Cwestiynau Ysgrifenedig y Cynulliad a gyflwynwyd ar 17 Mai 2017 i'w hateb ar 24 Mai 2017
R - Yn dynodi bod yr Aelod wedi datgan buddiant.
W - Yn dynodi bod y cwestiwn wedi'i gyflwyno yn Gymraeg.
(Dangosir rhif gwreiddiol y cwestiwn mewn cromfachau)
Mae'n rhaid cyflwyno Cwestiynau Ysgrifenedig o leiaf bum diwrnod gwaith cyn y maent i gael eu hateb. Yn ymarferol, bydd Gweinidogion yn ceisio ateb o fewn saith neu wyth diwrnod ond nid oes rheidrwydd arnynt i wneud hynny. Caiff yr atebion eu cyhoeddi yn yr iaith y maent yn cael eu darparu, gyda chyfieithiad i'r Saesneg o ymatebion a ddarperir yn Gymraeg.
Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi a'r Seilwaith
Russell George (Sir Drefaldwyn): Pa drafodaethau sydd wedi bod rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a gweithredwyr ffonau symudol ynghylch sicrhau nad oes rhwystrau i signal ffonau symudol ar hyd llwybr ffordd osgoi y Drenewydd a beth fu canlyniad y trafodaethau hynny? (WAQ73520)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Gweinidog dros Sgiliau a Gwyddoniaeth (Julie James): Maintaining or improving the coverage of privately owned mobile phone network is outside the scope of the Highways Act. Routine discussions are not generally held with mobile phone operators as part of new road schemes such as the Newtown Bypass development. However, the bypass was subject to extensive public consultation and a public inquiry in 2015. I have asked my officials to raise awareness of the new bypass with the mobile industry.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ddatganiad am benderfyniad Llywodraeth Cymru i roi £5 miliwn i'r cam nesaf o Fuddsoddi mewn Band Eang Ysgolion, a chynghori ynghylch a ellir rhoi pecyn yr un mor benodol i fusnesau hefyd? (WAQ73541)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Julie James: The £5 million investment announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education was to enable schools to access broadband services that support future requirements such as the Digital Competence Framework, online adaptive testing and developments in the Hwb platform.
We support business connectivity through our Superfast Cymru project, and our Access Broadband Cymru and Ultrafast Connectivity Voucher schemes. In addition, we have enabled access to around 1800 business premises on industrial estates and business parks across Wales through a contract with Airband, a wireless internet provider.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ddatganiad am ffigurau diweithdra Gogledd Cymru, ac esbonio sut y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithio mewn ffordd gadarnhaol i fynd i'r afael â hyn? (WAQ73542)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 31 Mai 2017
Ken Skates: The unemployment rate for North Wales, in the year to December 2016, was 4.0%, below both the Welsh (4.6%) and UK averages (4.9%). Our approach to economic development – investing in skills, infrastructure and business growth, helps to provide the right conditions for a labour market that is performing better than the UK average.
Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Iechyd, Llesiant a Chwaraeon
Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i wneud gwerthwyr e-sigarêts ac e-hylif yn ymwybodol o reoliadau newydd o dan ddarpariaethau Cyfarwyddeb Cynnyrch Tobacco 2014/14/EU? (WAQ73518)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Gweinidog dros Iechyd y Cyhoedd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol (Rebecca Evans): The regulations in relation to e-cigarettes have come into force as a result of UK legislation. Information is available from the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
At present there is no list of retailers of these products. The retail register to be introduced by the Public Health (Wales) Bill will provide such a list. This will make it possible to inform retailers of e-cigarettes and related products of any future changes to legislation which will affect them.
Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Faint a gaiff ei wario gan Lywodraeth Cymru a chyrff cyhoeddus eraill ar wasanaethau sy'n gysylltiedig ag epilepsi? (WAQ73519)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Vaughan Gething: Welsh Government supports the provision of epilepsy-related services through the funding of primary and secondary NHS care and associated services. Welsh Government does not routinely collect information on how this funding is specifically applied for epilepsy-related services.
Welsh Government does not routinely collect information on expenditure by other public bodies on epilepsy-related services.
Nick Ramsay (Mynwy): A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ddatganiad am gynnydd o ran cyrraedd targedau a osodwyd yn nogfen strategaeth awtistiaeth 2016 Llywodraeth Cymru? (WAQ73521)
Nick Ramsay (Mynwy): Pa gynnydd y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'i wneud o ran sicrhau nad oes loteri cod post wrth geisio cael gafael ar wasanaethau awtistiaeth ledled Cymru? (WAQ73522)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Gweinidog dros Iechyd y Cyhoedd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol (Rebecca Evans): The Welsh Government's new Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan was published last November. Many of the key actions set out in that plan will be delivered through a new national Integrated Autism Service, which will be rolled out across Wales by 2018. This service is backed by a £13 million Welsh Government investment and will be delivered through our Regional Partnership Boards. The service will see new specialist teams in every region providing adult diagnosis; support in the community; advice for adults with autism and parents and carers; and training for professionals. This service will support the improvements we are delivering in children's diagnosis through the 'Together for Children and Young People' programme which is supported by £2 million funding each year. This all-age national approach to supporting people with autism will create a consistent and fair service across Wales which will address gaps in service provision identified by people with autism and their parents and carers.
The Integrated Autism Service will be available in Aneurin Bevan, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, Cwm Taf and Powys over the next few months and in the remaining regions in 2018. A commitment has been given to fund the service until 2021.
An Implementation Advisory Group has been established to monitor delivery of the Action Plan. Its first meeting was held in March. An annual report will be published to provide an update on the progress we are making in delivering the new autism strategy.
Julie Morgan (Gogledd Caerdydd): Pa asesiad y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi'i wneud o benderfyniad GIG Lloegr i gyflwyno prawf effaith y gyllideb o £20m ar gyfer meddyginiaethau newydd? (WAQ73523)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Vaughan Gething: The Welsh Government has a clear commitment to make new, recommended medicines available as quickly as possible. A medicine recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group is proven to be clinically cost effective and represents value for money for the NHS.
The £80 million New Treatment Fund supports the faster introduction of new medicines requiring them to be made available in Wales no later than 60 days from the published recommendation. This is our commitment for this five-year period of government. I will be making a statement on the impact of the New Treatment Fund on 4 July.
The budget impact test for new medicines costing £20 million annually is an English initiative which may affect access in England to new medicines recommended by NICE. If NHS England did ask NICE to consider extending the standard 90 day requirement in which NHS organisations have to make funding for NICE-recommended treatments available then the subsequent delay in access to a new, recommended medicine would only apply in England.
Julie Morgan (Gogledd Caerdydd): Pa effaith a gaiff prawf effaith newydd y gyllideb yn Lloegr ar y broses gymeradwyo ar gyfer meddyginiaethau newydd yng Nghymru? (WAQ73524)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Vaughan Gething: The Welsh Government has a clear commitment to make new, recommended medicines available as quickly as possible. A medicine recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group is proven to be clinically cost effective and represents value for money for the NHS.
The £80 million New Treatment Fund supports the faster introduction of new medicines requiring them to be made available in Wales no later than 60 days from the published recommendation. This is our commitment for this five-year period of government. I will be making a statement on the impact of the New Treatment Fund on 4 July.
The budget impact test for new medicines costing £20 million annually is an English initiative which may affect access in England to new medicines recommended by NICE. If NHS England did ask NICE to consider extending the standard 90 day requirement in which NHS organisations have to make funding for NICE-recommended treatments available then the subsequent delay in access to a new, recommended medicine would only apply in England.
Julie Morgan (Gogledd Caerdydd): Beth yw goblygiadau prawf effaith y gyllideb yn Lloegr ar gael gafael ar feddyginiaethau gan gleifion yng Nghymru? (WAQ73525)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Vaughan Gething: The Welsh Government has a clear commitment to make new, recommended medicines available as quickly as possible. A medicine recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group is proven to be clinically cost effective and represents value for money for the NHS.
The £80 million New Treatment Fund supports the faster introduction of new medicines requiring them to be made available in Wales no later than 60 days from the published recommendation. This is our commitment for this five-year period of government. I will be making a statement on the impact of the New Treatment Fund on 4 July.
The budget impact test for new medicines costing £20 million annually is an English initiative which may affect access in England to new medicines recommended by NICE. If NHS England did ask NICE to consider extending the standard 90 day requirement in which NHS organisations have to make funding for NICE-recommended treatments available then the subsequent delay in access to a new, recommended medicine would only apply in England.
Dai Lloyd (Gorllewin De Cymru): Pa gamau y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn eu cymryd i helpu i wella argaeledd bwyd di-glwten mewn siopau a gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, yn sgil lansio ymgyrch Gluten Freevolution gan Coeliac UK? (WAQ73526)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Vaughan Gething: Although the number of commercially-available gluten-free foods has increased in the past few years, the Welsh Government recognises there can be a cost differential between gluten-free and the equivalent non gluten-free products and that prescribing remains an important source of gluten-free produce for many people.
Health boards in Wales follow national prescribing guidance for gluten-free products to support general practitioners and other healthcare professionals in the management of patients with coeliac disease. Staple items, such as fresh bread and pasta, are available on prescription. This helps patients optimise their nutritional status and maintain a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ddatganiad am gymorth i bobl yng ngogledd Cymru sydd â Pharkinson's? (WAQ73535)
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Sut y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn gweithio i sicrhau bod dioddefwyr Parkinson's yng ngogledd Cymru yn gallu gweld ymgynghorydd meddygol addas? (WAQ73536)
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Beth y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn ei wneud i gynyddu nifer y nyrsys cymorth Parkinson's penodedig yng ngogledd Cymru? (WAQ73537)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Vaughan Gething: Our Neurological Conditions Delivery Plan sets out our ambitions in respect of treatment and support for people living with conditions such as Parkinson's. The plan is currently being updated and will be published later this summer.
I understand Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has an established service for people with Parkinson's disease in north Wales, provided by a mix of consultant geriatricians with a specialist interest in Parkinson's disease. Visiting Neurologists from the Walton Hospital provide more specialised opinions to complement and support this service.
The number of full time equivalent Parkinson's disease nurses is appropriate for the population.
The health board has recently appointed a new consultant with an interest in Parkinson's disease who will support the service in Anglesey and Bangor as well as a full time nurse in the west of the health board.
Succession plans for consultants and nurses for the service across north Wales are being drawn up by the health board to ensure future provision.
Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a Llywodraeth Leol
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Pa gamau y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn eu cymryd i ddiwygio'r setliad llywodraeth leol fel rhan o'r papur gwyn ar ddiwygio llywodraeth leol? (WAQ73527)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a Llywodraeth Leol (Mark Drakeford): The White Paper Reforming Local Government: Resilient and Renewed proposed a collaborative approach to the provision of effective financial arrangements by local authorities to support regional working. I sought a wide range of views in developing those proposals and I am considering the responses to the consultation. I made a separate statement alongside the White Paper which outlined my ambitions for the broader reform of the local government finance system.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet amlinellu ei gynlluniau ar gyfer dyletswyddau statudol cynghorau o dan y papur gwyn ar ddiwygio llywodraeth leol? (WAQ73528)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: The 'Reforming Local Government: Resilient and Renewed' White Paper set out our proposals for enhanced regional working by local authorities in the planning and delivery of services. The White Paper includes a number of proposals for the future of statutory duties on Councils in Wales. Consultation on the White Paper closed on 11 April. 167 responses were received and are being analysed. I will publish a consultation summary report and set out the way forward in due course.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Pa asesiadau y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi eu gwneud o ddiwygiadau i gynrychiolaethau cynghorwyr ers lansio ei bapur gwyn ar ddiwygio llywodraeth leol? (WAQ73529)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: Our proposals for local government reform recognise the importance of local councillors as leaders and advocates for their communities. They will have an important role in speaking up for the ambitions and aspirations of their communities, in scrutinising those responsible for decisions and the delivery of services and in supporting constituents when individual needs arise.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A yw Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi ffurfio rhestr benodol o feini prawf y bydd yn eu defnyddio i asesu uniad gwirfoddol cynghorau, o gofio bod y papur gwyn ar ddiwygio llywodraeth leol yn nodi y byddai angen i gynigion gael eu datblygu mewn trafodaeth â Llywodraeth Cymru? (WAQ73530)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: Our minimum expectations are set out in the White Paper.
I do not intend to set out a long list of specific criteria that a proposal must meet. The rationale and circumstances for voluntary merger will be different in each case and local authorities must have flexibility to bring forward proposals in different circumstances. Discussion and cooperation between the local authorities concerned and with the Welsh Government will be crucial to ensure a workable timetable and the proposal is fit for purpose in the longer term.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Pa gamau y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet yn eu cymryd i fynd i'r afael â'r nifer uchel o seddi cynghorau sir gydag un ymgeisydd yn etholiadau llywodraeth leol 2017, sydd wedi gostwng gan ddim ond saith ers 2012? (WAQ73531)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: The duty falls on all political representatives – of all political parties and none – to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to consider standing for election to local government. Like you, I was disappointed at the number of uncontested seats for county councils and the number of uncontested seats and remaining large vacancies at community council level.
The Local Government reforms I hope to introduce following the recent White Paper consultation aim to make local government more transparent and easier for the public to engage with. It is my hope that this will lead to greater interest in candidacy.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Pa asesiad y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi'i wneud o ddefnydd arfer gorau o ran arian wrth gefn awdurdodau lleol, yn sgil codi'r dreth gyngor ledled cynghorau Cymru yn ddiweddar? (WAQ73532)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: Each local authority is statutorily responsible for the management of its own financial affairs including the holding and use of reserves.
I expect them to have rigorous arrangements in place to ensure they are using all their available resources in the most efficient and effective manner and that their decisions are open and transparent.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet sylwadau am y cynnydd yn nifer yr hysbysiadau cosb benodol a ddosbarthwyd gan awdurdodau lleol ledled Cymru ers 2007-08, ac yn arbennig ers 2011-12? (WAQ73533)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: The increase in the number of fixed penalty notices issued by local authorities indicates that local authorities are being more proactive in tackling litter and local environmental crime through enforcement action.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet ymrwymo i adolygiad o'r lluosydd ar gyfer ardrethi busnes yng Nghymru? (WAQ73534)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: I am committed to making changes to the local government finance system as a whole to support the wider reform of local government. This provides an opportunity to consider longer term changes to non-domestic rates in Wales, including the operation of the multiplier which is governed by primary legislation.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Pa asesiad y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi'i wneud o rôl pwyllgorau cynllunio awdurdodau lleol o fewn y strwythur arfaethedig ar gyfer gwasanaethau rheoli adeiladu ac olion traed rhanbarthol? (WAQ73538)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 26 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: Our proposals for local government reorganisation are set out in the “Reforming local government: resilient and renewed” consultation paper, and include detailed consideration of how planning and building control services might be delivered on a larger than local footprint.
Our proposed reforms set out scope for the involvement of, and opportunity for participation in decision making by, local elected members and Committees. We are currently considering the responses to the consultation paper.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Pa asesiad y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi'i wneud o'r ffaith bod y rhan fwyaf o seddi ag un ymgeisydd yn etholiadau llywodraeth leol 2017 mewn cynghorau gwledig, a oedd yn cyfateb i 74 y cant o'r seddi ag un ymgeisydd yng Nghymru? (WAQ73539)
Derbyniwyd ateb at 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: The majority of uncontested seats in Welsh council elections have always been in rural areas. These wards are usually sparsely populated compared to urban equivalents but have smaller electorates. They are also less likely to have well-organised political parties active in the area and the sitting member is quite likely to be well known locally, which can deter challenges.
However, I would prefer to see all elections contested so that people have a democratic choice.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Pa asesiad y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi'i wneud o waith y Tîm Arsylwi Ymddygiad ar gofrestriad pleidleiswyr a'r Democracy Club o wefan 'Find Your Polling Station' o gofio bod y Gymdeithas Diwygio Etholiadol yn amcangyfrif bod cymaint â 350,000 o bobl yng Nghymru nad ydynt wedi cofrestru i bleidleisio? (WAQ73540)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 24 Mai 2017
Mark Drakeford: The knowledge gained from the work of Behavioural Insights Team and the experience of funding the "Find your Polling Station" website will be used to inform future policy development.
We are expecting competence over electoral matters to be devolved to the National Assembly as a result of the Wales Act 2017 and, in anticipation, I will be holding a consultation in the summer on a range of electoral reforms.
What is clear, as a result of those projects, is that the behaviour of not only the voters but also those providing the services needs to be considered in order for different interventions to be most effective.