn croesawu gwaith Llywodraeth Cymru i wneud y canlynol:
a) cydgynhyrchu glasbrint ar gyfer System Gofal Cymunedol Integredig i Gymru;
b) cryfhau llywodraethiant cenedlaethol a rhanbarthol i arwain a chefnogi system iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol fwy cydgysylltiedig yng Nghymru;
c) buddsoddi £278m y flwyddyn drwy Fyrddau Partneriaeth Rhanbarthol i feithrin capasiti ar gyfer gofal cymunedol integredig yn ogystal â buddsoddi £30m mewn llwybrau gofal, o ganlyniad i'r cytundeb cyllideb gyda Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru;
d) cryfhau deddfwriaeth a chanllawiau mewn perthynas ag integreiddio a gweithio mewn partneriaeth, gan gynnwys cydgomisiynu a chyfuno adnoddau;
e) sbarduno'r gwaith o gyflawni'r strategaeth ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl, gan gynnwys y cynllun seibiannau byr i helpu gofalwyr gyda'u gweithgareddau hanfodol;
f) sefydlu Fforwm y Gweithlu Gofal Cymdeithasol a pharhau i ariannu'r Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol i'n gweithlu gwerthfawr; a
g) cynnal y gyfundrefn fwyaf hael o ran codi tâl yn y DU gyda therfyn cyfalaf o £50,000 ar gyfer gofal preswyl a chap wythnosol o £100 ar gyfer gofal cartref.
Amendment 2—Jane Hutt
Delete all and replace with:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes the programme to establish a national care service for Wales, a joint co-operation agreement commitment between Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.
2. Acknowledges progress made on the Stage 1 programme of work in partnership, including:
a) establishing a National Office for Care and Support to provide strong national leadership working alongside the Chief Social Care Officer for Wales post;
b) establishing the national principles and standards to guide the transformation of person-centred commissioning of care and support services;
c) legislating on the removal of profit from the care of children and extending the option of direct payments to people receiving continuing healthcare; and
d) establishing the Social Care Workforce Partnership and their work to develop a pay and progression framework.
3. Welcomes the work of the Welsh Government to:
a) co-produce a blueprint for an Integrated Community Care System for Wales;
b) strengthen national and regional governance to lead and support a more joined up health and social care system in Wales;
c) invest £278m a year through Regional Partnership Boards to build capacity for integrated community care as well as investing £30m in pathways of care, as a result of the budget deal with the Welsh Liberal Democrats;
d) strengthen legislation and guidance in relation to integration and partnership working, including joint commissioning and pooling of resources;
e) drive the delivery of the unpaid carers strategy including the short-break respite scheme to help cares in their vital activities;
f) establish the Social Care Workforce Forum and continue funding the paying of the Real Living Wage for our valuable workforce; and
g) maintaining the most generous charging regime in the UK with a capital limit of £50,000 for residential care and a weekly cap of £100 for domiciliary care.
Cynigiwyd gwelliant 2.
Amendment 2 moved.
Formally, sorry.
Yn ffurfiol, mae’n ddrwg gennyf.
Thank you. Sioned Williams.
Diolch. Sioned Williams.
Across Wales, more than 300,000 people care for a loved one. These unpaid carers hold families together when the system around them is falling apart, cooking meals, managing medication, providing round-the-clock care, often with no support, no rest and no recognition. While their care keeps services afloat, worth over £10 billion a year, they themselves are sinking—sinking into exhaustion, financial hardship and, too often, invisibility.
When the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 was introduced, it promised a better deal for carers, the right to well-being, the right to information and advice, and the right to a needs assessment. Yet rights are only as strong as their delivery, and in Wales that delivery has fallen desperately short. The Government talks about driving delivery in their amendment, but I'm afraid that's where the problem lies. In their 2024 report, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales found that just 2.8 per cent of carers in the four investigated local authorities had received a carers' needs assessment, and just 1.5 per cent had received a support plan.
Carers Wales says that due to a lack of funding and increased demand for support, local authorities are often not offering any support for carers and providing limited support for others. Their recently published 'State of Caring in Wales 2025' survey found that 75 per cent of those who responded had not had a carers' needs assessment in the last 12 months. We can't let this continue. The consequences, both human and financial, are absolutely unsustainable.
We hear so much about the need to take a preventative approach to health and social care. What could be more preventative than the call in our motion to ensure that all unpaid carers receive a needs assessment within a 28-day period? So, will the Government commit to that? And if not, why not?
The report from Carers Wales reveals such a concerning picture, but it's unfortunately a very familiar picture that we hear described in debate after debate, year after year. The report worryingly shows a 53 per cent increase in the number of unpaid carers in Wales cutting back on essentials since last year. Fifty-three per cent. A third of carers are cutting back on food or heating. Two thirds say their financial situation is harming their mental health. One in 10 is already in debt because of their caring role. And, of course, behind every statistic are people, people who are struggling. The experiences conveyed in the report say it all. One said, 'Only my husband’s room is heated; I just wear six layers in the winter.'
The Welsh Government, under the 2014 Act, has a duty to promote the well-being of carers, and that means creating accountability when those rights are not delivered. So, does the Government agree with Plaid Cymru that it's time for a revised implementation plan, one with ring-fenced funding, clear timelines and robust accountability to make those rights a lived reality? Too many carers are being left with inadequate support.
Carers allowance is the lowest of all UK Government benefits, so has the Welsh Government made any representations to their partners in Westminster on increasing that financial support? It's clear too that unpaid carers are impacted by breakdowns and inadequacies in social care support. The 'State of Caring' report says many are left, and I quote,
'to muddle on with empty promises. Others, if and when services are made available, suffer inconsistent delivery and additional complexities caused by a system that paid professionals find difficult to navigate, placing an utterly unrealistic expectation on time-poor carers to successfully engage with to secure the support they need.'
I'd like to know the Minister's response to that.
Plaid Cymru backs Carers Wales's call to recognise unpaid carers as a priority group when devising future anti-poverty and cost-of-living policy interventions, and also their calls on Government to commit to long-term funding for the short-break scheme. Because while the Government has recognised the importance of respite, it's not being delivered consistently. So, we are calling for a legal, minimum, annual allocation of respite days for unpaid carers. The experiences captured in the 'State of Caring' report underline why this call is so needed:
'No support from social services. Not able to contact them. No help from them anyway, as they have no funds available.'
'I was told that no care homes were providing full-day care or short respite breaks in my area.'
It's time to close the gap between rhetoric and reality of how carers are being supported. Is the Government—
Ledled Cymru, mae mwy na 300,000 o bobl yn gofalu am anwyliaid. Mae'r gofalwyr di-dâl hyn yn dal teuluoedd at ei gilydd pan fydd y system o'u cwmpas yn methu, yn coginio prydau bwyd, yn rheoli meddyginiaeth, yn darparu gofal 24 awr y dydd, yn aml heb unrhyw gymorth, unrhyw orffwys nac unrhyw gydnabyddiaeth. Er bod eu gofal yn cadw gwasanaethau rhag cael eu llethu, ac yn werth dros £10 biliwn y flwyddyn, maent hwy eu hunain wedi ymlâdd, yn dioddef caledi ariannol ac yn rhy aml, yn anweledig.
Pan gyflwynwyd Deddf Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a Llesiant (Cymru) 2014, fe addawodd well bargen i ofalwyr, yr hawl i lesiant, yr hawl i wybodaeth a chyngor, a'r hawl i asesiad o'u hanghenion. Ac eto, nid yw hawliau ond mor gryf â'r ffordd y cânt eu cyflawni, ac yng Nghymru mae'r gwaith o'u cyflawni yn ddiffygiol iawn. Mae'r Llywodraeth yn sôn am sbarduno cyflawniad yn eu gwelliant, ond mae arnaf ofn mai dyna ble mae'r broblem. Yn eu hadroddiad yn 2024, canfu Ombwdsmon Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus Cymru mai 2.8 y cant yn unig o ofalwyr yn y pedwar awdurdod lleol a archwiliwyd a oedd wedi cael asesiad o'u hanghenion, ac mai 1.5 y cant yn unig a oedd wedi cael cynllun cymorth.
Dywed Gofalwyr Cymru, oherwydd diffyg cyllid a galw cynyddol am gymorth, fod awdurdodau lleol yn aml yn methu cynnig unrhyw gymorth i ofalwyr, ac ond yn darparu cymorth cyfyngedig i eraill. Canfu eu harolwg a gyhoeddwyd yn ddiweddar, 'Cyflwr Gofalu yng Nghymru 2025', nad oedd 75 y cant o'r rhai a ymatebodd wedi cael asesiad o anghenion gofalwyr yn y 12 mis diwethaf. Ni allwn adael i hyn barhau. Mae'r canlyniadau dynol ac ariannol yn gwbl anghynaliadwy.
Clywn gymaint am yr angen i fabwysiadu dull ataliol o weithredu iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol. Beth allai fod yn fwy ataliol na'r alwad yn ein cynnig i sicrhau bod pob gofalwr di-dâl yn cael asesiad o anghenion o fewn cyfnod o 28 diwrnod? Felly, a wnaiff y Llywodraeth ymrwymo i hynny? Ac os na wnewch, pam?
Mae'r adroddiad gan Gofalwyr Cymru yn datgelu darlun mor dorcalonnus, ond yn anffodus, mae'n ddarlun cyfarwydd iawn sy'n cael ei ddisgrifio mewn dadl ar ôl dadl, flwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn. Mae'n destun gofid fod yr adroddiad yn dangos cynnydd o 53 y cant yn nifer y gofalwyr di-dâl yng Nghymru sy'n torri'n ôl ar hanfodion ers y llynedd. Pum deg tri y cant. Mae traean o ofalwyr yn torri'n ôl ar fwyd neu wresogi. Mae dwy ran o dair yn dweud bod eu sefyllfa ariannol yn niweidio eu hiechyd meddwl. Mae un o bob 10 eisoes mewn dyled oherwydd eu rôl fel gofalwyr. Ac wrth gwrs, y tu ôl i bob ystadegyn, mae pobl, pobl sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd. Mae'r profiadau sy'n cael eu cyfleu yn yr adroddiad yn dweud y cyfan. Dywedodd un, 'Dim ond ystafell fy ngŵr sy'n cael ei gwresogi; rwy'n gwisgo chwe haen o ddillad yn y gaeaf.'
Mae gan Lywodraeth Cymru ddyletswydd o dan Ddeddf 2014 i hyrwyddo lles gofalwyr, ac mae hynny'n golygu creu atebolrwydd pan na chaiff yr hawliau hynny eu cyflawni. Felly, a yw'r Llywodraeth yn cytuno â Phlaid Cymru ei bod yn bryd cael cynllun gweithredu diwygiedig, un sydd â chyllid wedi'i glustnodi, amserlenni clir ac atebolrwydd cadarn i wireddu'r hawliau hynny? Mae gormod o ofalwyr yn cael eu gadael heb ddigon o gymorth.
Y lwfans gofalwr yw'r isaf o holl fudd-daliadau Llywodraeth y DU, felly a yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi gwneud unrhyw sylwadau i'w phartneriaid yn San Steffan ynghylch cynyddu'r cymorth ariannol hwnnw? Mae'n amlwg hefyd fod gofalwyr di-dâl yn cael eu heffeithio gan fethiannau ac annigonolrwydd cymorth gofal cymdeithasol. Mae adroddiad 'Cyflwr Gofalu' yn dweud bod llawer yn cael eu gadael
'i ymdopi ag addewidion gwag. Mae eraill, os a phan fydd gwasanaethau ar gael, yn dioddef darpariaeth anghyson a chymhlethdodau ychwanegol a achosir gan system y mae gweithwyr proffesiynol cyflogedig yn ei chael hi'n anodd ei llywio, gan osod disgwyliad cwbl afrealistig ar ofalwyr heb lawer o amser i ymgysylltu'n llwyddiannus â nhw er mwyn sicrhau'r cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt.'
Hoffwn glywed ymateb y Gweinidog i hynny.
Mae Plaid Cymru'n cefnogi galwad Gofalwyr Cymru i gydnabod gofalwyr di-dâl fel grŵp blaenoriaeth wrth lunio ymyriadau polisi gwrth-dlodi a chostau byw yn y dyfodol, ynghyd â'u galwadau ar y Llywodraeth i ymrwymo i gyllid hirdymor ar gyfer y cynllun seibiant byr. Oherwydd er bod y Llywodraeth wedi cydnabod pwysigrwydd seibiant, nid yw'n cael ei ddarparu'n gyson. Felly, rydym yn galw am ddyrannu isafswm cyfreithiol blynyddol o ddiwrnodau seibiant ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl. Mae'r profiadau a gofnodwyd yn adroddiad 'Cyflwr Gofalu' yn tanlinellu pam fod cymaint o angen am yr alwad hon:
'Dim cefnogaeth gan y gwasanaethau cymdeithasol. Methu cysylltu â nhw. Dim cymorth ganddynt beth bynnag, gan nad oes ganddynt unrhyw arian ar gael.'
'Dywedwyd wrthyf nad oedd unrhyw gartrefi gofal yn darparu gofal diwrnod llawn na seibiannau byr yn fy ardal i.'
Mae'n bryd cau'r bwlch rhwng rhethreg a realiti'r ffordd y caiff gofalwyr eu cefnogi. A yw'r Llywodraeth—
You need to conclude now, please, Sioned.
Mae angen ichi ddirwyn i ben, os gwelwch yn dda, Sioned.
Yes, this is my last sentence. Is the Government proud of its record in supporting unpaid carers? Does it think that the 52 per cent of unpaid carers in Wales cutting back on food and heating would be proud of what the Welsh Government claims to have achieved in relation to support for carers across the quarter century it's been in power in Wales? Diolch.
Iawn, dyma fy mrawddeg olaf. A yw'r Llywodraeth yn falch o'i hanes o gefnogi gofalwyr di-dâl? A yw'n credu y byddai'r 52 y cant o ofalwyr di-dâl yng Nghymru sy'n torri'n ôl ar fwyd a gwresogi yn falch o'r hyn y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn honni ei bod wedi'i gyflawni mewn perthynas â chymorth i ofalwyr dros y chwarter canrif y mae wedi bod mewn grym yng Nghymru? Diolch.
I'm very pleased that we're having this debate on the national care service today. I was very pleased to work with Cefin Campbell. Is he—? Yes, Cefin Campbell is there. These pillars get in the way sometimes. But I was very pleased to work with Cefin on pushing forward the idea of having a national care service as part of the co-operation agreement, and I really valued the progress and the work that we did together.
We established an expert group. That was the way we started it off, with both parties putting forward names and having independent experts in the field, who worked very intensely and then came up with a plan. The plan was that a national care service should be brought in in stages over 10 years, and that was what we agreed on. The first part would be the setting up of a national office and developing national standards, and I'm sure the Minister will be able to report to us what exactly has happened with that. But I certainly think that we have made progress towards moving towards a national care service.
But I do think that a lot of the things that the Government has done has contributed towards setting out the parameters of a national care service. One of the big things that has been done is introducing the real living wage to all social care workers, and I think this was a groundbreaking thing to do. That has recently been increased to £13.45 per hour. So, every adult social care worker in Wales should be paid on the real cost of living at the moment. Because, of course, the real living wage is independently calculated on the real cost of living. I think that is something that we should celebrate. There's a huge amount to do and I'm not denying that there's a big challenge ahead of us, but I think establishing this baseline is an essential part of moving to a national care service.
The other issue that I want to raise is the fact that the Government has capped domiciliary care at £100 per week. I think it's important to remember that in England there is no cap. That means that people in Wales at home are able to receive care at home however much they get and they will not have to pay more than £100. I would prefer them to be paying much less than that. Many people get it free. But it does seem to me that if we're moving towards a national care service, as we are, one of the ways of doing that is to reduce that cap. I think the fact that we've managed to keep the £100 cap during times of great severity is a very positive outcome. In fact, independent analysts have confirmed that Wales has the most generous social care charging regime in the UK, with the cap. People in care homes can keep £50,000 in capital so that people's assets can be protected, whereas in England, it's £23,250, and no cap in England for the domiciliary care charges.
When we set up this group, the aim was to move towards a national care service that would be free at the point of delivery in the same way that the national health service is free. Obviously, we've had very difficult financial times in terms of moving towards that, but I do think that keeping that cap at £100 is an achievement, and keeping this £50,000 is also an achievement, and I hope we can build on that.
Rwy'n falch iawn ein bod yn cael y ddadl hon ar y gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol heddiw. Roeddwn yn falch iawn o weithio gyda Cefin Campbell. A yw—? Ydy, mae Cefin Campbell yno. Mae'r pileri hyn yn mynd o'r ffordd weithiau. Ond roeddwn yn falch iawn o weithio gyda Cefin ar hyrwyddo'r syniad o gael gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol fel rhan o'r cytundeb cydweithio, ac roeddwn yn gwerthfawrogi'r cynnydd a'r gwaith a wnaethom gyda'n gilydd yn fawr.
Fe wnaethom sefydlu grŵp arbenigol. Dyna sut y gwnaethom ddechrau, gyda'r ddwy blaid yn cynnig enwau a chael arbenigwyr annibynnol yn y maes a weithiodd yn galed iawn ar lunio cynllun. Y cynllun oedd y dylid cyflwyno gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol fesul cam dros 10 mlynedd, a dyna a gytunwyd. Y rhan gyntaf fyddai sefydlu swyddfa genedlaethol a datblygu safonau cenedlaethol, ac rwy'n siŵr y bydd y Gweinidog yn gallu adrodd wrthym beth yn union sydd wedi digwydd gyda hynny. Ond rwy'n sicr yn credu ein bod wedi gwneud cynnydd tuag at symud at wasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol.
Ond credaf fod llawer o'r pethau y mae'r Llywodraeth wedi'u gwneud wedi cyfrannu at osod y paramedrau ar gyfer gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol. Un o'r pethau mawr a wnaed yw cyflwyno'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol i bob gweithiwr gofal cymdeithasol, ac rwy'n credu bod hyn yn beth arloesol i'w wneud. Mae wedi'i gynyddu'n ddiweddar i £13.45 yr awr. Felly, dylai pob gweithiwr gofal cymdeithasol i oedolion yng Nghymru fod yn cael cyflog byw gwirioneddol ar hyn o bryd. Oherwydd wrth gwrs, mae'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol yn cael ei gyfrifo'n annibynnol ar sail costau byw gwirioneddol. Credaf fod hynny'n rhywbeth y dylem ei ddathlu. Mae llawer iawn i'w wneud ac nid wyf yn gwadu bod her fawr o'n blaenau, ond credaf fod sefydlu'r llinell sylfaen hon yn rhan hanfodol o'r daith tuag at wasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol.
Y mater arall yr hoffwn ei godi yw'r ffaith bod y Llywodraeth wedi cyflwyno cap o £100 yr wythnos ar ofal cartref. Credaf ei bod yn bwysig cofio nad oes cap yn Lloegr. Golyga hynny fod pobl gartref yng Nghymru yn gallu derbyn faint bynnag o ofal yn y cartref sydd ei angen arnynt, ac ni fydd yn rhaid iddynt dalu mwy na £100. Byddai'n well gennyf pe baent yn talu llawer llai na hynny. Mae llawer o bobl yn ei gael am ddim. Ond ymddengys i mi, os ydym yn symud tuag at wasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol, fel yr ydym, un o'r ffyrdd o wneud hynny yw drwy leihau'r cap hwnnw. Credaf fod y ffaith ein bod wedi llwyddo i gadw'r cap £100 mewn cyfnodau anodd tu hwnt yn ganlyniad cadarnhaol iawn. Mewn gwirionedd, mae dadansoddwyr annibynnol wedi cadarnhau mai Cymru sydd â'r drefn godi tâl am ofal cymdeithasol fwyaf hael yn y DU, gyda'r cap hwnnw. Gall pobl mewn cartrefi gofal gadw £50,000 mewn cyfalaf fel y gellir diogelu asedau pobl, tra bo'r ffigur yn Lloegr yn £23,250, heb unrhyw gap ar daliadau gofal cartref.
Pan wnaethom sefydlu'r grŵp hwn, y nod oedd symud tuag at wasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol a fyddai am ddim yn y man darparu yn yr un modd ag y mae'r gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol am ddim. Yn amlwg, rydym wedi cael cyfnodau ariannol anodd iawn o ran symud tuag at hynny, ond credaf fod cadw'r cap ar £100 yn gyflawniad, a bod cadw'r £50,000 hefyd yn gyflawniad, ac rwy'n gobeithio y gallwn adeiladu ar hynny.
As you set up this expert working group to try and advance this, I just wondered what consideration you gave to the community nursing teams, which, when they work well, are brilliant. Because often people do need some medical intervention as well as social care. It does seem to have stalled. One of the crucial aspects of it is that it's multidisciplinary and it's got the support of the scheduling system, which used to be called Malinko, to avoid it having to be done by senior staff. It's just a brilliant system, but it doesn't seem to have been rolled out in the way I would have liked to have seen. It would have saved a huge amount of money in terms of keeping people out of hospital.
Wrth i chi sefydlu'r gweithgor arbenigol i geisio hyrwyddo hyn, roeddwn i'n meddwl tybed pa ystyriaeth y gwnaethoch ei rhoi i'r timau nyrsio cymunedol, sy'n wych pan fyddant yn gweithio'n dda. Oherwydd yn aml mae angen rhywfaint o ymyrraeth feddygol ar bobl yn ogystal â gofal cymdeithasol. Mae'n ymddangos bod hynny wedi dod i ben. Un o'r agweddau allweddol arno yw ei fod yn amlddisgyblaethol ac mae wedi'i gefnogi gan y system amserlennu, yr arferid ei galw'n Malinko, er mwyn osgoi gorfod ei wneud gan uwch staff. Mae'n system wych, ond nid yw'n ymddangos ei bod wedi cael ei chyflwyno yn y modd y buaswn wedi hoffi'i weld. Byddai wedi arbed swm enfawr o arian drwy gadw pobl allan o'r ysbyty.
Thank you very much for that intervention. I think that the community nursing service, as you say, is absolutely brilliant. I think that is something that should be developed and certainly is an essential part of a national care service.
Also, something that was mentioned earlier was the lack of progress in terms of the professionalisation of social care workers. Social Care Wales has registered every social care worker, which, again, has been a step forward. So, I think that there are lots of good things that are going on.
A lot of time has been spent talking about unpaid carers. I think this is an absolutely crucial part of the debate, because I'm sure more people are being cared for at home by unpaid carers than anybody else. In terms of these personalised breaks that are happening, I've met many of the people who have received them, and they have been very successful. And also the carers support fund, which Mabon mentioned.
I want to end with a big plug for the Young Carers Festival, which I was very pleased to introduce. I think it is an absolutely crucial thing. Three days away with their peers, being able to enjoy life, do some fun things, talk about what it's like being a carer. I think that's one of the things that I want to ask the Minister—if this can be permanently inbuilt.
But it's things like that, I think, that show that we do recognise, but I don't deny that we've a huge way to go. I think that we've made a start, but we've got a long way to go.
Diolch yn fawr am yr ymyriad. Rwy'n credu bod y gwasanaeth nyrsio cymunedol yn hollol wych, fel y dywedwch. Rwy'n credu bod hynny'n rhywbeth y dylid ei ddatblygu ac yn sicr, mae'n rhan allweddol o wasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol.
Hefyd, rhywbeth a grybwyllwyd yn gynharach oedd y diffyg cynnydd o ran proffesiynoli gweithwyr gofal cymdeithasol. Mae Gofal Cymdeithasol Cymru wedi cofrestru pob gweithiwr gofal cymdeithasol, ac mae hynny, unwaith eto, wedi bod yn gam ymlaen. Felly, rwy'n credu bod yna lawer o bethau da'n digwydd.
Treuliwyd llawer o amser yn siarad am ofalwyr di-dâl. Rwy'n credu bod hyn yn rhan hollol allweddol o'r ddadl, oherwydd rwy'n siŵr fod mwy o bobl yn cael gofal gartref gan ofalwyr di-dâl na chan unrhyw un arall. O ran y seibiannau wedi'u personoli sy'n digwydd, cyfarfûm â llawer o'r bobl sydd wedi'u cael, ac maent wedi bod yn llwyddiannus iawn. A hefyd y gronfa gymorth i ofalwyr, y soniodd Mabon amdani.
Rwyf am orffen drwy hyrwyddo'r Ŵyl Gofalwyr Ifanc yr oeddwn yn falch iawn o'i chyflwyno. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn hollol allweddol. Tri diwrnod i ffwrdd gyda'u cyfoedion, gallu mwynhau bywyd, gwneud pethau hwyliog, siarad am sut beth yw bod yn ofalwr. Rwy'n credu mai dyna un o'r pethau rwyf eisiau eu gofyn i'r Gweinidog—a ellir ymgorffori hyn yn barhaol.
Ond rwy'n credu mai pethau felly sy'n dangos ein bod ni'n cydnabod hyn, ond nid wyf yn gwadu bod gennym ffordd bell iawn i fynd. Rwy'n credu ein bod ni wedi dechrau, ond mae gennym ffordd bell i fynd.
Diolch yn fawr iawn. Dwi am gychwyn drwy siarad am ofalwyr di-dâl. I lawer gormod bobl, mae bod yn ofalwr yn golygu gorfod cydbwyso anghenion unigolyn arall efo gwaith, teulu, a'u bywyd personol eu hunain. Mae 145,000 o bobl yng Nghymru yn ceisio cydbwyso gwaith efo gofal di-dâl, efo 121,000 ohonyn nhw'n gyflogedig, a 30,000 yn darparu dros 50 awr o ofal yr wythnos. Mae'r pwysau mae hyn yn ei olygu yn aruthrol, ac yn arwain at broblemau iechyd meddwl, nosweithiau di-gwsg, a'r pryder parhaus o geisio sicrhau'r gofal cywir. Mae 60 y cant o ofalwyr yn adrodd eu bod nhw'n teimlo dan straen yn aml neu drwy'r amser.
Rydw i'n cyfrif fy hun yn ofalwr. Rydw i'n treulio cyfnodau yn gofalu am fy mam, sydd yn fraint mawr ond yn straen hefyd. Mae'r rhan fwyaf o ofalwyr mewn sefyllfa llawer anoddach na mi, ac rydw i'n cydymdeimlo'n fawr efo'r gofalwyr hynny sy'n gorfod rhoi'r gorau i'w gwaith, sy'n ei chael hi'n anodd cael mynediad at gymorth, sydd yn byw mewn tlodi, ac sydd yn gorfod wynebu system lle nad ydyn nhw'n cael yr hawliau na'r cynlluniau saib y maen nhw'n eu haeddu.
Rydw i'n cefnogi etholwr yn Arfon sydd wedi bod yn gofalu'n llawnamser am ei gŵr ers dros 13 o flynyddoedd. Mae ei gŵr hi'n dioddef o Parkinson's fasgwlaidd. Mae o wedi cael strôc, ac mae'r etholwr yn teimlo dan straen sylweddol o ganlyniad i'r cyfrifoldeb parhaus o ofalu. Mae hi wedi bod yn ymchwilio i opsiynau am gyfnod o seibiant i'w gŵr mewn cartref, ond wedi cael trafferth mawr canfod gwely i'w gŵr, hyd yn oed yn y sector breifat neu drwy wasanaethau'r cyngor. Mae'r diffyg yma'n peri pryder mawr iddi hi, ac yn ei rhwystro hi rhag cael yr egwyl sydd yn hanfodol iddi hi ac i'w gŵr. Mi fuaswn i'n ddiolchgar clywed beth ydy cynlluniau'r Llywodraeth i gynyddu gofal ysbaid o'r math yma. Mae o'n wahanol i'r cynllun ysbaid byr, ond mae o'n rhywbeth sydd angen ei ddatblygu ymhellach, ac yn sicr yn gallu cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr iawn pan mae o ar gael, a dydy o ddim ar gael yn llawer iawn rhy aml.
Dwi'n troi rŵan at y gofalwyr sy'n cael eu cyflogi i gefnogi unigolion bregus i fyw'n annibynnol yn ein cymunedau. Mae tua 88,000 o'r bobl yma'n gweithio yn y sector, ond mae hynny'n llawer llai na'r gofyn. Mae ymdrechion diweddar, megis cyhoeddi'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol ar gyfer gofalwyr, wedi gwella'r sefyllfa, ond mae statws y proffesiwn yn dal i fod ymhell y tu ôl i statws y rhai sy'n gweithio yn y sector iechyd. Mae penderfyniad Llywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig i godi cyfraniadau yswiriant gwladol y cyflogwr wedi gosod baich sylweddol ar y sector yma—sector sydd dan straen a than bwysau mawr yn barod. Dim syndod, felly, bod hyn wedi arwain at gynnydd sylweddol mewn swyddi gwag: bellach bron i 6 y cant o'r gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol cyfan.
I gloi, rydw i am dalu'r deyrnged uchaf posib i dîm gofalwyr oedolion Llŷn, gofalwyr cymunedol sy'n cael eu cyflogi drwy'r cyngor sir, ac sydd yn rhoi gofal arbennig iawn i fy mam yn ei chartref, a hynny ers misoedd lawer. Maen nhw'n gwneud gwaith arwrol, ac mae angen i ni gyd fel cymdeithas ac fel gwleidyddion drin gofalwyr efo'r parch uchaf posib, eu talu nhw'n briodol, a sicrhau amodau gwaith a llwybrau gyrfa pwrpasol. Wedi'r cyfan, dyma un o weithluoedd pwysicaf ein gwlad ni.
Thank you very much. I want to begin by speaking about unpaid carers. For far too many people, being a carer means having to balance another person's needs with work, family, and their own personal life. There are 145,000 people in Wales trying to strike that balance between work and unpaid care, with 121,000 of them in employment and 30,000 providing over 50 hours of care per week. The pressure that this causes is significant and can lead to mental health issues, sleepless nights, and the constant worry of trying to provide the right care. Sixty per cent of carers report that they feel under strain often or all of the time.
I count myself as a carer. I spend periods of time caring for my mother, which is a great privilege but is also a source of strain. Most carers are in a far more difficult position than me, and I sympathise a great deal with those carers who have to give up their work, who find it difficult to access support, who live in poverty and have to face a system where they cannot access the rights nor the respite opportunities that they deserve.
I am currently supporting a constituent in Arfon who has been caring full-time for her husband for over 13 years. Her husband suffers from vascular Parkinson's and has had a stroke, and the constituent feels under significant strain as a result of her ongoing caring responsibilities. She has been researching options for a period of respite for her husband in her home, but has had difficulty in finding a bed for her husband, even in the private sector or through council services. This lack of provision is a cause of great worry for her and is preventing her from receiving the vital break that she needs and that her husband needs. I would be grateful to hear what the Government's plans are to increase respite care of this kind. It's different to the short-break respite scheme, but it is something that does need to be developed further and certainly is very much appreciated when it is available, and it isn't available in far too many cases.
Turning now to those carers who are employed to support vulnerable individuals to live independently in our communities, there are around 88,000 people working in this sector, which is much less than the demand. There have been recent efforts made, such as the announcement of the real living wage for carers, and that has improved the situation, but the status of the profession continues to lag far behind that of those working in the health sector. The UK Government's decision to increase employer national insurance contributions has placed a significant additional burden on this sector, a sector that is already under a great deal of pressure. It's no surprise, therefore, that this has led to a significant increase in vacant posts, which now represent almost 6 per cent of the entire social care workforce.
To conclude, I want to pay the highest possible tribute to the Llŷn adult care team. They're community carers who are employed through the county council, and are currently providing exemplary care to my mother in her home, and have done for many months. They do heroic work, and all of us as a society and as politicians must treat carers with the greatest possible respect. We must remunerate them appropriately and guarantee good working conditions and clear career pathways for them. After all, this is one of the most important workforces in our nation.
Diolch yn fawr i Blaid Cymru am wneud y ddadl yma, dadl bwysig iawn, ac mae'n bwysig nad ydyn ni ddim yn anghofio'r mater yma. Dwi eisiau canolbwyntio—ac mae eraill wedi gwneud yn barod—ar ofalwyr di-dâl. Dwi'n cytuno'n llwyr gyda'r hyn y mae James, Sioned, Julie a Siân wedi'i ddweud ar y mater yma. Mae nifer ohonom ni'n gyfarwydd â gofalu am aelodau o'n teuluoedd, a dwi’n siŵr bod ein meddyliau ni y prynhawn yma yn mynd at Eluned, y Prif Weinidog, sydd, yng nghanol holl brysurdeb ei gwaith beunyddiol, wedi bod mor ofalgar o'i mam yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf.
Wrth gwrs, fel y dywedodd Siân, mae pobl mewn sefyllfa llawer, llawer yn waeth na ni, ond mae'n wir i ddweud mai un o'r pethau anoddaf dwi erioed wedi'i wneud oedd gorfod gofalu am fy nhad. Mae gweld rhywun rŷch chi'n ei garu yn colli'r gallu i wneud popeth yn anodd, yn dorcalonnus. Dim ond unwaith bob pythefnos ro'n i'n mynd i ofalu am fy nhad, er mwyn rhoi hoe i fy mam i, ond mae'r marciau yno o hyd. Mae wedi effeithio arnaf i hyd heddiw. Meddyliwch, felly, am y gofalwr sydd ar ei ben ei hun. Maen nhw yno. Maen nhw yn ein cymunedau ni. Efallai nad ydyn ni ddim yn clywed am lot ohonyn nhw. Efallai nad ydyn ni ddim yn clywed digon ohonyn nhw yn hala e-byst. Maen nhw'n rhy brysur i hala e-byst ac i ymgyrchu, ond maen nhw yno yn ein cymunedau ni—pobl sy'n gorfod gofalu 24 awr y dydd, saith diwrnod yr wythnos am y bobl maen nhw'n eu caru. Mae'r effaith gorfforol a'r effaith feddyliol mae hynny'n ei chael ar unigolyn yn drychinebus.
Maent yn arbed, fel y dywedodd James, miliynau ar filiynau o bunnau i'n gwasanaeth iechyd ac i'n hawdurdodau lleol, ond eto, maen nhw'n teimlo fel eu bod nhw wedi cael eu hanghofio, fel bod neb yn eu cefnogi, a bod neb yn poeni. Ro'n i'n gefnogwr cryf o'r cytundeb cydweithio rhwng y Llywodraeth a'r Blaid, yn rhannol oherwydd y gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol. Roedd modd i fi fynd i ddweud wrth etholwyr fel Beti George, 'Rŷn ni'n gwneud rhywbeth. Mae rhywbeth yn digwydd.' Gwaetha'r modd, fel rŷn ni wedi clywed yn barod, er bod y blynyddoedd wedi pasio, dyw gofalwyr o hyd ddim wedi gweld dim cynnydd yn y gefnogaeth. Mae llusgo traed wedi digwydd, ac mae llusgo traed, yn anffodus, yn nodweddiadol o ddatganoli yng Nghymru hyd yn hyn. Tra bod hynny'n digwydd, tra bod y llusgo traed yn digwydd, pan ŷn ni'n cario ymlaen i drio cael mwy a mwy o dystiolaeth o bosib, mae pobl yn parhau i ddioddef, ac mae'r anobaith yn dyfnhau.
Thank you to Plaid Cymru for bringing this debate forward. It's a very important debate, and it's important that we don't forget this issue. I want to focus, as others have done already, on unpaid carers. I agree entirely with what James, Sioned, Julie and Siân have already said on the issue. Many of us are familiar with caring for members of our families, and I'm sure that our thoughts this evening are with Eluned, the First Minister, who, in all of the hubbub of her responsibilities, has been so caring of her own mother in recent years.
Of course, as Siân said, people are in far worse positions than ourselves, but it's true to say that one of the most difficult things that I have ever done is caring for my own father. Seeing someone you love losing the ability to do everything is difficult, it is heartbreaking. I only cared for my father once a fortnight, to give my mother a break, but the scars remain. It has had a lasting impact on me. Just think, then, of the carer who is alone. They are there in our communities. Perhaps we don't hear from many of them. Perhaps we don't hear from enough of them, because they are simply too busy to be sending e-mails and to campaign, but they are there within our communities—people who have to care 24/7 for the people that they love. The physical impact and the mental impact that has on individuals is disastrous.
As James said, it saves millions and millions of pounds for our health service and our local authorities, but, again, they feel forgotten, they feel that nobody is supporting them, and that nobody cares about them. I was a strong supporter of the co-operation agreement between the Government and Plaid Cymru, partly because of the national care service issue. I could go and tell constituents like Beti George, 'We're doing something. Something is happening.' Unfortunately, as we have already heard, although years have passed, carers still haven't seen any progress in terms of support. There has been dragging of feet, and that, unfortunately, is characteristic of devolution in Wales to date. Whilst that is the case, whilst we continue to try and gather more and more evidence, people continue to suffer, and despair deepens.
These incredible people are dedicating their lives, day to day, to taking care of loved ones who need them. They deserve a policy landscape that is dedicated to carers, as dedicated to carers as carers are dedicated to their loved ones. We must work together to show carers how much we appreciate them, how grateful we are for what they are doing. We must ensure that whatever decisions are made are led by lived experiences—the lived experiences of carers, but also the lived experiences of those cared for across our nation.
The implementation of a pan-Wales director would allow for a co-ordinated approach to care policy and planning. And James is right, I am fed up of receiving e-mails about arguments between local authorities and health boards about who should help these people in their need. They just need help. They don't care who actually gives it. By creating a framework for a national approach to carers, we can take a big step forward, a big step forward showing Welsh carers how much they mean to us and how thankful we are for, often, their unnoticed work.
We must keep carers and their families at the heart of our approach. That's why I agree with a call for respite days to be legally enshrined in Welsh law, and a care needs assessment to be carried out within 28 days. I think it's a shame that the Conservative amendment deleted all, because I really think this is an opportunity for unity across the opposition parties. I appreciate what the Welsh Government is trying to do with their amendment, but try telling that to the carers. Try telling that to the people who feel abandoned. They need change now, not in another five years' time. Diolch yn fawr.
Mae'r bobl anhygoel hyn yn rhoi eu bywydau, o ddydd i ddydd, i ofalu am anwyliaid sydd eu hangen. Maent yn haeddu tirwedd bolisi lawn mor ymrwymedig i ofalwyr ag y mae gofalwyr i'w hanwyliaid. Rhaid inni weithio gyda'n gilydd i ddangos i ofalwyr cymaint yr ydym yn eu gwerthfawrogi, pa mor ddiolchgar yr ydym am yr hyn a wnânt. Rhaid i ni sicrhau bod unrhyw benderfyniadau a wneir yn cael eu harwain gan brofiadau bywyd—profiadau bywyd gofalwyr, ond hefyd profiadau bywyd y rhai y gofalir amdanynt ledled ein gwlad.
Byddai gweithredu cyfarwyddwr ar gyfer Cymru gyfan yn caniatáu dull cydgysylltiedig o weithredu polisi a chynlluniau gofal. Ac mae James yn iawn, rwyf wedi cael llond bol ar gael e-byst am ddadleuon rhwng awdurdodau lleol a byrddau iechyd ynghylch pwy ddylai helpu'r bobl hyn yn eu hangen. Maent angen help. Nid oes ots ganddynt pwy sy'n ei roi. Drwy greu fframwaith ar gyfer dull cenedlaethol o weithredu ar ofalwyr, gallwn gymryd cam mawr ymlaen, cam mawr ymlaen i ddangos i ofalwyr Cymru cymaint y maent yn ei olygu i ni a pha mor ddiolchgar yr ydym am eu gwaith, sy'n aml yn digwydd heb i neb sylwi.
Rhaid inni gadw gofalwyr a'u teuluoedd wrth wraidd ein dull o weithredu. Dyna pam rwy'n cytuno â galwad i ymgorffori diwrnodau seibiant yn gyfreithiol yng nghyfraith Cymru, ac asesiad o anghenion gofal i'w gynnal o fewn 28 diwrnod. Rwy'n credu ei bod yn drueni fod y gwelliant Ceidwadol wedi dileu popeth, oherwydd rwy'n credu bod hwn yn gyfle i sicrhau undod ar draws y gwrthbleidiau. Rwy'n deall yr hyn y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ceisio ei wneud gyda'u gwelliant, ond ceisiwch ddweud hynny wrth y gofalwyr. Ceisiwch ddweud hynny wrth y bobl sy'n teimlo eu bod wedi cael eu hanghofio. Mae angen newid arnynt nawr, nid mewn pum mlynedd arall. Diolch yn fawr.
Well, if I do nothing else today, I am delighted to shine a spotlight on the way the transition from hospital to home is vital for recovery, and I want to tell you, perhaps, all, where I believe it's going wrong. Let me highlight two cases very quickly. Patient M, a 97-year-old, suffered a fall. She's in hospital and needs a handrail. That is all. Of course, that needs an assessment. So, we needed a visit to the home. There was a delay of two weeks and four days until the home visit approved the handrail—two weeks and four days. This patient was 97 years of age. Do we really need an assessment for a 97-year-old? I'm a young man—I need a handrail at times, and I believe that was totally unnecessary.
Let me go to patient L, who suffered a severe stroke and was hospitalised, was unable to speak, was spoon-fed, liquids only, and needed constant personal care. A medical history of heart failure, liver failure, Crohn's, and two previous very large strokes. Sent home with no assessment at all, no care package at all, because there was a delay. Patient L can only stand aided for moments. Incontinent. Four weeks later, patient L is back in hospital. Five weeks later, patient L was again released from hospital and sent home to her daughter, her single daughter, who has sacrificed for the last four years her personal musical career to care for mam. Patient L contracts shingles. Patient L falls out of bed and spends three more days in hospital—isolated and, by the way, with no liquid food for a stroke victim all day at the Grange. Patient L's family requested a hospital bed, and offered to pay, even, for a hospital bed, walking past hospital beds stacked in corridors. A brave paramedic demands action, and a bed was delivered within two days, and the patient is now home. But how many weeks did patient L spend unnecessarily—? At least five weeks, possibly more, when if a care package has been agreed then that hospitalisation would not have been necessary. And how much money, I again repeat, could have been saved?
I said during the by-election that I would stand up for ordinary men, women and children in the street. We've heard already from three Members, and I can guarantee many more Members have similar stories to this one. You'll forgive me, Dirprwy Lywydd, because patient L, who was a councillor in Caerphilly, who served her community really well, is indeed my sister, and I can assure you that patient L does receive loving care, of course. But there are a lot of issues that we need to resolve, and Plaid Cymru's Bill here today will ensure that this, perhaps, will get easier for patients across the whole of Wales. Social care is vital and we will all probably end up needing it. We probably all will. That is the reality of life, I'm afraid. Diolch yn fawr.
Wel, os na wnaf unrhyw beth arall heddiw, rwy'n falch iawn o daflu goleuni ar y ffordd y mae trosglwyddo o'r ysbyty i'r cartref yn hanfodol ar gyfer adferiad, ac rwyf am ddweud wrthych, efallai, ble rwy'n credu ei fod yn mynd o'i le. Gadewch i mi dynnu sylw at ddau achos yn gyflym iawn. Dioddefodd Claf M, 97 oed, gwymp. Mae hi yn yr ysbyty ac mae angen canllaw arni. Dyna'r cyfan. Wrth gwrs, mae gofyn cael asesiad ar gyfer hynny. Felly, roedd angen ymweliad â'r cartref. Roedd oedi o bythefnos a phedwar diwrnod nes i'r ymweliad cartref gymeradwyo'r canllaw—pythefnos a phedwar diwrnod. Roedd y claf yn 97 oed. A oes angen asesiad arnom ar gyfer rhywun sy'n 97 oed? Rwy'n ddyn ifanc— mae angen canllaw arnaf innau ar adegau, ac rwy'n credu bod hynny'n hollol ddiangen.
Gadewch i mi droi at glaf L, a oedd wedi dioddef strôc ddifrifol ac yn yr ysbyty. Ni allai siarad, câi ei bwydo â llwy, hylifau'n unig, ac roedd angen gofal personol cyson arni. Hanes meddygol o fethiant y galon, methiant yr afu, Crohn's, a dwy strôc fawr iawn cyn hynny. Cafodd ei hanfon adref heb unrhyw asesiad o gwbl, dim pecyn gofal o gwbl, am fod oedi. Dim ond am ychydig bach iawn o amser y gall claf L sefyll gyda chymorth. Anymataliaeth. Bedair wythnos yn ddiweddarach, mae claf L yn ôl yn yr ysbyty. Bum wythnos yn ddiweddarach, cafodd claf L ei rhyddhau o'r ysbyty eto a'i hanfon adref at ei merch, ei merch sengl, sydd, dros y pedair blynedd ddiwethaf, wedi aberthu ei gyrfa gerddorol ei hun i ofalu am ei mam. Mae claf L yn dal yr eryr. Mae Claf L yn disgyn allan o'r gwely ac yn treulio tri diwrnod arall yn yr ysbyty—wedi'i hynysu, a heb fwyd hylif i ddioddefwr strôc drwy'r dydd yn ysbyty'r Faenor. Gofynnodd teulu Claf L am wely ysbyty, a chynigiodd dalu am wely ysbyty hyd yn oed, gan gerdded heibio gwelyau ysbyty wedi'u pentyrru mewn coridorau. Mae parafeddyg dewr yn mynnu gweld gweithredu'n digwydd, a chafodd gwely ei ddarparu o fewn dau ddiwrnod, ac mae'r claf adref bellach. Ond sawl wythnos a dreuliodd claf L yn ddiangen—? O leiaf bum wythnos, mwy o bosib, a phe bai pecyn gofal wedi'i gytuno, ni fyddai wedi bod angen mynd i'r ysbyty. A faint o arian, rwy'n ailadrodd eto, y gellid bod wedi ei arbed?
Dywedais yn ystod yr isetholiad y buaswn yn sefyll dros y dynion, y menywod a'r plant cyffredin ar y stryd. Rydym wedi clywed eisoes gan dri Aelod, a gallaf warantu bod gan lawer mwy o Aelodau straeon tebyg i hon. Rhaid i chi faddau i mi, Ddirprwy Lywydd, gan mai fy chwaer yw claf L, rhywun a oedd yn gynghorydd yng Nghaerffili, ac a wasanaethodd ei chymuned yn dda iawn, a gallaf eich sicrhau bod claf L yn derbyn gofal cariadus, wrth gwrs. Ond mae yna lawer o broblemau y mae angen i ni eu datrys, a bydd Bil Plaid Cymru yma heddiw yn sicrhau y bydd hyn, efallai, yn dod yn haws i gleifion ledled Cymru gyfan. Mae gofal cymdeithasol yn allweddol ac mae'n debyg y bydd pob un ohonom ei angen yn y pen draw. Mae'n debyg y bydd pob un ohonom ei angen. Dyna realiti bywyd, mae arnaf ofn. Diolch yn fawr.
Galwaf ar y Gweinidog Plant a Gofal Cymdeithasol, Dawn Bowden.
I call on the Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I thank Plaid Cymru for tabling this motion and giving me the opportunity to reiterate that we have an unwavering commitment to support and transform social care for the people of Wales, with a clear and ambitious goal, and that is to create a national care and support service for Wales? And I would like to place on record my thanks to my predecessor, Julie Morgan, for the work that she did on progressing this.
I've got lots to cover in response to this. There has been a lot of very good contributions and in the time available to me, I'm going to try and get through as much as I can. But can I start with acknowledging that, as part of the co-operation agreement, Plaid worked with us to establish an expert group to provide practical steps to take forward that shared priority of a national care and support service? So, I was a little surprised to hear criticism of Welsh Government for protracted progress, when Plaid Cymru agreed the recommendation of the expert group, including the three-stage approach, starting with our initial implementation plan, which was published in December 2023, and that plan reflects the expert group's advice that this will take 10 years. It is a 10-year phased approach.
But our vision remains: that we deliver sustainable, equitable and excellent quality care; that we support a valued and rewarded workforce; that we provide services in partnership with local communities to deliver what matters to our people. And since December 2023, we have made significant progress. In April 2024, just four months after the implementation plan was published, we established the national office for care and support to provide strong leadership, drive innovation and ensure the voices of those who rely on care are heard and acted upon. Through the chief social care officer, we’ve strengthened engagement with the sector, citizens and our strategic advisory group. Last September, we implemented the national framework for commissioning care and support, a statutory code of practice that transforms how services are commissioned, which has been welcomed by our partners and stakeholders. We’ve invested heavily in integrated local community care—£278 million annually through regional partnership boards to build capacity for joined-up front-line services, and an additional £30 million through the pathways of care transformation grant, recurring annually, to invest in transforming social care by building community capacity, secured with the support of Jane Dodds. Lindsay, you weren’t here at the time, but Plaid voted against that in the last budget, so please do spare us the plea to do more in this area when you weren’t prepared to support it when you had the chance.
Now, while we’re talking about RPBs, it’s worth reminding ourselves that they are statutory. We consulted on extending their corporate legal responsibilities, but partners in both local government and health boards rejected that. To further strengthen governance for health and social care integration, we have co-produced a national blueprint for integrated community care and established a ministerially-led national leadership group for integrated care. We have also strengthened legislation and guidance to support integration, joint commissioning and pooling of budgets, which are already in place across Wales. But our commitment extends beyond our stage 1 implementation plan. We heard much of this from Julie Morgan's contribution, but it is worth reiterating, as this is all absolutely about our progress towards a national care service. We introduced and funded the real living wage for care workers, and we created the social care workforce forum, who are leading on the pay and progression framework, in conjunction with progressing work on fair pay agreements, as a result of the UK Government employment Bill. Plaid, of course, voted against the LCM that enables us to do this. As an independent analyst has confirmed, and Julie Morgan mentioned this, Wales has the most generous charging regime in the UK. Our £50,000 capital limit for residential care and the £100 weekly cap for domiciliary care protect people's assets and ensure that their charges remain fair and affordable. Looking ahead, we’re preparing for direct payments for continuing NHS healthcare from April next year, and we’ve introduced, of course, our groundbreaking legislation to eliminate profit from the care of looked-after children, the first nation of the UK to do so.
Now, of course, we absolutely do share the concerns that have been raised by many Members about respite for carers. But setting a legal minimum allocation of respite days really is not the answer. Our priority remains improving assessments and access to respite for those who need it most. The approach taken in Scotland also reflects this, focusing on people's needs rather than a prescribed minimum.
Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. A gaf i ddiolch i Blaid Cymru am gyflwyno'r cynnig hwn a rhoi cyfle i mi ailadrodd bod gennym ymrwymiad diwyro i gefnogi a thrawsnewid gofal cymdeithasol i bobl Cymru, gyda nod clir ac uchelgeisiol, sef creu gwasanaeth gofal a chymorth cenedlaethol i Gymru? A hoffwn gofnodi fy niolch i fy rhagflaenydd, Julie Morgan, am y gwaith a wnaeth ar symud hyn yn ei flaen.
Mae gennyf lawer i'w ddweud mewn ymateb i hyn. Mae llawer o gyfraniadau da iawn wedi bod ac yn yr amser sydd ar gael i mi, rwy'n mynd i geisio mynd drwy gymaint ag y gallaf. Ond a gaf i ddechrau drwy gydnabod bod Plaid Cymru, yn rhan o'r cytundeb cydweithio, wedi gweithio gyda ni i sefydlu grŵp arbenigol i ddarparu camau ymarferol i fwrw ymlaen â'r flaenoriaeth a rennir o wasanaeth gofal a chymorth cenedlaethol? Felly, roeddwn i'n synnu braidd o glywed y feirniadaeth o Lywodraeth Cymru am gynnydd araf, pan gytunodd Plaid Cymru ag argymhelliad y grŵp arbenigol, yn cynnwys y dull tri cham, gan ddechrau gyda'n cynllun gweithredu cychwynnol a gyhoeddwyd ym mis Rhagfyr 2023, ac mae'r cynllun hwnnw'n adlewyrchu cyngor y grŵp arbenigol y bydd hyn yn cymryd 10 mlynedd. Mae'n ddull fesul cam dros 10 mlynedd.
Ond mae ein gweledigaeth yn parhau: ein bod yn darparu gofal cynaliadwy, teg ac o ansawdd rhagorol; ein bod yn cefnogi gweithlu gwerthfawr sy'n cael eu talu'n deg; ein bod yn darparu gwasanaethau mewn partneriaeth â chymunedau lleol i gyflawni'r hyn sy'n bwysig i'n pobl. Ac ers mis Rhagfyr 2023, rydym wedi gwneud cynnydd sylweddol. Ym mis Ebrill 2024, gwta bedwar mis ar ôl cyhoeddi'r cynllun gweithredu, fe wnaethom sefydlu'r swyddfa genedlaethol gofal a chymorth i ddarparu arweinyddiaeth gref, ysgogi arloesedd a sicrhau bod lleisiau'r rhai sy'n dibynnu ar ofal yn cael eu clywed. Drwy'r prif swyddog gofal cymdeithasol, rydym wedi cryfhau ymgysylltiad â'r sector, dinasyddion a'n grŵp cynghori strategol. Fis Medi diwethaf, fe wnaethom weithredu'r fframwaith cenedlaethol ar gyfer comisiynu gofal a chymorth, cod ymarfer statudol sy'n trawsnewid y ffordd y caiff gwasanaethau eu comisiynu, sydd wedi cael ei groesawu gan ein partneriaid a rhanddeiliaid. Rydym wedi buddsoddi'n helaeth mewn gofal cymunedol lleol integredig—£278 miliwn bob blwyddyn drwy fyrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol i adeiladu capasiti ar gyfer gwasanaethau rheng flaen cydgysylltiedig, a £30 miliwn ychwanegol drwy'r grant trawsnewid gofal, sy'n ailadrodd bob blwyddyn, i'w fuddsoddi mewn trawsnewid gofal cymdeithasol drwy adeiladu capasiti cymunedol, wedi'i sicrhau gyda chefnogaeth Jane Dodds. Lindsay, nid oeddech chi yma ar y pryd, ond pleidleisiodd Plaid Cymru yn erbyn hynny yn y gyllideb ddiwethaf, felly peidiwch ag apelio arnom i wneud mwy yn y maes hwn pan nad oeddech chi'n barod i'w gefnogi pan gawsoch gyfle i wneud hynny.
Nawr, gan ein bod yn siarad am fyrddau partneriaeth rhanbarthol, mae'n werth atgoffa ein hunain eu bod yn statudol. Fe wnaethom ymgynghori ar ymestyn eu cyfrifoldebau cyfreithiol corfforaethol, ond cafodd hynny ei wrthod gan bartneriaid llywodraeth leol a byrddau iechyd. Er mwyn cryfhau llywodraethiant ar gyfer integreiddio iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol ymhellach, rydym wedi cydgynhyrchu glasbrint cenedlaethol ar gyfer gofal cymunedol integredig ac wedi sefydlu grŵp arweinyddiaeth cenedlaethol dan arweiniad Gweinidog ar gyfer gofal integredig. Rydym hefyd wedi cryfhau deddfwriaeth a chanllawiau i gefnogi integreiddio, comisiynu ar y cyd a chyfuno cyllidebau, sydd eisoes ar waith ledled Cymru. Ond mae ein hymrwymiad yn ymestyn y tu hwnt i'n cynllun gweithredu cam 1. Clywsom lawer o hyn yng nghyfraniad Julie Morgan, ond mae'n werth ei ailadrodd, gan fod hyn i gyd yn ymwneud â'n cynnydd tuag at wasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol. Fe wnaethom gyflwyno ac ariannu'r cyflog byw gwirioneddol ar gyfer gweithwyr gofal, a chreu fforwm y gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol, sy'n arwain ar y fframwaith tâl a dilyniant, ochr yn ochr â symud ymlaen ar gytundebau cyflog teg, o ganlyniad i Fil cyflogaeth Llywodraeth y DU. Wrth gwrs, fe bleidleisiodd Plaid Cymru yn erbyn y cynnig cydsyniad deddfwriaethol sy'n ein galluogi i wneud hyn. Fel y mae dadansoddwr annibynnol wedi cadarnhau, a soniodd Julie Morgan am hyn, Cymru sydd â'r trefniadau mwyaf hael o ran codi tâl yn y DU. Mae ein terfyn cyfalaf o £50,000 ar gyfer gofal preswyl a'r cap wythnosol o £100 ar gyfer gofal cartref yn diogelu asedau pobl ac yn sicrhau bod eu taliadau'n parhau i fod yn deg ac yn fforddiadwy. Gan edrych ymlaen, rydym yn paratoi ar gyfer taliadau uniongyrchol am ofal iechyd parhaus y GIG o fis Ebrill y flwyddyn nesaf, ac rydym wedi cyflwyno ein deddfwriaeth arloesol i ddileu elw o ofal plant sy'n derbyn gofal, y wlad gyntaf yn y DU i wneud hynny.
Nawr, rydym yn rhannu'r pryderon a godwyd gan nifer o'r Aelodau ynglŷn â seibiant i ofalwyr. Ond nid gosod isafswm dyraniad cyfreithiol o ddiwrnodau seibiant yw'r ateb. Ein blaenoriaeth yw gwella asesiadau a mynediad at seibiant i'r rhai sydd fwyaf o'i angen. Mae'r dull a weithredir yn yr Alban yn adlewyrchu hyn, gan ganolbwyntio ar anghenion pobl yn hytrach na lleiafswm penodol.
Minister, will you take an intervention?
Weinidog, a wnewch chi dderbyn ymyriad?
I really need to get through this, James, because I've got very little time.
For unpaid carers, we continue to provide an additional £6 million this year to support our national strategy. Our short-break scheme, which has been referenced and which is over and above the statutory provision, delivered over 50,000 breaks in three years, far exceeding targets and addressing a critical gap in respite support. And I'm very pleased to announce today that we have committed to continuing the short-break scheme and our carers support fund for another three years from 2026. And can I absolutely agree with Julie Morgan about the Wales Young Carers Festival, and I hope that we will be able to continue to support that as well.
On carers' needs assessments, we are driving national improvement work through the ministerial advisory group for unpaid carers, which is led by unpaid carers, and that work will be complete by March 2026. This is a priority area in our updated unpaid carers strategy, and that will be published early next year.
In closing, Llywydd, I acknowledge and I welcome Plaid Cymru's role in shaping the trajectory of our national care and support service, so I am disappointed that they now appear to be distancing themselves from that. The 10-year phased approach was jointly agreed between us and allows us to deliver change that is sustainable. Transformation takes time, but it is happening. Good practice is being scaled up and community capacity is being built with ongoing funding, so I hope we will now see Plaid engage constructively in the budget discussions to help us deliver further transformation in social care. There is much more to do, but I am proud to stand by the achievements and the improvements that we continue to deliver.
Mae angen i mi fynd drwy hyn, James, am mai ychydig iawn o amser sydd gennyf.
Ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl, rydym yn parhau i ddarparu £6 miliwn ychwanegol eleni i gefnogi ein strategaeth genedlaethol. Cyflawnodd ein cynllun seibiant byr, y cyfeiriwyd ato ac sy'n ychwanegol at y ddarpariaeth statudol, dros 50,000 o seibiannau mewn tair blynedd, gan ragori'n helaeth ar y targedau a mynd i'r afael â bwlch allweddol mewn cymorth seibiant. Ac rwy'n falch iawn o gyhoeddi heddiw ein bod wedi ymrwymo i barhau â'r cynllun seibiant byr a'n cronfa gymorth i ofalwyr am dair blynedd arall o 2026 ymlaen. A gallaf gytuno'n llwyr â Julie Morgan ynglŷn â Gŵyl Gofalwyr Ifanc Cymru, ac rwy'n gobeithio y gallwn barhau i gefnogi honno hefyd.
Ar asesiadau o anghenion gofalwyr, rydym yn sbarduno gwaith gwella cenedlaethol drwy'r grŵp cynghori gweinidogol ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl, sy'n cael ei arwain gan ofalwyr di-dâl, a bydd y gwaith hwnnw'n cael ei gwblhau erbyn mis Mawrth 2026. Mae hwn yn faes blaenoriaeth yn ein diweddariad o'r strategaeth ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl, a bydd yn cael ei gyhoeddi yn gynnar y flwyddyn nesaf.
I gloi, Lywydd, rwy'n cydnabod ac yn croesawu rôl Plaid Cymru yn y gwaith o lunio trywydd ein gwasanaeth gofal a chymorth cenedlaethol, felly rwy'n siomedig eu bod bellach yn ymddangos fel pe baent yn ymbellhau oddi wrth hynny. Cytunwyd ar y dull graddol 10 mlynedd rhyngom ar y cyd ac mae'n ein galluogi i gyflawni newid sy'n gynaliadwy. Mae newid yn cymryd amser, ond mae'n digwydd. Caiff ymarfer da ei gyflwyno ar raddfa fawr a chaiff capasiti cymunedol ei gynyddu gan gyllid parhaus, felly rwy'n gobeithio y gwelwn Blaid Cymru nawr yn cymryd rhan adeiladol yn y trafodaethau ar y gyllideb i'n helpu i gyflawni newid pellach mewn gofal cymdeithasol. Mae llawer mwy i'w wneud, ond rwy'n falch o'r cyflawniadau a'r gwelliannau yr ydym yn parhau i'w cyflawni.
Galwaf ar Mabon ap Gwynfor i ymateb i'r ddadl.
I call on Mabon ap Gwynfor to reply to the debate.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Dirprwy Lywydd, a diolch yn fawr iawn i bawb sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn y drafodaeth yma brynhawn yma. Mae wedi bod yn drafodaeth ddifyr iawn, ac yn un gwbl angenrheidiol, oherwydd yn llawer rhy aml, rydyn ni'n gweld y Senedd yma yn anwybyddu anghenion ein gofalwyr ni, ac maen nhw'n sector o'r gymdeithas sydd ddim yn cael y sylw teilwng.
Rŵan, dwi ddim yn mynd i fynd trwy bob dim sydd wedi cael ei ddweud, ond mi wnaf i drio pigo ambell beth allan fesul siaradwr; mae'n mynd i fod yn haws gwneud hynny.
Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd, and thank you to everyone who's participated in this debate this afternoon. It's been a very interesting debate, and a very important one, because far too often, we see this Senedd ignoring the needs of our carers, and they're a sector of society that aren't given adequate attention.
Now, I'm not going to go through everything that's been said, but I will try and pick out a few things per speaker; it'll be easier to do it in that way.
James, I think you are absolutely right. You mentioned a number of things in your contribution. You were the first to point out, I think, the national insurance raise that we've seen from the UK Government and the impact of that on providers in Wales. Absolutely, we should see this Government stand up and say, 'That's not right', and call for it to be scrapped. We would support that as well, because it has damaged the providers and led to a number of providers thinking about their future and whether or not they can carry on providing care here in Wales.
James, rwy'n credu eich bod chi'n hollol iawn. Fe wnaethoch chi sôn am nifer o bethau yn eich cyfraniad. Rwy'n credu mai chi oedd y cyntaf i dynnu sylw at y cynnydd i yswiriant gwladol a welsom gan Lywodraeth y DU ac effaith hynny ar ddarparwyr yng Nghymru. Yn sicr, dylem weld y Llywodraeth hon yn codi llais a dweud, 'Nid yw hynny'n iawn', a galw am gael ei wared. Byddem ni'n cefnogi hynny hefyd, oherwydd mae wedi niweidio'r darparwyr ac wedi arwain at beri i nifer o ddarparwyr feddwl am eu dyfodol ac i ystyried a allant barhau i ddarparu gofal yma yng Nghymru ai peidio.
Sioned, roeddet ti'n berffaith iawn. Roeddet ti wedi cyfeirio at enghreifftiau personol hefyd, a chreu'r darlun yna o sut mae bywyd i bobl sydd yn gorfod gofalu, ac yn pwyntio allan yn berffaith glir nad yw tri chwarter o ofalwyr Cymru yn cael yr asesiadau angenrheidiol. Rŵan, os nad ydy hynny'n digwydd, dŷn ni'n mynd i weld y bobl yna yn llosgi allan ac, yn y pen draw, fyddan nhw ddim yn gallu darparu'r gofal, a beth sydd yn digwydd i'w hanwyliaid nhw wedyn?
Sioned, you were entirely right. You referred to personal examples too, and painted that picture of the life of a carer, and you pointed out quite clearly that three quarters of carers in Wales aren't given the necessary assessments. Now, if that doesn't happen, we will see those people burn out and, ultimately, they won't be able to provide the care, and what happens to their loved ones then?
[Anghlywadwy.]—a dweud y gwir; 75 y cant o'r rhai yr holwyd ar gyfer yr arolwg oedd, a llawer llai na hynny—dim ond 6 y cant o holl ofalwyr Cymru maen nhw'n meddwl sy'n cael asesiad anghenion.
[Inaudible.]—if truth be told; 75 per cent of those questioned for the survey, and far fewer than that—only 6 per cent of all carers in Wales they believe actually get that necessary needs assessment.
Ffigurau hyd yn oed yn waeth, felly.
The figures are even worse, therefore.
Hyd yn oed yn waeth.
Even worse.
Ac os nad ydy'r bobl yna yn cael y saib sydd ei angen arnyn nhw, a'r gofal sydd ei angen arnyn nhw, yna mae'r rhai maen nhw'n gofalu amdanyn nhw'n gorfod mynd, yn y pen draw, i'r ysbyty, sydd yn rhoi mwy o fwrdwn ar y gwasanaethau iechyd hefyd.
And if those people don't get the respite and the rest that they need, then those who they care for will ultimately have to go to hospital, which places an even greater burden on our health services too.
Julie, I welcome and appreciate the work that you've done; you've been a champion in this field and that is recognised. You made a number of points in your contribution, but I think the point that you made about the real living wage being £13.45, and that you are welcoming that, and, of course, that is good and welcomed, but as Siân said, that's not nearly enough to recognise the role that they play and to ensure that there is a career for people in caring. So, I think that needs to be looked at. Once again, we need this Government here to stand up and say it's not enough. We need the UK Government to also deliver in this field, but you're absolutely right about the Wales Young Carers Festival. That needs to be shouted out about, and I'm glad that it is on the record here.
Julie, rwy'n croesawu ac yn gwerthfawrogi'r gwaith yr ydych chi wedi'i wneud; rydych chi wedi bod ar flaen y gad yn y maes ac mae hynny wedi'i gydnabod. Fe wnaethoch chi nifer o bwyntiau yn eich cyfraniad, ond rwy'n credu bod y pwynt a wnaethoch fod y cyflog byw gwirioneddol yn £13.45, a'ch bod chi'n croesawu hynny, yn dda ac i'w groesawu, ond fel y dywedodd Siân, nid yw'n agos digon i gydnabod y rôl y maent yn ei chwarae ac i sicrhau bod gyrfa i bobl ym maes gofal. Felly, rwy'n credu bod angen edrych ar hynny. Unwaith eto, mae angen i'r Llywodraeth yma godi llais a dweud nad yw'n ddigon. Mae angen i Lywodraeth y DU gyflawni yn y maes hwn hefyd, ond rydych chi'n hollol iawn ynglŷn â Gŵyl Gofalwyr Ifanc Cymru. Mae angen tynnu sylw at honno, ac rwy'n falch ei bod wedi'i chofnodi yma.
Siân, unwaith eto, ddaru ti gyfeirio at dy brofiad personol di, a dwi'n ymwybodol o'r hyn rwyt ti'n gorfod ei wneud, a'r hyn mae gymaint o bobl yn gorfod ei wneud fel gofalwyr yng Nghymru. Mi wnest ti gyfeirio'n benodol at dîm gofalwyr oedolion Llŷn a thalu teyrnged iddyn nhw, ac mae yna dimau fel yna ar draws Cymru. Ac mae'r hyn roeddet ti wedi sôn amdano, a'r ffaith eu bod nhw'n gwneud gwaith mor bwysig, yn atseinio'r hyn roeddwn i'n ei ddweud ynghynt, eu bod nhw ddim yn cael y gydnabyddiaeth angenrheidiol gan ein Llywodraeth ni fan hyn.
Rhys, roeddet ti'n iawn, dwi'n meddwl, a dwi eisiau ategu'r hyn roeddet ti'n ei ddweud yn cydnabod yr hyn mae'n Prif Weinidog ni'n mynd drwyddo ar hyn o bryd efo'i gofal hi, sydd unwaith eto yn atseinio cymaint o waith pobl ar draws Cymru, yn gorfod cynnal gofal di-dâl a ddim yn cael y gydnabyddiaeth angenrheidiol, ac nad yw cymaint o ofalwyr yn y sefyllfa yna—yn unig iawn, yn gorfod gwneud hynny ar ben eu hunain. Ble mae'r gefnogaeth i'r bobl yma er mwyn eu cynnal nhw yn ystod yr awr yna pryd mae angen cymorth arnyn nhw?
Ti, dwi'n meddwl, oedd wedi gwneud y pwynt yn glir—a hwn sy'n ganolog i'r cynnig ger ein bron ni—am y rhwyg yna rhwng byrddau iechyd ac awdurdodau lleol ac nad yw pobl yn fodlon cymryd cyfrifoldeb. Ac i'r person sydd yn dioddef, dydyn nhw ddim yn poeni pwy sy'n cymryd cyfrifoldeb, pwy sydd yn talu am eu gwasanaeth nhw; maen nhw eisiau rhywun i'w cynorthwyo nhw heb y ffrae yma. A dyna pam yr ydym ni wedi gofyn yn wreiddiol i sefydlu'r bwrdd gofal yma yn un cenedlaethol, ac mae angen gweld brys ar hynny. Fel rwyt ti'n dweud, mae yna bobl allan yna'n gofyn lle mae'r gofal yma ar ein cyfer ni. Rŷn ni'n gwneud addewidion, mae'r Llywodraeth yma'n gwneud addewidion, ac maen nhw'n edrych yn dda ar bapur, ond dydyn nhw ddim yn cael eu cefnogi efo gweithredu neu efo'r ariannu, ac—
Siân, once again, you made reference to your own personal experiences, and I am aware of what you have to do, and what so many other people have to do as carers in Wales. You referred specifically to the Llŷn adult care team and paid tribute to them, and there are teams like that across Wales. And what you said about them, and the fact that they do work that is so important, echoes what I said earlier, that they aren't given the necessary recognition from our Government here.
Rhys, I think you were entirely right, and I want to endorse what you said in recognising what our First Minister is going through at the moment with her caring responsibilities, which once again accords with the work of so many people across Wales, having to provide unpaid care and not getting the necessary recognition, and that so many carers aren't in that position—they're lonely and they have to do that alone. Where is the support for these people in order to support them in their hour of greatest need?
I think it was you who made the point clearly—and this is at the heart of the motion before us today—that there is that separation between the health boards and local authorities, and people aren't willing to take responsibility. And for the individual suffering, they don't care who takes responsibility, who pays for their service; they want someone to help them without this bickering. That's why we asked originally for the establishment of this care board on a national level, and we need to see urgency in that. As you said, there are people out there asking where the support is. We make promises, or this Government makes promises that look great on paper, but they aren't supported by delivery or funding, and—
Would you like to take an intervention?
A hoffech chi dderbyn ymyriad?
Yes. I'm not sure how much time I have, but go for it.
Iawn. Nid wyf yn siŵr faint o amser sydd gennyf, ond ewch amdani.
Well, talking about promises being great on paper, you seem to be suggesting, quite rightly, that the living wage should be higher—I agree with that—but the point is how you are going to pay for it when you're calling on a UK Government that you want to leave. You want independence. It's going to cost £7,000 for every person who's living—. So, how are you going to pay for it? Who are you going to turn to when you've left the UK? Who are you going to turn to then?
Wel, wrth siarad am addewidion sy'n wych ar bapur, mae'n ymddangos eich bod chi'n awgrymu, yn hollol gywir, y dylai'r cyflog byw fod yn uwch—rwy'n cytuno â hynny—ond y pwynt yw, sut ydych chi'n mynd i dalu amdano pan fyddwch chi'n galw ar Lywodraeth y DU eich bod chi am adael. Rydych chi eisiau annibyniaeth. Mae'n mynd i gostio £7,000 i bob person sy'n byw—. Felly, sut ydych chi'n mynd i dalu amdano? At bwy ydych chi'n mynd i droi pan fyddwch chi wedi gadael y DU? At bwy ydych chi'n mynd i droi bryd hynny?
Thanks. We pay taxes in Wales as well, incidentally, I'm not sure whether you and others noticed that. Our taxes go to the Treasury. I think the point you make is how people are going to pay for a lot of these things. How do we put things into practice? I was going to get on to this point, in any case. We just heard the Minister make an announcement today that the carers' support fund was going to continue—how has that been promised? It was because we forced the motion forward and because now you've had to find a way of delivering. It's political—[Interruption.] It's to do with what your ambitions and what your goals are as a Government. How do you fund it? You find a way.
Diolch. Rydym ni'n talu trethi yng Nghymru hefyd, gyda llaw, nid wyf yn siŵr a wnaethoch chi ac eraill nodi hynny. Mae ein trethi'n mynd i'r Trysorlys. Rwy'n credu mai'r pwynt a wnewch yw sut y mae pobl yn mynd i dalu am lawer o'r pethau hyn. Sut ydym ni'n rhoi pethau ar waith? Roeddwn i'n mynd i fwrw ymlaen at y pwynt hwn, beth bynnag. Rydym newydd glywed y Gweinidog yn gwneud cyhoeddiad heddiw fod y gronfa gymorth i ofalwyr yn mynd i barhau—sut y mae hynny wedi'i addo? Oherwydd ein bod ni wedi gorfodi'r cynnig yn ei flaen ac oherwydd eich bod chi nawr wedi gorfod dod o hyd i ffordd o gyflawni. Mae'n wleidyddol—[Torri ar draws.] Mae'n ymwneud â beth yw eich uchelgeisiau a beth yw eich nodau fel Llywodraeth. Sut ydych chi'n ei ariannu? Rydych chi'n dod o hyd i ffordd.
I want to listen to the contribution from the Member and I can't hear. He's only standing there and I can't hear him because of all the noise in the Chamber. Please let him conclude his contribution. Mabon.
Rwyf am wrando ar y cyfraniad gan yr Aelod ac ni allaf glywed. Mae'n sefyll yno yn ac ni allaf ei glywed oherwydd yr holl sŵn yn y Siambr. Gadewch iddo orffen ei gyfraniad. Mabon.
I think it's perfectly obvious that the announcement was dropped during this debate. So, that's great, that's to be welcomed. It's part of what we're calling for. Thank you very much for that. [Interruption.] No, I don't think you did pluck it out of the air; it's a matter of priorities and that's what funding these issues is about. It's a matter of priorities.
Now, the one other thing that I will point out—. I did mention and I did reference a number of good things that this Government has done, and we won't be afraid to point out what is good. When there's good practice, when things are working well, let's carry on with them. So, let's recognise what's good. But a lot of what the Minister mentioned had echoes to me of what I heard when I was walking the streets with Lindsay in Caerphilly, where people hear the Government say all of these good things, but the experience on the ground is completely different. What you've said is not the lived experience of people here in Wales. So, we need to make sure that what looks good on paper is delivered, and that's what we're proposing with this motion today, and I hope, therefore, that we will get the support of this Chamber in supporting our motion. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Rwy'n credu ei bod yn hollol amlwg fod y cyhoeddiad wedi'i ollwng yn ystod y ddadl hon. Felly, mae hynny'n wych, mae hynny'n i'w groesawu. Mae'n rhan o'r hyn rydym ni'n galw amdano. Diolch yn fawr iawn am hynny. [Torri ar draws.] Na, nid wyf yn credu eich bod wedi ei dynnu o'r awyr; mae'n fater o flaenoriaethau a dyna yw ariannu'r materion hyn. Mater o flaenoriaethau.
Nawr, yr un peth arall yr hoffwn ei nodi—. Fe wneuthum sôn am nifer o bethau da y mae'r Llywodraeth hon wedi'u gwneud, ac ni fydd arnom ofn tynnu sylw at yr hyn sy'n dda. Pan geir ymarfer da, pan fo pethau'n gweithio'n dda, gadewch inni barhau â nhw. Felly, gadewch inni gydnabod beth sy'n dda. Ond roedd llawer o'r hyn y soniodd y Gweinidog amdano'n adleisio'r hyn a glywais pan oeddwn i'n cerdded y strydoedd gyda Lindsay yng Nghaerffili, lle mae pobl yn clywed y Llywodraeth yn dweud yr holl bethau da hyn, ond mae'r profiad ar lawr gwlad yn hollol wahanol. Nid yr hyn a ddywedoch chi yw profiad bywyd pobl yma yng Nghymru. Felly, mae angen inni wneud yn siŵr fod yr hyn sy'n edrych yn dda ar bapur yn cael ei gyflawni, a dyna rydym ni'n ei gynnig gyda'r cynnig hwn heddiw, ac rwy'n gobeithio, felly, y cawn gefnogaeth y Siambr i'n cynnig. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Y cwestiwn yw: a ddylid derbyn y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio? A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu? [Gwrthwynebiad.] Oes. Felly, gohiriaf y bleidlais o dan yr eitem hon tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
The proposal is to agree the motion without amendment. Does any Member object? [Objection.] There is objection. Therefore, I defer voting under this item until voting time.
Gohiriwyd y pleidleisio tan y cyfnod pleidleisio.
Voting deferred until voting time.
A dyma ni'n cyrraedd y cyfnod pleidleisio, ac oni bai bod tri Aelod yn dymuno i mi ganu'r gloch, symudaf yn syth i'r cyfnod pleidleisio.
That brings us to voting time, and unless three Members wish for the bell to be rung, I will move directly to voting time.
Mae'r bleidlais gyntaf heno ar eitem 7, y ddadl ar gynnig deddfwriaethol gan Aelod. Galwaf am bleidlais ar y cynnig, yn enw Rhys ab Owen. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 27, roedd 19 yn ymatal, saith yn erbyn. Felly, mae'r cynnig wedi'i dderbyn.
The first vote this evening is on item 7, the debate on a Member's legislative proposal. I call for a vote on the motion, tabled in the name of Rhys ab Owen. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 27, 19 abstentions, seven against. Therefore, the motion is agreed.
Eitem 7: dadl ar gynnig deddfwriaethol gan Aelod—Bil i wahardd defnyddio plastig untro ar ffrwythau a llysiau: O blaid: 27, Yn erbyn: 7, Ymatal: 19
Derbyniwyd y cynnig
Item 7: debate on a Member's legislative proposal—a Bill to ban the use of single use plastic on fruits and vegetables: For: 27, Against: 7, Abstain: 19
Motion has been agreed
Symudwn ymlaen yn awr at y bleidlais ar eitem 9, dadl Plaid Cymru. Galwaf am bleidlais ar y cynnig, yn enw Heledd Fychan. Os gwrthodir y cynnig, byddwn yn pleidleisio ar y gwelliannau a gyflwynwyd i'r cynnig. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 12, un yn ymatal, 40 yn erbyn. Felly, mae'r cynnig wedi'i wrthod.
We now move to votes under item 9, the Plaid Cymru debate. I call for a vote on the motion, tabled in the name of Heledd Fychan. If the motion is not agreed, we will vote on the amendments tabled to the motion. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 12, one abstention, 40 against. Therefore, the motion is not agreed.
Eitem 9: dadl Plaid Cymru—gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol i Gymru. Cynnig heb ei ddiwygio: O blaid: 12, Yn erbyn: 40, Ymatal: 1
Gwrthodwyd y cynnig
Item 9: Plaid Cymru debate—a national care service for Wales. Motion without amendment: For: 12, Against: 40, Abstain: 1
Motion has been rejected
Os derbynnir gwelliant 1, caiff gwelliant 2 ei ddad-ddethol. Galwaf am bleidlais ar welliant 1, yn enw Paul Davies. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 16, neb yn ymatal, 37 yn erbyn. Felly, mae gwelliant 1 wedi ei wrthod.
If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be deselected. I call for a vote on amendment 1, tabled in the name of Paul Davies. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 16, no abstentions, 37 against. Therefore, amendment 1 is not agreed.
Eitem 9: dadl Plaid Cymru—gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol i Gymru. Gwelliant 1, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Paul Davies: O blaid: 16, Yn erbyn: 37, Ymatal: 0
Gwrthodwyd y gwelliant
Item 9: Plaid Cymru debate—a national care service for Wales. Amendment 1, tabled in the name of Paul Davies: For: 16, Against: 37, Abstain: 0
Amendment has been rejected
Symudwn ymlaen yn awr. Galwaf am bleidlais ar welliant 2, yn enw Jane Hutt. Agor y bleidlais. Cau'r bleidlais. O blaid 26, neb yn ymatal, 27 yn erbyn. Felly, mae gwelliant 2 wedi ei wrthod.
We move on to amendment 2. I call for a vote now on amendment 2, tabled in the name of Jane Hutt. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 26, no abstentions, 27 against. Therefore, amendment 2 is not agreed.
Eitem 9: dadl Plaid Cymru—gwasanaeth gofal cenedlaethol i Gymru. Gwelliant 2, a gyflwynwyd yn enw Jane Hutt: O blaid: 26, Yn erbyn: 27, Ymatal: 0
Gwrthodwyd y gwelliant
Item 9: Plaid Cymru debate—a national care service for Wales. Amendment 2, tabled in the name of Jane Hutt: For: 26, Against: 27, Abstain: 0
Amendment has been rejected
Gan nad yw'r Senedd wedi derbyn y cynnig heb ei ddiwygio, nac wedi derbyn y gwelliannau a gyflwynwyd i'r cynnig, caiff y cynnig, felly, ei wrthod.
As the Senedd has not agreed the motion without amendment, nor has it agreed the amendments tabled to the motion, the motion is, therefore, not agreed.
Does dim dadl fer heddiw. Felly, daw hynny â thrafodion heddiw i ben. Diolch yn fawr.
There is no short debate this evening. Therefore, that brings today's proceedings to a close. Thank you.
Daeth y cyfarfod i ben am 18:07.
The meeting ended at 18:07.