Agenda and decisions

Venue: Y Siambr - Y Senedd

Media

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Items
Expected timing No. Item

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the First Minister

The Presiding Officer will call the Party Leaders to ask questions without notice to the First Minister after Question 2.

 

View Questions

 

Supporting documents:

Decision:

The item started at 13.30

The first 10 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party leaders to ask questions to the First Minister after Question 2.

(30 mins)

2.

Business Statement and Announcement

Supporting documents:

Decision:

The item started at 14.15

(30 mins)

3.

Statement by the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology: Welsh and UK Government Alignment of Employment Support

Decision:

The item started at 14.33

(60 mins)

4.

Debate: The approval of the draft 'Children's Rights Scheme 2014' under the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011

NDM5489 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with section 3(6) of the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011, approves the draft Children's Rights Scheme 2014 laid before the Assembly on 22 April 2014.

 

Supporting Document

The draft Children's Rights Scheme 2014

 

The following amendments were tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s statement, included in annex 3 to the Children’s Rights Scheme 2014, that the obligation to take the child’s best interests as a primary consideration “extends also to the approval of budgets, the preparation and development of which require the adoption of a best-interests-of-the-child perspective for it to be child-rights sensitive”.

 

Amendment 2 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Regrets the lack of reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in recent legislation, such as the School Standards & Organisation (Wales) Act 2013, as recommended by the Children and Young People Committee, and calls on the Welsh Government to underline Wales’s commitment to the UNCRC by including reference to “due regard” on the face of any future legislation which would affect children.

 

The Children and Young People Committee’s Stage 1 report on the School Standards & Organisation (Wales) Bill is available at:

 

http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-business-fourth-assembly-laid-docs/cr-ld9064.pdf

 

Amendment 3 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the 2013 Wales NGO Interim Report ‘Rights Here, Right Now: Are Children’s Rights a Reality in Wales?’ and calls on the Welsh Government to ensure effective monitoring mechanisms are in place in order to deliver “concerted action in reducing the implementation gap between national policy rhetoric and local delivery”.

 

Rights Here, Right Now: Are Children’s Rights a Reality in Wales? can be found at:

 

http://www.childrensrightswales.org.uk/UserFiles/resources/FInal%20Rights%20here,%20right%20now%20Report%20E.pdf

 

Decision:

The item started at 15.06

 

NDM5489 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with section 3(6) of the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011, approves the draft Children's Rights Scheme 2014 laid before the Assembly on 22 April 2014.

 

The following amendments were tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s statement, included in annex 3 to the Children’s Rights Scheme 2014, that the obligation to take the child’s best interests as a primary consideration “extends also to the approval of budgets, the preparation and development of which require the adoption of a best-interests-of-the-child perspective for it to be child-rights sensitive”.

 

Amendment 1 was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

 

Voting on the remaining amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

 

Amendment 2 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Regrets the lack of reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in recent legislation, such as the School Standards & Organisation (Wales) Act 2013, as recommended by the Children and Young People Committee, and calls on the Welsh Government to underline Wales’s commitment to the UNCRC by including reference to “due regard” on the face of any future legislation which would affect children.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

15

10

26

51

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

 

Amendment 3 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the 2013 Wales NGO Interim Report ‘Rights Here, Right Now: Are Children’s Rights a Reality in Wales?’ and calls on the Welsh Government to ensure effective monitoring mechanisms are in place in order to deliver “concerted action in reducing the implementation gap between national policy rhetoric and local delivery”.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

52

0

0

52

Amendment 3 was agreed.

 

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

 

NDM5489 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

1.To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with section 3(6) of the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011, approves the draft Children's Rights Scheme 2014 laid before the Assembly on 22 April 2014.

 

2.Notes the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s statement, included in annex 3 to the Children’s Rights Scheme 2014, that the obligation to take the child’s best interests as a primary consideration “extends also to the approval of budgets, the preparation and development of which require the adoption of a best-interests-of-the-child perspective for it to be child-rights sensitive.

 

3.Notes the 2013 Wales NGO Interim Report ‘Rights Here, Right Now: Are Children’s Rights a Reality in Wales?’ and calls on the Welsh Government to ensure effective monitoring mechanisms are in place in order to deliver “concerted action in reducing the implementation gap between national policy rhetoric and local delivery”.

 

For

Abstain

Against

Total

52

0

0

52

The motion as amended was agreed.

(60 mins)

5.

Debate: Proposals for the Wales Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

NDM5490 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes that the Welsh Government’s proposals for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will stimulate and strengthen the economy, environment and social cohesion of rural Wales’.

 

The Welsh Government’s proposals for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 can be accessed on the following link:

http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/wales-rdp-2014-2020-final-proposals/?lang=en

 

The following amendments were tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Delete all and replace with:

 

Notes the Welsh Government’s proposals for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

 

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Regrets the Welsh Government’s decision to opt for the maximum transfer of 15% away from direct payments to farmers in Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy to the Rural Development Programme, making Welsh farm businesses less competitive.

 

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Seeks assurances that measures delivered through the Rural Development Programme will have an immediate, demonstrable and measureable impact on farm incomes.

 

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) develop a stand-alone scheme for Less Favourable Areas to support those farming the most challenging areas of Wales;

 

b) encourage more farmers to take advantage of the Glastir scheme by simplifying and expanding access to it.

 

Amendment 5 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Regrets the Welsh Government’s decision to modulate the full 15% from Pillar 1 to Pillar 2.

 

Amendment 6 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Resolves that the Welsh Government should demonstrate annually the impact of the Rural Development Programme on farm incomes.

 

Amendment 7 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Calls on the government to prioritise support for young farmers in order to stimulate the farming sector.

 

Amendment 8 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the significant contribution of the rural economy to the wider Welsh economy and recognises the potential for economic development through the Rural Development Programme.

 

Amendment 9 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Calls on the Welsh Government to deliver a dedicated Areas of Natural Constraint scheme for Upland farms.

 

Decision:

The item started at 15.45

 

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

 

NDM5490 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

Notes that the Welsh Government’s proposals for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will stimulate and strengthen the economy, environment and social cohesion of rural Wales’.

 

The following amendments were tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Delete all and replace with:

 

Notes the Welsh Government’s proposals for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

26

0

27

53

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

 

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Regrets the Welsh Government’s decision to opt for the maximum transfer of 15% away from direct payments to farmers in Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy to the Rural Development Programme, making Welsh farm businesses less competitive.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

25

1

26

52

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

 

Amendment 3 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Seeks assurances that measures delivered through the Rural Development Programme will have an immediate, demonstrable and measureable impact on farm incomes.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

26

0

27

53

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

 

Amendment 4 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Calls on the Welsh Government to:

 

a) develop a stand-alone scheme for Less Favourable Areas to support those farming the most challenging areas of Wales;

 

b) encourage more farmers to take advantage of the Glastir scheme by simplifying and expanding access to it.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

16

10

26

52

Amendment 4 was not agreed.

 

Amendment 5 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Regrets the Welsh Government’s decision to modulate the full 15% from Pillar 1 to Pillar 2.

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

26

0

27

53

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

 

Amendment 6 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Resolves that the Welsh Government should demonstrate annually the impact of the Rural Development Programme on farm incomes.

A vote was taken on Amendment 6:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

27

0

25

52

Amendment 6 was agreed.

 

Amendment 7 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Calls on the government to prioritise support for young farmers in order to stimulate the farming sector.

A vote was taken on Amendment 7:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

52

0

0

52

Amendment 7 was agreed.

 

Amendment 8 - Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the significant contribution of the rural economy to the wider Welsh economy and recognises the potential for economic development through the Rural Development Programme.

A vote was taken on Amendment 8:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

52

0

0

52

Amendment 8 was agreed.

 

Amendment 9 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Calls on the Welsh Government to deliver a dedicated Areas of Natural Constraint scheme for Upland farms.

A vote was taken on Amendment 9:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

26

0

27

53

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

 

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

 

NDM5490 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1.Notes that the Welsh Government’s proposals for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will stimulate and strengthen the economy, environment and social cohesion of rural Wales’.

 

2.Resolves that the Welsh Government should demonstrate annually the impact of the Rural Development Programme on farm incomes.

 

3.Calls on the government to prioritise support for young farmers in order to stimulate the farming sector.

 

4.Notes the significant contribution of the rural economy to the wider Welsh economy and recognises the potential for economic development through the Rural Development Programme.

 

For

Abstain

Against

Total

12

0

40

52

The motion as amended was not agreed.

(60 mins)

6.

Debate: The Second Report of the Silk Commission on Devolution in Wales

NDM5491 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Welcomes the publication of the latest unanimously agreed report by the UK Government’s Silk Commission - "Empowerment and Responsibility: Legislative Powers to Strengthen Wales" and views the report as the basis for much needed reform of the devolution settlement for Wales.

 

“Empowerment and Responsibility: Legislative Powers to Strengthen Wales” can be accessed on the following link: http://commissionondevolutioninwales.independent.gov.uk/files/2014/03/Empowerment-Responsibility-Legislative-Powers-to-strengthen-Wales.pdf

 

The following amendment was tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the Silk Commission’s recommendations to include key legislative reforms within party manifestos, such as introducing a reserved powers model, transferring powers to the National Assembly, and strengthening the capacity of the National Assembly to scrutinise legislation, and encourages Welsh political parties to follow this proposal.

Decision:

The item started at 16.32

 

Voting on the motion and amendment under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

 

NDM5491 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

Welcomes the publication of the latest unanimously agreed report by the UK Government’s Silk Commission - "Empowerment and Responsibility: Legislative Powers to Strengthen Wales" and views the report as the basis for much needed reform of the devolution settlement for Wales.

 

The following amendment was tabled:

 

Amendment 1 - Aled Roberts (North Wales)

 

Add as new point at end of motion:

 

Notes the Silk Commission’s recommendations to include key legislative reforms within party manifestos, such as introducing a reserved powers model, transferring powers to the National Assembly, and strengthening the capacity of the National Assembly to scrutinise legislation, and encourages Welsh political parties to follow this proposal.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

41

11

0

52

Amendment 1 was agreed.

 

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

 

NDM5491 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

 

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 

1.Welcomes the publication of the latest unanimously agreed report by the UK Government’s Silk Commission - "Empowerment and Responsibility: Legislative Powers to Strengthen Wales" and views the report as the basis for much needed reform of the devolution settlement for Wales.

 

2.Notes the Silk Commission’s recommendations to include key legislative reforms within party manifestos, such as introducing a reserved powers model, transferring powers to the National Assembly, and strengthening the capacity of the National Assembly to scrutinise legislation, and encourages Welsh political parties to follow this proposal.

 

For

Abstain

Against

Total

41

11

0

52

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

Voting Time

The item started at 17.19

Proceedings were suspended until 17.30 due to a technical fault with the electronic voting system. The meeting reconvened at 17.30 and the DPO informed Members that a vote by show of hands under Standing Order 12.43(i) might be necessary and asked if any Member objected. No Members objected. Proceedings were suspended so that preparations could be made. The meeting reconvened at 17.37 and the votes were conducted by electronic means.

Votes Summary

Supporting documents:

Record of Proceedings

Supporting documents: