Written Assembly Questions tabled on 4 December 2014 for answer on 11 December 2014
R - Signifies the Member has declared an interest.
W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
(Self identifying Question no. shown in brackets)
Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
To ask the Minister for Natural Resources
Andrew RT Davies: What is the new proposed timeline for the introduction of compulsory microchipping for dogs? (WAQ6111)
Andrew RT Davies: When does the Minister intend to publish new draft dog compulsory microchipping regulations? (WAQ6112)
Answer received on 15 December 2014 (WAQ6111-12)
The Deputy Minister for Farming and Food (Rebecca Evans): I published a Statement on 22nd September to confirm that the previously publicised Coming Into Force date of 1st March 2015 was unlikely to be achieved. This is due to the detailed technical aspect of the draft Animal Welfare (Identification of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations still needing to be completed. Until that strand of work is completed it is difficult to set a firm timeline. I will continue to issue regular updates as progress is made.
To ask the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): In light of the decision by the Information Commissioner, and following a number of previous written assembly questions, will the Minister provide a breakdown of a) jobs created and b) jobs assisted in each enterprise zone since the launch of the scheme in Wales? (WAQ68108)
Answer received on 8 December 2014
The Minister for Economy, Science and Transport (Edwina Hart): We are considering the Information Commissioner's decision in detail and will be responding on this matter in due course.
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills
Lynne Neagle (Torfaen): Will the Minister provide an update on the workforce review and its implications for educational psychologists in Wales? (WAQ68109)
Answer received on 15 December 2014
The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): The Welsh Government is taking a combined approach to workforce planning and development for professionals working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) with the aim of improving the support these children receive to help them achieve their educational potential.
First, a review of the general education workforce across Wales in relation to those who provide support to children and young people with SEN has been commissioned with a final report expected Spring 2015. This will help identify workforce development priorities focusing on increasing the capability of teachers and schools at the universal level to better meet the learning needs of children and young people with SEN.
Secondly, a study considering workforce planning for specialist service provision (for example, sensory specialists and Educational Psychologists) that support children and young people with SEN has also been commissioned. This is focused on understanding current and future capacity issues of specialist services and how these can be addressed. A final report is expected in Spring 2015.
The implications for Educational Psychologists and other specialist services across Wales will be considered upon completion of the workforce planning and development activity.
To ask the Minister for Finance and Government Business
Alun Ffred Jones (Arfon): Pursuant to the answer to WAQ68041, will the Minister confirm whether or not the figures provided in that answer include Barnett formula additions for European Structural Funds and if so what was the sum included for each applicable year? (WAQ68110
Answer received on 15 December 2014
The Minister for Finance and Government Business (Jane Hutt):
The figures provided in the answer to WAQ68041 do not include any Barnett formula additions for European Structural Funds. EU Structural Funds are treated as income in additional to the block grant and do not generate Barnett consequentials.
To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Mark Drakeford): Referrals for hip and knee surgery are the same as for all other specialities, and fall under Welsh waiting times policy, which is for 95% of patients to be waiting less than 26 weeks from receipt of the referral in the hospital to the start of treatment, including the time spent waiting for specified diagnostic tests and therapies, with a maximum wait of 36 weeks to allow for clinically complex cases.
I expect all patients to be treated within this maximum waiting time, and in order of their clinical need, which is a decision for their consultant to make.