Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), 20 October 2026

36 contributions from 12 members. The official report.

1. Questions to the First Minister

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Afan Ogwr Rhondda)

Good afternoon, everybody. We will begin this afternoon with questions to the First Minister. Question 1, Lyn Ackerman.

Lyn Ackerman (Plaid Cymru, Casnewydd Islwyn)

1. What assessment has the First Minister made of the uptake of annual health checks among adults with learning disabilities? OQ64798

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Thank you for the question.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

With your permission, a brief statement from me on the incident in Newport this morning: just to say that our thoughts are very much with the children and families affected by that incident. We're grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and to everybody involved in supporting the children affected. This is an ongoing police investigation, so it would be inappropriate, I think, for me to comment further, but our thoughts are very much with those injured and those for whom this has caused anxiety today.

To the question: the uptake of annual health checks for people with a learning disability continues to show encouraging month-on-month improvement, increasing by more than 12 per cent since December 2025. Building on this momentum will be a key priority of the new learning disability transformation programme, helping to increase uptake further, identify health needs earlier and improve health outcomes.

Lyn Ackerman (Plaid Cymru, Casnewydd Islwyn)

First Minister, I welcome the inclusion of annual health checks in GP contracts and the new national pathway. Could you give me more detail on how the Welsh Government is working with the health boards and with GP practices to keep learning disability registers accurate, make invitations and appointments accessible and how these figures can guide further support to increase uptake?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Certainly. We're working with health boards, with GP practices and NHS partners across the board to improve the quality of learning disability registers so that eligible people can be identified and offered that all-important health check. We're also supporting primary care staff through training, digital assessment tools and reasonable adjustments to make invitations, appointments and the health check process itself more accessible for people with a learning disability. Since annual health checks became part of the core GP contract, we have strengthened data collection in Government on both offers and completed checks. That information is important because it helps us to identify variation where it exists, helps us to target support where it is needed most, and also, so importantly, to share good practice to increase uptake right across Wales, which is what we're looking to see.

Steven Rodaway (Reform UK, Gŵyr Abertawe)

First Minister, once an annual health check identifies a need, responsibility should not fall on the individual to fight for treatment. People with learning disabilities need a clear, funded pathway to further test, specialist assessment and treatment. Welsh Labour's Lynne Neagle cited £550 million over three years from Westminster for ALN. We know not all this money will be allocated to ALN, and much will go to other manifesto commitments and pledges. Last week, your finance Minister didn't, couldn't or wouldn't answer my question on Cynnal, but delivered another Plaid word salad with no answers. Show some transparency on what the rest of the £550 million is being used for. Will it support treatment protocols for people with learning disabilities? If not, please identify the specific NHS budget that funds this pathway. Thank you.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

I think we've been pretty transparent that the bulk of the pressures that we face as a Government do indeed come from the NHS, from across the whole range of services that are provided, and that it's very important that we do provide, including the services that we are talking about in this question. The Member is quite right to identify the fact that the onus shouldn't be on the individual, and that is why we are putting those steps in place to strengthen the provision of how those invitations go out, to make sure that those individuals who need to be targeted for their well-being are targeted and brought into the system. This is a whole-system approach, and not just one based on the finances.

Paul Davies (Conservative, Ceredigion Penfro)

I echo the points raised by the Member for Casnewydd Islwyn about the importance of these annual health checks. It's important that GPs make reasonable adjustments for these annual health checks as well, and that could mean anything from having a quiet space available for people waiting for their appointment to offering a longer appointment for some patients. Now, last week, I met with Mencap Cymru to hear about

Paul Davies (Conservative, Ceredigion Penfro)

to hear about their 'I'm in' campaign, which highlights the importance of GP learning disability registers as a gateway to accessing annual health checks. Now, for many years, organisations such as Mencap Cymru have highlighted the importance of increasing annual health check uptake, and ensuring they are delivered to a consistently high standard.

So, therefore, First Minister, can you tell us what support does the Welsh Government provide to local health boards to help GP practices make reasonable adjustments, so that these annual health checks are as accessible and as comfortable as possible for people with learning disabilities?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

The Member is right that those reasonable adjustments that I referred to in my initial response are very, very important. Sometimes they can be small, but they can make a big difference. I also welcome the referencing by the Member of the work that Mencap Cymru is doing. And that's another good example, isn't it, of how this is something which many organisations, including the voluntary and the third sector, need to be involved in.

We will work with health boards. We will work directly with GP practices also, to make sure that those reasonable adjustments are made. And I very much welcome feedback from an organisation such as Mencap Cymru on how we could make that system even better.

Anna Nicholl (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion Penfro)

2. How is the First Minister strengthening co-operation with the Republic of Ireland? OQ64788

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Well, I went to Dublin on my first overseas visit as First Minister back in June. I was very pleased on that visit to confirm my Government’s commitment to the joint Ireland-Wales statement for 2030. This is a partnership framework which covers six priority areas, including climate and energy, economy and trade, culture and language. And, quite simply, Ireland is one of our most valued international relationships here in Wales. It is rooted in shared history, geography and values that I think we share, and I look forward to building on delivering the goals of that shared statement between the two nations.

Anna Nicholl (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion Penfro)

Diolch. And I welcome the Ireland-Wales shared statement 2030, committing our nations to strengthening cultural partnerships and artistic exchange. In my constituency, Other Voices Cardigan has become one of the most vibrant and successful examples of that ambition. Since 2019, it's brought together Welsh and Irish artists, audiences and communities, thanks to support from the Welsh Government, the Irish Government and broadcasters. The festival has delivered significant economic benefits for Aberteifi, increased numbers visiting from Ireland to west Wales, and created lasting creative partnerships between musicians from both countries.

Sadly, a late decision to reduce funding this year means the festival isn't taking place. So, a multi-year funding agreement is now vital to enable the festival to continue to plan for future years. So, will the First Minister explore this potential with his Irish counterparts, to help secure the long-term future of Other Voices Cardigan, and strengthen Wales-Ireland relations for years to come?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Other Voices has certainly been a valued cultural partnership for Wales, helping to showcase Welsh and international talent, while strengthening our relationship specifically with Ireland. Officials did meet the festival organisers last month on 22 September to discuss future proposals, with a further meeting, as I understand, scheduled for early November. And my officials in Dublin also are discussing future support with the Irish Government.

We do remain open to discussions about future proposals. This will be, of course, subject to funding priorities and available budgets.

Adrian Mason (Reform UK, Clwyd)

First Minister, collaboration from the Irish Republic is something, like you, that I strongly support, particularly on trade, Holyhead, and the resilience of our links across the Irish Sea. But co-operation between two Governments is one matter; advancing a party political constitutional objective is quite another. Your Government's shared statement, as you just mentioned before, with Ireland, specifically refers to co-operation in areas for which the Welsh Government has devolved responsibility.

So, will you give this Chamber a categorical assurance that Welsh Government offices, officials, public money and ministerial visits to Ireland will not be used directly or indirectly to promote Plaid Cymru's campaign for Welsh independence? And can you give that assurance today?

Adrian Mason (Reform UK, Clwyd)

And can you give that assurance today?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Well, we had a meeting recently, which was a political meeting between a political party in Ireland and me as leader of Plaid Cymru in Wales on areas of shared responsibility. There are Government actions that we take, which are around trade, which are around culture. Similarly, we have an agreement with the Scottish Government around climate change and renewable energy and so on. The activities of this Government will be around those Government issues on which we can find common ground in order to pursue the interests of the people of Ireland and the people of Wales.

Janet Finch-Saunders (Conservative, Bangor Conwy Môn)

We on these benches very much value greater co-operation and increased trade with Ireland. Around 1.5 million passenger journeys are made between Wales and Ireland each year through Holyhead port, making it a vital gateway between the two nations. Holyhead handled 4.3 million tonnes of freight between Ireland and Wales in 2024, which is more than any other Welsh port. The 2.4 km Holyhead breakwater is approximately 150 years old and needs work done to it. First Minister, closer co-operation with Ireland must be demonstrated through delivering not simply warm words. Your Government inherited a £40 million commitment to Holyhead breakwater, together with a clear warning that its failure could ultimately close the port. With Welsh-Irish connectivity, trade and around 700 local jobs dependent on resilient port infrastructure, why is there still no firm timetable, and when exactly will the refurbishment begin and be completed?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Work is progressing on the work that absolutely needs to happen to maintain this remarkable piece of engineering. For anybody who hasn't ventured to the far end of it, clear a decent amount of time, because it takes time. But it is something that is a genuine engineering marvel. That is an immediate challenge to the port of Holyhead, and action is being taken to remediate the damage caused by many years of Irish sea storms. The ongoing damage, of course, that we face is the damage of Brexit. The Member mentions the importance of the port of Holyhead, and we know the pain that has been caused in terms of limits on trade to the port of Holyhead. We're still seeing it now with the comings and goings on the border posts. This is disruption that has held back the development of the port of Holyhead. That is something that is in my mind when I say that we should be building closer relationships with our European friends, the closest of which is across the Irish sea—the Republic of Ireland.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Afan Ogwr Rhondda)

I now call on the party leaders to question the First Minister. First, leader of Reform UK, Helen Jenner.

Helen Jenner (Reform UK, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Diolch, Lywydd. I want to firstly pay tribute to the Aberfan tragedy, which took place 60 years ago tomorrow. We'll never forget the lives lost and the community forever scarred by this devastating event. I appreciate the Government is making a statement on this later today, and I welcome the opportunity to pay further tribute then.

Llywydd, we are coming to the end of a very long half term, but whatever fatigue we might be feeling here in this Chamber, quadruple that and you might get somewhere near to how our teachers are feeling. It's not just down to the day-to-day workload; teachers are under immense strain when it comes to managing students' behaviour. More and more teachers are reporting high levels of verbal and physical abuse from students, and many are beginning to feel unsafe at work. First Minister, we've heard a lot about this Government's new literacy and numeracy frameworks, but will your Government now commit to delivering a robust behaviour framework, and will it include zero tolerance on violence, which would protect school staff from the sort of abuse that isn't accepted in other public institutions? Because what's currently in place across schools in Wales is clearly not fit for purpose.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

I absolutely think that we should have that zero-tolerance approach towards violence. My Government has shown very clearly its support for the teaching profession, and the pupils, and the parents, and the wider school community that is affected when, sadly, we do see incidents of violence in schools, albeit, thankfully, very, very rare. Just as we have put clear frameworks in place to improve standards in schools, we have also clearly made it a priority to work across agencies to make sure that all those partners can work together, to make schools the safe learning environment that we all want them to be.

Helen Jenner (Reform UK, Bangor Conwy Môn)

First Minister, a well-known issue with behaviour in schools is linked to students having access to their mobile phones. At the end of July this year, schools across the border in England were given clarity on mobile phone use

Ken Skates (Labour, Fflint Wrecsam)

First Minister, I don't think we can wait for the devolution of broadcasting, and, indeed, devolution of broadcasting in itself will not protect BBC Wales from cuts being imposed by the board centrally in London. It needs protection right now. We shouldn't have radio silence from the Welsh Government over what's happening at the BBC. It's as though Ministers are content to sit on their hands whilst our democracy is weakened.

Now another issue over which Plaid Cymru members sat on their hands is the Hillsborough law. In the last Senedd term, your party abstained on a crucial consent motion. When the matter returns to this Chamber, will you commit to vote with Welsh Labour and support the fight for justice for the 97 and their families?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

The Member knows full well that we support the principle and the purpose of a Hillsborough law, and that the duty of candour is something that people should be able to expect. On the comment that he made previously about a board in London making decisions on broadcasting in Wales, let's just, for example, replace that 'board in London' with 'a UK Government'. On how many issues is that UK Government making decisions in London that have a detrimental impact on us in Wales? And how many years have Labour sat on their hands on rail funding, rather than making decisions that could make a real difference now to the infrastructure that we need in Wales?

I hope there's a conversion happening here, where the leader of the Labour group is starting to see things my way. The evidence suggests otherwise. But this is precisely the case that we make. We need here in Wales to be able to make those decisions that build a better future for Wales ourselves, because we cannot depend on a board in London or, indeed, a UK Government to do the right thing for Wales themselves.

Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Afan Ogwr Rhondda)

The leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar.

Darren Millar (Conservative, Clwyd)

Diolch, Lywydd. Can I also put on record that our thoughts are also with those affected by the devastating events in Aberfan 60 years ago this week?

First Minister, it's vitally important that every single penny of taxpayers' money is well spent, and that includes on our national health service here in Wales. Unfortunately, more than £600 million has been paid out by the Welsh NHS in clinical negligence and personal injury claims over the past five years, £145 million of which was just in the last financial year alone. These are eye-watering figures, but they provide further evidence of the crisis engulfing the NHS here in Wales. Every single payout, of course—. Behind those payouts are families and individuals who've suffered loss or harm as a result of some tragic situation and failings in care. Now, our priority, I believe, has to be preventing these tragedies from happening in the first place, because every pound paid in compensation is a pound that could have been invested in delivering better care, better facilities for patients, and better outcomes for them across the country. What action are you and your Government taking to get to grips with this issue?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

I agree, Llywydd, with the points made by the Member that, when we lose money from the NHS in compensation payments, that is money that is lost from the front line of tackling the serious issues that we have within the NHS in Wales. We don't think of it centrally as a financial issue, because behind every one of those compensation claims you will have somebody that has suffered a loss of some sort, because of—. It could be a human error; it could be a deeper systemic issue within the NHS. All I'll say is that we are determined as a Government to root out those problems that are within our control. There will always be mistakes made, by very, very well-meaning and professional health workers, and the compensation system exists in order to address that and pay recompense where that is necessary. But we are a Government that is determined to root out those issues that are creating the unsustainability of the NHS, and perhaps the unsustainability that is leading to problems that could end up with a compensation payout.

Darren Millar (Conservative, Clwyd)

I asked you for specific things about what you would do to try and tackle this, and I appreciate the words about your desire to get on and deliver some improved sustainability, but you didn't tell me any specifics in terms of action that you would take, and, unfortunately, the situation with compensation payments looks as though it's going to get a whole lot worse. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has warned today that our emergency departments in Wales are in a precarious position and facing the prospects of a very, very difficult winter, largely due to a lack of hospital beds. And the latest Welsh Risk Pool

Darren Millar (Conservative, Clwyd)

And the latest Welsh Risk Pool talks about the financial forecasts in the future, and buried on page 733 of a 1,100-page pack of papers for the Velindre University NHS Trust board, it suggests that the annual cost in the year 2028-29 of negligence claims is expected to rise to more than £310 million per year. So, within three years, the Welsh NHS could be shelling out the equivalent of salaries for more than 8,000 nurses in clinical negligence claims. I'd rather see that money spent on preventing people from coming to harm and dying than on compensation.

So, can I ask you today, First Minister, to declare a health emergency? Everybody knows that we need to do that. Surge hospital numbers, recruit more doctors, nurses and paramedics, and then get on and deliver the safer care that people across Wales need.

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

I respect the consistency with which the leader of the Conservatives makes that call for declaring a health emergency. I want to impress this Senedd with the fact that I don't think we could be treating the NHS with a higher level of urgency than we are currently. Giving it a title in that respect doesn't work, doesn't make a difference. What we have done since coming into Government, in that very short time, is make that financial investment in speeding up flow through the system, the kind of governance changes that we believe will lead to better management and, hopefully, if we get this right, to reducing the number of errors that happen within the health service, and improving our ability to target what is going wrong across the health service.

The Member knows, having spoken on health for many, many years, that the problems we face within the NHS in Wales are multiple. Our task is to build that sustainability to create a system that works well together. I am satisfied that we are putting those steps in place now. Will it take time? Yes. But the example given on the need to bring down compensation payments is a very, very valid example of why keeping things as they were under previous administrations within the health service is not an option.

Catherine Cullen (Reform UK, Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni)

3. What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve the support provided to adopted and care-experienced children and young people? OQ64755

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Everybody in Wales deserves access to high-quality care and support that is timely, effective and centred around their needs. Through investment in therapeutic support, early intervention, the removal of profit from care and the transformation of children’s services, we are committed to working with the 75 signatories to our corporate parenting charter to improve stability, strengthen relationships and deliver better outcomes for adopted and care-experienced children and young people.

Catherine Cullen (Reform UK, Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni)

In the August 2026 report, Care Inspectorate Wales found that adoption support remained inconsistent, with waiting lists across almost every region collaborative. The average number of days taken for children to move from the decision that they should be placed for adoption to actually being in place varied considerably across Wales, with the lowest figure of 248 days waiting in the Western Bay Adoption Service to a high of 450 days waiting in the Adoption Mid and West Wales collaborative. It is apparent that you want to build a united Wales, but in what modern nation is it acceptable for a child to wait an additional 202 days to get the outcome they need in one region compared to the other? This is not timely.

Having experienced the care system myself, both as a child and as an adoptive parent, I know the struggle first-hand. So, my question is simple: what specifically is this Government going to do to close these gaps and ensure equitable support nationwide?

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru, Bangor Conwy Môn)

Well, the Member's lived experience tells her why this is not acceptable, that people are waiting too long, and, as a Government, we want to close that gap. The Welsh Government funds the National Adoption Service. The national adoption commitment supports access to a range of universal targeted and specialist provision, which is important. But we have to be always looking at means to make sure that children have the support that they need sooner. It is not the situation that we accept things as they are.

We also have to accept that once we are able, hopefully, working with other partners, to speed up that initial part of the system,