16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766222 0 Cy 2026-07-06T00:00:00 http://www.senedd.tv/en/16151?startPos=-48606&l=en 260706-0 C 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766251 1 En 2026-07-06T13:33:40 http://www.senedd.tv/en/16151?startPos=214&l=en 260706-0 C 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766320 2 Cy 260706-0 I The proceedings are reported in the language in which they were spoken in the committee. In addition, a transcription of the simultaneous interpretation is included. Where contributors have supplied corrections to their evidence, these are noted in the transcript. 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766225 3 Cy 260706-0 I The committee met in the Senedd and by video-conference. The meeting began at 13:30. 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766215 4 En 2026-07-06T13:30:06 http://www.senedd.tv/en/16151?startPos=0&l=en 260706-1 1. Introductions, apologies, substitutions and declarations of interest C 12187 12187 Andrew Griffin https://business.senedd.wales/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=12187 Griffin, Andrew Good afternoon, everybody. I would like to welcome Members to the first meeting of the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee of the seventh Senedd. Public items of the meeting are being broadcast live on Senedd.tv and a Record of Proceedings will be published as usual. This meeting is bilingual and simultaneous interpretation from Welsh to English and English to Welsh is available. There have been no apologies received. Can I ask Members if they have any declarations of relevant or registrable interests to today's meeting? None, thank you. Before we formally begin today's business, I would like to say a few words. I would like to thank the Senedd for electing me as Chair of this committee. It is an honour to take on this responsibility, and I look forward to working with Members from across the Senedd in the years ahead. This committee performs a unique and important role. The people of Wales rightly expect public money to be spent effectively, public services to be delivered efficiently, and public bodies to be open and accountable for the decisions they make. Our role is to ask the necessary questions, follow the evidence wherever it leads, and ensure that lessons are learned when things go wrong. Members will have heard the Llywydd's address to the Senedd on 17 June, where he set out the importance of respect, integrity and constructive engagement in our work. I fully support that, and I intend that those principles are reflected in how this committee operates. We will not always agree with one another, nor should we; different perspectives and robust challenge are a strength of effective scrutiny. But I hope we can all approach our work with a shared commitment to evidence, accountability and the public interest. As Chair, I will seek to ensure that every Member has the opportunity to contribute, that witnesses are treated fairly and respectfully, and that our proceedings remain focused on the task in front of us. This committee should be known for being focused, disciplined and serious in its scrutiny. We have an important job ahead of us at the start of this new Senedd term. If we do this properly, we can play a real role in strengthening accountability and improving how public services are delivered. I look forward to working with all the Members and our committee staff as we begin our work. Thank you. 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766247 5 En 2026-07-06T13:32:22 http://www.senedd.tv/en/16151?startPos=136&l=en 260706-2 2. Committee remit and responsibilities C 12187 12187 Andrew Griffin https://business.senedd.wales/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=12187 Griffin, Andrew So, item 2 on the agenda, the committee remit. A paper on the committee remit was submitted by the clerks to all committee members ahead of today's meeting. So, this committee was established on 16 June to carry out the functions set out in Standing Orders 18.2 and 18.3, to consider any other matter that relates to the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which resources are employed in the discharge of public functions in Wales. The committee may also scrutinise any other matter relating to the machinery of Government, including the quality and standards of the administration provided by the Welsh Government's civil service and Welsh Government sponsored bodies. Do the Members have any comments or questions on that? Are Members content to note the committee's remit? Everyone is unanimously content. I should also say that this first meeting is a short public meeting and I'll propose next that we go into private to discuss our ways of working. But I would say to members of the public or those who are taking an interest in this committee that further updates about the committee's work will be available on the committee's website, including details of future meetings.  16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766254 6 Cy 260706-3 3. Motion under Standing Order 17.42(ix) to resolve to exclude the public from the remainder of this meeting I Motion: that the committee resolves to exclude the public from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 17.42(ix). 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766255 7 Cy 260706-3 3. Motion under Standing Order 17.42(ix) to resolve to exclude the public from the remainder of this meeting I Motion moved. 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766256 8 En 2026-07-06T13:33:43 http://www.senedd.tv/en/16151?startPos=217&l=en 260706-3 3. Motion under Standing Order 17.42(ix) to resolve to exclude the public from the remainder of this meeting C 12187 12187 Andrew Griffin https://business.senedd.wales/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=12187 Griffin, Andrew I now propose, in accordance with Standing Order 17.42(ix), that the committee resolves to exclude the public from the remainder of this meeting. Are the Members content? We are content. We will now proceed in private. Thank you. 16151 7 2026-07-06T13:30:06 766257 9 Cy 260706-3 3. Motion under Standing Order 17.42(ix) to resolve to exclude the public from the remainder of this meeting I Motion agreed. The public part of the meeting ended at 13:33.