Cofnod y Trafodion
The Record of Proceedings

C1 Nerys Evans: Pa ymgynghoriadau sy’n ymwneud â materion cyfreithiol y mae’r Cwnsler Cyffredinol wedi ymateb iddynt ar ran Llywodraeth Cymru? OAQ(3)0134(CGE)

Q1 Nerys Evans: What recent consultations involving legal matters has the Counsel General responded to on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government? OAQ(3)0134(CGE)

Y Cwnsler Cyffredinol ac Arweinydd y Tŷ (Carwyn Jones): A minnau’n Gwnsler Cyffredinol, yr wyf wedi ymateb i nifer o ymgynghoriadau sy’n ymwneud â materion cyfreithiol. Mae’r rhain wedi cynnwys dau ymgynghoriad gan Lywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig ynghylch penodiadau barnwrol a swyddogaeth y Twrnai Cyffredinol. Yr wyf hefyd wedi ymateb i ymgynghoriad y Weinyddiaeth Gyfiawnder ar weithredu Deddf Tribiwnlysoedd, Llysoedd a Gorfodaeth 2007.

The Counsel General and Leader of the House (Carwyn Jones): As Counsel General, I have responded to a number of consultations that involve legal matters. They have included two United Kingdom Government consultations about judicial appointments and the role of the Attorney General. I have also responded to the Ministry of Justice consultation on implementing the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Nerys Evans: Yr wyf wedi sôn lawer gwaith yn y Siambr am fy mhryderon ynglŷn â llysoedd teulu, ac yn benodol am ddau achos pan ddefnyddiwyd 'arbenigwyr addysgiadol’ a oedd heb unrhyw ddealltwriaeth o addysg Gymraeg. Yn waeth na hynny, dywedodd yr arbenigwyr honedig y gallai addysg Gymraeg fod yn niweidiol i ddatblygiad plentyn. Mae natur ddirgel llysoedd teulu yn ei gwneud yn anodd iawn rhoi sylw i’r mater hwn.

Nerys Evans: I have raised many times in the Chamber my concerns about the family courts, and specifically about two cases in which 'educational experts’ were used who had no understanding of Welsh-medium education. Worse still, these so-called experts stated that a Welsh-medium education could be damaging to a child’s development. The closed nature of family courts makes it very hard to publicise this issue.

Dros y misoedd diwethaf, mae’r Ysgrifennydd Gwladol dros Gyfiawnder, Jack Straw, wedi gwneud newidiadau i gyfundrefn y llysoedd teulu o ran yr hyn y mae’r cyfryngau yn cael ei adrodd. Mae wedi datgan y bydd yn defnyddio’r Mesur gwella ysgolion a diogelu plant i wneud mwy o newidiadau yn y dyfodol. A ydych wedi cymryd rhan yn y broses hon o wneud newidiadau i lysoedd teulu ar ran Llywodraeth Cymru ac ar ran pobl Cymru? Wrth i’r Ysgrifennydd Gwladol dros Gyfiawnder argymell newidiadau pellach drwy’r Mesur hwnnw yn San Steffan, a allwch chi dynnu sylw at ddiffygion y system ar hyn o bryd, i geisio sicrhau atebolrwydd arbenigwyr yn y llysoedd teulu? Rhaid ceisio sicrhau na fydd 'arbenigwyr’ sydd â barn niweidiol a hollol anghywir am addysg Gymraeg—a Duw a ŵyr beth arall—yn cael eu defnyddio mewn llysoedd yng Nghymru byth eto.

Carwyn Jones: Mae’n anodd dweud na ddylai rhywun roi ei farn mewn llys. Mater i’r llys yw penderfynu pa sylw y dylid ei roi i farn unrhyw arbenigwr. Mae’n amlwg i bawb nad yw addysg Gymraeg yn wael i blant, ac mae tystiolaeth i gefnogi hynny.

Carwyn Jones: It would be difficult to say that someone should not give an opinion in a court. It would be for the court to decide how much weight to give to any expert opinion. It is clear to all that Welsh-medium education is not bad for children, and there is evidence to back that up.

Os ydym yn ystyried ymestyn y sefyllfa o ran llysoedd teulu a chaniatáu adroddiadau llawn i’r cyfryngau, mae’n bwysig sylweddoli y gall problemau godi. Er enghraifft, pe bai dau berson adnabyddus yn cael ysgariad, ni fyddwn am weld popeth ynglŷn â’r ysgariad hwnnw’n cael ei drafod yn gyhoeddus, gan na fyddai hynny o les i unrhyw blentyn o’r berthynas honno. Felly, mae’n bwysig bod y Deyrnas Unedig yn gwneud hyn mewn ffordd ofalus i sicrhau mai lles plant yw nod enwedig unrhyw newid yn y dyfodol.

C1 Mohammad Asghar: A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am y diwydiant llaeth yng Nghymru? OAQ(3)0878(RAF)

The Minister for Rural Affairs (Elin Jones): These are challenging times for the dairy industry in Wales and throughout Europe. I am confident that the Welsh dairy industry will be able to respond positively to the challenges, and that there is a sustainable, profitable, efficient and viable long-term future for the dairy sector here in Wales.

Mohammad Asghar: I take this opportunity to pay tribute to you as a Minister for the work that you have done for the farming industry in Wales. I have obtained figures that show that, in Gwent, the number of dairy farmers has fallen from 184 in 2002 to 124 today. In neighbouring Mid Glamorgan, there has been a drop from 33 in 2002 to just 18 today. Will you outline the progress that has been made by your department to support dairy farmers, and will you join me in visiting a Gwent dairy farm in the near future to hear the views of the local farmers?

Mohammad Asghar: Cymeraf y cyfle hwn i roi teyrnged ichi fel Gweinidog am y gwaith yr ydych wedi’i wneud dros y diwydiant ffermio yng Nghymru. Yr wyf wedi cael  ffigurau sy’n dangos bod nifer y ffermwyr llaeth yng Ngwent wedi gostwng o 184 yn 2002 i 124 heddiw. Mae ein cymdogion ym Morgannwg Ganol wedi gweld gostyngiad o 33 yn 2002 i ddim ond 18 heddiw. A wnewch chi egluro pa gynnydd sydd wedi’i wneud gan eich adran i gefnogi ffermwyr llaeth, ac a  ymunwch â mi i ymweld â fferm laeth yng Ngwent yn y dyfodol agos i glywed safbwyntiau’r ffermwyr lleol?

Elin Jones: The experience in Gwent in your constituency is not dissimilar to that throughout Wales, where we have seen a decline in the number of farmers working in the dairy industry. The decline last year was slightly less than in previous years, but it is a worrying decline although production continues to maintain a steady supply of milk. We have a dairy action plan in Wales, and we have an agreement with DairyCo that the Assembly Government and DairyCo will co-fund the appointment of a person to develop further the efficiency of the dairy industry in Wales. I am always keen to meet farmers from throughout Wales, and, if you contact me, I am sure that I would be able to meet dairy farmers in your region.

Elin Jones: Nid yw’r profiad yn eich etholaeth yng Ngwent yn annhebyg i’r profiad ledled Cymru, lle’r ydym wedi gweld gostyngiad yn nifer y ffermwyr sy’n gweithio yn y diwydiant llaeth. Yr oedd y gostyngiad y llynedd ychydig yn is nag yn y blynyddoedd blaenorol, ond mae’n ostyngiad sy’n peri pryder er bod cyflenwad cyson o laeth yn parhau i gael ei gynhyrchu. Mae gennym gynllun gweithredu ar gyfer y diwydiant llaeth yng Nghymru, ac y mae gennym gytundeb â DairyCo sy’n golygu y bydd Llywodraeth y Cynulliad a DairyCo yn cydariannu swydd i ddatblygu effeithlonrwydd y diwydiant llaeth yng Nghymru ymhellach. Yr wyf bob amser yn awyddus i gwrdd â ffermwyr ledled Cymru, ac os cysylltwch â mi, yr wyf yn siŵr y byddai modd imi gwrdd â ffermwyr llaeth yn eich rhanbarth.

Brynle Williams: Thank you for your answer to my colleague, Mohammad. On this theme, Minister, we are losing, as Mohammad pointed out, at an alarming rate. At a time of high prices for dairy produce in the market, many producers are understandably frustrated that, once again, money is not filtering down to the farm gate. I have raised this matter before and was possibly ridiculed to a degree as a result. Do you not agree that the situation demonstrates the urgent need for a supermarket ombudsman? Can you confirm that you are working with your colleagues in London to bring this about as soon as possible?

Brynle Williams: Diolch am eich ateb i’m cyd-Aelod, Mohammad. I barhau’r thema hon, Weinidog, yr ydym yn gweld colledion, fel y soniodd Mohammad, ar gyfradd frawychus. Ar adeg pan fo prisiau’r farchnad am gynnyrch llaeth yn uchel, mae llawer o gynhyrchwyr, yn naturiol, yn teimlo’n rhwystredig am nad yw’r arian, unwaith eto, yn cyrraedd giât y fferm. Yr wyf wedi codi’r mater hwn o’r blaen, a chefais fy ngwawdio o bosibl i ryw raddau o ganlyniad. Oni chytunwch fod y sefyllfa’n dangos bod angen dybryd am ombwdsmon ar gyfer archfarchnadoedd? A allwch gadarnhau eich bod yn gweithio gyda’ch cydweithwyr yn Llundain i gyflwyno hyn cyn gynted ag sy’n bosibl?

Elin Jones: Mae’r pris a delir i ffermwyr yn adlewyrchu pris llaeth yn fyd-eang. Ar hyn o bryd, mae arwyddion bod y pris byd-eang yn gwella. Fel y soniodd Brynle, nid yw’r cynnydd hwnnw mewn pris wedi cyrraedd y ffermwyr llaeth yng Nghymru. Yr wyf yn awyddus i weld pawb sy’n prynu gan ein ffermwyr, boed yn broseswyr neu’n archfarchnadoedd, yn adlewyrchu’r cynnydd a welwyd yn y pris byd-eang yn y pris a delir ganddynt i ffermwyr llaeth. Fel Brynle, yr wyf yn cefnogi’r syniad o gael ombwdsmon ar gyfer archfarchnadoedd a fyddai’n gallu cynnal arolygiad ac archwiliad llawn o unrhyw gamfasnachu yn y farchnad. Nid wyf mor hyderus â Brynle y byddai rôl ombwdsmon archfarchnadoedd yn golygu bod y pris yn gwella’n gyffredinol i bawb, felly mae angen gofalu rhag codi disgwyliadau. Yr wyf wedi codi’r mater gyda’r adran berthnasol yn Llundain, a chaiff penderfyniad ei wneud, mae’n siŵr, yn y misoedd sydd i ddod.

Elin Jones: The price paid to farmers reflects the global price of milk. At present, there are indications that the global price is improving. As Brynle mentioned, that increase in price has not reached the dairy farmers in Wales. I am keen to see everyone who buys from our farmers, whether processors or supermarkets, reflecting the increase in the global price in the price that they pay our dairy farmers. Like Brynle, I support the idea of having an ombudsman for supermarkets who could undertake a full review and inspection of any misdealing in the market. I am not as confident as Brynle that having an ombudsman for supermarkets would improve the price in general for everyone, and so we must be careful not to raise expectations. I have raised the matter with the relevant department in London, and a decision will be made, no doubt, within the next few months.

Brynle Williams: Fel chithau, nid wyf yn credu mai ombwdsmon yw’r ateb i bopeth. Serch hynny, mae angen gwneud yn siŵr bod y cwsmer yn cael y gorau yn sgîl y pris isel a delir i ffermwyr, sef bod hyn yn cael ei basio yn ôl i’r cyhoedd.

However, Minister, it is rather disappointing that public sector procurement is down by some 22 per cent since 2005. What steps are you taking to turn this situation around so that, in the recession, the greatest possible benefits are obtained through—and it is that theme again—public sector procurement?

Fodd bynnag, Weinidog, mae braidd yn siomedig fod caffael gan y sector cyhoeddus wedi gostwng tua 22 y cant er 2005. Pa gamau yr ydych yn eu cymryd i wella’r sefyllfa hon er mwyn sicrhau, yn ystod y dirwasgiad, y ceir y buddiannau mwyaf posibl drwy gaffael—ar yr un thema eto—gan y sector cyhoeddus?

Elin Jones: Yr wyf wedi gweld y ffigurau hynny yn y datganiad a wnaed gan Undeb Cenedlaethol yr Amaethwyr ddoe. Maent yn rhai hanesyddol erbyn hyn, ond mae’r Llywodraeth eisiau gweld y sector cyhoeddus yn cynyddu’r cynnyrch a brynir gan ffermydd a busnesau yng Nghymru. Dyna pam y cyflwynais ychydig fisoedd yn ôl y cynllun gweithredu ar bryniant lleol yn y sector bwyd, a gobeithiaf, drwy gydweithio gyda’r sawl sy’n prynu ac sy’n cyflenwi, weld gwelliant yn y ffigurau a grybwyllwyd gennych.

Mick Bates: Minister, I have become increasingly concerned about sustainability issues in relation to school milk in Wales after the demise of Dairy Farmers of Britain, which was the major supplier. Children in many south Wales local authority areas are drinking milk that has travelled 764 miles to reach them, when we could be providing milk that has travelled only 74 miles. So, there is a milk miles problem in Wales. Do you not agree that children in Welsh schools deserve to drink Welsh milk and not UHT milk from Ireland?

Mick Bates: Weinidog, yr wyf yn gynyddol bryderus ynglŷn â materion cynaliadwyedd mewn cysylltiad â llaeth ysgol yng Nghymru ar ôl tranc Dairy Farmers of Britain, y prif gyflenwr. Mae plant mewn nifer o ardaloedd awdurdodau lleol yn y de yn yfed llaeth sydd wedi teithio 764 o filltiroedd i’w cyrraedd, pan allem fod yn darparu llaeth sydd wedi teithio 74 o filltiroedd yn unig. Felly, mae yna broblem pellter y mae llaeth yn ei deithio yng Nghymru. Oni chytunwch fod plant yn ysgolion Cymru’n haeddu cael yfed llaeth o Gymru, nid llaeth UHT o Iwerddon?

1.40 p.m.

Elin Jones: I share your aspiration for Welsh schoolchildren to drink Welsh milk. In fact, you invited me to the launch of Dairy Farmers of Britain’s recyclable school milk cartons in Mount Stuart Primary School in Butetown and it was particularly concerning that, only shortly after the event, Dairy Farmers of Britain came to an end. That has provided a challenge for the industry and for procurement to ensure that a high proportion of the milk consumed by our schoolchildren is produced in Wales. However, as I said to Brynle Williams, I hope that we can improve again by working through our local food sourcing action plan.

Elin Jones: Fel chithau, yr wyf yn dyheu i weld plant ysgol Cymru’n yfed llaeth o Gymru. Yn wir, rhoesoch wahoddiad imi i ddigwyddiad yn Ysgol Gynradd Mount Stuart yn Butetown, i lansio cartonau llaeth ysgol y gellir eu hailgylchu wedi eu cynhyrchu gan Dairy Farmers of Britain. Yr oedd yn peri cryn bryder fod Dairy Farmers of Britain wedi dirwyn i ben yn fuan iawn ar ôl y digwyddiad. Mae wedi bod yn her i’r diwydiant ac i drefniadau caffael i sicrhau bod cyfran fawr o’r llaeth sy’n cael ei yfed gan ein plant ysgol yn cael ei chynhyrchu yng Nghymru. Fodd bynnag, fel y dywedais wrth Brynle Williams, yr wyf yn gobeithio y gallwn wella eto drwy weithio drwy ein cynllun gweithredu ar brynu bwyd yn lleol.

On the transport of liquid milk over large distances, I hope to be in a position soon to publish our dairy route-map for that sector in Wales.

O ran cludo llaeth hylif dros bellter mawr, gobeithio y byddaf mewn sefyllfa yn fuan i gyhoeddi ein map llwybrau llaeth ar gyfer y sector hwnnw yng Nghymru.

Mick Bates: Minister, I take it from that that you agree and that you would prefer to see Welsh milk given to our schoolchildren in Wales. That requires investment and support to the industry. Another aspect of this is that the cartons for Welsh school milk are not recyclable, so they end up in landfill. You just referred to the launch of the recyclable bottle, but that should be being used in schools. Do you agree that that is a great selling point for what your Government can achieve in Wales? What would you do to support a company in Wales that wanted to use a recyclable bottle to bottle Welsh milk, which would be drunk by Welsh schoolchildren? Do you agree that that is the way forward? If so, what can you do to achieve that?

Mick Bates: Weinidog, cymeraf, felly, eich bod yn cytuno ac y byddai’n well gennych weld plant ysgol yng Nghymru’n cael llaeth o Gymru. Mae hynny’n galw am fuddsoddiad a chymorth i’r diwydiant. Agwedd arall ar hyn yw nad yw’n bosibl ailgylchu cartonau ar gyfer llaeth ysgol o Gymru, felly, maent yn mynd i safleoedd tirlenwi. Yr oeddech yn sôn am lansio’r poteli y gellir eu hailgylchu, ond dylai’r rheini fod yn cael eu defnyddio mewn ysgolion. A gytunwch fod hynny’n bwynt gwerthu unigryw ar gyfer yr hyn y gall eich Llywodraeth ei gyflawni yng Nghymru? Beth fyddech yn ei wneud i gefnogi cwmni yng Nghymru a oedd yn awyddus i ddefnyddio poteli y gellir eu hailgylchu i botelu llaeth o Gymru a fyddai’n cael ei yfed gan blant ysgol Cymru? A gytunwch mai dyna’r ffordd ymlaen? Os felly, beth allwch ei wneud i gyflawni hynny?

Elin Jones: If such a company were to be interested in taking that up following the demise of Dairy Farmers of Britain, I would certainly want my officials to work with it to see what was possible. However, the public procurement process has to follow a particular route. I hope that officials of the Assembly Government could support the capacity of companies in the dairy processing sector and the packaging sector to work on this, as we work with all companies in the dairy sector.

Enhancing Rural Communities

Gwella Cymunedau Gwledig

C2 Alun Davies: Beth yw blaenoriaethau Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru ar gyfer gwella cymunedau gwledig yng Nghymru? OAQ(3)0866(RAF)

Elin Jones: Mae 'Cymru’n Un’ yn amlinellu blaenoriaethau ac ymrwymiadau’r Llywodraeth ar gyfer cymunedau ledled Cymru, gan gynnwys y rhai mewn ardaloedd gwledig. O fewn fy mhortffolio i, mae hyn yn cael ei weithredu drwy gynllun datblygu gwledig Cymru yn bennaf.

Elin Jones: 'One Wales’ sets out the Government’s priorities and commitments for communities across Wales, including those in rural areas. Within my portfolio, this is primarily being achieved through the rural development plan for Wales.

Alun Davies: In many ways, the question refers to enhancing rural life in Wales. One issue that emerged when the Rural Development Sub-committee reported on poverty and deprivation in rural Wales was access to services. I understand that the Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery has been pushing the concept of local service boards, and is looking to bring services together to ensure that communities throughout Wales have access to high-quality services that work together. To what extent have you ensured that these have been rural-proofed in some way, so that the services being provided are provided equally to rural communities? Another issue that was raised when we were working on the report was that people in many rural parts of Wales felt almost disenfranchised, as they did not have access to the same level or quality of services in their communities. Are you working with your ministerial colleagues to ensure that rural issues are at the centre of these discussions and debates?  

Alun Davies: Mae’r cwestiwn yn cyfeirio mewn sawl ffordd at wella bywyd gwledig yng Nghymru. Un mater a gododd pan gyflwynodd yr Is-bwyllgor Datblygu Gwledig adroddiad ar dlodi ac amddifadedd yng Nghymru wledig oedd gallu cael gwasanaethau. Deallaf fod y Gweinidog dros Gyllid a Chyflenwi Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus wedi bod yn hyrwyddo’r cysyniad o fyrddau gwasanaethau lleol, ac yn bwriadu dod â gwasanaethau ynghyd i sicrhau bod cymunedau ledled Cymru’n gallu cael gwasanaethau o safon sy’n cydweithio. I ba raddau yr ydych wedi sicrhau bod y rhain wedi’u hystyried o safbwynt ardaloedd gwledig mewn rhyw fodd, er mwyn sicrhau bod y gwasanaethau a ddarperir yn cael eu darparu mewn ffordd gyfartal i gymunedau gwledig? Mater arall a godwyd wrth inni weithio ar yr adroddiad oedd bod pobl mewn nifer o ardaloedd gwledig yng Nghymru’n teimlo eu bod wedi’u difreinio, am nad oeddent yn gallu cael yr un lefel neu safon o wasanaethau yn eu cymunedau. A ydych yn gweithio gyda’ch cyd-weinidogion i sicrhau bod materion gwledig wrth wraidd y trafodaethau a’r dadleuon hyn?

Elin Jones: Ers tua blwyddyn, mae pob un o bolisïau’r Llywodraeth yn cael ei asesu yn ôl ei berthnasedd i ardaloedd gwledig—sef ei 'rwral-prwffio’, i ddefnyddio’r term Cymraeg da hwnnw. Mae hynny’n digwydd ers tua blwyddyn, ac mae nifer o wahanol bolisïau wedi mynd drwy’r broses honno. Yr ydym hefyd wedi cychwyn trafodaeth gydag awdurdodau lleol—yr oeddech yn cyfeirio at y byrddau gwasanaethau lleol—ynglŷn â sut y gallwn weithio gyda hwy i edrych ar sut y gallant ddatblygu’r arfer o brawfesur polisïau gwledig newydd a sicrhau bod y polisïau hynny’n cwrdd ag anghenion ardaloedd gwledig.

Andrew R.T. Davies: One thing that has enhanced rural communities in recent years is the Tir Gofal conservation scheme, which many farmers have accessed, particularly the capital works side of that scheme, as it creates employment opportunities and enables the purchasing of locally sourced materials. Various concerns have been expressed in relation to your proposals to do away with Tir Gofal and move on to the Glastir model. Do you share some of those concerns? Can you give people confidence that the transition to Glastir will have no detrimental impact and that, hopefully, the model of Tir Gofal will continue to create rural employment opportunities for people via capital works projects?

Andrew R. T. Davies: Un peth sydd wedi gwella cymunedau gwledig yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf yw’r cynllun cadwraeth Tir Gofal y mae nifer o ffermwyr wedi’i ddefnyddio, yn arbennig yr elfen gwaith cyfalaf y cynllun hwnnw, gan ei fod yn creu cyfleoedd cyflogaeth ac yn galluogi deunyddiau lleol i gael eu prynu. Mynegwyd pryderon amrywiol am eich cynigion i ddileu Tir Gofal a symud i ddefnyddio’r model Glastir. A ydych chi hefyd yn pryderu am hynny? A allwch dawelu ofnau pobl na fydd y broses o drosglwyddo i Glastir yn cael effeithiau anfanteisiol, ac mai’r gobaith yw y bydd model Tir Gofal yn parhau i greu cyfleoedd gwaith i bobl mewn ardaloedd gwledig drwy’r prosiectau gwaith cyfalaf?

Elin Jones: The capital element of Glastir, in an all-Wales context, will focus on an on-farm capital grants scheme for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. I have received representations, similar to those that you have just mentioned, on some of the capital works that have proved to be particularly useful and relevant in some parts of Wales, particularly on dry stone walling and fencing. Although that is not part of the all-Wales Glastir scheme, I am giving further consideration to its inclusion for some of the targeted elements of the scheme, which will be announced in the near future.

Elin Jones: Bydd elfen gyfalaf Glastir, yng nghyd-destun Cymru gyfan, yn canolbwyntio ar gynllun grantiau cyfalaf ar y fferm ar gyfer prosiectau ynni adnewyddadwy ac effeithlonrwydd ynni. Yr wyf wedi cael sylwadau, yn debyg i’r rhai yr oeddech yn sôn amdanynt yn awr, ar rywfaint o’r gwaith cyfalaf sydd wedi bod yn arbennig o ddefnyddiol a pherthnasol mewn rhai ardaloedd yng Nghymru, yn arbennig ar godi waliau sychion a ffensio. Er nad yw hynny’n rhan o gynllun Glastir Cymru gyfan, yr wyf yn rhoi ystyriaeth bellach i’w gynnwys ar gyfer rhai o elfennau’r cynllun sydd wedi’u targedu ac a fydd yn cael eu cyhoeddi yn y dyfodol agos.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas: Yr ydych newydd gyfeirio at rai o’r sgiliau traddodiadol sydd wedi bodoli yng nghefn gwlad dros y degawdau ac, yn wir, y canrifoedd diwethaf. Deallaf eich bod wedi agor yn swyddogol y bore yma gynllun Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd ar Fferm Dinefwr, sy’n rhan o barc Dinefwr ac sy’n rhan o’r gwaith mae’r Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol yn ei wneud yno. Cafodd y cynllun hwn gefnogaeth drwy echel 3 y cynllun datblygu gwledig. A ymunwch â mi i longyfarch yr ymddiriedolaeth am y gwaith arloesol mae’n ei wneud ym mharc Dinefwr? A gytunwch fod hyn yn gyfle i geisio sicrhau bod ein cymunedau gwledig yn hyfyw?

Elin Jones: Yr oedd y bore yma yn fore gwlyb iawn yn nyffryn Tywi, ond yr oedd yn fore buddiol i weld y cynllun a ariannwyd gan ryw £0.5 miliwn o’r cynllun datblygu gwledig, sy’n edrych ar hyrwyddo’r dyffryn yn ardal Llandeilo. Mae’r cynllun hefyd, gyda’r Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol a’r cyngor sir, wedi sefydlu canolfan ar gyfer datblygu a hyfforddi gweithwyr ac adeiladwyr ifanc mewn sgiliau traddodiadol, fel atgyweirio tai a hen adeiladau yn yr ardal. Yr oedd yn fuddiol i weld pobl ifanc yn ymgymryd â’r gwaith hwnnw. Bydd hon yn ganolfan bwysig i’r dyffryn ac i sir Gâr a thu hwnt dros y blynyddoedd i ddod.

Eleanor Burnham: Gwyddom i gyd bod gwasanaethau wedi dirywio’n gyffredinol yng nghefn gwlad—mae banciau a siopau wedi diflannu, mae swyddfeydd post wedi cau, mae ysgolion o dan bwysau ac yn y blaen. Beth allwch chi ei wneud i sicrhau na fydd dirywiad pellach? Mae’n llawer mwy anodd i bobl cefn gwlad fyw bywydau llawn, er enghraifft o ran sefyllfa trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus. Sut yr ydych am sicrhau bod eich Llywodraeth yn mynd i’r afael â’r materion tyngedfennol hyn yng nghefn gwlad?

Elin Jones: Fel y dywedais yn fy ateb i Alun Davies, mae’r Llywodraeth wedi ymrwymo i asesu pob un o’i pholisïau newydd yn erbyn y prawf gwledig a hefyd i edrych ar sut y dylid eu darparu yn wahanol, efallai, yng nghefn gwlad.

1.50 p.m.

Fel y gwyddoch, yr wyf wedi comisiynu gwaith ar wasanaethau mewn ardaloedd cefn gwlad 'dwfn’, fel y maent yn cael eu galw, a byddaf, ymhen ychydig wythnosau, yn cyhoeddi ffrwyth y gwaith ymchwil hwnnw, a fydd yn asesu hyd a lled rhai o’r materion yr ydych wedi cyfeirio atynt. Bydd yn cychwyn ar drafodaeth ar sut y gallwn ddatblygu a chyflwyno gwasanaethau, yn y sector cyhoeddus neu’r sector preifat, fel y rhai yr oeddech yn cyfeirio atynt. Fel y gwyddoch, Eleanor, mae’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol hefyd wedi bod yn datblygu’r cynllun iechyd gwledig, o ran sut mae darparu gwasanaethau iechyd mewn cyd-destun gwledig.

Agri-environment Initiatives

Cynlluniau Amaeth-amgylcheddol

Q3 Lorraine Barrett: Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Assembly Government’s agri-environment initiatives? OAQ(3)0898(RAF)

Elin Jones: Changes to agri-environment schemes, transitional arrangements and the launch of the new Glastir scheme were covered by my statements in May and July. The development of Glastir continues in close consultation with key stakeholders, with a submission to the European Union expected in the first half of 2010.

Elin Jones: Soniais am y newidiadau mewn cynlluniau amaeth-amgylcheddol, trefniadau trosiannol a lansio cynllun newydd Glastir yn fy natganiadau ym mis Mai a mis Gorffennaf. Mae’r gwaith o ddatblygu Glastir yn mynd rhagddo drwy ymgynghori’n agos â rhanddeiliaid allweddol, a disgwylir y bydd cais yn cael ei gyflwyno i’r Undeb Ewropeaidd yn ystod hanner cyntaf 2010.

Lorraine Barrett: I am sure that we all want to see the most efficient use of farmland in Wales to maximise income for our farmers, as well as to become more environmentally friendly. Yet, according to The Little Book of Meat Facts, which is partly funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, just 5 per cent of land in Wales is designated for crops. Research conducted by some of the big supermarkets shows that people like to buy local produce, particularly fruit and vegetables, and I wonder whether you would look at opportunities for increasing the amount of land available to grow fruit and vegetables for the domestic market.

Lorraine Barrett: Yr wyf yn siŵr ein bod i gyd am weld tir amaeth yng Nghymru’n cael ei ddefnyddio yn y modd mwyaf effeithlon er mwyn sicrhau’r incwm uchaf posibl i’n ffermwyr, yn ogystal â sicrhau ein bod yn fwy ecogyfeillgar. Serch hynny, yn ôl The Little Book of Meat Facts, sy’n cael ei ariannu’n rhannol gan Lywodraeth y Cynulliad, 5 y cant yn unig o dir Cymru sy’n cael ei neilltuo ar gyfer cnydau. Mae gwaith ymchwil a wnaed gan rai o’r archfarchnadoedd mawr yn dangos bod pobl yn hoffi prynu cynnyrch lleol, yn enwedig ffrwythau a llysiau. Tybed a allech edrych ar gyfleoedd i gynyddu faint o dir sydd ar gael i dyfu ffrwythau a llysiau ar gyfer y farchnad gartref?

Elin Jones: I agree, and since becoming Minister I have been keen to remind everyone that Welsh schoolchildren and patients cannot live on lamb alone. We need cabbages and potatoes, and all other kinds of produce if we are to increase the amount of food procured by the public sector—a wider range of food than is currently produced in Welsh agriculture. That is why I have commissioned, and will soon be publishing, a horticultural strategy for Wales, which will look at farmers producing more fruit and vegetables—especially vegetables. I also undertook a change to the single farm payment regulations as they existed last year, whereby I have made it possible for payment to be made on land that is converted to horticulture. Previously, if there was conversion to horticulture, that land would not have been eligible for single farm payment, which was a real disincentive to horticultural conversion. I am keen, with the publication of the horticultural strategy, to be accommodating towards these aspirations that I think we share.

Elin Jones: Yr wyf yn cytuno, ac ers dod yn Weinidog yr wyf wedi bod yn awyddus i atgoffa pawb na all plant ysgol a chleifion yng Nghymru fyw ar gig oen yn unig. Mae arnom angen bresych a thatws, a phob math o gynnyrch arall os ydym am weld cynnydd yn y bwyd sy’n cael ei brynu gan y sector cyhoeddus—amrywiaeth ehangach o fwyd nag sy’n cael ei gynhyrchu gan fyd amaeth Cymru ar hyn o bryd. Dyna pam yr wyf wedi comisiynu strategaeth garddwriaeth i Gymru, a gaiff ei chyhoeddi’n fuan ac a fydd yn canolbwyntio ar gael ffermwyr i gynhyrchu mwy o ffrwythau a llysiau—yn arbennig llysiau. Yr wyf hefyd wedi newid rheoliadau’r taliad sengl, fel yr oeddent y llynedd, trwy ei gwneud yn bosibl gwneud taliad ar gyfer tir sy’n cael ei droi’n dir garddwriaeth. Yn y gorffennol, pe bai tir yn cael ei droi’n dir garddwriaeth, ni fyddai wedi bod yn gymwys ar gyfer y taliad sengl, a oedd yn golygu nad oedd ffermwyr yn cael eu cymell o gwbl i droi tir yn dir garddwriaeth. Yr wyf yn awyddus, yn dilyn cyhoeddi’r strategaeth garddwriaeth, i symud tuag at wireddu’r dyheadau hyn y credaf ein bod yn eu rhannu.

Jonathan Morgan: If Glastir is to succeed, then it needs to build on the success of Tir Gofal, but also learn the lessons from what Tir Gofal did not achieve. One of the problems is that we have not been able to say that Tir Gofal delivered many environmental outcomes because we did not invest early enough in proper environmental outcome monitoring. Can you provide assurances that Glastir will be different, and that you will be monitoring environmental outcomes from the very start?

Jonathan Morgan: Os yw Glastir am lwyddo, mae angen iddo adeiladu ar lwyddiant Tir Gofal, ond rhaid iddo hefyd ddysgu’r gwersi o’r hyn na lwyddodd Tir Gofal i’w gyflawni. Un o’r problemau yw nad ydym wedi gallu dweud bod Tir Gofal wedi sicrhau llawer o ganlyniadau amgylcheddol am fuddsoddwyd yn ddigon cynnar mewn proses briodol i fonitro’r canlyniadau amgylcheddol. A allwch roi sicrwydd inni y bydd Glastir yn wahanol, ac y byddwch yn monitro’r canlyniadau amgylcheddol o’r dechrau’n deg?

Elin Jones: I am aware of the concern regarding Tir Gofal and its ability to measure success in terms of environmental outcomes. I have had representations from a number of organisations on that point. That is why I am keen that, with Glastir, we are able to put in place a baseline for farms that are members of Glastir, and then measure their progress in meeting the required outcomes, both on an individual basis and nationally.

Elin Jones: Yr wyf yn ymwybodol o’r pryderon ynglŷn â Thir Gofal a’i allu i fesur llwyddiant o ran canlyniadau amgylcheddol. Yr wyf wedi cael sylwadau am hynny gan nifer o sefydliadau. Dyna pam yr wyf yn awyddus i sicrhau, yn achos Glastir, ein bod yn sefydlu llinell sylfaen ar gyfer ffermydd sy’n aelodau o’r cynllun, ac yna fesur eu cynnydd wrth sicrhau’r canlyniadau gofynnol, yn unigol ac yn genedlaethol.

Gareth Jones: Weinidog, byddwch yn gwybod fy mod eisoes wedi mynegi pryderon am yr oedi wrth wneud taliadau Tir Gofal yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, wrth i systemau newydd ar gyfer croesgyfeirio gael eu rhoi ar waith. A allwch roi sicrwydd imi fod y mwyafrif o’r achosion hynny o oedi wedi’u datrys erbyn hyn a bod eich swyddogion yn gweithio mor gyflym ag y bo modd i ddatrys unrhyw achosion sydd ar ôl?

Elin Jones: Nid wyf yn ymwybodol bod unrhyw broblemau fel y rhai yr oeddech yn cyfeirio atynt o’r llynedd o ran croesgyfeirio. Nid wyf yn credu fod y problemau hynny yn bodoli eleni. Yn wir, yn yr un cyfnod eleni, yr ydym wedi talu £17.4 miliwn dan Tir Gofal o’i gymharu â £13 miliwn y llynedd. Felly, nid wyf yn credu bod problemau o ran croesgyfeirio, ond, wrth gwrs, gall problemau unigol godi gyda ffermwyr unigol. Bydd hynny yn cael ei ddatrys drwy drafodaeth uniongyrchol rhwng fy adran i a’r ffermwr hwnnw.

Conditions of Farm Workers

Amodau ar gyfer Gweithwyr Fferm

Q4 Joyce Watson: What discussions has the Minister had regarding improving the conditions of farm workers? OAQ(3)0897(RAF)

Elin Jones: The agricultural wages board has responsibility for employment conditions in England and Wales. Welsh interests are fully represented by members of that board.

Elin Jones: Y bwrdd cyflogau amaethyddol sy’n gyfrifol am amodau cyflogaeth yng Nghymru a Lloegr. Mae buddiannau Cymru’n cael eu cynrychioli’n llawn gan aelodau’r bwrdd hwnnw.

Joyce Watson: Earlier this year, it was reported that £100,000 had been recovered for underpaid Welsh farm workers for the past six years but that not a single employer had been prosecuted in that time. The pay increase of 4.3 per cent for agricultural workers was negotiated last year, and it was an important step forward in tackling historic low pay in agriculture and horticulture. The Agricultural Wages Order 2009 came into force this October. It secured a 1.2 per cent increase for workers on the minimum pay rate, and a 2.2 per cent increase for all other grades. That could help further to counter the growing labour crisis in the industry, but these wages need to be rigorously enforced. What is the Government doing to improve the inspection regime and secure prosecutions of rogue employers? What discussions has the Minister heard with trade union representatives on this issue and other issues that require tough inspection and enforcement, such as safety? When we move on to safety—

Joyce Watson: Yn gynharach eleni, adroddwyd bod £100,000 wedi’i adennill i weithwyr fferm yng Nghymru a oedd wedi cael cyflog rhy isel dros y chwe blynedd diwethaf, ond na chafodd yr un cyflogwr ei erlyn yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw.  Cytunwyd ar godiad cyflog o 4.3 y cant ar gyfer gweithwyr amaethyddol y llynedd, ac yr oedd yn gam pwysig ymlaen i fynd i’r afael â’r cyflogau isel sydd wedi’u talu’n hanesyddol ym meysydd amaethyddiaeth a garddwriaeth. Daeth Gorchymyn Cyflogau Amaethyddol 2009 i rym ym mis Hydref eleni.  Sicrhaodd gynnydd o 1.2 y cant i weithwyr ar yr isafswm cyflog, a chynnydd o 2.2 ar gyfer pob gradd arall. Gallai hynny helpu lleddfu ymhellach yr argyfwng cynyddol o ran prinder gweithwyr yn y diwydiant, ond y mae angen gorfodi’r cyflogau hyn yn llym. Beth y mae’r Llywodraeth yn ei wneud i wella’r system arolygu ac i sicrhau bod cyflogwyr nad ydynt yn ufuddhau yn cael eu herlyn? Pa drafodaethau y mae’r Gweinidog wedi’u cael gyda chynrychiolwyr undebau llafur ar y mater hwn a materion eraill lle mae angen gweithredu systemau arolygu a gorfodi cadarn, megis diogelwch? Pan symudwn ymlaen i ddiogelwch—

The Presiding Officer: Order. This is not a speech. I will not have this. My friend and colleague in Westminster, Speaker Bercow, has been working hard to ensure that question time in the House of Commons is conducted in a more reasonable manner. I am afraid that we are behaving like old Westminster.

Y Llywydd: Trefn. Nid araith yw hon. Nid wyf am dderbyn hyn. Mae fy nghyfaill a’m cydweithiwr yn San Steffan, y Llefarydd Bercow, wedi bod yn gweithio’n galed i sicrhau bod cwestiynau i’r Prif Weinidog yn Nhŷ’r Cyffredin yn cael eu cynnal mewn dull mwy rhesymol. Yr wyf yn ofni ein bod ni’n ymddwyn fel yr hen San Steffan.

Joyce Watson: I do not think so, actually.

Joyce Watson: Nid wyf yn credu hynny, a dweud y gwir.

The Presiding Officer: Order. That is what that was like. You do not give me backchat. I will not have that. I made it quite clear that I want questions to be questions, with short preambles from the relevant spokespeople following ministerial statements. I want two succinct questions, and I expect two succinct points of reply from Ministers.

Y Llywydd: Trefn. Dyna sut oedd hynny. Peidiwch â bod yn hyf. Ni dderbyniaf hynny. Esboniais yn glir fy mod am gael cwestiynau sy’n gwestiynau, gyda rhagymadroddion byr gan y llefarwyr perthnasol yn dilyn datganiadau gan Weinidogion. Yr wyf am gael dau gwestiwn cryno, a disgwyliaf ddau ateb cryno gan Weinidogion.

Elin Jones: I expect the Agricultural Wages Order 2009 to be fully enforced. I am happy to meet with trade union representatives who have matters on this issue to raise with me.

Elin Jones: Yr wyf yn disgwyl i Orchymyn Cyflogau Amaethyddol 2009 gael ei orfodi’n llawn. Yr wyf yn fodlon cwrdd â chynrychiolwyr undebau llafur sydd â materion i’w codi gyda mi ar y mater hwn.

Joyce Watson: Thank you for that, Minister. Moving on to a very succinct question, do you find it shocking—

Joyce Watson: Diolch ichi am hynny, Weinidog. I symud ymlaen i gwestiwn cryno, a ydych yn arswydo—

The Presiding Officer: Order. Was that an amusing comment on my ruling?

Joyce Watson: Absolutely not; I would not dream of it. It was in my preamble that I was asking a succinct question. Does the Minister find it shocking that, every week in the UK, a farm worker dies as a result of injuries received at work? Does she agree that it is essential that we ensure the safety of farm workers? I wonder whether you share my opinion, Minister, that it makes matters worse that, since 2003-04, the number of prosecutions has fallen by two thirds, the greatest fall of any sector. The sector also has the lowest average fine. Do you agree that, to encourage new blood in these industries it is essential that we measure the risk, and that we also have a stronger system of inspection and enforcement? What are you doing, as Minister, to ensure that that happens?

Joyce Watson: Dim o gwbl; ni fyddwn yn breuddwydio gwneud y fath beth. Yr oedd fy rhagymadrodd yn nodi fy mod am ofyn cwestiwn cryno. A yw’r Gweinidog wedi’i synnu bod gweithiwr fferm yn marw, bob wythnos yn y DU, o anafiadau yn y gwaith? A yw’n cytuno ei bod yn hollbwysig inni sicrhau diogelwch gweithwyr fferm? Tybed a ydych chi, fel finnau, Weinidog, yn credu bod y sefyllfa’n waeth oherwydd bod nifer yr erlyniadau wedi gostwng ddwy ran o dair er 2003-04, sef y gostyngiad mwyaf mewn unrhyw sector? Yn y sector hwn hefyd y mae’r dirwyon cyfartalog isaf. A gytunwch, er mwyn annog gweithwyr newydd i mewn i’r diwydiannau hyn, ei bod yn hanfodol inni fesur y risg, a bod gennym hefyd system gadarnach o arolygu a gorfodi? Beth ydych yn ei wneud, fel Gweinidog, i sicrhau bod hynny’n digwydd?

2.00 p.m.

Elin Jones: I am continually disappointed to read of the deaths of farm workers and farmers on farms, and I would expect the Health and Safety Executive to investigate all such incidents fully. If there are any matters related to this that you wish to discuss with me further, I would be happy to do so, as well as to discuss them further with the Health and Safety Executive in terms of its enforcement action in Wales.

Elin Jones: Byddaf yn cael fy siomi’n gyson wrth ddarllen am farwolaethau gweithwyr fferm a ffermwyr ar ffermydd, a byddwn yn disgwyl i’r Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch ymchwilio’n llawn i bob achos o’r fath. Os hoffech drafod unrhyw faterion yn gysylltiedig â hyn gyda mi, byddwn yn fwy na pharod i wneud hynny, a hefyd eu trafod ymhellach gyda’r Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch o ran ei gamau gorfodi yng Nghymru.

Brynle Williams: Minister, do you share my concern that, due to a lack of resources, many houses on county council holdings that are let to tenants—often new entrants with young families—are in such a state of disrepair that they would be considered unfit for social housing? This situation is unsustainable. At a time when local authority budgets are tight, what discussions are you having with councils about the management of their estates and how housing on holdings that are viable can be brought up to an acceptable standard?

Brynle Williams: Weinidog, a ydych chi, fel finnau, yn pryderu bod diffyg adnoddau’n golygu bod llawer o dai ar ffermydd sy’n eiddo i gynghorau sir ac sy’n cael eu gosod i denantiaid—pobl sy’n aml yn newydd i’r diwydiant gyda theuluoedd ifanc—mewn cyflwr mor wael fel y byddent yn cael eu hystyried yn anaddas fel tai cymdeithasol? Ni all y sefyllfa hon barhau. Ar adeg pan fo cyllidebau awdurdodau lleol yn dynn, pa drafodaethau yr ydych yn eu cael gyda chynghorau ynglŷn â rheoli eu hystadau a sut y gellir gwella tai ar ffermydd hyfyw i safon dderbyniol?

Elin Jones: I have only had a discussion with one local authority on this matter. It was raised with me by Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn. I am aware that it has made applications for funding to pursue improvements to its housing stock and smallholdings, and it has made representations to me on the possibility of funding for that in the next round of rural development plan funding. Those discussions are ongoing with that particular local authority.

Local Food Produce

Cynnyrch Bwyd Lleol

Q5 Sandy Mewies: Will the Minister make a statement on initiatives being taken by the Welsh Assembly Government to promote local food produce in Wales? OAQ(3)0902(RAF)

Elin Jones: The Assembly Government is committed to supporting local food produce in Wales through the local sourcing action plan and by supporting several initiatives, including attendance at major food events and exhibitions across the UK, the True Taste awards, and food festivals across Wales.

Elin Jones: Mae Llywodraeth y Cynulliad wedi ymrwymo i gefnogi cynnyrch bwyd lleol yng Nghymru drwy’r cynllun gweithredu ar gyrchu lleol a thrwy gefnogi nifer o fentrau, gan gynnwys sicrhau presenoldeb mewn digwyddiadau ac arddangosfeydd bwyd mawr ledled y DU, gwobrau Gwir Flas, a gwyliau bwyd ledled Cymru.

Sandy Mewies: You will be aware that many people throughout Wales are expressing an interest in allotments and how to get them. When you grow food yourself, it really is local. Will you join me in congratulating residents and councillors in Leeswood, in my constituency, who have nearly achieved the setting up of new allotments in the area? Can you also assure me that you will do all that you can to support such schemes in Wales?

Sandy Mewies: Byddwch yn ymwybodol bod llawer o bobl ledled Cymru’n mynegi diddordeb mewn rhandiroedd a sut i’w cael. Pan fyddwch yn tyfu bwyd eich hun, mae’n wirioneddol leol. A wnewch chi ymuno â mi i longyfarch trigolion a chynghorwyr yng Nghoed-llai, yn fy etholaeth i, sydd bron â chyflawni’r gwaith o sefydlu rhandiroedd newydd yn yr ardal? A allwch fy sicrhau hefyd y byddwch yn gwneud popeth yn eich gallu i gefnogi cynlluniau o’r fath yng Nghymru?

Elin Jones: I offer them my congratulations, and I hope that they have excellent growing seasons in years to come. The issue of allotments and community food growing is one that I have discussed with my ministerial colleague, Jane Davidson, who leads on policies on planning issues with regard to allotments. I have also set up a task and finish group to look at the concept of community food growing and to come up with recommendations and ideas on intervention by the national Government in Wales to support the growing interest of people in allotments and of community groups in growing food and selling it locally. I have also asked it to look at how schools and hospitals can benefit from this kind of work.

Alun Cairns: The issue of the promotion of local food in supermarkets has been raised many times in the Chamber. It is fair to say that some progress has been made in this regard. However, are you aware, Minister, that most supermarkets—Tesco, for example—that claim to support local produce have what are called national 'planograms’ that state where national brands need to be stocked? Unless goods are on that national brand list, they are not restocked as often. Therefore, getting local produce onto the shelves is one issue, but having it restocked on a regular basis is another. Have you taken this matter up with the main supermarkets to see what progress can be made to ensure that not only do we succeed in getting local produce on the shelves, but we get them restocked as regularly as national brands? Far too often, there is an empty shelf where there should be Welsh produce.

Alun Cairns: Mae mater hyrwyddo bwyd lleol mewn archfarchnadoedd wedi ei godi droeon yn y Siambr. Mae’n deg dweud bod rhywfaint o gynnydd wedi’i wneud ar hyn. Fodd bynnag, a oeddech yn gwybod, Weinidog, fod gan y rhan fwyaf o archfarchnadoedd—Tesco, er enghraifft—sy’n honni eu bod yn cefnogi cynnyrch lleol, ddeiagram cenedlaethol sy’n nodi ble y mae angen cyflenwi brandiau cenedlaethol? Os nad yw nwyddau ar y rhestr gyflenwi genedlaethol honno, nid ydynt yn cael eu hailgyflenwi mor aml. Felly, mae cael cynnyrch lleol ar y silffoedd yn un peth, ond mae sicrhau ei fod yn cael ei ailgyflenwi’n rheolaidd yn beth arall. A ydych wedi trafod y mater hwn gyda’r prif archfarchnadoedd i weld pa gynnydd y gellir ei wneud i sicrhau nid yn unig ein bod yn llwyddo i gael cynnyrch lleol ar y silffoedd, ond ei fod yn cael ei ailgyflenwi mor rheolaidd â brandiau cenedlaethol? Yn llawer aml o lawer, bydd silff wag lle dylai cynnyrch o Gymru fod.

Elin Jones: Yr wyf wedi cael trafodaethau gyda nifer o’r archfarchnadoedd yng Nghymru am eu cyflenwad o fwydydd o Gymru, ac mae fy swyddogion mewn trafodaeth barhaol gyda’r archfarchnadoedd, y cyflenwyr a’r dosbarthwyr i sicrhau bod cynnyrch o Gymru ar silffoedd ein harchfarchnadoedd. Mater masnachol yw’r cytundeb uniongyrchol rhwng y cyflenwr a’r archfarchnadoedd. Yr her i nifer o’n cyflenwyr, yn enwedig y rhai lleiaf, yw cyflenwi digon o gynnyrch i ddiwallu anghenion yr archfarchnadoedd. Yr her ychwanegol yw cyflenwi bwydydd nid yn unig ar gyfer yr archfarchnadoedd yng Nghymru ond archfarchnadoedd tu hwnt i Gymru, yn y farchnad fawr drws nesaf inni yn Lloegr. Nid wyf wedi cael trafodaeth gyda hwy ar yr union bwynt yr ydych wedi’i godi, felly os gwyddoch am gyflenwr neu gynhyrchydd bwyd sydd am imi godi’r mater gyda’r archfarchnadoedd, ysgrifennwch ataf a gwnaf hynny.

Janet Ryder: As well as being produce that can be consumed directly, much Welsh produce can be used in food manufacturing. On a recent visit to Village Bakery in Coedpoeth, I was pleased to see that over 40 per cent of the ingredients that it uses come from Wales, and from within a short driving distance. In addition, all of its produce is traceable from source through to the end product. Minister, what can you do to encourage more food producers and manufacturers in Wales to use Welsh produce in food production, and to ensure full traceability?

Janet Ryder: Yn ogystal â chynnyrch i’w ddefnyddio’n uniongyrchol, gellir defnyddio llawer o gynnyrch Cymru wrth gynhyrchu bwyd. Ar ymweliad yn ddiweddar â Village Bakery yng Nghoed-poeth, yr oeddwn yn falch gweld bod dros 40 y cant o’r cynhwysion a ddefnyddir yn dod o Gymru, ac o ardal o fewn pellter teithio byr mewn cerbyd. Yn ogystal, gellir olrhain ei holl gynhyrchion o’r ffynhonnell i’r cynnyrch terfynol. Weinidog, beth allwch ei wneud i annog mwy o gynhyrchwyr a gweithgynhyrchwyr bwyd yng Nghymru i ddefnyddio cynnyrch Cymreig wrth gynhyrchu bwyd, a sicrhau bod modd olrhain popeth yn llawn?

Elin Jones: Mae rhai o’r materion hynny yn faterion masnachol i gwmnïau bwyd neu ddiod yng Nghymru. Fodd bynnag, nid yw’r cynllun pryniant lleol ar gyfer y sector cyhoeddus yn unig, o ran faint o’i bryniant sy’n fwydydd lleol; mae hefyd yn gynllun ar gyfer y sector arlwyo a’r sector sy’n defnyddio cynhyrchion bwyd yn fasnachol. Os oes cwmni sydd am weithio gyda’m swyddogion er mwyn cynyddu nifer y gynhyrchion lleol yn ei chynnyrch bwyd, byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe bai’n cysylltu â’m swyddogion er mwyn inni allu sicrhau bod y cyflenwad bwyd hwnnw’n dod o Gymru, cyn belled ag y bo hynny’n bosibl.

Jeff Cuthbert: Minister, I am the joint chair of the all-party group on beer and pubs. Could you use your good offices to help to promote the take-up and use of Welsh beers—particularly those produced by the microbreweries in Wales, which number a great many—by all public bodies, including the Assembly, at various functions? I also understand that the taste of locally produced beer is greatly enhanced by the eating of Caerphilly cheese. [Laughter.]

Jeff Cuthbert: Weinidog, yr wyf yn gyd-gadeirydd y grŵp hollbleidiol ar gwrw a thafarndai. A allech ddefnyddio eich gallu fel cyfryngwr i helpu hyrwyddo defnyddio cwrw o Gymru—yn arbennig y mathau sy’n cael eu cynhyrchu gan ficrofragdai yng Nghymru, sy’n niferus iawn—gan bob corff cyhoeddus, gan gynnwys y Cynulliad, mewn amrywiol ddigwyddiadau? Deallaf hefyd fod bwyta caws Caerffili yn gwella blas cwrw sy’n cael ei gynhyrchu’n lleol yn fawr iawn. [Chwerthin.]

Elin Jones: There has been a big upsurge recently in the number of microbreweries in Wales, and my department has been able to support some of those new beer producers. Several of them are strongly featured in food festivals in Wales, and some are also True Taste award winners. I will be attending the True Taste awards tomorrow night in Abergavenny, and I am sure that there will be a beer producer among the winners.

Food Security

Diogelwch Bwyd

Q6 Leanne Wood: Will the Minister make a statement on food security? OAQ(3)0883(ESH)

Elin Jones: My vision is for a long-term, profitable, sustainable and market-focused food industry. I am confident that the industry in Wales can rise to the challenge of increasing food production to meet the demands of an increasing global population, while ensuring that our operations are both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Elin Jones: Mae gennyf weledigaeth o gael diwydiant bwyd hirdymor, proffidiol, cynaliadwy sy’n canolbwyntio ar y farchnad. Yr wyf yn hyderus y gall y diwydiant yng Nghymru ymateb i’r her o gynhyrchu mwy o fwyd er mwyn diwallu gofynion poblogaeth fyd-eang sy’n cynyddu, gan sicrhau bod ein gweithrediadau’n gynaliadwy yn amgylcheddol ac yn economaidd.

Leanne Wood: Minister, I know that you are aware of the growing concerns about future food security, given the problems that we face as a result of climate change and worldwide reduced crop yields. One of the best ways to ensure food security is to expand people’s ability to grow their own produce. What discussions have you had with Government colleagues and other bodies about increasing the land available to people to grow their own food?

Leanne Wood: Weinidog, gwn eich bod yn ymwybodol o’r pryderon cynyddol am ddiogelwch bwyd yn y dyfodol, o ystyried y problemau a wynebwn o ganlyniad i’r newid yn yr hinsawdd a’r ffaith fod cnydau’n llai ledled y byd. Un o’r ffyrdd gorau i sicrhau diogelwch bwyd yw ehangu gallu pobl i dyfu eu cynnyrch eu hunain. Pa drafodaethau yr ydych wedi’u cael gyda’ch cydweithwyr yn y Llywodraeth a chyrff eraill ynglŷn â chynyddu faint o dir sydd ar gael i bobl dyfu eu bwyd eu hunain?

2.10 p.m.

I am particularly concerned that many people are unable to acquire allotments because councils say that they do not have the land or the funds available to make compulsory purchases to provide allotments and so cannot fulfil their obligations under existing legislation. What can be done to expand the availability of affordable land for compulsory lease or purchase by local authorities in order to meet the demand for land on which to grow food?

Elin Jones: As I said in answer to Lorraine Barrett, and as we discussed in my meeting with you yesterday, Leanne, I have set up a task and finish group to look at providing the Government with recommendations on how we can support the increased interest in, and the increased necessity for, growing more food locally and in urban areas. Allotment associations and city farms will be represented on that group. I would hope that it would look at the issue of the availability and accessibility of public sector land in all its guises for the potential growing of food. That might well be of particular interest to schools, as some are already looking at the possibility of growing some of their own food on-site.

Elin Jones: Fel y dywedais yn fy ateb i Lorraine Barrett, ac fel y trafodwyd yn fy nghyfarfod gyda chi ddoe, Leanne, yr wyf wedi sefydlu grŵp gorchwyl a gorffen a fydd yn rhoi argymhellion i’r Llywodraeth am y modd y gallwn gefnogi’r diddordeb cynyddol mewn tyfu bwyd yn lleol ac mewn ardaloedd trefol, a’r angen cynyddol i bobl wneud hynny. Bydd cymdeithasau rhandiroedd a ffermydd dinas yn cael eu cynrychioli ar y grŵp hwnnw. Byddwn yn gobeithio y bydd yn edrych ar argaeledd a hygyrchedd pob math o dir yn y sector cyhoeddus ar gyfer posibilrwydd tyfu bwyd. Gallai hynny fod o ddiddordeb arbennig i ysgolion, oherwydd mae rhai ohonynt eisoes yn ystyried posibilrwydd tyfu rhywfaint o’u bwyd eu hunain ar eu safleoedd.

Andrew R.T. Davies: Minister, the ability to process the primary product as closely as possible to where it is produced will enhance food security. Regrettably, over the last few years, the number of processing facilities in Wales has diminished. Indeed, in the milk sector, a large proportion of Welsh milk is now processed in England. Can you provide an update this afternoon on the measures that your department is taking to ensure that we enhance the processing capacity for Welsh foods in Wales and thus retain as much value as possible within Wales?

Andrew R. T. Davies: Weinidog, bydd gallu prosesu’r cynnyrch crai mor agos ag sy’n bosibl i’r safle lle mae’n cael ei gynhyrchu yn gwella diogelwch bwyd. Yn anffodus, yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf mae nifer y cyfleusterau prosesu yng Nghymru wedi lleihau. Yn wir, yn y sector llaeth mae rhan helaeth o laeth Cymru’n cael ei phrosesu yn Lloegr erbyn hyn. A allwch roi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf inni’r prynhawn yma am y mesurau y mae eich adran yn eu rhoi ar waith i sicrhau ein bod yn gwella’r gallu i brosesu bwydydd o Gymru yng Nghymru, gan gadw cymaint â phosibl o’r gwerth yng Nghymru felly?

Elin Jones: As you have said, there has been a considerable rationalisation or centralisation of the processing of primary product from the dairy sector in particular. I meet reasonably regularly with some of the largest dairy processors operating in Wales and beyond and my officials are always keen to work with any dairy processor, whether new to Wales or already working in Wales, who would be interested in investing and in increasing the amount of dairy produce that is processed in Wales.

Elin Jones: Fel yr ydych wedi ei ddweud, mae’r gwaith o brosesu cynnyrch crai o’r sector llaeth yn arbennig wedi’i resymoli neu ei ganoli’n sylweddol. Byddaf yn cwrdd yn gymharol reolaidd â rhai o’r proseswyr llaeth mwyaf sy’n gweithredu yng Nghymru a thu hwnt, ac y mae fy swyddogion bob amser yn awyddus i weithio gydag unrhyw brosesydd llaeth, p’un a yw’n newydd i Gymru ynteu’n gweithio yng Nghymru eisoes ac yn awyddus i fuddsoddi a chynyddu faint o gynnyrch llaeth sy’n cael ei brosesu yng Nghymru.

The Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats (Kirsty Williams): Given the pressures resulting from an increase in population and the challenges that global warming will present with regard to food security, there is a desperate need for Wales to grow more of its own food. While securing new land for production is important, securing the land that is already in production is as important. Could you outline the steps that your Government is taking to ensure the future security of hill farming in Wales? If we see a further decline in incomes from farming on the hills, it is less likely that young people will take on production on those hills and we will therefore see a drop-off in production levels in those parts of Wales. Could you outline what steps you intend to take to prevent this from happening?

Arweinydd y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol (Kirsty Williams): O ystyried y pwysau a ddaw yn sgil cynnydd yn y boblogaeth a heriau cynhesu byd-eang mewn cysylltiad â diogelwch bwyd, mae angen dybryd i Gymru dyfu mwy o’i bwyd ei hun. Er bod sicrhau tir newydd ar gyfer cynhyrchu bwyd yn bwysig, mae cadw tir sydd eisoes yn cynhyrchu bwyd yr un mor bwysig. A allwch amlinellu rhai o’r camau y mae eich Llywodraeth yn eu cymryd i sicrhau diogelwch ffermio mynydd yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol? Os bydd gostyngiad pellach yn yr incwm a geir o ffermio mynydd, mae’n llai tebygol y bydd pobl ifanc yn awyddus i gynhyrchu bwyd ar y mynyddoedd hynny, ac felly byddwn yn gweld gostyngiad mewn lefelau cynhyrchu yn y rhannau hynny o Gymru.  A allwch amlinellu pa gamau y bwriadwch eu cymryd i atal hyn rhag digwydd?

Elin Jones: I would hope that providing stability in financial support to farmers, with clear direction on how public support will be provided to them over the next five to 10 years, will provide stability, enabling them to look at funding from the public sector. Glastir will be a major change, especially for some hill farmers; some may lose out and some may be winners as a result. The payment basis of the single farm payment will need to be changed from 2014 onwards. I was keen to begin Glastir and to make that change before changing the basis of single farm payments in Wales. However, the market will provide the greatest incentive and the greatest return, hopefully, to farmers. The market and all of those in the market—the supermarkets and the processors—need to incentivise farmers to remain in production by providing a fair price for the product.

Elin Jones: Byddwn yn gobeithio bod darparu sefydlogrwydd mewn cymorth ariannol i ffermwyr, gyda chyfeiriad clir ar y modd y caiff cymorth cyhoeddus ei ddarparu iddynt yn ystod y pum i 10 mlynedd nesaf, yn sicrhau sefydlogrwydd, gan eu galluogi i edrych ar gyllid o’r sector cyhoeddus. Bydd Glastir yn newid mawr, yn arbennig i rai ffermwyr mynydd; gall rhai ohonynt fod ar eu colled ac eraill ar eu hennill o ganlyniad i hyn. Bydd angen newid y sail ar gyfer talu’r taliad sengl o 2014 ymlaen. Yr oeddwn yn awyddus i gyflwyno Glastir a gwneud y newid hwnnw cyn newid y sail ar gyfer talu taliadau sengl yng Nghymru. Fodd bynnag, gobeithio mai’r farchnad a fydd yn darparu’r cymhelliant mwyaf a’r enillion mwyaf i ffermwyr. Mae angen i’r farchnad a phawb sydd yn y farchnad—yr archfarchnadoedd a’r proseswyr—gymell ffermwyr i barhau i gynhyrchu drwy roi pris teg am y cynnyrch.

The Forestry Commission

Y Comisiwn Coedwigaeth

Q7 Mohammad Asghar: Will the Minister make a statement on the activities of the Forestry Commission in South Wales East? OAQ(3)0858(RAF)

Elin Jones: I am pleased to say that, on behalf of the Assembly Government, Forestry Commission Wales is delivering a range of benefits to the people of South Wales East on issues as diverse as the creation of native woodland, promoting access to woodland and supporting the police in combating anti-social behaviour.

Mohammad Asghar: Minister, I have recently had correspondence with the Forestry Commission relating to the work that it is undertaking in partnership with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to prevent deliberate fires in the area. The number of deliberate fires is a cause for concern and I would like to ask what measures are being taken by your department, in conjunction with the police, the fire service and others, to raise awareness of the severe consequences of such a crime.

Elin Jones: As I said in my answer, Forestry Commission Wales is working with the police in south Wales, and also the fire service, to combat anti-social behaviour. Throughout the south Wales forest there is a particular issue regarding deliberate fires. That is why the close relationship between the Forestry Commission, the police and the fire service that is currently demonstrated in south Wales is essential in order to ensure that our forest estate is not subject to deliberate fires.

Elin Jones: Fel y dywedais yn fy ateb, mae Comisiwn Coedwigaeth Cymru yn gweithio gyda’r heddlu yn y de, a’r gwasanaeth tân hefyd, i fynd i’r afael ag ymddygiad gwrthgymdeithasol. Mae cynnau tanau’n fwriadol yn broblem benodol yng nghoedwigoedd y de. Dyna pam y mae’r berthynas agos sydd rhwng y Comisiwn Coedwigaeth, yr heddlu a’r gwasanaeth tân  yn y de ar hyn o bryd yn hanfodol er mwyn sicrhau na chaiff tanau eu cynnau’n fwriadol ar ein hystâd o goedwigoedd.

William Graham: Minister, you will know that there has not been any new planting in south-east Wales by the Forestry Commission. It is also an issue that so many unthinned woods are an all-too-common sight near our roads, particularly when you consider that these are Assembly-owned woods. Minister, how is your Government demonstrating effective woodland management as a legitimate means of carbon offsetting and actively encouraging the tree-growing industry in South Wales East?

William Graham: Weinidog, gwyddoch nad yw’r Comisiwn Coedwigaeth wedi gwneud  plannu dim coed newydd yn y de-ddwyrain. Problem arall yw bod coedwigoedd heb eu teneuo yn olygfa rhy gyffredin o lawer ar ochr ein ffyrdd, yn enwedig o ystyried bod y rhain yn goedwigoedd y mae’r Cynulliad yn berchen arnynt. Weinidog, sut mae eich Llywodraeth yn dangos ei bod yn defnyddio dull effeithiol i reoli coetiroedd fel modd dilys i wrthbwyso carbon ac annog y diwydiant tyfu coed yn Nwyrain De Cymru?

The Copenhagen Summit

Q2 Mick Bates: What are the Welsh Assembly Government’s priorities for the Copenhagen climate change summit 2009? OAQ(3)1057(ESH)

The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): Our priorities are supporting the UK Government in achieving a robust, global, binding agreement at Copenhagen and securing recognition of the role of sub-national Governments in the text. We will promote Wales’s actions, and learn from others to enable effective action to be taken internationally following the conference.

Y Gweinidog dros yr Amgylchedd, Cynaliadwyedd a Thai (Jane Davidson): Ein blaenoriaethau yw cefnogi Llywodraeth y DU i sicrhau cytundeb rhwymol, byd-eang a chadarn yn Copenhagen, a sicrhau bod testun y cytundeb yn cydnabod rôl Llywodraethau is-genedlaethol. Byddwn yn hyrwyddo camau gweithredu Cymru, ac yn dysgu gan eraill er mwyn sicrhau y gellir gweithredu’n effeithiol yn rhyngwladol yn dilyn y gynhadledd.

Mick Bates: You and I both heard Sir Jonathon Porritt’s lecture the other night about a low-carbon society. He highlighted three issues: efficiency, sufficiency and empathy. Which efficiency issue would you highlight, when you attend the summit at Copenhagen, that reflects your Government’s action to increase efficiency to combat climate change?

Mick Bates: Clywsoch chi am minnau ddarlith Syr Jonathon Porritt y noson o’r blaen ar gymdeithas carbon isel. Tynnodd sylw at dair elfen: effeithlonrwydd, digonolrwydd ac empathi. Pan fyddwch yn yr uwchgynhadledd yn Copenhagen, pa elfen mewn effeithlonrwydd y byddech yn tynnu sylw ati sy’n adlewyrchu camau gweithredu eich Llywodraeth i gynyddu effeithlonrwydd er mwyn ataf y newid yn yr hinsawdd?

Jane Davidson: It is not about any individual action on efficiency. If you look right across the piece, our entire agenda is about looking at reducing our use of the earth’s resources, whether that is in the context of energy, which is a primary issue in terms of its carbon impact; waste, where we have the most ambitious targets in the whole of the UK; or in the context of water. The movement of water will have a major impact in terms of climate change as well. The big agenda is to reduce our impact on the earth’s resources and that is a clear agenda in our ecological footprint in 'One Wales: One Planet’.

2.20 p.m.

Mick Bates: Thank you for that answer, Minister; I am greatly heartened to hear of your commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. One of the greatest challenges in Copenhagen will be to assist developing countries, which often develop unsustainable practices that increase pressure on natural resources because of climate change. What can your Government do to ensure that developing countries have enough resources to combat the pressures of climate change?

Mick Bates: Diolch am eich ateb, Weinidog; mae clywed am eich ymrwymiad i leihau ein hôl troed carbon yn fy nghalonogi’n fawr. Un o’r heriau mwyaf yn Copenhagen fydd cynorthwyo gwledydd sy’n datblygu, sy’n aml yn datblygu arferion anghynaladwy sy’n cynyddu’r pwysau ar adnoddau naturiol oherwydd y newid yn yr hinsawdd. Beth all eich Llywodraeth ei wneud i sicrhau bod gan wledydd sy’n datblygu ddigon o adnoddau i fynd i’r afael â phwysau’r newid yn yr hinsawdd?

Jane Davidson: That is a really important question. We have been working with the United Nations development programme to look specifically at being one of the first 10 pilot regions in the world in the territorial approach to climate change—the new TACC programme. Our partner in that programme is the Mbale region in Uganda. Through that programme, we are looking to exchange information between experts in Uganda and Wales, and where we know of technological advances that would be useful, we are looking to support them with the work that is going on in Mbale. The critical element of such a programme is to have a dialogue between the developing region and Wales, so that we can generate the right kind of support and moderate what we do, too, because of our impact on developing nations.

Jane Davidson: Mae’r cwestiwn hwnnw’n un pwysig iawn. Yr ydym wedi bod yn gweithio gyda rhaglen ddatblygu’r Cenhedloedd Unedig i edrych yn benodol ar fod yn un o’r 10 rhanbarth cyntaf yn y byd i dreialu’r dull tiriogaethol o fynd i’r afael â’r newid yn yr hinsawdd—y rhaglen TACC newydd. Ein partner yn y rhaglen honno yw rhanbarth Mbale yn Uganda. Drwy’r rhaglen honno yr ydym yn gobeithio y bydd arbenigwyr yn Uganda a Chymru yn cyfnewid gwybodaeth, a lle gwyddom am ddatblygiadau technolegol a fyddai’n ddefnyddiol yr ydym yn gobeithio’u cefnogi gyda’r gwaith sy’n digwydd ym Mbale. Yr elfen hollbwysig mewn rhaglen o’r fath yw cael deialog rhwng y rhanbarth sy’n datblygu a Chymru, fel y gallwn greu’r math iawn o gymorth a chymedroli’r hyn a wnawn ni hefyd, oherwydd ein heffaith ar wledydd sy’n datblygu.

Lesley Griffiths: If we strip away the maelstrom of speculation, rumour and counter-rumour currently besetting the run-up to the Copenhagen summit, two things remain constant and indisputable. The first is the gravity of the situation facing the planet, and that gets worse with each passing month. Secondly, the challenges facing Governments across the world, including our own, are immense and pressing. Do you therefore agree that it is up to all countries, however small, to now show courage and ensure that Copenhagen is the turning point for climate change that we wish it to be?

Lesley Griffiths: O durio dan yr holl ddyfalu, honni a gwadu sydd mor rhemp ar hyn o bryd yn y cyfnod cyn uwchgynhadledd Copenhagen, erys dau beth yn ddigyfnewid ac yn ddiamheuol. Y cyntaf yw difrifoldeb y sefyllfa sy’n wynebu’r blaned ac sy’n gwaethygu bob mis. Yn ail, mae’r heriau sy’n wynebu Llywodraethau ledled y byd, gan gynnwys ein Llywodraeth ni, yn enfawr ac yn enbyd. A ydych yn cytuno felly, mai tasg pob gwlad, waeth pa mor fach, yw bod yn ddewr a sicrhau mai Copenhagen yw’r trobwynt yr ydym yn dymuno’i gael yn hanes y newid yn yr hinsawdd?

Jane Davidson: I absolutely agree because, although it does not look as though we are going to get the legally binding treaty that we were looking to get out of Copenhagen, it is critical that we get a robust, global, binding agreement. In the context of countries such as Wales, we have already developed a plan, and although it is not yet complete, it looks at how we achieve our emission reductions, the lessons that we can teach other countries in the process of our developing that plan, and the lessons that other countries can teach us in the development of their plans. That will be critical because this should not just be a debate about numbers and targets; we have to demonstrate that we take the action to support the delivery of those numbers. In that sense, Wales is already leading the way.

Jane Davidson: Yr wyf yn cytuno’n llwyr, oherwydd, er nad yw’n ymddangos y byddwn yn cael y cytuniad cyfreithiol rwymol yr oeddem yn gobeithio’i gael allan o Copenhagen, mae’n hollbwysig inni gael cytundeb rhwymol, byd-eang, cadarn.  O ran gwledydd megis Cymru, yr ydym eisoes wedi datblygu cynllun, ac er nad yw wedi’i orffen eto, mae’n edrych ar y modd y gallwn lwyddo i leihau ein hallyriadau, y gwersi y gallwn eu dysgu i wledydd eraill wrth ddatblygu’r cynllun hwnnw, a’r gwersi y gall gwledydd eraill eu dysgu i ni wrth ddatblygu eu cynlluniau hwy. Bydd hynny’n hollbwysig, oherwydd ni ddylai’r ddadl hon fod ynghylch rhifau a thargedau’n unig; rhaid inni ddangos ein bod yn cymryd camau i gefnogi cyrraedd y rhifau hynny. Yn yr ystyr honno, mae Cymru eisoes yn arwain y ffordd.

Jonathan Morgan: Minister, what discussions have you had with your colleagues at Westminster about the risk to the level of public confidence and public aspiration currently inspired by the Copenhagen summit? You have just admitted that many people agree that the chance of securing a legally binding agreement is quite weak. We know that some of the big countries, such as China and America, do not wish to have a legally binding agreement, and many people, including myself, fear that unless we get something as strong as a legally binding agreement, all we will see is a climate change summit similar to all the others, which have not realised the ambitions and opportunities that many of the people of Wales and the UK want to see achieved.

Jonathan Morgan: Weinidog, pa drafodaethau yr ydych wedi eu cael gyda’ch cydweithwyr yn San Steffan am y perygl i lefel hyder y cyhoedd a’r dyheadau sy’n cael eu hysgogi gan uwchgynhadledd Copenhagen? Yr ydych newydd gyfaddef bod llawer o bobl yn cytuno mai go brin y bydd yr uwchgynhadledd yn esgor ar gytundeb cyfreithiol rwymol. Gwyddom nad yw rhai o’r gwledydd mawr, megis Tsieina ac America, yn dymuno cael cytundeb cyfreithiol rwymol, ac y mae llawer o bobl, a minnau yn eu plith, yn pryderu, oni chawn  rywbeth mor gryf â chytundeb cyfreithiol rwymol, y cyfan a welwn yw uwchgynhadledd ar y newid yn yr hinsawdd yn debyg i’r lleill i gyd, nad ydynt wedi gwireddu’r uchelgeisiau a’r cyfleoedd y mae llawer o bobl Cymru a’r DU am weld eu cyflawni.

Jane Davidson: It will not surprise you to know that I am in regular discussions with Westminster colleagues on this agenda, as are our officials. We have been strongly supporting colleagues in Westminster in their negotiations at the EU and other levels. We will have official representation in the UK delegation to Copenhagen as well.

Jane Davidson: Ni fyddwch yn synnu deall fy mod yn cael trafodaethau rheolaidd gyda chydweithwyr yn San Steffan am yr agenda hon, fel y mae ein swyddogion. Yr ydym wedi bod yn cefnogi ein cydweithwyr yn San Steffan yn gryf yn eu trafodaethau yn yr UE ac ar lefelau eraill. Bydd gennym gynrychiolaeth swyddogol hefyd yn nirprwyaeth y DG yn Copenhagen.

It is important not to underestimate what can be achieved in Copenhagen. We still need to get the best deal possible with all the key players in the world, and they will all be there in Copenhagen. I have a particular job, both in representing a sub-national Government to ensure that our level of government is bound in to the future treaty, as well as in my role as co-chair of the Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development, which includes developed and developing regions, in exchanging information across the world, as I described to Mick Bates in relation to the territorial approach to climate change programme. It is critical that countries produce plans for their actions, and any binding legal agreement must require countries to demonstrate those plans. I am confident that we will get a binding legal agreement. It just might take longer than we have at Copenhagen.

Mae’n bwysig inni beidio â synied yn rhy isel am yr hyn y gellir ei gyflawni yn Copenhagen. Mae angen o hyd inni daro’r fargen orau posibl â phrif wledydd y byd, a byddant i gyd yno yn Copenhagen. Mae gennyf waith penodol, wrth gynrychioli Llywodraeth is-genedlaethol, i sicrhau bod ein lefel llywodraeth wedi ei rhwymo llywodraethau yng nghytuniad y dyfodol, a hefyd yn fy rôl fel cyd-gadeirydd y Rhwydwaith Llywodraethau Rhanbarthol dros Ddatblygu Cynaliadwy, sy’n cynnwys rhanbarthau datblygedig a datblygol, wrth gyfnewid gwybodaeth ar draws y byd, fel y disgrifiais wrth Mick Bates yng nghyswllt y dull tiriogaethol o atal y newid yn yr hinsawdd. Mae’n hollbwysig i wledydd gynhyrchu cynlluniau ar gyfer eu camau gweithredu, a rhaid i unrhyw gytundeb cyfreithiol rwymol ei gwneud yn ofynnol i wledydd ddangos y cynlluniau hynny. Yr wyf yn ffyddiog y cawn gytundeb cyfreithiol rwymol. Ond efallai y cymer fwy o amser nag sydd gennym yn Copenhagen.

Leanne Wood: Minister, I know that you are aware that the science on climate change is moving quickly. However, we deserve to be alarmed by the news this morning that the latest scientific reports reveal that a 6 degree temperature rise is unavoidable. Today’s news makes it imperative that we reach a legally binding agreement and that Wales plays its full part in reducing emissions worldwide. I believe that, with cross-party consensus, we can reach an Assembly view on how to achieve the 40 per cent cuts in emissions by 2020, which is the very minimum that industrialised countries should commit to. Do you agree that working on a cross-party basis is the best way forward on this? If so, will you agree to speak to all the party spokespeople on the environment and sustainability before you go to represent Wales as part of the UK delegation at the Copenhagen talks?

Leanne Wood: Weinidog, gwn eich bod yn ymwybodol fod gwyddor y newid yn yr hinsawdd yn datblygu’n gyflym. Fodd bynnag, mae lle inni arswydo o glywed y newyddion y bore yma fod yr adroddiadau gwyddonol diweddaraf yn dweud bod codiad o 6 gradd yn y tymheredd yn anochel. Mae’r newyddion heddiw’n golygu ei bod yn rhaid  inni gael cytundeb cyfreithiol rwymol, a bod yn rhaid i Gymru chwarae rhan lawn wrth leihau allyriadau ar draws y byd. O gael cydsyniad trawsbleidiol, credaf y gallwn lunio barn yn y Cynulliad am y modd i sicrhau’r gostyngiadau o 40 y cant mewn hallyriadau erbyn 2020, sef y ffigur lleiaf y dylai gwledydd diwydiannol ymrwymo iddo. A ydych yn cytuno mai gweithio’n drawsbleidiol yw’r ffordd orau i fwrw ymlaen â hyn? Os felly, a gytunwch i siarad â llefarydd pob plaid ar yr amgylchedd a chynaliadwyedd cyn ichi fynd i gynrychioli Cymru fel rhan o ddirprwyaeth y DU yn y trafodaethau yn Copenhagen?

Jane Davidson: I agree absolutely that a consensual approach is the right one to take in Wales, not least because I hope that, after the next Assembly elections, a similarly consensual approach will be taken by every party, demonstrating the importance of responding to the climate change measure and outlining clearly which steps each party is prepared to put in place to achieve it. It is also important that we ensure that our approach reflects scientific thinking as far as possible. That is why we commissioned the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research to look not just at the scenarios for achieving a 3 per cent reduction from 2011 but also at those for achieving 6 per cent and 9 per cent reductions per year.

Jane Davidson: Yr wyf yn cytuno’n llwyr mai dull cydsyniol yw’r dull iawn inni ei fabwysiadu yng Nghymru, ac un o’m rhesymau pennaf dros ddweud hynny yw oherwydd fy mod yn gobeithio, ar ôl etholiadau nesaf y Cynulliad, y bydd pob plaid yn mabwysiadu dull cydsyniol tebyg, gan ddangos pwysigrwydd ymateb i’r mesur newid yn yr hinsawdd ac amlinellu’n glir pa gamau y mae pob plaid yn barod i’w rhoi ar waith i’w wireddu. Mae’n bwysig hefyd ein bod yn sicrhau bod ein dull gweithredu’n adlewyrchu’r farn wyddonol, i’r graddau y bo hynny’n bosibl. Dyna pam y gwnaethom gomisiynu Canolfan Tyndall er Ymchwil i Newid yn yr Hinsawdd i edrych nid yn unig ar y senarios ar gyfer sicrhau gostyngiad o 3 y cant o 2011 ymlaen, ond i edrych hefyd ar y senarios ar gyfer cyflawni gostyngiad o 6 y cant a 9 y cant y flwyddyn.

In Copenhagen, I will ensure that I talk to representatives from as many countries as possible about the approach that we have taken in Wales, providing them with opportunities to benefit from that, should they wish to do so. In the same way, I hope to benefit from the experience of other countries that have developed their own plans on greenhouse gas emission reduction, although we are already benefiting in that regard.

Fuel Poverty

Q3 Irene James: What is the Welsh Assembly Government doing to reduce fuel poverty in Wales? OAQ(3)1034(ESH)

Jane Davidson: We are currently consulting on our fuel poverty strategy, which sets out our proposals for tackling fuel poverty in Wales. Proposals include a central hub to co-ordinate advice and support, an improved all-Wales programme to replace the home energy efficiency scheme, and a major new programme of area-based investment.

Jane Davidson: Yr ydym wrthi ar hyn o bryd yn ymgynghori ynghylch ein strategaeth ar dlodi tanwydd, sy’n egluro ein cynigion ar gyfer mynd i’r afael â thlodi tanwydd yng Nghymru. Mae’r cynigion yn cynnwys creu gwasanaeth canolog i gydlynu cyngor a chymorth, cyflwyno rhaglen well i Gymru gyfan i ddisodli’r cynllun effeithlonrwydd ynni cartref, a chyflwyno rhaglen fuddsoddi fawr newydd yn seiliedig ar ardal.

Irene James: Thank you for that response, Minister. I warmly welcome the publication of the Assembly Government’s fuel poverty strategy, including the central hub to provide advice. How will you ensure that the central hub delivers the Assembly Government’s grants to those living in fuel poverty in Islwyn?

Irene James: Diolch am eich ymateb, Weinidog. Mae cyhoeddi strategaeth Llywodraeth y Cynulliad ar dlodi tanwydd yn rhywbeth yr wyf yn ei groesawu’n fawr, gan gynnwys y bwriad i greu gwasanaeth canolog i ddarparu cyngor. Sut y byddwch yn sicrhau bod y pobl sy’n byw mewn tlodi tanwydd yn Islwyn yn cael grantiau Llywodraeth y Cynulliad trwy’r gwasanaeth canolog?

Jane Davidson: Some consistent messages emerged from the consultation responses to the national energy efficiency and savings plan, including the need to ensure that advice and support are better co-ordinated across Wales, that they are more easily accessible, and that they are provided in a format best suited to those needing the advice. Our proposal with the central hub is not to set up a new body, but to develop the existing helplines associated with the scheme into a service that can offer comprehensive referrals, maximising the benefits of all the services available, from the statutory sector, the third sector, and energy company providers. The big money sits with the energy companies, and we want to ensure that our scheme benefits those who cannot access that money, so we are focusing on ensuring that our area-based energy improvement investment—through the Arbed programme, which is supported through the regeneration portfolio, the housing portfolio and mine—the energy companies’ money and ours complement each other. In that way, we will better address fuel poverty.

Jane Davidson: Daeth rhai negeseuon cyson i’r amlwg yn yr ymatebion i’r ymgynghoriad ynghylch y cynllun cenedlaethol ar effeithlonrwydd ac arbedion ynni, gan gynnwys yr angen i sicrhau bod cyngor a chymorth yn cael eu cydlynu’n well ar draws Cymru, ei bod yn haws i bobl eu cael, a’u bod yn cael eu darparu ar y ffurf sy’n gweddu orau i’r rhai y mae arnynt angen y cyngor. Nid creu corff newydd yw bwriad ein cynnig i greu gwasanaeth canolog, ond datblygu’r llinellau cymorth sy’n gysylltiedig â’r cynllun, ac sy’n bodoli’n barod, i greu gwasanaeth atgyfeirio cynhwysfawr, gan sicrhau ein bod yn cael y budd mwyaf posibl o’r holl wasanaethau sydd ar gael gan y sector statudol, y trydydd sector a darparwyr cwmnïau ynni. Y cwmnïau ynni sydd â’r arian mawr, ac yr ydym am sicrhau bod ein cynllun o fudd i’r rheini nad ydynt yn gallu cael yr arian hwnnw. Yr ydym yn canolbwyntio, felly, ar sicrhau bod ein buddsoddiad ni i wella ynni ar sail ardal—trwy’r rhaglen Arbed, a gaiff ei chefnogi trwy’r portffolio adfywio, y portffolio tai a’m portffolio i—arian y cwmnïau ynni a’n harian ni yn ategu ei gilydd. Bydd hynny’n caniatáu inni fynd i’r afael yn well â thlodi tanwydd.

2.30 p.m.

Mark Isherwood: As you will know, Minister, the 'Paying the Price of Being Poor’ report launched yesterday by the Bevan Foundation, in partnership with National Energy Action Cymru, Consumer Focus Cymru and Save the Children, included a section on fuel poverty and the poverty premium. It highlighted Welsh Government figures for 2004, which showed that north and mid Wales had the highest incidences of fuel-poor households in rural areas, while more recent figures highlighted the prevalence in inner cities and Valleys areas as well. It also indicated that key factors influencing fuel poverty include low household incomes, whether from wages or benefits. What action, subject to consultation, do you propose to deliver to ensure that the working poor, and not just those subject to benefit measures, will benefit from actions taken by the Welsh Government? How will you ensure that the central hub to which you have referred will link in with the home heat helpline, the consumer focus helpline and the work in communities being done by organisations like Warm Wales?

Mark Isherwood: Fel y gwyddoch, Weinidog, yr oedd yr adroddiad 'Paying the Price of Being Poor’ a lansiwyd ddoe gan Sefydliad Bevan, mewn partneriaeth â National Energy Action Cymru, Llais Defnyddwyr Cymru ac Achub y Plant, yn cynnwys adran ar dlodi tanwydd a’r premiwm tlodi. Tynnodd sylw at ffigurau Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer 2004, a oedd yn dangos mai yn ardaloedd gwledig y gogledd a’r canolbarth yr oedd y nifer mwyaf o aelwydydd sy’n dioddef tlodi tanwydd, tra oedd ffigurau diweddarach yn tynnu sylw at nifer fawr yr achosion yng nghanol dinasoedd ac yn ardaloedd y Cymoedd hefyd. Dangosodd yr adroddiad hefyd fod y ffactorau allweddol sy’n dylanwadu ar dlodi tanwydd yn cynnwys incwm isel aelwydydd, boed o gyflogau neu fudd-daliadau. Beth yr ydych yn bwriadu ei wneud, yn amodol ar ymgynghori, i sicrhau bod pobl dlawd sy’n gweithio, nid y rheini sy’n cael budd-daliadau’n unig, yn elwa o’r camau gweithredu a gymerir gan Lywodraeth y Cynulliad? Sut y byddwch yn sicrhau creu cyswllt rhwng y gwasanaeth canolog yr ydych wedi cyfeirio ato a’r llinell gymorth cartrefi cynnes, llinell gymorth Llais Defnyddwyr Cymru, a’r gwaith a wneir mewn cymunedau gan sefydliadau megis Cymru Gynnes?

Jane Davidson: The idea of the central hub is, in a sense, a virtual idea. It is about ensuring that the referrals are co-ordinated, and in many situations it is best for people to talk to their own energy provider initially. What we are also proposing, which we discussed with you in terms of the all-party group and the fuel poverty advisory group, is that our own investment in terms of fuel poverty should be focused on those who are most in need in those houses that are most inefficient. I was particularly concerned about the mismatch between the current home energy efficiency scheme, which has a 29 per cent match with fuel poverty, when in fact, if it is going to be an Assembly Government fuel poverty scheme, it needs to be a great deal more than that. Also, although we have improved energy efficiency as a result of investment so far, I could not with confidence say that we had always improved the rating in an energy performance certificate. What we need to do is ensure that any house made more energy efficient moves up at least a grade of an energy performance certificate. We are focusing in the current consultation on both the social justice elements and the energy efficiency elements. It now proposes whole-house solutions to fully recognise people who are, for example, off the gas grid, which we know contributes to fuel poverty in north and mid Wales.

Jane Davidson: Mewn ffordd, syniad rhithwir fydd y gwasanaeth canolog. Mae’n ymwneud â sicrhau bod atgyfeiriadau’n cael eu cydlynu, ac mewn llawer sefyllfa gorau oll os bydd pobl yn siarad â’u darparwyr ynni eu hunain yn y lle cyntaf. Yr hyn yr ydym yn ei gynnig hefyd, a thrafodwyd hynny gyda chi yn y grŵp hollbleidiol a’r grŵp cynghori ar dlodi tanwydd, yw y dylai ein buddsoddiad ni o ran tlodi tanwydd ganolbwyntio ar y rhai sydd fwyaf mewn angen yn y tai hynny sydd fwyaf aneffeithlon. Yr oedd y ffaith mai 29 y cant yn unig o gyfatebiaeth sydd rhwng y cynllun presennol ar effeithlonrwydd ynni cartref a thlodi tanwydd yn peri pryder arbennig imi. Os bwriedir i hwn fod yn gynllun tlodi tanwydd i Lywodraeth y Cynulliad, mae angen i’r ganran fod lawer yn uwch na hynny. Yn ogystal, er bod y buddsoddiad a wnaed hyd yma wedi gwella effeithlonrwydd ynni, ni allwn ddweud yn hyderus ein bod bob amser wedi gwella’r radd a nodir ar dystysgrif perfformiad ynni. Yr hyn y mae angen inni ei wneud yw sicrhau bod tŷ y gwneir gwaith gwella effeithlonrwydd ynni arno yn codi o leiaf un radd ar y dystysgrif perfformiad ynni. Yn yr ymgynghori presennol yr ydym yn canolbwyntio ar yr elfen cyfiawnder cymdeithasol a’r elfen effeithlonrwydd ynni. Mae bellach yn cynnig atebion sy’n cynnwys y cartref cyfan, i gydnabod yn llawn y bobl hynny nad ydynt, er enghraifft, ar y grid nwy, ac y mae hynny, fel y gwyddom, yn cyfrannu at dlodi tanwydd yn y gogledd a’r canolbarth.

David Lloyd: Would you support the demands for people who have chronic illnesses to be helped to pay their bills because they need to use more energy to keep warm because of the implications of their illnesses?

Jane Davidson: I have been in discussion with Macmillan and others about the way in which those people with long-term illnesses have to keep warm. Also, because of the fact that these illnesses are often at the expense of previous employment, incomes go down as well. It is a difficult issue that we continue to keep under review. What we are aiming to do through our fuel poverty advice is to ensure that where there are providers who can help, for example with crisis support, whether that be grants or loans, or where people can be brought into area programmes and others, that that is also fully co-ordinated. So, the idea of a central hub that enables people to be referred to the appropriate agency to give them support is a central tenet of our proposals, which we are testing through consultation at the moment.

Jane Davidson: Yr wyf wedi bod yn trafod gyda Macmillan ac eraill y modd y mae’n rhaid i bobl ag afiechydon tymor hir gadw’n gynnes. Yn ogystal, oherwydd bod yr afiechydon hynny’n aml yn golygu nad oes modd i’r bobl barhau yn eu swyddi blaenorol, mae eu hincwm yn disgyn hefyd. Mae’n fater anodd yr ydym yn parhau i gadw golwg arno. Yr hyn yr ydym yn ceisio’i wneud, trwy ein cyngor ar dlodi tanwydd, yw sicrhau, lle ceir darparwyr sy’n gallu helpu, er enghraifft, gyda chymorth mewn argyfwng, boed ar ffurf grantiau ynteu fenthyciadau, neu lle gall pobl gael eu cynnwys mewn rhaglenni ardal a rhaglenni eraill, fod y cyfan yn cael ei gydlynu’n llawn. Felly, mae’r syniad o gael gwasanaeth canolog sy’n caniatáu i bobl gael eu cyfeirio at yr asiantaeth briodol am cymorth yn greiddiol i’n cynigion yr ydym yn eu profi trwy ymgynghori ar hyn o bryd.

Eleanor Burnham: We have had some very warm words, pardon the pun, about fuel poverty. However, you must admit, Minister, that the fact that one in four households in Wales experiences fuel poverty is an utter disgrace. Excess winter deaths, which, at 1,500, are 7 per cent up on the previous year, and 87 per cent of those who died were 75 or older. For goodness sake, Minister, what on earth are you doing, and how can you help everyone to identify and assess the real issue of these poor people who are dying of fuel poverty in Wales? It is an absolute disgrace. How do you answer that?

Eleanor Burnham: Yr ydym wedi clywed rhai geiriau cynnes, maddeuwch imi am chwarae ar eiriau, am dlodi tanwydd. Fodd bynnag, rhaid ichi gyfaddef, Weinidog, fod y ffaith fod un aelwyd o bob pedair yng Nghymru yn dioddef tlodi tanwydd yn warth o beth. Mae nifer y marwolaethau ychwanegol sy’n digwydd yn ystod y gaeaf bellach yn 1,500, sydd 7 y cant yn uwch na’r flwyddyn flaenorol, ac yr oedd 87 y cant o’r rhai a fu farw yn 75 oed neu’n hŷn. Er mwyn popeth, Weinidog, beth ar wyneb y ddaear yr ydych yn ei wneud, a sut y gallwch helpu pawb i adnabod ac asesu gwir broblem y bobl hyn sy’n marw o dlodi tanwydd yng Nghymru? Mae’n warth. Beth yw eich ateb i hynny?

Jane Davidson: There are a number of very complex issues here, which is why, working with the fuel poverty advisory group, the all-party group and others, we are trying to wrest our way through a set of complex responsibilities, which do not all sit with the Assembly Government. In fact, two of the major contributors to fuel poverty are issues around rising energy prices and income levels, which are not under the control of the Assembly Government.

Jane Davidson: Mae nifer o faterion cymhleth iawn ar waith yma, a dyna pam yr ydym yn gweithio gyda’r grŵp cynghori ar dlodi tanwydd, y grŵp hollbleidiol ac eraill i geisio ymgodymu â chyfres o gyfrifoldebau cymhleth, nad ydynt bob un yn gyfrifoldebau i Lywodraeth y Cynulliad. Yn wir, mae dau o’r prif ffactorau sy’n cyfrannu at dlodi tanwydd yn faterion ynghylch prisiau tanwydd sy’n codi a lefelau incwm, nad ydynt dan reolaeth Llywodraeth y Cynulliad.

Where we have the greatest impact is in the context of energy efficiency. You will have seen, both in looking at the money that energy companies need to spend through the carbon emission reduction target scheme and through their social programmes, that we have put in a huge amount of extra funding through our strategic capital investment to look at increasing energy efficiency. It is the area in which we can do most and in which we are putting the largest amount of expenditure. My department has done extremely well in the context of budget discussions because of the commitment to do this. This also creates local labour opportunities, which help with incomes.

Yng nghyd-destun effeithlonrwydd ynni yr ydym yn sicrhau’r effaith fwyaf. Byddwch wedi gweld, trwy edrych ar yr arian y mae angen i gwmnïau ynni ei wario trwy’r cynllun targed i leihau allyriadau carbon a thrwy eu rhaglenni cymdeithasol, ein bod wedi cyfrannu swm enfawr o gyllid ychwanegol, trwy ein cronfa strategol ar fuddsoddi cyfalaf, i geisio cynyddu effeithlonrwydd ynni. Dyma’r maes lle gallwn gael yr effaith fwyaf ac lle yr ydym yn gwario fwyaf. Mae fy adran wedi gwneud yn eithriadol o dda yng nghyd-destun trafodaethau ar y gyllideb oherwydd yr ymrwymiad i wneud hyn. Mae hefyd yn creu cyfleoedd gwaith yn lleol, sy’n helpu gydag incwm pobl.

It is also important to say that we have a lack of accurate, up-to-date information on fuel poverty. It is a major issue, and it makes tracking progress and targeting interventions much more difficult. The figures to which you referred are part of the modelling, and although we are getting better small area data, it is important that we have accurate figures. The new Living in Wales data will enable the 2008 figures to be reported next year. That will give us more accurate figures, but we will look to make more fundamental improvements. Getting accurate data is crucial in terms of ensuring that we make the right improvements in the right places, and we are committed to doing so.

Mae’n bwysig dweud hefyd nad oes gennym wybodaeth gywir a diweddar am dlodi tanwydd. Mae’n broblem fawr, ac y mae’n golygu ei bod yn llawer mwy anodd olrhain cynnydd a thargedu ymyriadau. Mae’r ffigurau y cyfeiriech atynt yn rhan o’r modelu, ac er ein bod yn cael gwell data ar gyfer ardaloedd bach, mae’n bwysig bod gennym ffigurau cywir. Bydd y data newydd o’r arolwg Byw yng Nghymru yn golygu y bydd modd adrodd ynghylch ffigurau 2008 y flwyddyn nesaf. Bydd hynny’n rhoi ffigurau mwy cywir inni, ond byddwn yn ceisio gwneud gwelliannau mwy sylfaenol. Mae cael data cywir yn hollbwysig o ran sicrhau ein bod yn gwneud y gwelliannau iawn yn y mannau iawn, ac yr ydym wedi ymrwymo i wneud hynny.

Floodplains

Q4 Helen Mary Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on the planning guidance with regard to developments in floodplains? OAQ(3)1060(ESH)

Jane Davidson: Local planning authorities should take account of national planning policy, contained in 'Planning Policy Wales’ and technical advice note 15, in the preparation of local development plans, and it may be material to decisions on individual planning applications.

Helen Mary Jones: We were discussing, earlier in this question session, climate change, and there are other factors that may change the Environment Agency’s flooding advice over the years. What is the situation when the Environment Agency has agreed, or not opposed, outline planning permission but its flooding advice for the area in question changes? Does the outline planning permission become void, would it have an effect on whether or not any detailed planning was allowed to go ahead, or would different mitigation be required than was originally envisaged for the outline planning application? I am thinking particularly of long-standing outline planning permission that has not been acted upon but which can be used some years later.

Helen Mary Jones: Buom yn trafod y newid yn yr hinsawdd yn gynharach yn y sesiwn holi hon, ac y mae yna ffactorau eraill a all newid cyngor Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd ynghylch llifogydd dros y blynyddoedd. Beth yw’r sefyllfa pan fydd Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd wedi cytuno â chaniatâd cynllunio amlinellol, neu heb ei wrthwynebu, ond bod ei chyngor ar lifogydd ar gyfer yr ardal dan sylw yn newid? A fyddai’r caniatâd cynllunio amlinellol yn cael ei ddirymu, a fyddai’r newid hwnnw’n effeithio ar y cwestiwn a fyddai gwaith cynllunio manwl yn cael mynd rhagddo ai peidio, ynteu a fyddai angen mesurau lliniaru gwahanol i’r rhai a ragwelwyd yn wreiddiol ar gyfer y cais cynllunio amlinellol? Yr wyf yn meddwl yn benodol am ganiatâd cynllunio amlinellol sydd wedi’i roi ers amser ond nad oes dim wedi’i wneud yn ei gylch ond y gellir ei ddefnyddio rai blynyddoedd yn ddiweddarach.

Jane Davidson: If there is an adverse change in the circumstances on which a decision to grant planning permission was based, it is open for people to approach the local planning authority with their concerns. It does not matter if it was the inspectorate, Welsh Ministers on appeal or following a call-in, or the local planning authority that made the original decision as it is then for the local planning authority to assess those concerns and decide whether or not it would be appropriate or necessary to take action in relation to the granting of planning permission.

Angela Burns: Even before this recent wet weather, I have had a number of conversations with councils and developers about the folly of developing in flood risk areas. Yet, even against EA advice—I have just one month’s advice here—on turning down planning applications, work is going ahead. People always mention TAN 15 in those circumstances, so will you confirm the Welsh Assembly Government’s current position on that technical advice note and its future?

Angela Burns: Hyd yn oed cyn y cyfnod diweddar hwn o dywydd gwlyb, yr wyf wedi cael nifer o drafodaethau gyda chynghorau a datblygwyr ynghylch ffolineb datblygu mewn ardaloedd lle mae perygl llifogydd. Er hynny, yn groes i gyngor Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd hyd yn oed—cyngor un mis yn unig sydd gennyf yma—i wrthod ceisiadau cynllunio, mae gwaith yn mynd yn ei flaen. Bydd pobl bob amser yn cyfeirio at nodyn cyngor technegol 15 mewn amgylchiadau o’r fath, felly, a wnewch chi gadarnhau safbwynt presennol Llywodraeth y Cynulliad ar y nodyn hwnnw a’i ddyfodol?

2.40 p.m.

Jane Davidson: TAN 15 is the current Welsh Assembly Government flood guidance in planning terms. It has increased awareness of the risks and consequences of flooding, and all local planning authorities in Wales are aware of the need to take account of these issues. They also need to have due regard to the advice of the Environment Agency in the context of any decisions that are made locally. If the Environment Agency has expressed concern, the critical issue for the local planning authority is whether there are appropriate, mitigating measures that can be taken into account to address that concern. If there are none, one would anticipate that the local authority would not support a planning application.

Jane Davidson: TAN 15 yw arweiniad presennol Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru ar lifogydd o ran cynllunio. Mae wedi cynyddu ymwybyddiaeth o beryglon a chanlyniadau llifogydd, ac y mae pob awdurdod cynllunio yng Nghymru yn ymwybodol fod angen cymryd y materion hyn i ystyriaeth. Mae angen hefyd iddynt roi sylw dyladwy i gyngor Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd yng nghyd-destun unrhyw benderfyniadau a wneir yn lleol. Os bydd Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd wedi mynegi pryderon, y mater hanfodol i’r awdurdod cynllunio yw a oes unrhyw gamau priodol, lliniarol y gellir eu cymryd i ystyriaeth i ddelio â’r pryder hwnnw. Os nad oes, byddwn yn tybied na fyddai’r awdurdod lleol yn cefnogi cais cynllunio.

Angela Burns: I thought that that would be your view because I know that you are also appalled by the human cost of flooding. I would like to suggest that you review technical advice note 15 because what we have in many situations—the full details of which I can give you at another time—are places where planning has gone ahead and houses have been built on the banks of rivers against the EA’s advice, always using TAN 15. When you read the detail of TAN 15 it states that developments are permitted as long as there is minimal disruption and risk to life. One constituent’s property in Llanddowror was flooded this time last year. She moved back in at Easter only to be flooded again. Her insurance premiums are £2,500, her nine-year-old child has nightmares and does not ever want to move back to that house. Yet, these people are still building houses against the advice of the specialists. I would be grateful if you would think about TAN 15 as it is out of date. Some of the details, such as those on winter precipitation levels, have changed completely and are no longer relevant. Will you consider that?

Angela Burns: Yr oeddwn yn tybio mai dyna fyddai eich barn  oherwydd gwn fod cost llifogydd i bobl yn eich brawychu chi hefyd. Hoffwn awgrymu y dylech adolygu nodyn cyngor technegol 15, oherwydd yr hyn a welwn mewn nifer o sefyllfaoedd—a gallaf roi manylion llawn ichi amdanynt rywbryd eto—yw lleoedd lle mae caniatâd wedi’i roi a thai wedi’u codi ar lannau afonydd yn groes i gyngor Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd, gan ddefnyddio nodyn cyngor technegol 15 bob tro. O ddarllen manylion nodyn cyngor technegol 15, mae’n dweud y caiff datblygiadau eu caniatáu ar yr amod eu bod yn peri cyn lleied â phosibl o risg i fywyd ac yn amharu cyn lleied â phosibl arno. Effeithiodd llifogydd ar gartref un o’m hetholwyr yn Llanddowror yr adeg hon y llynedd. Dychwelodd i’w chartref adeg y Pasg, ond daeth y llifogydd drachefn. Mae’n talu £2,500 am yswiriant, mae ei phlentyn naw oed yn cael hunllefau, ac nid yw am symud yn ôl i’r tŷ byth eto. Serch hynny, mae pobl yn dal i godi tai yn groes i gyngor yr arbenigwyr. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe baech yn ystyried nodyn cyngor technegol 15 gan ei fod yn awr yn hen. Mae rhai o’r manylion, megis y rhai am lefelau gwlybaniaeth yn ystod y gaeaf, wedi newid yn llwyr ac nid ydynt yn berthnasol erbyn hyn. A wnewch chi ystyried hynny?

Jane Davidson: I have already said that once we go through the process of looking at the flood and water management Bill, which was announced in the Queen’s Speech today, we will look at issues around flooding with the new climate data. However, I would be happy to look at whether TAN 15 needs to be reviewed. In the meantime, if you have evidence that a local authority has not taken account of the Environment Agency’s advice, and that that has had a consequential effect on local residents, I would be happy to receive it and explore that. The same goes for all Members in the Chamber.

Jane Davidson: Yr wyf eisoes wedi dweud, pan fyddwn wedi bod trwy’r broses o edrych ar y Mesur rheoli llifogydd a dŵr, a gyhoeddwyd yn Araith y Frenhines heddiw, byddwn yn edrych ar faterion yn ymwneud â llifogydd gan ddefnyddio’r data newydd ar yr hinsawdd. Fodd bynnag, byddwn yn barod i ystyried a oes angen i nodyn cyngor technegol 15 gael ei adolygu ai peidio. Yn y cyfamser, os oes gennych dystiolaeth sy’n dangos nad yw awdurdod lleol wedi ystyried cyngor Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd, a bod hynny o ganlyniad wedi effeithio ar drigolion lleol, byddwn yn falch cael y dystiolaeth honno ac ymchwilio iddi. Mae hynny’n wir hefyd i’r holl Aelodau yn y Siambr.

The Green Jobs Strategy

Q5 Jeff Cuthbert: Will the Minister provide an update on the green jobs strategy as it relates to sustainable development in Wales? OAQ(3)1046(ESH)

C5 Jeff Cuthbert: A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y strategaeth swyddi gwyrdd fel y mae’n berthnasol i ddatblygu cynaliadwy yng Nghymru? OAQ(3)1046(ESH)

Jane Davidson: The Deputy First Minister and I launched the green jobs strategy on 9 July. It promotes sustainable development by making existing jobs more sustainable and resource efficient, and by helping to generate new jobs based on emerging green technologies, and encouraging new low carbon goods and services.

Jane Davidson: Lansiodd y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog a minnau y strategaeth swyddi gwyrdd ar 9 Gorffennaf. Mae’n hybu datblygu cynaliadwy drwy wneud swyddi sys eisoes yn bod yn fwy cynaliadwy ac effeithlon o ran adnoddau, a thrwy helpu creu swyddi newydd yn seiliedig ar dechnolegau gwyrdd sy’n dod i’r amlwg, a hybu nwyddau a gwasanaethau newydd sy’n rhai carbon isel.

Jeff Cuthbert: I know that skills training is not part of your portfolio. Nevertheless, do you agree that it is important that organisations such as sector skills councils and occupational standards-setting bodies ensure that, within their qualifications, environmental good practice and sustainability is at the core of their training programmes?

Jane Davidson: You make an important point. This Assembly Government has committed itself to sustainable development as an overarching principle of what it does. That means that all Ministers need to have regard for that duty in the delivery of their portfolio. It is particularly important in the context of the current recession and the opportunities afforded by the green jobs strategy and by energy efficiency—we know that the Treasury coefficient gives us a large number of jobs related to that—that we build the skills to deliver on these agendas as quickly as possible in response to climate change in particular, with a sustainability lens.

Jane Davidson: Yr ydych yn gwneud pwynt pwysig. Mae’r Llywodraeth hon wedi ymrwymo i ddatblygu cynaliadwy fel egwyddor drosfwaol yn ei gwaith. Mae hynny’n golygu bod angen i bob Gweinidog ystyried y ddyletswydd honno wrth weithio ar ei bortffolio. Mae’n arbennig o bwysig yng nghyd-destun y dirwasgiad presennol a’r cyfleoedd a gynigir gan y strategaeth swyddi gwyrdd a chan effeithlonrwydd ynni—gwyddom fod cyfernod y Trysorlys yn rhoi inni nifer o swyddi’n gysylltiedig â hynny—inni feithrin y sgiliau i wireddu’r agendâu hyn cyn gynted ag sy’n bosibl wrth ymateb i’r newid yn yr hinsawdd yn enwedig, gan edrych yn benodol ar gynaliadwyedd.

David Melding: Mick Bates has already referred to Jonathon Porritt’s inspiring speech, which I know you attended. He focused on the building sector and home energy efficiency as they both go together. He said that recession is a good time to prepare the builders of the future in these techniques as there is a revolution happening with building materials. Do you know that, in Wales, further education colleges are going in the opposite direction? They are not taking on more young people for construction courses at a time when we should be focusing on that to meet future demand in an eco-friendly way.

David Melding: Gwn eich bod wedi clywed araith ysbrydoledig Jonathon Porritt y mae Mick Bates eisoes wedi cyfeirio ati. Yr oedd yn canolbwyntio ar y sector adeiladu ac effeithlonrwydd ynni cartref, gan fod y ddau’n cyd-fynd. Dywedodd fod dirwasgiad yn gyfnod da i hyfforddi adeiladwyr y dyfodol yn y technegau hyn, gan fod deunyddiau adeiladu yn newid mewn modd chwyldroadol. A wyddoch fod colegau addysg bellach yng Nghymru yn mynd i’r cyfeiriad arall? Nid ydynt yn derbyn mwy o bobl ifanc i ddilyn cyrsiau adeiladu ar adeg pan ddylem fod yn canolbwyntio ar hynny i ateb y galw yn y dyfodol, mewn modd sy’n gyfeillgar i’r amgylchedd.

Jane Davidson: I have to say that, in my discussions with representatives of the construction industry and the colleges, I found that there is inspirational work being done in colleges in Wales on the sustainability agenda. John Griffiths, the Deputy Minister for Skills, will have heard your question, and I will ask him to respond to both you and me on the particular issue regarding construction skills. It is critical that people learn the new construction skills needed to construct more sustainable buildings. I was pleased, as I am sure were you, that Jonathon Porritt commended us on our ambition in moving more quickly than other parts of the UK on building sustainable buildings and therefore not continuing to add to the problem.

Jane Davidson: Rhaid imi ddweud, yn fy nhrafodaethau gyda chynrychiolwyr y diwydiant adeiladu a’r colegau, fy mod wedi gweld bod gwaith ysbrydoledig yn cael ei wneud mewn colegau yng Nghymru ar yr agenda cynaliadwyedd. Bydd John Griffiths, y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Sgiliau, wedi clywed eich cwestiwn, a byddaf yn gofyn iddo ymateb i chi ac i mi ar y mater penodol hwn o sgiliau adeiladu. Mae’n hollbwysig i bobl ddysgu’r sgiliau adeiladu newydd sy’n angenrheidiol i godi adeiladau mwy cynaliadwy. Fel chithau, mae’n siŵr, ye oeddwn yn falch fod Jonathon Porritt wedi ein canmol am ein huchelgais wrth symud yn gyflymach na rhannau eraill o’r DU o ran codi adeiladau cynaliadwy, ac nad ydym, felly, yn ychwanegu at y broblem.

Mohammad Asghar: I wish to ask the Minister about the specific role that the Assembly Government is playing in attracting businesses with expertise in low-carbon technologies to Wales, and what it is doing to create an environment that is conducive to the development of indigenous businesses in that field. Minister, can you assure us that low-carbon technology will be central to the future green economy? We must ensure that Wales is at the forefront of this.

Jane Davidson: A critical part of the green jobs strategy is how we can create new employment opportunities directly related to the green agenda. I know that officials in the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport’s department are working incredibly hard at developing those opportunities. For example, we are particularly interested in the development of companies in the area of wave and tidal stream power, not least because we know that we have massive opportunities off the coast of Wales to create renewable energy and we are well placed to develop such programmes. Therefore, we are particularly interested in the opportunities related to the development of renewable energy, as well as how we can enhance job opportunities in the energy efficiency field.

Jane Davidson: Rhan hanfodol o’r strategaeth swyddi gwyrdd yw sut y gallwn greu cyfleoedd gwaith newydd sydd â chysylltiad uniongyrchol â’r agenda werdd. Gwn fod swyddogion yn adran y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog a’r Gweinidog dros yr Economi a Thrafnidiaeth yn gweithio’n eithriadol o ddiwyd i ddatblygu’r cyfleoedd hynny. Er enghraifft, mae gennym ddiddordeb arbennig mewn datblygu cwmnïau sy’n gweithio ym maes ynni’r tonnau a’r llanw, ac un o’r rhesymau pennaf dros wneud hynny yw ein bod yn gwybod bod llawer iawn o gyfleoedd ar gael inni oddi ar arfordir Cymru i gynhyrchu ynni adnewyddadwy, ac yr ydym mewn sefyllfa dda i ddatblygu rhaglenni o’r fath. Mae gennym ddiddordeb arbennig, felly, yn y cyfleoedd sy’n gysylltiedig â datblygu ynni adnewyddadwy, yn ogystal â’r modd y gallwn wella cyfleoedd gwaith ym maes effeithlonrwydd ynni.

Flooding in Flintshire

Llifogydd yn Sir y Fflint

Q6 Sandy Mewies: Will the Minister provide an update on the measures being taken by the Welsh Assembly Government to tackle the threat of flooding in Flintshire? OAQ(3)1079(ESH)

Jane Davidson: The Assembly Government defines national policy and provides the majority of flood risk management funding. Local flood risk measures are determined by local authorities and the Environment Agency. In Flintshire, our grant is supporting flood studies at Bagillt, Broughton, Pentre and the River Dee, and flood alleviation works at Leeswood.

Jane Davidson: Llywodraeth y Cynulliad sy’n diffinio polisi cenedlaethol ac yn darparu’r rhan fwyaf o’r cyllid ar gyfer rheoli perygl llifogydd. Awdurdodau lleol ac Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd sy’n penderfynu mesurau’n ymwneud â pherygl llifogydd yn lleol. Yn Sir y Fflint, mae ein grant yn cefnogi astudiaethau llifogydd ym Magillt, Brychdwn, Pentre ac Afon Dyfrdwy, a gwaith lliniaru llifogydd yng Nghoed-llai.

Sandy Mewies: I am aware that you are supporting flood alleviation schemes in Flintshire and that you have awarded grants totalling more than £3 million since 2001. Flintshire County Council is one local authority seeking competitiveness funding, and that is for two further flood alleviation schemes in Mold. I have written to you about those schemes. The competitiveness programme board was due to meet to discuss them in October. When will you be able to comment on those bids, Minister?

Sandy Mewies: Yr wyf yn ymwybodol eich bod yn cefnogi cynlluniau lliniaru llifogydd yn Sir y Fflint a’ch bod wedi rhoi dros £3 miliwn mewn grantiau er 2001. Mae Cyngor Sir y Fflint yn un awdurdod lleol sy’n gwneud cais am arian o’r gronfa gystadleurwydd, ar gyfer dau gynllun lliniaru llifogydd arall yn yr Wyddgrug. Yr wyf wedi ysgrifennu atoch ynghylch y cynlluniau hynny. Yr oedd bwrdd y rhaglen gystadleurwydd i fod i gwrdd i’w trafod ym mis Hydref. Pryd y byddwch yn gallu rhoi sylwadau am y ceisiadau hynny, Weinidog?

Jane Davidson: The competitiveness programme board met on 19 October to consider all the competitiveness funding applications. Some additional information and further work was required to test some programme scenarios. The next programme board meeting is on 15 December. That will shortlist the eligible schemes, so no decisions have been taken so far, and approval will be in time to begin spend in April 2010.

Jane Davidson: Cyfarfu bwrdd y rhaglen gystadleurwydd ar 19 Hydref i ystyried yr holl geisiadau am gyllid cystadleurwydd. Yr oedd angen ychydig wybodaeth ychwanegol a gwaith pellach i brofi rhai o sefyllfaoedd y rhaglen. Bydd bwrdd y rhaglen yn cyfarfod nesaf ar 15 Rhagfyr. Yn y cyfarfod hwnnw caiff rhestr fer ei llunio o’r cynlluniau cymwys, felly, nid oes penderfyniadau wedi’u gwneud hyd yma, a rhoir cymeradwyaeth mewn pryd i ddechrau gwario ym mis Ebrill 2010.

Brynle Williams: I am pleased to hear that. I have a constituent in Mold who is severely disabled and has been affected by floods on several occasions. This person has been living in a hotel for three months, and has now been moved back home, in Cae Bracty in Mold, but still cannot get insurance. Will you please ensure that this scheme goes through? Cae Bracty has been flooded at least four times in the last six years. There is a massive problem there. Welsh Water is prepared to assist the scheme, so it is now up to Flintshire County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government to push this through. Will you please make sure that that happens? These people are desperate.

Brynle Williams: Yr wyf yn falch clywed hynny. Mae gennyf un etholwr yn yr Wyddgrug sy’n ddifrifol o anabl ac y mae llifogydd wedi effeithio’n ddrwg arno droeon. Bu’r unigolyn dan sylw’n byw mewn gwesty am dri mis, ac erbyn hyn mae wedi  symud yn ôl i’w gartref, yng Nghae Bracty yn yr Wyddgrug, ond nid yw’n gallu cael yswiriant o hyd. A wnewch chi sicrhau bod y cynllun hwn yn mynd yn ei flaen? Mae Cae Bracty wedi dioddef llifogydd o leiaf bedair gwaith yn y chwe blynedd diwethaf. Mae problem fawr yno. Mae Dŵr Cymru yn barod i gynorthwyo’r cynllun, felly, rhaid i Gyngor Sir y Fflint a Llywodraeth y Cynulliad gael y maen i’r wal yn awr. A wnewch chi sicrhau bod hynny’n digwydd? Mae’n sefyllfa enbydus i’r bobl hyn.

2.50 p.m.

Jane Davidson: There are many Members in the Chamber who could stand up and argue for flooding schemes in their area. Flooding is one of the major consequences of climate change, and it is critically important that people look not only to us to support them—and we will support them on the basis of scientific priorities—but also at what action can be taken locally. One reason the flood and water management Bill has come forward in today’s Queen Speech is because we have to sort out and be clear about who is responsible for which aspect of the delivery of the outcomes on flooding. I am sorry that your constituent has been moved out of their house. We reached an agreement with the Association of British Insurers last year to ensure that, where appropriate action has been taken, it will be possible for people in areas affected by flooding to get insurance, but that will require action not just by the Assembly Government, the Environment Agency and the local authority, but also by individuals. I hope that all Assembly Members will help to convey that important risk management message in Wales.

Jane Davidson: Gallai nifer o Aelodau yn y Siambr godi a dadlau dros gynlluniau atal llifogydd yn eu hardal. Mae llifogydd yn un o ganlyniadau mawr y newid yn yr hinsawdd, ac y mae’n hollbwysig i bobl nid yn unig ofyn inni eu cefnogi—a byddwn yn eu cefnogi ar sail blaenoriaethau gwyddonol—ond gofyn hefyd pa gamau gweithredu y gellir eu cymryd yn lleol. Un o’r rhesymau pam y mae’r Mesur rheoli llifogydd a dŵr wedi’i gyflwyno yn Araith y Frenhines heddiw yw ei bod yn rhaid inni gael trefn a bod yn glir ynghylch pwy sy’n gyfrifol am ba agwedd ar sicrhau canlyniadau yng nghyswllt llifogydd. Mae’n flin gennyf fod eich etholwr wedi cael ei symud o’i gartref. Daethom i gytundeb â Chymdeithas Yswirwyr Prydain y llynedd i sicrhau, lle bydd camau gweithredu priodol wedi’u cymryd, y bydd yn bosibl i bobl gael yswiriant mewn ardaloedd y mae llifogydd yn effeithio arnynt, ond bydd hynny’n gofyn am weithredu nid yn unig gan Lywodraeth y Cynulliad, Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd a’r awdurdod lleol, ond gan unigolion hefyd. Gobeithio y bydd holl Aelodau’r Cynulliad yn helpu cyfleu’r neges bwysig honno ynghylch rheoli perygl llifogydd yng Nghymru.

Y Cynllun Effeithlonrwydd Ynni Cartref

C7 Gareth Jones: A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am nifer y cwmnïau yng Nghymru sy’n gysylltiedig â darparu’r cynllun effeithlonrwydd ynni cartref? OAQ(3)1032(ESH)

Q7 Gareth Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on the numbers of Welsh firms engaged in delivering the home energy efficiency scheme? OAQ(3)1032(ESH)

Jane Davidson: Mae 22 o gwmnïau gosod yn cymryd rhan yng ngwaith y cynllun effeithlonrwydd ynni cartref. Mae gan 15 ohonynt swyddfeydd yng Nghymru ac maent yn cyflogi gweithlu lleol, ac mae hanner gweddill y cwmnïau yn defnyddio gosodwyr a pheirianwyr lleol. Hefyd, mae 15 asesydd a phedwar arolygydd yn byw ac yn gweithio yng Nghymru, ac mae 28 o aelodau staff yn gweithio yn swyddfeydd Eaga ym Mhentre-poeth.

Gareth Jones: Diolch am yr ateb hwnnw, Weinidog. Mae’r cynllun effeithlonrwydd ynni cartref yn un o’r rhai pwysicaf ar gyfer brwydro yn erbyn tlodi tanwydd ac mae wedi cyflawni rhai llwyddiannau amlwg. Fodd bynnag, tueddaf i gytuno â rhai etholwyr sy’n feirniadol o’r ffaith bod contractwyr o Loegr yn rhoi’r cynllun ar waith mewn mannau o ogledd Cymru pan fyddai rhywun yn meddwl ei fod yn rhatach ac yn fwy cynaliadwy cyflogi contractwyr o Gymru lle bynnag y bo’n bosibl. Er na allwn wahaniaethu yn erbyn cwmnïau o ranbarthau eraill, a fyddai’n bosibl i Lywodraeth Cymru gymryd camau yn y dyfodol i sicrhau bod cynifer â phosibl o gontractwyr peirianyddol Cymru yn rhoi’r cynllun hwn ar waith?

Jane Davidson: Fel y dywedwch, mae’n amhosibl dweud 'na’ wrth gwmnïau o ardaloedd eraill o dan reoliadau caffael Ewrop. Fodd bynnag, gobeithiwn y bydd rhaglen Arbed. ar effeithlonrwydd ynni yn annog mwy o bobl o Gymru i wneud y gwaith hwn yng Nghymru. Pan ddaw contract nesaf HEES yn 2010, gobeithio y byddwn wedi gallu tyfu’r diwydiant yng Nghymru fel ei fod yn gallu ceisio am y contractau.

Jenny Randerson: Under the home energy efficiency scheme, it is not possible to have a boiler replaced unless it is completely unrepairable. As a result, there is a great deal of patching-up work done on old, energy-inefficient boilers. Will you consider the implications of that for the environment, please, and investigate an alternative, perhaps along the lines of the car scrappage scheme, which encourages people to get rid of old fuel-inefficient cars and replace them with modern models? A similar scheme could apply to boilers in Wales.

Jenny Randerson: Nid yw’n bosibl cael boeler newydd dan y cynllun effeithlonrwydd ynni cartref, oni bai ei bod yn amhosibl trwsio’r hen un. O ganlyniad, mae llawer iawn o waith trwsio’n cael ei wneud ar hen foeleri nad ydynt yn defnyddio ynni’n effeithlon. A wnewch chi ystyried goblygiadau hynny ar gyfer yr amgylchedd, ac ymchwilio i drefniadau amgen, tebyg i’r cynllun sgrapio ceir, efallai, sy’n annog pobl i gael gwared â hen geir nad ydynt yn defnyddio tanwydd yn effeithlon a phrynu modelau modern yn eu lle? Gellid defnyddio cynllun tebyg yng nghyswllt boeleri yng Nghymru.

Jane Davidson: I know that this has been of concern to a number of Assembly Members, who mistakenly thought that HEES was a crisis scheme, but it is not. It is a scheme that replaces boilers that are not working, for eligible applicants. Although the amount of money in our scheme has gone up—and I am grateful for that—it still represents a very small proportion of the whole amount for the energy efficiency agenda. One reason that we are looking at a central hub for advice in the context of our fuel poverty strategy is to be able to direct different groups of people, particularly those who are having difficulty paying, to the appropriate place where they can receive the right support for their particular needs. The new fuel poverty strategy dramatically changes HEES in the sense that it looks at eligibility and technology issues to deliver a whole-house approach.

Jane Davidson: Gwn fod hynny wedi bod yn destun pryder i nifer o Aelodau’r Cynulliad, a oedd yn credu, yn anghywir, mai cynllun argyfwng oedd HEES, ond nid dyna ydyw. Mae’n gynllun sy’n rhoi boeleri newydd i ymgeiswyr cymwys yn lle boeleri nad ydynt yn gweithio. Er bod yr arian yn ein cynllun wedi cynyddu—ac yr wyf yn ddiolchgar am hynny—cyfran fach iawn ydyw o hyd o’r cyfanswm ar gyfer yr agenda effeithlonrwydd ynni. Un o’r rhesymau pam yr ydym yn ystyried creu gwasanaeth canolog i roi cyngor yng nghyd-destun ein strategaethar dlodi tanwydd yw er mwyn gallu cyfeirio gwahanol grwpiau o bobl, yn enwedig y rhai sy’n cael anhawster talu, i’r man priodol lle gallant gael y cymorth iawn ar gyfer eu hanghenion penodol. Mae’r strategaeth newydd ar dlodi tanwydd yn newid HEES yn sylweddol, yn yr ystyr ei bod yn edrych ar faterion cymhwysedd a thechnoleg er mwyn sicrhau modd sy’n ymdrin â’r cartref cyfan.

Tai Preifat Fforddiadwy

Affordable Private Housing

C8 Gareth Jones: A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am ddarparu tai preifat fforddiadwy yng Nghymru? OAQ(3)1072(ESH)

Q8 Gareth Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on delivering affordable private housing in Wales? OAQ(3)1072(ESH)

The Deputy Minister for Housing (Jocelyn Davies): Affordability is dictated by the house-price-to-earnings ratio, which varies from area to area. Affordable private housing is sometimes defined as housing priced in the lower quartile of house prices in an area, and it is the role of local authorities to ensure that new private and social housing meets housing needs.

Y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Dai (Jocelyn Davies): Mae fforddiadwyedd yn dibynnu ar y gymhareb rhwng pris tŷ ac enillion, ac y mae’n amrywio o ardal i ardal. Weithiau diffinnir tai preifat fforddiadwy fel tai sydd yn chwartel isaf prisiau tai mewn ardal leol. Swyddogaeth awdurdodau lleol yw sicrhau bod tai preifat a thai cymdeithasol newydd yn diwallu’r angen am dai.

Gareth Jones: I know you have already discussed this issue, Deputy Minister, but would you be willing to accept an invitation to visit Aberconwy to meet professional workers in the housing sector to discuss shared equity schemes, in line with the Welsh templates of the homebuy scheme and the Welsh Government assistance packages? They are a practical way of providing affordable private housing during the current recession, and they have the potential of reducing pressure on the social housing sector.

Jocelyn Davies: You have raised this issue with me on several occasions, here in the Chamber and in writing, Gareth. I am always glad to hear the views of the housing sector, and I would be happy to discuss the matter at any time. You have raised section 106 agreements, and you will know that that is a planning issue. However, we acknowledge that things are more difficult during a recession. You also mentioned shared equity schemes, which are one of a number of responses to housing need that we have available to us in Wales, and I am keen to hear from practitioners. It is worth mentioning, however, that we reintroduced the low-cost home-ownership scheme, do-it-yourself homebuy, in May 2009. It enables those who qualify to purchase a property on the open market with the assistance of an equity loan from a housing association. I am delighted to have secured £20 million from tranche 2 of the strategic capital investment fund for that. Some of that money will go to the homebuy scheme, and local authorities can apply for funding for DIY homebuy if it is a priority in their area. These matters notwithstanding, I would be very happy to meet with you.

Jocelyn Davies: Yr ydych wedi codi’r mater hwn gyda mi droeon, yma yn y Siambr ac yn ysgrifenedig, Gareth. Yr wyf bob amser yn falch clywed safbwyntiau’r sector tai, a byddwn yn barod i drafod y mater gyda chi unrhyw bryd. Yr ydych wedi cyfeirio at gytundebau adran 106, a gwyddoch mai mater cynllunio yw hwnnw. Fodd bynnag, yr ydym yn cydnabod bod pethau’n anos yn ystod dirwasgiad. Yr oeddech yn cyfeirio hefyd at gynlluniau rhannu ecwiti, sy’n un o nifer o ymatebion ynglŷn â thai sydd ar gael inni yng Nghymru, ac yr wyf yn awyddus i glywed gan ymarferwyr. Mae’n werth crybwyll, fodd bynnag, ein bod wedi ailgyflwyno’r cynllun perchentyaeth cost isel, cymorth prynu dewis eich hun, ym mis Mai 2009. Mae’n galluogi pobl sy’n gymwys i brynu eiddo ar y farchnad agored gyda chymorth benthyciad ecwiti gan gymdeithas tai. Yr wyf yn falch o fod wedi sicrhau £20 miliwn o ail gyfran y gronfa buddsoddi cyfalaf strategol ar gyfer hynny. Bydd rhywfaint o’r arian hwnnw’n mynd i’r cynllun cymorth prynu, a gall awdurdodau lleol wneud cais am gyllid ar gyfer y cynllun cymorth prynu dewis eich hun os yw’n flaenoriaeth yn eu hardal. Serch y materion hynny, byddwn yn barod iawn i gyfarfod â chi.

Alun Cairns: Deputy Minister, there is a considerable degree of best practice as regards the environmental considerations in the construction of social housing. Could you tell me what the Assembly Government’s policies are in relation to planning for social housing? Do you not accept that, in order to meet environmental objectives, there needs to be an overriding planning consideration, so that only housing appropriate to certain areas gets built? Instead of social housing projects being driven by environmental issues and by cost, such concerns need to be complemented by a planning policy. In one part of south Wales with which I am familiar, affordable homes have been built with metal roofs, although they are totally out of kilter with the roofs that are common in the area, and that decision was sold on the premise that such roofs are better for the environment.

Alun Cairns: Ddirprwy Weinidog, mae llawer iawn o arfer gorau ynghylch yr ystyriaethau amgylcheddol sy’n gysylltiedig ag adeiladu tai cymdeithasol. A allech ddweud wrthyf beth yw polisïau Llywodraeth y Cynulliad o ran cynllunio ar gyfer tai cymdeithasol? Er mwyn cyflawni amcanion amgylcheddol, onid ydych yn derbyn bod angen i ystyriaethau cynllunio fod yn bwysicach na dim, er mwyn sicrhau na chaiff tai eu codi oni bai eu bod yn briodol i ardaloedd penodol? Yn hytrach na bod prosiectau tai cymdeithasol yn cael eu llywio gan faterion amgylcheddol a chan gost, mae angen cael polisi cynllunio i gyd-fynd â materion o’r fath. Mewn un rhan o’r de yr wyf yn gyfarwydd â hi, mae tai fforddiadwy wedi’u hadeiladu gyda thoeon metel, er eu bod yn hollol anghydnaws â’r toeon sy’n gyffredin yn yr ardal honno, a hyrwyddwyd y penderfyniad hwnnw ar sail y dybiaeth fod toeon o’r fath yn well i’r amgylchedd.

Jocelyn Davies: I cannot comment on a particular case, Alun, but planning for social housing goes through exactly the same processes as planning for any other sort of housing, so that is a matter for the local authority concerned, bearing in mind national planning policies. The standards for social housing have traditionally been high—higher than those currently required under building regulations. Around 400 properties are in the social housing forward programme and will meet level 4 or 5 of the code for sustainable homes. I can send you some details on that, but the truth is that planning processes apply in exactly the same way to social housing; it is just that, if schemes require grant aid, we ask for high environmental standards to be attached.

Jocelyn Davies: Ni allaf roi sylwadau ar achos penodol, Alun, ond y mae gwaith cynllunio ar gyfer tai cymdeithasol yn dilyn yr un broses yn union â gwaith cynllunio ar gyfer unrhyw fath arall o dai. Felly, mater i’r awdurdod lleol dan sylw yw hynny, gan gadw polisïau cynllunio cenedlaethol mewn cof. Yn draddodiadol mae’r safonau ar gyfer tai cymdeithasol wedi bod yn uchel—yn uwch na’r rheini sy’n ofynnol dan reoliadau adeiladu ar hyn o bryd. Mae oddeutu 400 eiddo yn y flaenraglen ar gyfer tai cymdeithasol, a byddant yn cyrraedd lefel 4 neu 5 yn y cod cartrefi cynaliadwy. Gallaf anfon rhai manylion atoch am hynny, ond y gwir amdani yw bod prosesau cynllunio’n gymwys i dai cymdeithasol yn yr un modd yn union; yr unig wahaniaeth yw ein bod yn gofyn am gynnwys safonau amgylcheddol uchel os oes angen cymorth grant ar gynlluniau.

3.00 p.m.

Peter Black: You will be aware that one of the biggest issues in private sector housing is the number of empty properties around Wales—there are 26,000 empty houses in the private sector. When will your Government be publishing its strategy on how to tackle this problem?

Y cwestiwn yw: pam cynnal adolygiad? Mae llwyddo ym maes chwaraeon yn bwysig iawn i lawer o bobl yng Nghymru. Mae’n bwysig i’n hunaniaeth genedlaethol ac i’n lle yn y byd. Nid oes yr un athletwr neu dîm llwyddiannus yn gorffwys ar eu rhwyfau wedi perfformiad da. Maent yn parhau i hyfforddi, i ddatblygu, ac i hogi eu galluoedd a’u sgiliau er mwyn bod ar flaen y gad.

The question is: why hold a review? Success in sport is important to so many people in Wales. It is important to our national identity and to our place in the world. No successful athlete or team rests on its laurels after a good performance. They continue to train, to develop or to fine tune their abilities and skills to stay ahead of the competition.

Un o’r pethau cyntaf imi ei wneud fel Gweinidog dros Dreftadaeth oedd cyhoeddi y byddwn yn comisiynu adolygiad annibynnol o berfformiad a rhagoriaeth mewn chwaraeon yng Nghymru. Yr oedd yr adolygiad yn ystyried a oedd ein systemau a’n strwythurau’n addas at y diben ac a oedd adnoddau’n cael eu defnyddio i gael y budd gorau posibl ohonynt.

One of my first actions as Minister for Heritage was to announce to that I would commission an independent review of performance and excellence in sport in Wales. The focus of the review was whether our systems and structures were fit for purpose and whether resources were being used to best effect.

Yr athletwyr eu hunain yw canolbwynt y systemau a’r strwythurau hyn. Gall y fantais neu’r anfantais leiaf wneud y gwahaniaeth rhwng perfformiad da ac ennill pencampwriaeth neu dorri record y byd. Mae’n rhaid inni wneud yn siŵr fod y rhwydweithiau sy’n cynnal ein hathletwyr gyda’r gorau, er mwyn iddynt gael y cyfle i ddatblygu ac i ennill.

At the centre of these systems and structures are the athletes themselves. The smallest margin of error or advantage can make the difference between a good performance and a title winning success or world record. We must ensure that the support network around the athlete is the best possible to give him oe her the best possible chance to develop and win.

Ar 30 Medi, cyhoeddais yr adroddiad ar yr adolygiad a soniais y byddwn yn ei drafod yma heddiw. O ran diffinio beth yw perfformiad a rhagoriaeth, defnyddir yr ymadrodd i ddisgrifio chwaraeon elite. Mewn geiriau eraill, mae’n ymwneud â dawn a llwyddiant. Y fformiwla i sicrhau llwyddiant yw rhoi athletwyr dawnus dan adain hyfforddwyr o’r safon uchaf yn y cyfleusterau hyfforddi gorau, gyda chymorth y gwasanaethau gwyddorau chwaraeon a meddygaeth chwaraeon diweddaraf.

On 30 September, I announced the publication of the review report and my intention to address it here today. To define its meaning, performance and excellence is a term used to describe the elite aspect of sport. Quite simply, it is about talent and success. The formula for success is to have talented athletes working with quality coaches at the best training facilities, supported by cutting edge sports science and sports medicine services.

Mae Cyngor Chwaraeon Cymru yn gweithio gyda nifer o bartneriaid allweddol—yn benodol gyda chyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol—i greu a datblygu system chwaraeon elite yng Nghymru. Drwy Gyngor Chwaraeon Cymru, yr ydym yn rhoi cyllid a chymorth i’r rhan fwyaf o’r cyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol er mwyn iddynt ddatblygu’u chwaraeon. Mae gan y cyrff hyn amryw o gyfrifoldebau ac maent yn dibynnu ar griw o wirfoddolwyr ymroddedig a rhwydwaith o glybiau i ddarparu system effeithiol a fydd yn meithrin athletwyr a thimau llwyddiannus.

The Sports Council for Wales works with a number of key partners—in particular with national governing bodies—to create and develop the elite sport system in Wales. Through the Sports Council for Wales we provide most national governing bodies with the funding and support to run their sport. The responsibilities of national governing bodies are wide ranging and depend on a workforce of committed volunteers and a strong club network to provide an effective system to produce winning athletes and teams.  

In terms of the review and its recommendations, I commissioned this review to give us an independent assessment of our systems, structures and programmes for delivering sporting success, and to guide us to make the best use of our resources. The report confirms that, for a nation of its size, Wales is achieving a high level of success. We all know, of course, that resources are scarce, and the report provides reassurance that good results are being achieved from the funding available for sports. It recognises the tremendous success that Wales has enjoyed recently and the part that the Sports Council for Wales and our national governing bodies have played in that success. The report also provides recommendations for maintaining our chances of further success, particularly looking ahead to the challenges post-London-2012.

O ran yr adolygiad a’i argymhellion, comisiynais yr adolygiad hwn i roi asesiad annibynnol inni o’n systemau, ein strwythurau a’n rhaglenni ar gyfer sicrhau llwyddiant mewn chwaraeon, ac i’n harwain i ddefnyddio’n hadnoddau yn y ffordd orau. Mae’r adroddiad yn cadarnhau bod Cymru’n sicrhau lefel uchel o lwyddiant am genedl o’i maint. Wrth gwrs, gwyddom i gyd fod adnoddau’n brin, ac y mae’r adroddiad yn rhoi sicrwydd bod canlyniadau da yn digwydd gyda’r arian sydd ar gael ar gyfer chwaraeon. Mae’n cydnabod llwyddiant aruthrol Cymru’n ddiweddar a rhan Cyngor Chwaraeon Cymru a’n cyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol yn y llwyddiant hwnnw. Mae’r adroddiad yn darparu argymhellion ar gyfer cynnal ein cyfleoedd am lwyddiant pellach hefyd, yn enwedig wrth edrych ymlaen at yr heriau ar ôl Llundain 2012.

Over the summer, I discussed the report with the sports council and a group of chief executives from some of the major sports in Wales. We all agreed that it provides a comprehensive and fair assessment of where we are and what we need to do to achieve greater success on the world stage. Work has already begun to address the recommendations and my officials are working with the sports council to produce, by the end of March 2010, a clear and focused strategy for Wales for performance and excellence in sport.

There are more than 30 recommendations in the report, most of which are for the sports council and the national governing bodies. I will focus on the main themes. The review makes it clear that the Welsh performance system would benefit from clarity regarding the respective roles of the Assembly Government and the sports council in developing policy and strategy, the starting point for this being the targets for elite sport that are shared by the Assembly Government, the sports council and the national governing bodies. This statement and the strategy that will emerge will establish that clarity of roles, and will restate our policy and targets for elite sport in Wales.

Mae dros 30 o argymhellion yn yr adroddiad a’r mwyafrif ar gyfer y cyngor chwaraeon a’r cyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol. Canolbwyntiaf ar y prif themâu. Mae’r adroddiad yn ei gwneud yn glir y byddai system perfformiad Cymru’n elwa o gael eglurder ynghylch rôl Llywodraeth y Cynulliad a’r cyngor chwaraeon o ran datblygu polisi a strategaeth. Y man cychwyn ar gyfer hyn yw’r targedau ar gyfer chwaraeon elite y mae Llywodraeth y Cynulliad, y cyngor chwaraeon a’r cyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol yn eu rhannu. Bydd y datganiad hwn a’r strategaeth a gaiff ei llunio yn cynnig yr eglurder hwnnw ynghylch rolau, a bydd yn ailddatgan ein polisi a’n targedau ar gyfer chwaraeon elite yng Nghymru.

We are clear about our roles and responsibilities. The Welsh Assembly Government is responsible and accountable for the policy and overarching strategy for sport in Wales. The sports council is responsible for the delivery of elite sport in Wales within the context of our jointly agreed strategy.

We are also clear about our policy on performance and excellence in sport. We want to win medals at the major multisport events like the Olympics, the Paralympics and the Commonwealth Games. We want to win world and European championships. We want to be the best that we can be, and we want to be known across the world for our sporting achievements.

Yr ydym hefyd yn glir ynghylch ein polisi ar berfformiad a rhagoriaeth mewn chwaraeon. Yr ydym am ennill medalau yn y digwyddiadau amlchwaraeon mawr megis y Gemau Olympaidd, y Gemau Paralympaidd a Gemau’r Gymanwlad. Yr ydym am ennill pencampwriaethau Ewropeaidd a phencampwriaethau’r byd. Yr ydym am fod y gorau y gallwn fod, ac yr ydym am gael ein hadnabod ar draws y byd am ein cyflawniadau ym myd chwaraeon.

However, it is not just about winning medals above all else. In recognising the positive impact that sport can have on people’s lives, our investment in sport should not only be targeted at those sports that can give us the level of medal success that we aspire to, but also at those that can inspire and motivate people to participate.

Fodd bynnag, mae mwy i hyn nag ennill medalau’n unig. Wrth gydnabod yr effaith gadarnhaol y gall chwaraeon ei chael ar fywydau pobl, ni ddylai ein buddsoddiad mewn chwaraeon gael ei dargedu at y chwaraeon hynny a all roi inni’r lefel llwyddiant yr ydym yn dyheu amdani o ran medalau, ond dylid ei dargedu hefyd at y chwaraeon a all ysbrydoli ac ysgogi pobl i gymryd rhan.

Responsibility for delivering on these aspirations rests with the sports council, in partnership with our national governing bodies. Others also have a part to play, and the sports council and the sports will continue to seek out those partners to join the support network.

Y cyngor chwaraeon sy’n gyfrifol am wireddu’r dyheadau hyn, mewn partneriaeth â’n cyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol. Mae gan bobl eraill ran i’w chwarae hefyd, a bydd y cyngor chwaraeon a’r campau unigol yn parhau i chwilio am y partneriaid hynny i ymuno â’r rhwydwaith cymorth.

The targets for medal success and the pathways towards success will be reviewed by the sports council in discussion with the sports to which they refer, and they will be agreed with the Welsh Assembly Government. The targets will be underpinned by indicators that will measure achievements and progress, and will highlight any problems or issues that occur along the way.

Bydd y cyngor chwaraeon yn adolygu’r targedau ar gyfer ennill medalau a’r llwybrau at lwyddiant, mewn trafodaeth â’r campau y maent yn berthnasol iddynt, a chânt eu cytuno â Llywodraeth y Cynulliad. Yn sail i’r targedau bydd dangosyddion a fydd yn mesur cyflawniadau a chynnydd ac yn tynnu sylw at unrhyw broblemau neu faterion sy’n codi ar hyd y ffordd.

The criteria for the prioritisation of sports will also be reviewed by the sports council, and the investment in performance and excellence will be aligned to it. Programmes such as Elite Cymru, the sports science service and the sports medicine service will be looked at to ensure that they are delivering the right level of support to our elite athletes.

Bydd y cyngor chwaraeon hefyd yn adolygu’r meini prawf ar gyfer blaenoriaethu chwaraeon, a bydd y buddsoddiad mewn perfformiad a rhagoriaeth yn cydredeg â’r blaenoriaethau hynny. Edrychir ar raglenni megis Elite Cymru, y gwasanaeth gwyddor chwaraeon a’r gwasanaeth meddygaeth chwaraeon er mwyn sicrhau eu bod yn darparu’r lefel iawn o gymorth i’n hathletwyr elite.

As I said last week at the sports council’s annual coach of the year awards, effective coaching is vital to enable an athlete or team to make the best of their talent. Proposals for enhancing coaching capacity in Wales will be a key element of the strategy for elite sport. However, it will also make a significant contribution, in line with our 'One Wales’ commitment, to grass-roots coaching.    

Fel y dywedais yr wythnos diwethaf yn seremoni wobrwyo flynyddol hyfforddwr y flwyddyn gan y cyngor chwaraeon, mae hyfforddiant effeithiol yn hanfodol i alluogi athletwr neu dîm i wneud y gorau o’u talent. Bydd cynigion ar gyfer gwella hyfforddiant yng Nghymru yn elfen allweddol yn y strategaeth ar gyfer chwaraeon elite. Fodd bynnag, bydd yn gwneud cyfraniad sylweddol hefyd i hyfforddiant ar lawr gwlad, yn unol â’n hymrwymiad yn 'Cymru’n Un’.

As I said, the majority of the recommendations in the report concern operational matters, and are, therefore, for the sports council to consider in consultation with national governing bodies and other partners. These include, among others, the recommendations regarding the level and type of support for professional sports, to develop functional partnerships with other partners and for taking more of a lead on talent identification and coaching. That process has already begun and, over the next few months, the sports council will review some of its systems and programmes.

Fel y dywedais, mae mwyafrif yr argymhellion yn yr adroddiad yn ymwneud â materion gweithredol, ac felly maent yn argymhellion i’r cyngor chwaraeon eu hystyried drwy ymgynghori â chyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol a phartneriaid eraill. Mae’r rhain yn cynnwys, ymhlith eraill, yr argymhellion ar lefel y cymorth a’r math o gymorth a ddarperir ar gyfer chwaraeon proffesiynol, i ddatblygu partneriaethau gweithredol â phartneriaid eraill a rhoi mwy o arweiniad ar ddarganfod dawn ac ar hyfforddiant. Mae’r broses honno eisoes wedi dechrau, a bydd y cyngor chwaraeon yn adolygu rhai o’i systemau a’i rhaglenni yn ystod yr ychydig fisoedd nesaf.

Of course, the taking part counts, but sport is also about winning. In 2014, Welsh athletes will be competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Glasgow is an opportunity to showcase to the world Wales’s sporting talent, and we must give that talent the best possible chance to be successful. I look forward to launching, next spring, a strategy for elite sport in Wales that will include key actions to prepare us for Glasgow 2014 and beyond.

Wrth gwrs, mae cymryd rhan yn bwysig, ond mae chwaraeon yn golygu ennill hefyd. Yn 2014 bydd athletwyr Cymru’n cystadlu yng Ngemau’r Gymanwlad yn Glasgow. Mae Glasgow yn gyfle i arddangos doniau chwaraeon Cymru i’r byd, a rhaid inni roi’r cyfle gorau posibl i’n hathletwyr dawnus lwyddo. Edrychaf ymlaen at lansio strategaeth ar gyfer chwaraeon elite yng Nghymru y gwanwyn nesaf a fydd yn cynnwys camau gweithredu allweddol i’n paratoi ar gyfer Glasgow 2014 ac wedyn.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to share our plans for addressing the review report, and I would be happy to take any questions.  

Yr wyf yn falch cael y cyfle i rannu ein cynlluniau ar gyfer rhoi sylw i adroddiad yr adolygiad, ac yr wyf yn barod i gymryd unrhyw gwestiynau.

Alun Cairns: I thank the Minister for the statement. There was a need for a statement, and I am grateful to him for making it and for much of its content. There was a need for a statement because of the many uncertainties in relation to funding. We have, several times, debated the state of the economy and the reduction in advertising income, which is exceptionally important to sport and sports governing bodies. The way in which money is being channelled to the Olympics is having an impact on the financial capacity of the sports council, and on the money that is available to sport governing bodies and grass-roots sport. We therefore needed a statement in this respect, but I have not heard much about the finance available, or how governing bodies can best overcome the difficult situation with guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government.

3.10 p.m.

I welcome the section on the roles of the Sports Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government. The statement says that the Welsh Assembly Government is responsible and accountable for the policy and the overarching strategy for sport in Wales; the sports council is responsible for the delivery of elite sport in Wales in the context of the jointly agreed strategy. However, the sports council, in its paper on the review of performance and excellence of sport in Wales, says that WAG should set policy for sport at an appropriately high level, while the sports council will set a strategy to respond to and fulfil that policy. It goes on to deal with the role of governing bodies.

Croesawaf yr adran ar rôl Cyngor Chwaraeon Cymru a Llywodraeth y Cynulliad. Mae’r datganiad yn dweud bod Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn gyfrifol ac yn atebol am y polisi a’r strategaeth drosfwaol ar gyfer chwaraeon yng Nghymru; mae’r cyngor chwaraeon yn gyfrifol am ddarparu chwaraeon elite yng Nghymru yng nghyd-destun y strategaeth a gytunwyd ar y cyd. Fodd bynnag, yn ei bapur ar yr adolygiad o berfformiad a rhagoriaeth chwaraeon yng Nghymru, mae’r cyngor chwaraeon yn dweud y dylai LlCC osod polisi ar gyfer chwaraeon ar lefel briodol o uchel, tra bydd y cyngor chwaraeon yn llunio strategaeth i ymateb i’r polisi hwnnw a’i wireddu. Mae’n mynd yn ei flaen i ddelio â rôl cyrff llywodraethu.

I therefore want to clarify what the Minister means by the 'overarching strategy for sport in Wales’ being his responsibility. The sports council is one of the few quangos that remain, it is there for a good reason, and it does a good job with the resources available. Its review of performance and how it delivers its objectives was welcomed by governing bodies and grass-roots sport. I hope that the Minister can be clear about where his responsibility stops. Does the sports council have the freedom to work with some bodies that, perhaps, civil servants cannot quite reach?

Felly, yr wyf am gael eglurhad o’r hyn y mae’r Gweinidog yn ei olygu wrth ddweud mai ef sy’n gyfrifol am y 'strategaeth drosfwaol ar gyfer chwaraeon yng Nghymru’. Y cyngor chwaraeon yw un o’r ychydig gwangos sydd ar ôl. Mae yno am reswm da, ac y mae’n gwneud gwaith da â’r adnoddau sydd ar gael. Cafodd ei adolygiad o berfformiad a’r ffordd y mae’n cyflawni ei amcanion ei groesawu gan gyrff llywodraethu a chwaraeon ar lawr gwlad. Yr wyf yn gobeithio y gall y Gweinidog fod yn glir ble mae ei gyfrifoldebau’n gorffen. A oes gan y cyngor chwaraeon y rhyddid i weithio gyda rhai cyrff na all gweision sifil eu cyrraedd, efallai?

My final point is that there is confusion about responsibility for using major sporting events as catalysts to better engage with grass-roots sport. The Minister for economic development is responsible for major sporting events, so there is a grey area into which I would hope that the Minister for sport would cross over. We should be using these major events as catalysts to engage people in sports. Taking cricket as an example, the England team’s Ashes Test at Sophia Gardens earlier this year was a fantastic opportunity to take cricket to communities that would never previously have thought about playing the game. I could also talk about major football, rugby, hockey and other sporting events that we have held in Wales. I look to the Minister for sport to engage himself in policy in this area, but also for the sports council to deliver that policy according to its own strategy.

Fy mhwynt olaf yw bod dryswch ynghylch cyfrifoldeb am ddefnyddio digwyddiadau chwaraeon mawr yn gatalyddion i ymwneud yn well â chwaraeon ar lawr gwlad. Y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd sy’n gyfrifol am ddigwyddiadau chwaraeon mawr, felly, mae yna fan llwyd yr wyf yn gobeithio y byddai’r Gweinidog dros Chwaraeon yn ymwneud â hi. Dylem fod yn defnyddio’r digwyddiadau mawr hyn yn gatalyddion i gael pobl i ymwneud â chwaraeon. Gan gymryd criced yn enghraifft, yr oedd y gêm brawf a chwaraeodd tîm Lloegr yng nghyfres y Lludw yng Ngerddi Sophia yn gynharach eleni yn gyfle gwych i fynd â chriced i gymunedau na fyddent wedi ystyried chwarae’r gêm erioed o’r blaen. Gallwn sôn hefyd am ddigwyddiadau mawr ym maes pêl-droed, rygbi, hoci a chwaraeon eraill yr ydym wedi’u cynnal yng Nghymru. Disgwyliaf i’r Gweinidog dros Chwaraeon i ymwneud â pholisi yn y maes hwn, ac i’r cyngor chwaraeon wireddu’r polisi hwnnw yn ôl ei strategaeth ei hun.

Alun Ffred Jones: I will respond to a few of those points. On the respective responsibilities of Government and sports council, the Government is, in this case, the funder, or the paymaster, and is responsible to the people. Therefore, it is right that Government is responsible for the overarching policy for sport development in Wales, and where we want to lay the emphasis within that. There is always a balance to be struck between promoting elite sport and grass-roots activity, but they are not mutually exclusive, and there is an inter-dependence between them. The nature of the relationship between Government and a sponsored body means that there will, from time to time, be challenges and discussions, if I can put it like that. It is right and proper that we have an open dialogue with the sports council on the policy and the strategy that its expertise will deliver to us as a Government.

Alun Ffred Jones: Ymatebaf i rai o’r pwyntiau hynny. O ran cyfrifoldebau’r Llywodraeth a’r cyngor chwaraeon, yn yr achos hwn y Llywodraeth yw’r ariannwr, neu’r tâl-feistr, ac y mae’n atebol i’r bobl. Felly, mae’n iawn mai’r Llywodraeth sy’n gyfrifol am y polisi trosfwaol ar gyfer datblygu chwaraeon yng Nghymru a ble’r ydym am i bwyslais y polisi hwnnw fod. Mae angen cadw’r ddysgl yn wastad bob amser rhwng hyrwyddo chwaraeon elite a gweithgareddau ar lawr gwlad, ond nid ydynt yn annibynnol ar ei gilydd, ac y mae cyd-ddibyniaeth rhyngddynt. Mae natur y berthynas rhwng y Llywodraeth a chorff a noddir yn golygu y bydd yna heriau a thrafodaethau o bryd i’w gilydd, os gallaf ei roi felly. Mae’n iawn ac yn briodol inni gael trafodaethau agored gyda’r cyngor chwaraeon ar y polisi a’r strategaeth y bydd ei arbenigedd yn eu darparu i ni fel Llywodraeth.

I am not quite sure what you were searching for, but we set the policy direction and the delivery is in the hands of the sports council and its partners. That also involves dialogue and mutual understanding, and we will be agreeing these strategies between us over the next few months. When the strategy is announced in March, hopefully, it will be an agreed strategy between the Government and the Sports Council for Wales and its partners, that is, the national governing bodies of sport, and local authorities in some instances.

Nid wyf yn hollol siŵr am beth yr oeddech yn chwilio, ond ni sy’n gosod cyfeiriad y polisi, ac y mae’r gwaith o’i wireddu yn nwylo’r cyngor chwaraeon a’i bartneriaid. Mae hynny hefyd yn cynnwys trafod a chyd-ddealltwriaeth, a byddwn yn cytuno’r strategaethau hyn rhyngom yn ystod yr ychydig fisoedd nesaf. Pan gyhoeddir y strategaeth ym mis Mawrth, gobeithio, bydd yn strategaeth y mae’r Llywodraeth a Chyngor Chwaraeon Cymru a’i bartneriaid wedi ei chytuno, hynny yw, cyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol chwaraeon, ac awdurdodau lleol mewn rhai achosion.

With regard to major sporting events, the major events unit is answerable to both the Deputy First Minister and me, and we are fully engaged in all decisions. So I do not think that there is a problem. You hinted that we were perhaps not taking full advantage of some major sporting events. Doubtless, more can be done and learned. However, the UK School Games held here in Cardiff, soon after the cricket test, were a major success. In those terms, we have been very successful over the past year with our major events policy with regard to sport.

O ran digwyddiadau chwaraeon mawr, mae’r uned digwyddiadau mawr yn atebol i’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog a minnau, ac yr ydym yn ymwneud yn llwyr â phob penderfyniad. Felly, nid wyf yn credu bod yna broblem. Yr oeddech yn lledawgrymu nad ydym yn manteisio’n llawn ar rai digwyddiadau chwaraeon mawr, efallai. Rhaid cyfaddef, gellir gwneud a dysgu mwy. Fodd bynnag, yr oedd Gemau Ysgolion y DU a gynhaliwyd yma yng Nghaerdydd, yn fuan ar ôl y prawf criced, yn llwyddiant mawr. O ran hynny, yr ydym wedi bod yn llwyddiannus iawn dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf gyda’n polisi ar ddigwyddiadau mawr yng nghyswllt chwaraeon.

Alun Davies: I welcome the Minister’s statement this afternoon. I particularly welcome the emphasis at the beginning of your statement on excellence, because all too often the word 'excellence’ is misused and misunderstood and equated with exclusivity. Those are entirely different concepts, and we need to promote one at the expense of the other. We need to ensure that people in Wales have access to excellence in facilities and support, and that they can achieve excellence in their particular sport and endeavour. Having that as your guiding philosophy is exactly the right way to set your policy.

Alun Davies: Yr wyf yn croesawu datganiad y Gweinidog y prynhawn yma. Croesawaf yn benodol y pwyslais ar ddechrau’ch datganiad ar ragoriaeth, gan fod y gair 'rhagoriaeth’ yn cael ei gamddefnyddio a’i gamddeall yn rhy aml a phobl yn meddwl ei fod yn gyfystyr â bod yn ddethol. Mae’r rheini’n gysyniadau hollol wahanol, ac y mae angen inni hybu’r naill ar draul y llall. Mae angen inni sicrhau bod pobl yng Nghymru’n gallu cael cyfleusterau a chymorth rhagorol ac yn gallu cyflawni rhagoriaeth yn eu chwaraeon a’u hymdrechion penodol. Defnyddio’r athroniaeth honno i’ch arwain yw’r uniion ffordd gywir i osod eich polisi.

At different times in Wales, we have become used to success, but we have also become used to inconsistency. We have sometimes seen one success as being sufficient, and we need to move away from that. I was particularly impressed, Minister, by what you said about establishing the structures and support to ensure that we have consistent success. That is essential, because we tend to see one victory, or a close-run defeat, as being good and we breathe easy. We think, 'It was not so bad against the All Blacks a few weeks ago’, and, therefore, we are satisfied. We must get away from that kind of complacency, from being satisfied with being second or third, and from being satisfied with a success once every five years or every decade. We need to get used to consistent success and we need to take steps to ensure that that is achievable.

Ar wahanol adegau yng Nghymru, yr ydym wedi dod i arfer â llwyddiant, ond yr ydym wedi dod i arfer ag anghysondeb hefyd. Weithiau, yr ydym wedi ystyried bod un llwyddiant yn ddigon, ac y mae angen inni symud oddi wrth hynny. Fe’m trawyd yn arbennig, Weinidog, gan yr hyn a ddywedasoch am sefydlu’r strwythurau a’r cymorth i sicrhau ein bod yn cael llwyddiant cyson. Mae hynny’n hanfodol, gan ein bod yn tueddu i weld un fuddugoliaeth, neu un achos o golli o drwch blewyn, yn dda ac yna’n ymlacio. Yr ydym yn meddwl 'doedd hynny ddim cynddrwg yn erbyn y Crysau Duon ychydig wythnosau’n ôl’, ac felly yr ydym yn fodlon. Rhaid inni symud oddi wrth y math hwnnw o hunanfodlonrwydd, o fodloni ar ddod yn ail neu’n drydydd, ac o fodloni ar lwyddiant unwaith bob pum mlynedd neu bob degawd. Mae angen inni ddod i arfer â llwyddiant cyson, ac y mae angen inni gymryd camau i sicrhau y gellir cyflawni hynny.

I enjoyed listening to what you said about winning. It is important to see Welsh teams and athletes winning in order to inspire those who are starting out in taking part in sport and different activities, and to ensure that people have role models and the sense that they can achieve. That is essential. Like you, Minister, I was bewildered by some of the remarks made by the Conservative spokesperson; I think that he was looking for an opportunity to criticise the policy, rather than to critique it. Those are different things, of course. I look forward to the strategy that you will be announcing in the spring, and I am sure that the entire Assembly will unite in support of it, and will support you in taking it forward.

Mwynheais wrando ar yr hyn yr oedd gennych i’w ddweud am ennill. Mae’n bwysig gweld timau ac athletwyr Cymru’n ennill er mwyn ysbrydoli’r rhai sy’n dechrau cymryd rhan mewn chwaraeon a gwahanol weithgareddau, ac er mwyn sicrhau bod gan bobl fodelau rôl a’r ymdeimlad y gallant hwy gyflawni. Mae hynny’n hanfodol. Fel chi, Weinidog, fe’m dryswyd gan rai o’r sylwadau a wnaed gan lefarydd y Ceidwadwyr: credaf mai chwilio am gyfle i feirniadu’r polisi yr oedd, yn hytrach na’i drafod yn feirniadol. Mae’r rheini’n bethau gwahanol, wrth gwrs. Edrychaf ymlaen at y strategaeth y byddwch yn ei chyhoeddi yn y gwanwyn, ac yr wyf yn siŵr y bydd y Cynulliad cyfan yn uno i’w chefnogi, ac yn eich cefnogi chi wrth ichi ei symud yn ei blaen.

In responding to this statement, could you begin to outline your priorities? You started to answer the question about major sporting events earlier. My very good friend Lesley Griffiths has worked hard to raise the profile of a Wales and Scotland Euro 2016 bid, although we know that will now probably not go ahead. It is important to have such major events in Wales because they act as a catalyst, creating a platform for us to showcase what we have and also inspiring people to do better. I hope that the 2012 Olympics in London will go some way towards doing that, but, after the Ryder Cup here next year, we will not have any major sporting event to look forward to in Wales, which is a new thing for us. Since the Rugby World Cup in 1999, we have had a number of different sporting events either on the horizon or being planned for.

Wrth ymateb i’r datganiad hwn, a allech ddechrau amlinellu’ch blaenoriaethau? Dechreusoch ateb y cwestiwn am ddigwyddiadau chwaraeon mawr yn gynharach. Mae fy nghyfaill da iawn Lesley Griffiths wedi gweithio’n galed i godi proffil cynnig Cymru a’r Alban ar gyfer Ewro 2016, er ein bod yn gwybod bellach fod hynny’n annhebygol o fynd yn ei flaen. Mae’n bwysig cael digwyddiadau mor fawr yng Nghymru gan eu bod yn gweithredu’n gatalydd, gan greu llwyfan inni arddangos yr hyn sydd gennym ac i ysbrydoli pobl i wneud yn well. Gobeithio y bydd Gemau Olympaidd 2012 yn Llundain yn cyfrannu rywfaint at wneud hynny, ond ar ôl cystadleuaeth y pan Ryder a a gaiff ei chynnal yma flwyddyn nesaf, ni fydd gennym dim digwyddiad chwaraeon mawr i edrych ymlaen ato yng Nghymru, sy’n beth newydd i ni. Ers Cwpan Rygbi’r Byd yn 1999, yr ydym wedi bod yn edrych ymlaen at wahanol ddigwyddiadau chwaraeon, neu’n cynllunio ar eu cyfer.

3.20 p.m.

I would not for one moment downplay the importance of having major international events here in Wales, for sporting reasons and reasons of economic development. With those few remarks, Minister, I welcome your statement very much.

Ni fyddwn am eiliad yn bychanu pwysigrwydd cynnal digwyddiadau rhyngwladol mawr yma yng Nghymru, am resymau’n ymwneud â chwaraeon ac am resymau’n ymwneud â datblygu economaidd. Gyda’r ychydig sylwadau hynny, Weinidog, croesawaf eich datganiad yn fawr.

Alun Ffred Jones: On the importance of winning, it is inspirational, and people who gain medals and win as individuals or as part of a team should be role models. This morning, I was in a community-based gym in Pontypool, where I met disabled athlete John Harris, who has represented Wales many times and had great success. Speaking to him was an inspiration in itself. He was so proud not only of having represented Wales, and Great Britain in the Olympics, but of the fact that there was a community facility that he was involved with in Pontypool.

Alun Ffred Jones: O ran pwysigrwydd ennill, mae’n ysbrydoli, a dylai pobl sy’n ennill medalau ac yn ennill fel unigolion neu fel rhan o dîm fod yn fodelau rôl. Y bore yma, yr oeddwn mewn campfa gymunedol ym Mhont-y-pŵl, lle cyfarfûm â’r athletwr anabl John Harris, sydd wedi cynrychioli Cymru droeon ac wedi cael llwyddiant mawr. Yr oedd siarad ag ef yn ysbrydoliaeth ynddo’i hun. Yr oedd mor falch nid yn unig o fod wedi cynrychioli Cymru a Phrydain Fawr yn y Gemau Olympaidd ond bod yna gyfleuster cymunedol yr oedd yn ymwneud ag ef ym Mhont-y-pŵl.

On excellence, the big challenge is what you referred to as access to facilities. They must be good grade facilities, and there must be access to high-quality coaching for talented athletes. That is the challenge in Wales due to its geographical problems in terms of the sparsity of population in the west and north-west. However, that is something that the Sports Council and the governing bodies must take on board.

O ran rhagoriaeth, yr her fawr yw’r hyn y cyfeiriech ato fel gallu defnyddio cyfleusterau. Rhaid iddynt fod yn gyfleusterau o safon uchel, a rhaid sicrhau bod athletwyr dawnus yn gallu cael hyfforddiant o safon. Dyna’r her yng Nghymru oherwydd ei phroblemau daearyddol a’r ffaith fod y gorllewin a’r gogledd-orllewin yn ardaloedd prin eu poblogaeth. Fodd bynnag, mae hynny’n rhywbeth y mae’n rhaid i’r cyngor chwaraeon a’r cyrff llywodraethu ei ystyried.

The discussion about major sporting events is interesting and, although it is relevant in the general context, I do not think that it is relevant to the statement that I made today.

Mae’r drafodaeth am ddigwyddiadau chwaraeon mawr yn ddiddorol, ac er ei bod yn berthnasol yn y cyd-destun cyffredinol, ni chredaf ei bod yn berthnasol i’r datganiad a wneuthum heddiw.

Eleanor Burnham: Yr wyf innau’n croesawu’r datganiad ond nid wyf yn siŵr iawn beth sy’n newydd am hyn. Mae llawer o bryderon. Cytunaf bod angen sicrhau ansawdd a bod cyfleoedd ar gael, ond nid oes cyfleoedd i lawer o bobl sy’n ymdrin â mabolgampau ac ati yng ngogledd Cymru. Mae llawer o bobl yn gorfod teithio o’r gogledd i fannau megis Abertawe i gael hyfforddiant ac i ymarfer gan nad oes cyfleusterau yn y gogledd.

Hefyd, ceir problemau gan fod llawer o’r canolfannau hamdden yn dod i ddiwedd eu hoes. Mae hynny’n beth go gyffredin ar draws gogledd Cymru. Ni welaf lawer o sôn am ariannu a gwella’r cyfleusterau hynny. Bûm yn y ganolfan yng Nghaergybi y noson o’r blaen wrth ymddangos ar raglen Pawb a’i Farn, a sylwais yn syth, er bod y ganolfan yn wych, nad oes cludiant cyhoeddus ar gael i bobl gyrraedd y ganolfan, gan ei bod y tu allan i Gaergybi. Beth ydych yn ei wneud ynglŷn â materion sylfaenol felly, a pha fath o drafodaethau a gewch â chyd-Weinidogion ynglŷn â’r materion pwysig hyn? Mae’n wych i gael cyfleoedd ond mae’n rhaid ichi gael mynediad iddynt.

There are also problems because many leisure centres are coming to the end of their lives. This is a common situation across north Wales. I do not see much mention of funding and improving those facilities. I appeared on the television programme Pawb a’i Farn the other night which was filmed at the Holyhead leisure centre, and I noticed that, even though it is an excellent centre, there is no public transport that would enable people to get there, simply because it is outside the town. What are you doing about such fundamental issues, and what kind of discussions have you had with your ministerial colleagues on these important matters? Having opportunities is excellent, but you must be able to access them.

Dyna fy nadl wrth gyfeirio at nofio, er enghraifft. Mae’n iawn cael nofio am ddim, ond os na allwch gyrraedd y pwll nofio nid yw o werth i unrhyw un. Maddeuwch imi, ond mae’n rhaid imi fod yn ofalus wrth ddweud hyn: mae pyllau nofio i’w cael ledled Cymru—rhai yr wyf yn gyfarwydd â hwy ond nid enwaf mohonynt yn awr—y mae angen eu hadnewyddu. Nid ydych wedi sôn am yr hyn a wnewch ynglŷn â hynny.

Fel pawb arall, edrychaf ymlaen at y gystadleuaeth Cwpan Ryder, er nad wyf yn chwarae golff. Mae’n siŵr gennyf y caiff Casnewydd hwb eithaf sylweddol. Mae pawb yn clodfori ac yn edrych ymlaen at y llwyddiant, oherwydd, yn y pen draw, bydd yn codi ymwybyddiaeth o Gymru.

Er fy mod yn croesawu’r datganiad, nid wyf yn siŵr beth yn union y bydd hyn yn ei olygu o ran cynnig cyfleoedd nad ydynt ar gael ar hyn o bryd i bobl ar draws Cymru. Felly, edrychaf ymlaen at glywed yr hyn yr ydych yn bwriadu ei wneud ynglŷn â’r materion dwys ac allweddol hyn.

Hoffwn gael datganiad am sut y bwriedwch ariannu mannau pwysig, megis y Cae Ras yn Wrecsam, fel y mae Lesley wedi’i grybwyll droeon o’r blaen. Mae’r ganolfan ranbarthol honno yn bwysig, ac fe’i defnyddir ar gyfer amryw o ddigwyddiadau. Felly, os gallwch ein helpu gyda’r materion hyn, byddwn yn ddiolchgar dros ben.

Alun Ffred Jones: Adroddiad yw hwn ar berfformiad a rhagoriaeth ym myd y campau. Gofynnwyd i’r aseswyr edrych i weld a oedd ein systemau yn gweithio. At ei gilydd, mae’n adroddiad cadarnhaol ond mae’n gwneud rhai argymhellion. Ymhlith y rheini y mae pethau megis ailedrych ar ein targedau fel bod pawb yn cytuno arnynt, a hefyd edrych ar wahanol swyddogaethau y Llywodraeth a’r cyngor chwaraeon er mwyn bod yn sicr o’n cyfrifoldebau. Soniasoch dipyn am ogledd Cymru. Mae sefydliad rhanbarthol wedi’i sefydlu yng ngogledd Cymru ar gyfer datblygu chwaraeon, ac y mae hyn yn gam ymlaen. Yn seremoni wobrwyo hyfforddwyr y flwyddyn y cyngor chwaraeon yr wythnos diwethaf, yr oedd amryw o’r enillwyr yn dod o’r gogledd-ddwyrain, sef eich ardal chi. Awgrymwn eich bod yn edrych ar y wefan i weld pwy oeddent i chi gael siarad â hwy i drafod eu profiadau. Mae rhai ohonynt wedi’u lleoli yn ardal Wrecsam.

Alun Ffred Jones: Thank you. This is a report on performance and excellence in sport. We asked the assessors to look at this to see whether our systems were working. For the most part it is a positive report, but it makes some recommendations, among which are issues such as reviewing our targets so that everyone is agreed on them, and looking at the roles of Government and the sports council to ensure that we know what our responsibilities are. You said a great deal about north Wales. A regional institution has been established in north Wales for the development of sport, which is a step forward. At the sports council coaches of the year awards last week, a number of the successful coaches came from the north-east, from your area. I suggest you look at the website to see who they were and to speak to them to find out what their experiences are. Some of them are based in the Wrexham area.

There are certainly challenges in rural areas. I am confident that our response and the strategies that will emerge from it will improve the situation significantly for the future.

Ann Jones: This is about excellence and performance in sport, Minister. For people to know about performance and excellence in sport, it has to be publicised. I watch a very good football team every week—it is the premiership champion at the moment, and long may that continue. However, BBC Wales does not now recognise Welsh premiership football. I notice that partnership is very important in this statement. Will you do all that you can to ensure that achievements in sport, such as Rhyl Football Club’s trial through the Welsh premier league, are publicised so that people can understand that we play good football in north Wales? Will you undertake to meet with the new Football Association of Wales’s chief executive—or secretary general or whatever he calls himself—to ensure that it, too, works in partnership? It is no good it preaching to us if it cannot get it right. Will you undertake to ensure that excellence in Welsh premiership football is conveyed to the whole of Wales so that everybody understands that there is a good football team, and a good football set-up, in Wales?

Ann Jones: Mae hyn yn ymwneud â rhagoriaeth a pherfformiad mewn chwaraeon, Weinidog. Er mwyn i bobl wybod am berfformiad a rhagoriaeth mewn chwaraeon, rhaid rhoi cyhoeddusrwydd iddynt. Byddaf yn gwylio tîm pêl-droed da iawn bob wythnos—pencampwyr yr uwch-gynghrair ar hyn o bryd, a hir y parhaed. Fodd bynnag, nid yw BBC Wales bellach yn cydnabod pêl-droed uwch-gynghrair Cymru. Sylwaf fod partneriaeth yn bwysig iawn yn y datganiad hwn. A wnewch chi bopeth yn eich gallu i sicrhau rhoi cyhoeddusrwydd i gyflawniadau mewn chwaraeon, megis campau Clwb Pêl-droed y Rhyl yn uwch-gynghrair Cymru, er mwyn i bobl allu deall ein bod yn chwarae pêl-droed da yn y gogledd? A wnewch chi ymrwymo i gyfarfod â phrif weithredwr newydd—neu ysgrifennydd cyffredinol neu beth bynnag y mae’n ei alw ei hun—Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru i sicrhau bod y Gymdeithas hefyd yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth? Waeth i’r Gymdeithas heb â phregethu wrthym ni os nad yw’n gallu gwneud pethau’n iawn. A wnewch chi ymrwymo i sicrhau bod rhagoriaeth ym mhêl-droed uwch-gynghrair Cymru yn cael ei chyfleu i Gymru gyfan er mwyn i bawb ddeall bod tîm pêldroed da, a threfn bêl-droed dda, yng Nghymru?

Alun Ffred Jones: Thank you, Ann. Unsurprisingly, you managed to mention football. I presume that you are referring to Rhyl when you refer to 'a good football team’.

Ann Jones: Absolutely. There is only one.

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru, yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog Rhif 23.103:

yn caniatáu i Jeff Cuthbert gyflwyno Mesur arfaethedig Aelod er mwyn gweithredu’r wybodaeth cyn y balot a gyflwynwyd ar 8 Mai 2009 o dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 23.102. (NDM4309)

It gives me great pleasure to seek the leave of the National Assembly for Wales to introduce a Member proposed Measure on the additional learning needs of workers. Ultimately, I hope to give effect to the pre-ballot proposals tabled on 8 May 2009 under Standing Order No. 23.102. The purpose of my proposal for a Measure is to focus on learning rights for adults in the workplace who have additional learning needs. I have deliberately chosen to focus on workers rather than learners as I feel that the rights of the latter group have already been extensively covered in previous legislation. However, that does not afford us room for complacency. The legislative focus thus far has tended to be on those in full-time education.

Pleser o’r mwyaf yw ceisio caniatâd Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru i gyflwyno Mesur arfaethedig Aelod ar anghenion dysgu ychwanegol gweithwyr. Yn y pen draw, yr wyf yn gobeithio gweithredu’r cynigion cyn y balot a gyflwynwyd ar 8 Mai 2009 dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 23.102. Diben fy nghynnig ar gyfer Mesur yw canolbwyntio ar hawliau dysgu oedolion yn y gweithle sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Yr wyf wedi dewis canolbwyntio ar weithwyr yn hytrach na dysgwyr yn fwriadol, oherwydd  teimlaf fod hawliau dysgwyr wedi cael llawer o sylw eisoes mewn deddfwriaeth flaenorol. Fodd bynnag, nid yw hynny’n golygu bod lle inni deimlo’n hunanfodlon. Hyd yma, mae’r ddeddfwriaeth wedi tueddu i ganolbwyntio ar bobl sydd mewn addysg amser llawn.

3.30 p.m.

This is perfectly understandable, as we in Wales have sought to extend the entitlement rights of those learners with additional learning needs so that educational opportunities are available to such individuals as well as to those without them. However, I believe the time has now come to take this progressive legislation to its next logical run on the ladder of learning and skills rights. For me, this involves the learning rights of those in the workplace with additional learning needs. You will all know that training and skills acquisition, and in particular, continuing professional development, has been an interest of mine throughout my political career. For me, as a trade unionist, and as someone for whom education and learning has long been a passion, this is about the rights of employees to better themselves should they choose to do so. It is important to remember that learning does not cease when one leaves full-time education and being in work need not restrict one’s desire to learn new skills and undertake further training.

Mae hynny’n hollol ddealladwy, gan ein bod yng Nghymru wedi ceisio ymestyn hawliau’r dysgwyr hynny sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, er mwyn i gyfleoedd addysgol fod ar gael iddynt hwy yn ogystal â phobl nad oes ganddynt anghenion ychwanegol. Fodd bynnag, credaf ei bod yn bryd yn awr inni symud y ddeddfwriaeth flaengar hon i’r cam rhesymegol nesaf ar ysgol hawliau dysgu a sgiliau. I mi, mae hyn yn golygu hawliau dysgu pobl yn y gweithle sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Gwyddoch i gyd fod hyfforddiant a dysgu sgiliau, a datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus yn benodol, wedi bod o ddiddordeb imi trwy gydol fy ngyrfa fel gwleidydd. I mi, fel undebwr llafur, ac fel un sy’n frwd erioed ynghylch addysg a dysgu, mae hyn yn ymwneud â hawliau gweithwyr i’w gwella eu hunain os ydynt yn dymuno. Mae’n bwysig cofio nad yw dysgu’n dod i ben pan fydd rhywun yn gadael addysg amser llawn, ac na ddylai gwaith gyfyngu awydd rhywun i ddysgu sgiliau newydd ac ymgymryd â hyfforddiant pellach.

I realise that we have a long way to go in terms of further scrutiny and thrashing out the exact details of this proposal’s implications. What I am seeking support for today is the principle that it enshrines, namely the rights of workers who have additional learning needs not to be put at a disadvantage when it comes to continuous professional development. I realise that, as with most things in life, there will be cost implications. However, I am keen not to get bogged down in the negative language of bureaucracy and red tape. It is in my intention to bring employers, Government and the unions together to put in place genuinely innovative and progressive arrangements. Here in Wales, we have a proud record of doing things this way. Look at the way in which we are helping businesses pull through the worst of the recession, with countless cyclical initiatives like ProAct. It is by working together that we will get the best out of this proposal for a Measure, from the early stages of consultation, through to what I hope with become eventual implication. As you would expect, I have already been contacted by a number of organisations, who have sought to lobby me about what they would like to see in the Measure. I have taken their initial views into consideration and will continue to work with all of the relevant stakeholders and representative bodies as the legislative process develops and the nitty-gritty is worked out.

Sylweddolaf fod gennym lawer i’w wneud eto o ran craffu ymhellach ar union fanylion goblygiadau’r cynnig hwn, a’u trin a’u trafod. Yr hyn yr wyf yn ceisio cefnogaeth ar ei gyfer heddiw yw’r egwyddor y mae’r cynnig yn ei diogelu, sef hawliau gweithwyr ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol i beidio â bod dan anfantais pan ddaw’n fater o ddatblygiad proffesiynol parhaus. Yr wyf yn sylweddoli y bydd goblygiadau i hynny o ran cost, fel sy’n wir am y rhan fwyaf o bethau mewn bywyd. Fodd bynnag, yr wyf yn awyddus i beidio â chael fy llethu gan iaith negyddol biwrocratiaeth a mân reolau. Fy mwriad yw dod â chyflogwyr, y Llywodraeth a’r undebau ynghyd i gyflwyno trefniadau sy’n wirioneddol arloesol a blaengar. Yma yng Nghymru mae gennym draddodiad balch o wneud pethau fel hyn. Edrychwch ar y modd yr ydym yn helpu busnesau i ddod trwy gyfnod gwaethaf y dirwasgiad gyda mentrau cylchol niferus megis ProAct. Trwy weithio gyda’n gilydd y cawn y gorau allan o’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur, o gyfnodau cynnar y broses ymgynghori, i’r hyn yr wyf yn gobeithio a fydd yn broses weithredu yn y pen draw. Fel y byddech yn disgwyl, mae nifer o sefydliadau eisoes wedi cysylltu â mi i geisio fy lobïo ynghylch yr hyn yr hoffent ei weld yn y Mesur. Yr wyf wedi ystyried eu safbwyntiau dechreuol, a byddaf yn parhau i weithio gyda’r holl randdeiliaid a’r holl gyrff cynrychioli perthnasol wrth i’r broses ddeddfwriaethol fynd rhagddi ac wrth inni weithio trwy’r glo mân.

Here in the Assembly, we have previously stressed the importance of supporting workers with additional learning needs to find, retain and develop their skills in employment. I was part of the former Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills Committee which, in the previous Assembly, published its 'Policy Review of Additional Educational Needs Part 3: Transition’, in which it made several recommendations in this regard. Several of those key recommendations were accepted in principle at least by the Welsh Assembly Government. While I acknowledge that this report referred specifically to young people, I believe that it shows that the political goodwill is now there to extend the principle to all those with additional learning needs who are in work or looking for it. Likewise, I recognise that the Welsh Assembly Government has laid down some good indicators of policy and future legislation in its 'Skills That Work for Wales’ strategy, particularly its proposed employment, coaching and job matching services and the use of social benefit employment clauses in public sector contracts.

Cyn hyn yn y Cynulliad yr ydym wedi pwysleisio pwysigrwydd cynorthwyo gweithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol i ddod o hyd i swyddi a’u cadw, ac i ddatblygu eu sgiliau yn eu swyddi. Yr oeddwn yn rhan o’r hen Bwyllgor Addysg, Dysgu Gydol Oes a Sgiliau a gyhoeddodd yn ystod y Cynulliad blaenorol ei 'Adolygiad Polisi o Anghenion Addysgol Ychwanegol Rhan 3: Trosglwyddo’, lle gwnaeth nifer o argymhellion yn y cyswllt hwn. Cafodd nifer o’r argymhellion allweddol hynny eu derbyn, mewn egwyddor o leiaf, gan Lywodraeth y Cynulliad. Er fy mod yn cydnabod bod yr adroddiad hwnnw’n cyfeirio’n benodol at bobl ifanc, credaf ei fod yn dangos bod yr ewyllys da gwleidyddol yn bodoli’n awr i ymestyn yr egwyddor i bawb sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol ac sydd mewn gwaith neu’n chwilio am waith. Yn yr un modd, yr wyf yn cydnabod bod Llywodraeth y Cynulliad wedi cynnig rhai arwyddion da am bolisi a deddfwriaeth y dyfodol yn ei strategaeth 'Sgiliau sy’n Gweithio i Gymru’, yn enwedig o ran ei gwasanaethau arfaethedig ym maes cyflogaeth, hyfforddi a pharu swyddi, a defnyddio cymalau cyflogaeth budd cymdeithasol yng nghontractau’r sector cyhoeddus.

As I stated earlier, the purpose of this proposed Measure is to ensure that those with additional learning needs who are in work are not put at a disadvantage when it comes to continuing professional development. It is about their right to better themselves should they want to. There will, of course, be implications in any resulting Welsh law for both employers and trade unions. Care will be needed to ensure that the proposed Measure falls within the Assembly’s competence under matters 5.7, 5.8, 5.11, 5.14 and 5.17 in the field of education and training. Fortunately, these powers are very wide, and I am confident that my proposal can be brought within them even though there is an inevitable interaction between education, lifelong learning and skills policy on the one hand and employment and equality law on the other. In assessing what is possible, I accept that I will have to be pragmatic, and I am also aware of the cost implications of my proposals. It is therefore important that we look at how the financial obligations of this proposal can be spread among employers and existing support frameworks, such as the Wales union learning fund. That is important, given the impact of the current recession on the private sector in particular, and on the job security of Wales’s unionised and non-unionised workforce.

Fel y dywedais yn gynharach, diben y Mesur arfaethedig hwn yw sicrhau na fydd pobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol sy’n gweithio dan anfantais pan ddaw’n fater o ddatblygiad proffesiynol parhaus. Mae’n ymwneud â’u hawl i’w gwella’u hunain os ydynt yn dymuno. Wrth gwrs, bydd gan unrhyw gyfraith sy’n deillio o’r Mesur yng Nghymru oblygiadau i gyflogwyr ac undebau llafur. Bydd bod yn ofalus i sicrhau bod y Mesur arfaethedig o fewn cymhwysedd y Cynulliad dan faterion 5.7, 5.8, 5.11, 5.14 a 5.17 ym maes addysg a hyfforddiant. Yn ffodus, mae’r pwerau hyn yn eang iawn, ac yr wyf yn hyderus y gall fy nghynnig gael ei gynnwys ynddynt, er y bydd rhyngweithio’n anochel yn digwydd rhwng polisi addysg, dysgu gydol oes a sgiliau ar y naill law a chyfraith cyflogaeth a chydraddoldeb ar y llaw arall. Wrth asesu’r hyn sy’n bosibl, yr wyf yn derbyn y bydd yn rhaid imi fod yn bragmataidd, ac yr wyf yn ymwybodol hefyd o oblygiadau fy nghynigion o ran cost. Mae’n bwysig, felly, inni ystyried sut y gellir rhannu goblygiadau ariannol y cynnig hwn rhwng cyflogwyr a’r fframweithiau cymorth sy’n bodoli’n eisoes, megis cronfa ddysgu undebau Cymru. Mae hynny’n bwysig, o gofio effaith y dirwasgiad presennol ar y sector preifat yn benodol, ac ar sicrwydd swyddi gweithlu Cymru, boed mewn undebau llafur neu beidio.

The proposal seeks to turn aspiration into reality by placing a duty on employers to make arrangements for continuous professional development for employees with additional learning needs. It is very much a positive duty, and I will be working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that progressive but workable arrangements are brought forward. The minimum requirement that I hope to see will be the acceptance that everyone has individual learning needs, but a statutory requirement should be put in place for assessing and identifying provisions for those with additional learning needs. All employers, not just the business lobby, will have an interest in such forward-looking legislation, because the overall cost to the economy of basic skills difficulties is far greater than the small cost of investing in long-term skills development.

Mae’r cynnig yn ceisio gwireddu dyhead trwy osod dyletswydd ar gyflogwyr i wneud trefniadau ar gyfer datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus i weithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Mae’n sicr yn ddyletswydd gadarnhaol, a byddaf yn gweithio’n agos gyda’r holl randdeiliaid i sicrhau cynnig trefniadau blaengar ond ymarferol. Y peth lleiaf yr wyf yn gobeithio’i weld yw bod pobl yn derbyn bod gan bawb anghenion dysgu unigol, ond dylid cyflwyno gofyniad statudol ar gyfer asesu’r rheini sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a nodi darpariaethau ar eu cyfer. Bydd deddfwriaeth mor flaengar â hyn o ddiddordeb i bob cyflogwr, nid i’r lobi busnes yn unig, oherwydd mae cost gyffredinol anawsterau o ran sgiliau sylfaenol i’r economi yn fwy o lawer na’r gost fach sy’n gysylltiedig â buddsoddi mewn datblygu sgiliau yn y tymor hir.

As well as being of interest to employers, this will no doubt be of interest to the trade unions. Rest assured that I will be working with the Wales Trades Union Congress to look at examples of workplace learning that are already in place and that are making use of best practice. The Wales union learning fund has provided financing for union learning activities here in Wales, and has strengthened the existing network of union learning representatives. Learning and education for working people has always been a key union activity, and the increasingly important role of union learning reps in promoting learning in the workplace has been a welcome development over the last few years. It is also important that, in this respect, the unions are encouraged to reach out to non-unionised workers as well, as workers with additional learning needs cannot be left behind simply because they do not belong to a trade union.

Yn ogystal â bod o ddiddordeb i gyflogwyr, mae’n sicr y bydd hyn o ddiddordeb i’r undebau llafur. Gallaf eich sicrhau y byddaf yn gweithio gyda Chyngres Undebau Llafur Cymru i edrych ar enghreifftiau o ddysgu yn y gweithle sydd eisoes yn bodoli ac yn defnyddio arfer gorau. Mae cronfa ddysgu undebau Cymru wedi darparu cyllid ar gyfer gweithgareddau dysgu’r undebau yma yng Nghymru, ac y mae wedi cryfhau’r rhwydwaith presennol o gynrychiolwyr dysgu’r undebau. Mae dysgu ac addysg ar gyfer pobl sy’n gweithio wedi bod yn weithgaredd allweddol i’r undebau erioed, ac y mae rôl gynyddol bwysig cynrychiolwyr dysgu’r undebau o ran hybu dysgu yn y gweithle wedi bod yn ddatblygiad i’w groesawu dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf. Mae’n bwysig hefyd, yn y cyswllt hwn, i’r undebau gael eu hannog i ymwneud â gweithwyr nad ydynt yn perthyn i undeb, oherwydd ni ellir gadael gweithwyr ag sydd anghenion dysgu ychwanegol ar ôl am y rheswm syml nad ydynt yn aelod o undeb llafur.

It is clear that agreed arrangements will need to be made between employers and unions to ensure that both are clear about the learning rights of employees. The statutory rights of union learning representatives, set out under the Employment Act 2002, should help to ensure that that is the case. As in any other circumstance, negotiation of a learning agreement between employers and unions will be crucial to ensuring that any future legislation runs smoothly. To take account of the variety of circumstances and problems that could arise, there will be positive advantages for unions and employers when establishing agreements on time off for workers who are learning, which will reflect their own situations. That will be particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises, where fewer staff are unionised, and where, historically at least, training has not been a high priority. SMEs form the backbone of the Welsh economy, and I will make sure that their representatives are closely involved in discussions so that their voice is heard.

Mae’n amlwg y bydd angen cytuno trefniadau rhwng cyflogwyr ac undebau i sicrhau bod y naill ochr a’r llall yn deall hawliau dysgu gweithwyr. Dylai hawliau statudol cynrychiolwyr dysgu’r undebau, a gaiff eu hegluro yn Neddf Cyflogaeth 2002, helpu sicrhau bod hynny’n digwydd. Fel mewn unrhyw amgylchiad arall, bydd y broses o drafod cytundeb dysgu rhwng cyflogwyr a’r undebau yn hollbwysig i sicrhau bod unrhyw ddeddfwriaeth a gaiff ei chyflwyno yn y dyfodol yn cael ei gweithredu’n ddidrafferth. Er mwyn ystyried yr holl wahanol amgylchiadau a phroblemau a allai godi, bydd manteision cadarnhaol i undebau a chyflogwyr wrth sefydlu cytundebau ynghylch caniatáu amser o’r gwaith i weithwyr sy’n dysgu, a fydd yn adlewyrchu eu sefyllfaoedd eu hunain. Bydd hynny’n arbennig o bwysig i fentrau bach a chanolig eu maint, lle mae llai o staff yn perthyn i undeb, a lle nad yw hyfforddiant wedi bod yn flaenoriaeth uchel, yn hanesyddol o leiaf. Mentrau bach a chanolig eu maint yw asgwrn cefn economi Cymru, a byddaf yn sicrhau bod gan eu cynrychiolwyr ran amlwg yn y trafodaethau er mwyn i’w llais gael ei glywed.

Employers’ organisations and the unions are not the only stakeholders that will be showing an interest in this proposal; I intend to work with various representative groups in the business, education and voluntary sectors. Sector skills councils will also no doubt play an important role, given their nationwide role in developing workplace learning and in acting as an interactive forum for employers and unions with regard to skill developments.

Nid sefydliadau cyflogwyr a’r undebau yw’r unig randdeiliaid a fydd yn dangos diddordeb yn y cynnig hwn; yr wyf yn bwriadu gweithio gyda gwahanol grwpiau cynrychioli yn y sector busnes, y sector addysg a’r sector gwirfoddol. Mae’n siŵr y bydd gan gynghorau sgiliau sector rôl bwysig hefyd, o gofio’u rôl ar draws y wlad wrth ddatblygu dysgu yn y gweithle, a gweithredu fel fforwm rhyngweithiol i gyflogwyr ac undebau o ran datblygiadau sgiliau.

As the specific policy prescriptions of the proposal are developed, some of the most important contributions will come from those voluntary sector organisations that represent people with additional learning needs, and in particular those with learning disabilities. For example, Mencap Cymru has already met me and has provided me with specific examples of assisted employment initiatives that it would like to see rolled out in Wales, as well as its petition to the National Assembly calling for an increase in the number of people with a learning disability that are employed by the public sector in Wales. At the core of Mencap Cymru’s employment campaign is the alarming statistic that only one in 10 of those with a learning disability finds any sort of paid work. I want to develop this area and ensure that those with a learning disability will find work, and that they have the right to further training and development, should they want to pursue it. This is the opportunity to not only have a job, but to build a career as well.

Wrth i argymhellion polisi penodol y cynnig gael eu datblygu, daw rhai o’r cyfraniadau pwysicaf oddi wrth y mudiadau hynny yn y sector gwirfoddol sy’n cynrychioli pobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a phobl ag anableddau dysgu’n benodol. Er enghraifft, yr wyf eisoes wedi cael cyfarfod â Mencap Cymru, sydd wedi rhoi enghreifftiau penodol imi o fentrau cyflogaeth gyda chymorth y byddai’n hoffi gweld eu cyflwyno yng Nghymru, yn ogystal â’i ddeiseb i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn galw am gynnydd yn nifer y bobl ag anabledd dysgu a gyflogir gan y sector cyhoeddus yng Nghymru. Yn ganolog i ymgyrch gyflogaeth Mencap Cymru y mae’r ystadegyn brawychus mai un yn unig o bob 10 o’r rheini ag anabledd dysgu sy’n dod o hyd i unrhyw fath o waith cyflogedig. Yr wyf am ddatblygu’r maes hwn a sicrhau bod y rheini sydd ag anabledd dysgu yn cael gwaith, a bod ganddynt yr hawl i gyfleoedd hyfforddiant a datblygiad pellach os dymunant fanteisio arnynt. Mae hwn yn gyfle nid yn unig i gael swydd, ond i greu gyrfa hefyd.

National Autistic Society Cymru has also been in touch with me to lobby for the interests of people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome to be included in the proposal. It is right to say that the Welsh Assembly Government has moved towards a broad definition of additional learning needs as opposed to focusing only on special educational needs. By broadening the scope, it will include, for example, people who do not speak English as a first language.

3.40 p.m.

We are no longer thinking about additional learning needs purely in terms of education and physical health, although we remain as committed as ever to helping those with conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Again, I believe that my proposal will help to bring continuing professional development opportunities to such people. My intention is that no-one with an additional learning need is left out or disadvantaged under this legislation. I refer people to the Don’t Write Me Off campaign of the National Autistic Society, for which an event will be held in the Norwegian Church this evening.

Nid ydym mwyach yn meddwl am anghenion dysgu ychwanegol o ran addysg ac iechyd corfforol yn unig, er ein bod wedi ymrwymo gymaint ag erioed i helpu’r rheini sydd ag anhwylderau megis dyslecsia, dyspracsia ac anhwylder diffyg canolbwyntio a gorfywiogrwydd. Unwaith eto, credaf y bydd fy nghynnig yn helpu rhoi cyfleoedd datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus i bobl felly. Fy mwriad yw sicrhau na fydd neb sydd ag angen dysgu ychwanegol yn cael ei adael allan neu fod dan anfantais dan y ddeddfwriaeth hon. Hoffwn gyfeirio pobl at ymgyrch y Gymdeithas Genedlaethol Awtistiaeth 'Don’t Write Me Off’, y bydd digwyddiad yn cael ei gynnal ar ei chyfer yn yr Eglwys Norwyaidd heno.

By engaging with stakeholders in a partnership approach, my proposal pulls together like-minded campaigns for the benefit of the worker concerned. Employers, individuals and the Welsh Assembly Government will be far more aware of, and will be able to address, training and development needs regardless of learning disabilities. As I said at the beginning of my speech, this is the next logical step, following on from previous legislation aimed at those who are in full-time education. This is a progressive reform with equality and opportunity at its heart—not just core Labour values, but values that everyone in this institution should aim to uphold. I move the motion.

Trwy weithio mewn partneriaeth â rhanddeiliaid, mae fy nghynnig yn dwyn ynghyd ymgyrchoedd o natur debyg er budd y gweithiwr dan sylw. Bydd cyflogwyr, unigolion a Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn fwy ymwybodol o lawer o anghenion hyfforddiant a datblygiad, ac yn medru mynd i’r afael â hwy, waeth beth fo anawsterau dysgu’r unigolion dan sylw. Fel y dywedais ar ddechrau fy araith, dyma’r cam rhesymegol nesaf, sy’n dilyn ymlaen o ddeddfwriaeth flaenorol a oedd yn anelu at bobl mewn addysg amser llawn. Mae hwn yn ddiwygiad blaengar a chydraddoldeb a chyfle yn ganolog iddo—nid gwerthoedd sy’n greiddiol i’r Blaid Lafur yn unig yw’r rhain, ond gwerthoedd y dylai pawb yn y sefydliad hwn geisio’u cynnal. Cynigiaf y cynnig.

The Deputy Minister for Skills (John Griffiths): As we have heard, this proposal for a Measure seeks to bring forward provision to give adults with additional learning needs in employment the right to receive continuous professional development. It is right that we seek to address the issues faced by adults with additional learning needs in the workplace. Data show that there are over 10,000 adults of working age in Wales who have additional learning needs, but that only around a quarter of these are economically active.

Y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Sgiliau (John Griffiths): Fel y clywsom, mae’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur yn ceisio cyflwyno darpariaeth i roi’r hawl i oedolion sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol gael datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus. Mae’n iawn inni geisio mynd i’r afael â’r problemau sy’n wynebu oedolion ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn y gweithle. Mae’r data’n dangos bod gan dros 10,000 o oedolion o oed gweithio yng Nghymru anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, ond mai oddeutu eu chwarter yn unig sy’n economaidd weithgar.

There are clear advantages to the policy direction set out in the proposal. I support the need to improve the career prospects of employees with additional learning needs in Wales and to increase the numbers of people with those needs in middle management and senior management positions by removing barriers to training and development. To do this, we need to raise the profile of issues affecting workers in these situations. I am grateful to organisations like Mencap Cymru, which has worked for a number of years to do this. There is also—and this is equally important—the opportunity to increase the productivity of Welsh businesses that have employees with additional learning needs.

Mae yna fanteision amlwg yn y cyfeiriad polisi sy’n cael ei osod allan yn y cynnig. Yr wyf yn cefnogi’r angen am wella rhagolygon gyrfa gweithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yng Nghymru, a chynyddu nifer y bobl â’r anghenion hynny sydd mewn swyddi rheolwyr canol ac uwch-reolwyr, trwy ddileu’r rhwystrau i hyfforddiant a datblygiad. Er mwyn gwneud hynny, mae angen inni godi proffil y materion sy’n effeithio ar weithwyr yn y sefyllfaoedd hyn. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i sefydliadau megis Mencap Cymru, sydd wedi gweithio ers blynyddoedd i wneud hynny. Mae cyfle hefyd—ac y mae hyn lawn mor bwysig—i gynyddu lefelau cynhyrchiant busnesau yng Nghymru sy’n cyflogi pobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol.

The Assembly Government, the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus, as well as a number of voluntary organisations, are working hard to ensure that having an additional learning need does not disadvantage a prospective employee. While I am supportive of the thrust of the Measure proposal, we should ensure that before embarking on the path to making legislation we have a solid evidence base, the necessary legal powers and the necessary resources.

Mae Llywodraeth y Cynulliad, yr Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau a’r Ganolfan Byd Gwaith, yn ogystal â nifer o fudiadau gwirfoddol, yn gweithio’n galed i sicrhau nad yw’r ffaith fod gan ddarpar weithiwr anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn golygu y bydd dan anfantais. Er fy mod yn gefnogol i brif bwyslais y cynnig ar gyfer Mesur, dylem sicrhau, cyn dechrau dilyn y llwybr at greu deddfwriaeth, fod gennym sylfaen dystiolaeth gref, y pwerau cyfreithiol angenrheidiol a’r adnoddau angenrheidiol.

In view of the economic downturn, and the financial forecast for the Welsh Assembly Government, we will have difficult decisions to make with regard to the way in which we use the resources available to us. Any proposals in respect of taking the Measure proposal forward should be subject to reviewing their affordability. We should also ensure that we take account of alternative ways of achieving the policy principle of supporting those with additional learning needs in work.  

I will give an example. The time to train initiative set out in the Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, which received Royal Assent last week, will give employees the legal right to request time for training where the effectiveness of the employee and the productivity of the business will be improved. Raising awareness among adults with ALN and employers of their employment rights is a priority for the UK and Assembly Governments, which have policies in place. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 already offers substantial protection to employees. It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate with regard to the training or promotion opportunities offered. It is critical that all employers and employees conform with, and act in, the spirit of this legislation. I want to see this proposal for a Measure being taken forward by the Member proposing it so that it might be researched further. This further research will determine whether the Government will offer its support for it in the future.

Rhoddaf enghraifft ichi. Bydd y fenter amser i hyfforddi a gaiff ei hegluro yn Neddf Prentisiaethau, Sgiliau, Plant a Dysgu 2009 ac a gafodd Gydsyniad Brenhinol yr wythnos diwethaf, yn rhoi hawl gyfreithiol i weithwyr ofyn am amser ar gyfer hyfforddiant mewn achosion lle bydd hynny’n gwella effeithiolrwydd y gweithiwr a lefelau cynhyrchiant y busnes. Mae cynyddu ymwybyddiaeth o’u hawliau cyflogaeth ymhlith oedolion sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol a’u cyflogwyr yn flaenoriaeth i Lywodraeth y DU a Llywodraeth y Cynulliad, sydd â pholisïau ar waith. Mae Deddf Gwahaniaethu ar Sail Anabledd 2005 eisoes yn gwneud cryn dipyn i amddiffyn gweithwyr. Mae’n anghyfreithlon i gyflogwr wahaniaethu wrth gynnig cyfleoedd hyfforddiant neu gyfleoedd am ddyrchafiad. Mae’n hollbwysig i bob cyflogwr a gweithiwr gydymffurfio ag ysbryd y ddeddfwriaeth hon a gweithredu’n unol ag ef. Yr wyf am weld y cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur yn cael ei symud yn ei flaen gan yr Aelod sy’n ei gynnig, er mwyn medru ymchwilio ymhellach iddo. Bydd yr ymchwil pellach hwnnw’n penderfynu a fydd y Llywodraeth yn ei gefnogi yn y dyfodol.

There are a number of important issues that Jeff has touched on. What is the evidence of the need for a Measure of this kind? To propose a duty on employers to provide, or arrange through a third party, continuous professional development for all their employees who have learning difficulties will require some further scoping work on the legislative competence of the Assembly to introduce such a proposed Measure. If new duties were to be imposed on a person or body, it is necessary to consider how these will be enforced.

Definitions will also have to be addressed. What are the intended definitions of additional learning needs and continuous professional development as set out in the proposal for a Measure?  Is it the intention to rely on the definition of additional learning needs as set out in the education and training Order 2008, which required a comparison of a person’s skills and attainment levels against those of someone in the same age group in order to determine whether they have additional learning needs? While we have comparators for children, namely tests at school, it is more difficult with adults. One 47-year-old, for example, is very difficult to compare with another because their experience in education and in work, as well as other factors such as confidence and motivation, will be very different. At present, there is no statutory definition of continuous professional development, and some professions are already required to undertake a certain number of hours every year to maintain their professional status.

Bydd angen rhoi sylw i ddiffiniadau hefyd. Beth yw’r diffiniadau arfaethedig o anghenion dysgu ychwanegol a datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus a eglurir yn y cynnig ar gyfer Mesur? Ai’r bwriad yw dibynnu ar y diffiniad o anghenion dysgu ychwanegol sydd yng Ngorchymyn addysg a hyfforddiant 2008, a oedd yn gofyn am gymharu sgiliau a lefelau cyrhaeddiad unigolyn â sgiliau a lefelau cyrhaeddiad rhywun yn yr un grŵp oed er mwyn penderfynu a oes ganddo anghenion dysgu ychwanegol? Er bod gennym ddulliau cymharu ar gyfer plant, sef profion yn yr ysgol, mae’n fwy anodd gydag oedolion. Er enghraifft, mae’n anodd iawn cymharu un oedolyn 47 oed ag un arall, oherwydd bydd eu profiad mewn addysg a gwaith, yn ogystal â ffactorau eraill megis eu hyder a’u cymhelliant, yn wahanol iawn. Ar hyn o bryd, nid oes diffiniad statudol o ddatblygiad proffesiynol parhaus, ac y mae rhai proffesiynau eisoes yn gorfod ymgymryd â nifer penodol o oriau bob blwyddyn er mwyn cynnal eu statws proffesiynol.

To close, I support the motion to grant leave to Jeff Cuthbert to take this forward and to further research the proposal for a Measure. The principle of addressing the issues faced by employees with additional learning needs is important if we are to make the Welsh labour market fairer and more productive. I look forward to Jeff coming back to us with fully worked-up proposals.

I gloi, yr wyf yn cefnogi’r cynnig i ganiatáu i Jeff Cuthbert symud y cynnig hwn yn ei flaen ac ymchwilio ymhellach i’r cynnig ar gyfer Mesur. Mae’r egwyddor o fynd i’r afael â’r problemau sy’n wynebu gweithwyr ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn bwysig os ydym am wneud marchnad lafur Cymru yn decach a mwy cynhyrchiol. Edrychaf ymlaen at weld Jeff yn dod yn ôl atom â chynigion llawn a manwl.

Paul Davies: I am pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this debate today. I congratulate Jeff Cuthbert on bringing forward this proposal for a Measure. On behalf of the Welsh Conservatives, I would like to make it clear from the outset that we will be supporting its introduction this afternoon.

Ensuring that all members of our workforce in Wales are entitled to receive continuous professional development is vitally important. All workers in Wales, including those with additional learning needs, have an important and significant contribution to make to the Welsh economy, and by encouraging their professional development we will undoubtedly see the skills of our workforce expanding. As I have said, it is imperative that all workers in Wales are able to access professional development. As the Deputy Minister said, it is essential that the barriers that people with additional learning needs face are removed. Workers with additional learning needs must be able to access continuous professional development and this, as we have heard, is the crux of Jeff’s proposal for a Measure.

Mae sicrhau bod gan bob aelod o’n gweithlu yng Nghymru yr hawl i gael datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus yn hollbwysig. Mae gan holl weithwyr Cymru, gan gynnwys pobl sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, gyfraniad pwysig a sylweddol i’w wneud i economi Cymru, a thrwy eu hannog i ddatblygu’n broffesiynol nid oes amheuaeth na fyddwn yn gweld sgiliau ein gweithlu’n ehangu. Fel y dywedais, mae’n hanfodol i bob gweithiwr yng Nghymru allu manteisio ar ddatblygiad proffesiynol. Fel y dywedodd y Dirprwy Weinidog, mae’n hanfodol inni ddileu’r rhwystrau sy’n wynebu pobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Rhaid i weithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol allu manteisio ar ddatblygiad proffesiynol parhaus, a dyna, fel y clywsom, yw craidd cynnig Jeff ar gyfer Mesur.

Workers with additional learning needs are more likely to be more vulnerable and we must ensure that their working rights are protected. Workers with additional learning needs do not want to be given special treatment in the workplace; they want to be treated as equals with their colleagues who do not have additional learning needs. This proposal for a Measure is therefore about equality. Of course, there are a significant number of employers who do ensure that workers with additional learning needs are able to access continuous professional development; however, there are a worrying number of employers who do not.

Mae gweithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn fwy tebygol o fod yn agored i niwed, a rhaid inni sicrhau bod eu hawliau cyflogaeth yn cael eu hamddiffyn. Nid yw gweithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol am gael triniaeth arbennig yn y gweithle; maent am gael eu trin fel eu cydweithwyr nad oes ganddynt anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Cynnig ynghylch cydraddoldeb yw’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur, felly. Wrth gwrs, mae yna nifer sylweddol o gyflogwyr sy’n sicrhau bod gweithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn gallu manteisio ar ddatblygiad proffesiynol parhaus; fodd bynnag, mae nifer y cyflogwyr nad ydynt yn gwneud hynny yn peri pryder.

As I have already said, workers with additional learning needs are likely to be more vulnerable than their colleagues who do not have those needs. It is fundamentally important that employers do not use an additional learning need as an excuse to pass over training or development opportunities to other workers without additional learning needs. This is why we must ensure that the rights of everyone in the workplace are protected. Anything less is unacceptable in the twenty-first century.

Fel y dywedais eisoes, mae gweithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn debygol o fod yn fwy agored i niwed na’u cydweithwyr nad oes ganddynt anghenion felly. Mae’n hollbwysig i gyflogwyr beidio â defnyddio’r ffaith fod gan unigolyn angen dysgu ychwanegol fel esgus i’w anwybyddu a rhoi cyfleoedd hyfforddiant a datblygiad i weithwyr eraill nad oes ganddynt anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Dyna pam y mae’n rhaid inni sicrhau amddiffyn hawliau pawb yn y gweithle. Mae unrhyw beth llai yn annerbyniol yn yr unfed ganrif ar hugain.

Of course, as expected at this early stage, the proposal for a Measure will naturally provoke some questions that I am sure will be discussed, as Jeff said, when it is scrutinised at its various stages.

Wrth gwrs, yn ôl y disgwyl yn y cyfnod cynnar hwn, mae’n anochel y bydd y cynnig ar gyfer Mesur yn codi rhai cwestiynau a fydd, mae’n siŵr, yn cael eu trafod, fel y dywedodd Jeff, pan fyddwn yn craffu arno yn ei wahanol gamau.

3.50 p.m.

While I welcome this proposal for a Measure, perhaps Jeff would be kind enough to tell us in his response whether he believes the Measure, when made, will have a significant financial impact and, if so, how the funding issues will be addressed. I am not saying for one minute that this proposal for a Measure should be considered on financial grounds alone, but I am asking whether any costings have yet been calculated. As the Deputy Minister said, affordability has to be looked at.

Indeed, this proposal for a Measure should be supported, because it is right and proper that the rights of workers who have additional learning needs are protected, along with those of all other employees. I would also be interested to know how Jeff envisages the level of development training will be measured and whether there will be targets for individual workers, for example.

Yn wir, dylid cefnogi’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur, oherwydd mae’n iawn ac yn briodol fod hawliau gweithwyr sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn cael eu hamddiffyn, ynghyd â hawliau pob gweithiwr arall. Byddwn yn hoffi gwybod hefyd sut mae Jeff yn rhagweld y bydd lefel yr hyfforddiant ar gyfer datblygu yn cael ei mesur, ac a fydd targedau’n cael eu gosod ar gyfer gweithwyr unigol, er enghraifft.

As I have said, I welcome this proposal for a Measure and its intention to ensure that all workers in Wales have access to continuous professional development, irrespective of their learning needs. I hope that all Members will support this proposal for a Measure. Once again, I congratulate Jeff on introducing it to us today.

Fel y dywedais, yr wyf yn croesawu’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur, a’i fwriad o ran sicrhau bod holl weithwyr Cymru yn gallu manteisio ar ddatblygiad proffesiynol parhaus, waeth beth fo’u hanghenion dysgu. Gobeithio y bydd yr Aelodau i gyd yn cefnogi’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur. Yr wyf yn llongyfarch Jeff eto ar ei gyflwyno inni heddiw.

Mohammad Asghar: I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak on this proposal for a Measure, and I express my appreciation to Jeff Cuthbert for its introduction. I am pleased to support the proposal for a Measure, and I see the principles enshrined in the proposal as being consistent with the National Assembly’s vision for a socially just and equal Wales in which every individual has an opportunity to fulfil his or her potential, regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality, and, more importantly, any disability they may have. I am proud of the role played by my friend, Dafydd Wigley, who for years campaigned for legislation on rights for disabled people, culminating in the Disability Discrimination Acts, which have gone a long way to improving opportunities for those with disabilities. Indeed, cases have shown that learning difficulties such as dyslexia are covered by this legislation.

Mohammad Asghar: Yr wyf yn falch cael y cyfle i siarad am y cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur, a mynegaf fy ngwerthfawrogiad i Jeff am ei gyflwyno. Mae’n bleser gennyf gefnogi’r cynnig ar gyfer Mesur, a chredaf fod yr egwyddorion a gaiff eu diogelu yn y cynnig yn gyson â gweledigaeth y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ar gyfer Cymru gyfiawn a theg yn gymdeithasol, lle mae pob unigolyn yn cael cyfle i wireddu ei botensial, waeth beth fo’i hil, ei ryw, ei oed, ei dueddfryd rhywiol, ac yn bwysicach, unrhyw anabledd a all fod ganddo. Yr wyf yn falch o rôl fy nghyfaill, Dafydd Wigley, a fu’n ymgyrchu am flynyddoedd dros ddeddfwriaeth ar hawliau pobl anabl. Arweiniodd hynny yn y pen draw at y Deddfau Gwahaniaethu ar Sail Anabledd sydd wedi gwneud llawer i wella cyfleoedd i bobl ag anableddau. Yn wir, mae achosion wedi dangos bod y ddeddfwriaeth hon yn ymdrin ag anawsterau dysgu megis dyslecsia.

This proposal for a Measure goes further, however. Indeed, it builds on the legislative foundations that currently exist. If a Measure is made from this proposal, it would, for the first time, make continuous professional development for those who have additional learning needs a fundamental right. As we know, those who have additional learning needs are greatly underrepresented in the workforce in Wales. According to the National Autistic Society, of those people who are autistic who were surveyed by the charity, just 15 per cent have a full-time job, while a third are without a job or are in receipt of benefits. Most telling, perhaps, is the finding that 79 per cent of those surveyed who are on incapacity benefit want to work. It is unacceptable, Minister, that such a high level want to work, but are faced with hurdles that prevent them from doing so.

Mae’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur yn mynd ymhellach. Yn wir, mae’n adeiladu ar y sylfeini deddfwriaethol sydd eisoes yn bod. Os caiff Mesur ei lunio o’r cynnig hwn, am y tro cyntaf byddai’n golygu bod gan bobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol hawl sylfaenol i gael datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus. Fel y gwyddom, ni chaiff pobl sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol eu cynrychioli’n ddigonol yng ngweithlu Cymru, o bell ffordd. Yn ôl y Gymdeithas Genedlaethol Awtistiaeth, o blith y bobl hynny ag awtistiaeth a gymerodd ran mewn arolwg gan yr elusen, 15 y cant yn unig sydd â swydd amser llawn, tra mae un rhan o dair heb swydd neu’n cael budd-daliadau. Yr hyn sydd fwyaf trawiadol efallai yw’r darganfyddiad fod 79 y cant o’r rheini yn yr arolwg sy’n cael budd-dal analluogrwydd yn dymuno gweithio. Mae’n annerbyniol, Weinidog, fod cynifer yn awyddus i weithio ond yn wynebu rhwystrau sy’n eu hatal rhag gwneud hynny.

I take this opportunity to remind Assembly Members that tonight, at the Norwegian Church, which is close to the Assembly building, Janet Ryder will launch the National Autistic Society’s Don’t Write Me Off campaign, which will focus on employment issues for those who have an autistic spectrum disorder. I am sure that I speak for all in this Chamber in wishing the campaign every success.

Achubaf ar y cyfle hwn i atgoffa Aelodau’r Cynulliad y bydd Janet Ryder yn lansio ymgyrch y Gymdeithas Genedlaethol Awtistiaeth 'Don’t Write Me Off’ heno yn yr Eglwys Norwyaidd, nid nepell o adeilad y Cynulliad. Bydd yr ymgyrch yn canolbwyntio ar faterion cyflogaeth i bobl ag anhwylder ar y sbectrwm awtistig. Yr wyf yn siŵr fy mod yn siarad ar ran pawb yn y Siambr hon wrth ddymuno pob llwyddiant i’r ymgyrch.

I would like to raise the issue of the definition of additional learning needs, as it will be central to the scope of the eventual Measure. In my opinion, it will contribute to the success of the legislation. I hope that the consultation will be wide-ranging and far-reaching, and I hope that there will be a place for case studies to be considered as part of the overall consultation process. We have an opportunity with the proposal for a Measure to greatly widen the employment opportunities for countless people who have additional learning needs. I hope that colleagues will take this opportunity to do this. I am pleased to support this motion.

Hoffwn godi mater y diffiniad o anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, oherwydd bydd yn ganolog i gwmpas y Mesur a gaiff ei lunio yn y pen draw. Yn fy marn i, bydd yn cyfrannu at lwyddiant y ddeddfwriaeth. Gobeithio y bydd yn eang ac yn bellgyrhaeddol, a gobeithio y bydd lle i ystyried astudiaethau achos fel rhan o’r broses ymgynghori gyffredinol. Mae’r cynnig ar gyfer Mesur yn gyfle i ehangu’n sylweddol y cyfleoedd cyflogaeth ar gyfer nifer fawr iawn o bobl sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Gobeithio y bydd fy nghydweithwyr yn manteisio ar y cyfle hwn i wneud hynny. Mae’n bleser gennyf gefnogi’r cynnig hwn.

Jenny Randerson: I welcome the proposal for a Measure that Jeff has brought forward. I thank him for the concern that he is showing for a group of people in our society whose needs are often overlooked. Oscar referred to the 'Don’t Write Me Off’ campaign report launched today, and it is worth emphasising that in some parts of the autistic spectrum, sufferers of autism can often have extremely high levels of educational qualification but find it difficult to get a job at all. If they get a job, the requirements are often well below their academic intellectual potential, but they are in such jobs because of issues that they face with their personal confidence and interpersonal skills. This is a group of people that could benefit from this proposal for a Measure.

Jenny Randerson: Yr wyf yn croesawu’r cynnig ar gyfer Mesur sydd wedi’i gyflwyno gan Jeff. Yr wyf yn diolch iddo am ei ofal dros grŵp o bobl yn ein cymdeithas y mae eu hanghenion yn cael eu hanwybyddu’n aml. Cyfeiriodd Oscar at adroddiad yr ymgyrch 'Don’t Write Me Off’ a gaiff ei lansio heddiw, ac y mae’n werth pwysleisio bod pobl mewn rhai mannau ar y sbectrwm awtistig yn ei chael yn anodd cael swydd o gwbl, er bod ganddynt yn aml gymwysterau addysgol eithriadol o uchel. Os cânt swydd, mae gofynion y swydd honno ymhell islaw eu potensial deallusol academaidd yn aml, ond byddant mewn swyddi felly oherwydd y problemau sy’n eu hwynebu gyda’u hyder personol a’u sgiliau rhyngbersonol. Mae hwn yn grŵp o bobl a allai elwa o’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur.

I suggest to Jeff that he gives some thought in the coming weeks and months as to whether the proposal for a Measure could also be widened to take account of training in preparation for jobs, because people often find it difficult in the circumstances that I outlined to perform well in interviews, for example, and to fully comprehend the range of requirements of a job that they would like to do.   

I regret to say that the employment of people with additional learning needs is often characterised by low-level shelf-stacking jobs—low skill and low pay. I also regret to say that society often takes the view that the people concerned should be grateful that they have a job at all. If this proposal for a Measure makes progress, I hope that it will be an important step in raising Wales out of that regrettable approach that is often taken.

Mae’n flin gennyf ddweud bod swyddi lefel isel, megis llenwi silffoedd mewn siopau—swyddi sgiliau isel gyda chyflog isel—yn nodweddiadol o’r swyddi y mae pobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol yn eu gwneud. Mae’n flin gennyf ddweud hefyd fod cymdeithas yn aml yn credu y dylai’r bobl dan sylw fod yn ddiolchgar fod ganddynt swydd o gwbl. Os bydd y cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur yn symud yn ei flaen, yr wyf yn gobeithio y bydd yn gam pwysig at newid yr agwedd anffodus honno a welir yn aml yng Nghymru.

When you do your research, Jeff, it is important that you also investigate the issue of costs. If the cost of the right to training falls entirely on employers, it will have an unfortunate, unintended consequence. It is often difficult to get employers to offer jobs to people with additional learning needs. If you were to say to employers that in addition to offering them the job and finding a way of working around those additional learning needs, they must pay for additional training for those people, I fear that employers will be deterred from offering those jobs in the first place. None of us would want that unintended consequence, so the Government must face up to the fact that there will be costs to the public purse as a result of that obligation. If the proposal for a Measure is going to work, it must be done with the financial backing and moral support of the Government, and the willingness to pass legislation on it.

Pan fyddwch yn gwneud eich ymchwil, Jeff, bydd yn bwysig hefyd ichi ymchwilio i gostau. Os oes disgwyl i gyflogwyr ysgwyddo’r holl gyfrifoldeb am dalu am yr hawl i hyfforddiant, bydd yn arwain at ganlyniad anffodus, anfwriadol. Mae’n aml yn anodd cael cyflogwyr i gynnig swyddi i bobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Os byddwch yn dweud wrth gyflogwyr, wedi iddynt gynnig swydd i bobl ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol a chael ffordd i weithio o amgylch yr anghenion hynny, ei bod yn rhaid iddynt dalu am hyfforddiant ychwanegol hefyd i’r bobl hyn, ofnaf y bydd hynny’n rhwystro cyflogwyr rhag cynnig y swyddi hynny yn y lle cyntaf. Ni fyddai neb ohonom am weld y cynnig ar gyfer Mesur yn arwain at y canlyniad anfwriadol hwnnw. Felly, rhaid i’r Llywodraeth wynebu’r ffaith y bydd rhywfaint o’r arian ar gyfer y rhwymedigaeth honno’n gorfod dod o bwrs y wlad. Os yw’r cynnig ar gyfer Mesur i weithio, rhaid iddo gael cefnogaeth ariannol a moesol y Llywodraeth, a’r parodrwydd i ddeddfu mewn perthynas ag ef.

So, I hope that you make progress with this proposal for a Measure, Jeff, and I am delighted to give you my support for it. I look forward with great interest to the final proposals with which you will come forward in the coming months.

Felly, gobeithio y byddwch yn gwneud cynnydd gyda’r cynnig hwn ar gyfer Mesur, Jeff, ac y mae’n bleser gennyf roi fy nghefnogaeth ichi. Edrychaf ymlaen gyda chryn ddiddordeb at weld y cynigion terfynol y byddwch yn eu cyflwyno yn ystod y misoedd sydd i ddod.

Alun Cairns: I congratulate Jeff Cuthbert not only on winning the ballot, but on bringing forward the beginnings of a Measure that could make a significant difference to some people who deserve all the support that the Assembly can offer.

4.00 p.m.

The area of special educational needs has received much support. Some might accuse us of empty rhetoric, but the proposal for a Measure could make a difference to many people. I have some concerns, and the point about the costs has been well made. Everyone will rightly ask questions about the attitudes of potential employers towards recruiting individuals who have special educational needs. They will want to know more about and will want to consider the impact in far greater detail. There should be a thorough investigation of this proposal and the policy that has been presented, but I would add that we need to couple that with a greater analysis of areas in which the public sector—by which I mean our education system, our colleges and the public sector as employers—fails people who have special educational needs. Many debates have been held about the issues relating to special educational needs, and I could highlight scores of specific examples of parts of the public sector that have not fulfilled their obligations, including local education authorities, Careers Wales or Education and Learning Wales before that. I would even go as far as to say that they are not fulfilling their legal obligations as set out in various education Acts.

Mae anghenion addysgol arbennig yn faes sydd wedi cael llawer o gefnogaeth. Mae’n bosibl y byddai rhai’n ein cyhuddo o rethreg wag, ond gallai’r cynnig ar gyfer Mesur wneud gwahaniaeth i lawer o bobl. Yr wyf yn pryderu ryw fymryn, ac y mae’r pwynt ynghylch costau wedi ei wneud yn dda. Mae’n siŵr y bydd pawb yn gofyn cwestiynau am agweddau darpar gyflogwyr at recriwtio unigolion sydd ag anghenion addysgol arbennig. Byddant am wybod mwy am yr effaith ac am ystyried yr effaith yn fanylach. Dylid ymchwilio’n drylwyr i’r cynnig hwn a’r polisi sydd wedi’i gyflwyno, ond byddwn yn ychwanegu bod angen inni gyplysu hynny â dadansoddiad manylach o’r meysydd lle mae’r sector cyhoeddus—ac wrth hynny golygaf ein system addysg, ein colegau a’r sector cyhoeddus fel cyflogwyr—yn annigonol ar gyfer pobl ag anghenion addysgol arbennig. Mae llawer o ddadleuon wedi’u gwneud ynghylch materion yn ymwneud ag anghenion addysgol arbennig, a gallwn dynnu sylw at lu o enghreifftiau penodol lle nad yw rhannau o’r sector cyhoeddus wedi cyflawni eu rhwymedigaethau, gan gynnwys awdurdodau addysg lleol, Gyrfa Cymru, neu Dysgu ac Addysgu Cymru cyn hynny. Byddwn hyd yn oed yn mynd mor bell â dweud nad ydynt yn cyflawni eu rhwymedigaethau cyfreithiol fel y cânt eu disgrifio mewn gwahanol Ddeddfau addysg.

I support the points that Jenny and Paul Davies made, and I want to underline that, as a matter of principle, Jeff Cuthbert should be given the right to take this proposal forward to Stage 1, particularly given that it is such a worthy area of policy. We support that absolutely. I am sorry that the proposal for a Member proposed Measure on special educational needs that I presented when I won the ballot was not afforded the same opportunity, but we will support this. We will scrutinise it closely, as it deserves, but I wish Jeff Cuthbert every success. I hope that it satisfies the concerns of some Assembly Members, and that it will be another piece of legislation that makes it from the backbenches onto the statute books.

Yr wyf yn cefnogi’r pwyntiau a wnaeth Jenny a Paul Davies, a phwysleisiaf, fel mater o egwyddor, y dylai Jeff Cuthbert gael yr hawl i fynd â’r cynnig hwn ymlaen i Gam 1, yn enwedig o gofi’i fod yn faes polisi mor deilwng. Yr ydym yn cefnogi hynny’n llwyr. Mae’n flin gennyf na chafodd y cynnig ar gyfer Mesur arfaethedig Aelod ar anghenion addysgol arbennig a gyflwynais i pan enillais y balot yr un cyfle, ond byddwn yn cefnogi hwn. Byddwn yn craffu arno’n fanwl, ac y mae’n haeddu hynny, ond dymunaf bob llwyddiant i Jeff Cuthbert. Gobeithio y bydd yn ateb pryderon rhai Aelodau Cynulliad, ac y bydd hwn yn ddarn arall o ddeddfwriaeth a fydd yn cyrraedd y llyfrau statud o’r meinciau cefn.

Jeff Cuthbert: I most grateful for the clear expressions of support that have been made across the Chamber. In the short time that I have in which to sum up, I want to say that I will work closely with the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that what is proposed at the end of the day is within our legal competence. I certainly do not want to duplicate work unnecessarily, and I want to ensure that my proposal is practical and achievable as well as constitutionally acceptable. I accept that there are many issues that we need to resolve, such as the definition of what we mean by additional learning needs, certainly in the workplace.

Jeff Cuthbert: Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar iawn am y datganiadau clir o gefnogaeth o bob rhan o’r Siambr. Yn yr ychydig amser sydd gennyf i grynhoi, yr wyf am ddweud y byddaf yn gweithio’n agos gyda Llywodraeth y Cynulliad i sicrhau bod yr hyn sy’n cael ei gynnig yn y pen draw o fewn ein cymhwysedd cyfreithiol. Yn sicr, nid wyf am ddyblygu gwaith yn ddiangen, ac yr wyf am sicrhau bod fy nghynnig yn ymarferol ac yn rhywbeth y gellir ei gyflawni, yn ogystal â bod yn rhywbeth sy’n dderbyniol yn gyfansoddiadol. Yr wyf yn derbyn bod angen rhoi sylw i nifer o faterion, megis diffinio’r hyn a olygwn wrth anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, yn bendant yn y gweithle.

Paul, Jenny and Alun raised points about costs, but no accurate assessment of the costs has been made at this stage, although there will be an implication for the public purse and for employers. However, it would not necessarily be onerous and I would want to ensure that. Money is allocated through the Wales union learning fund, and I see opportunities to use existing expenditure—in part, at least—to assist with this process. However, I would stress that, whatever the implementation of this proposal costs, it will be more than made up for with greater productivity in the workplace, a greater commitment and more involvement from those workers who have additional learning needs, as well as an increased sense of belonging and of being valued by employers. There will definitely be more on the positive side than the negative side as regards costs and moneys.

Cododd Paul, Jenny ac Alun bwyntiau ynghylch costau, ond nid oes asesiad cywir o’r costau wedi’i wneud hyd yma, er y bydd goblygiadau i bwrs y wlad ac i gyflogwyr. Fodd bynnag, ni fyddai’n rhaid i’r goblygiadau hynny fod yn feichus, a byddwn am sicrhau hynny. Caiff arian ei ddyrannu trwy gronfa ddysgu undebau Cymru, a gallaf weld cyfleoedd i ddefnyddio gwariant presennol—yn rhannol, o leiaf—i gynorthwyo gyda’r broses hon. Fodd bynnag, hoffwn bwysleisio, waeth beth fydd costau gweithredu’r cynnig hwn, y byddant yn fach o’u cymharu â’r enillion wrth gynyddu lefelau cynhyrchiant yn y gweithle, sicrhau mwy o ymrwymiad a chyfraniad gan y gweithwyr hynny sydd ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol, a chreu ymdeimlad cryfach o berthyn a chael eu gwerthfawrogi gan gyflogwyr. Yn bendant, bydd mwy o fanteision nag o anfanteision o ran costau ac arian.

I accept the point that Alun made about the role of the public sector. We must look closely to make sure that it is made up of model employers, and I want to ensure that many of the good practices that are out there are taken as our benchmark.

Yr wyf yn derbyn y pwynt a wnaeth Alun ynghylch rôl y sector cyhoeddus. Rhaid inni edrych yn ofalus i sicrhau bod y sector cyhoeddus yn cynnwys cyflogwyr sy’n batrwm i eraill, ac yr wyf am sicrhau ein bod yn defnyddio llawer o arferion da cyfredol fel meincnod.

In conclusion, the long-standing inspiration for this proposal was the episode about two years ago when Remploy was forced to close three of its supported employment factories in Wales. I understand the commercial issues behind that decision and the right of the board to improve its financial performance and encourage some of its workers to enter mainstream employment. However, many of the workers were uncomfortable with that situation and I feel that one proposal in particular, which was led by the trade unions, for at least one of those factories to be turned into a sheltered training environment, warranted closer collaboration, as there could have been benefits to that.

I gloi, ysbrydolwyd y cynnig hwn dro’n ôl gan y digwyddiad ryw ddwy flynedd yn ôl pan orfodwyd Remploy i gau tair o’i ffatrïoedd cyflogaeth â chymorth yng Nghymru. Yr wyf yn deall yr ystyriaethau masnachol y tu ôl i’r penderfyniad hwnnw, a hawl y bwrdd i wella’i berfformiad ariannol ac annog rhai o’i weithwyr i symud i gyflogaeth brif-ffrwd. Fodd bynnag, yr oedd nifer o’r gweithwyr yn anghyfforddus â’r sefyllfa honno, a theimlaf fod un cynnig yn benodol, a gafodd ei arwain gan yr undebau llafur, i droi o leiaf un o’r ffatrïoedd hynny’n amgylchedd hyfforddiant gwarchodol yn haeddu mwy o gydweithio, oherwydd gallai hynny fod wedi cynnig manteision.

Finally, I want to rectify the unintended consequences of the current situation. We have heard the figures about those with additional learning needs who are either not in employment or are unable to move up to management and supervisory jobs. I want to ensure that those who have additional learning needs are not disadvantaged when it comes to continuing professional development and I ask for your support to go forward.

Y Llywydd: A oes unrhyw Aelod yn gwrthwynebu’r cynnig? Gwelaf nad oes gwrthwynebiad. Yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog Rhif 7.35, felly, caiff y cynnig ei dderbyn.

The Presiding Officer: Does any Member object to the motion? I see there are no objections. In accordance with Standing Order No. 7.35, the motion is therefore agreed.

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

the National Assembly for Wales:

notes the report of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, 'Still Waiting: Home Maintenance and Adaptations Services for Older People in Wales’, which was laid in the Table Office on 16 July 2009. (NDM4327)

yn nodi adroddiad y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, 'Yn Dal i Aros: Gwasanaethau Addasu a Chynnal a Chadw Cartrefi i Bobl Hŷn yng Nghymru’, a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 16 Gorffennaf 2009 (NDM4327)

As Chair of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, I am pleased to present this report on home maintenance and adaptations services for older people in Wales.

Fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, mae’n dda gennyf gyflwyno’r adroddiad hwn ar wasanaethau cynnal a chadw ac addasu cartrefi i bobl hŷn yng Nghymru.

Suitably adapted homes are vital to ensure that older people can live healthy and independent lives. However, the inquiry found that the system of applying for and delivering home adaptation grants across Wales is complex and often inconsistent across different parts of the country, or across different types of housing. As a result, there are inequalities in the services that older people receive. In summary, the committee found that older people are waiting too long for adaptations, there is inconsistency across local authority areas and housing tenures, there is poor access to information, and poor performance management.

Mae cartrefi sydd wedi’u haddasu’n briodol yn hanfodol i sicrhau bod pobl hŷn yn gallu byw bywydau iach ac annibynnol. Fodd bynnag, darganfu’r ymchwiliad fod y system ar draws Cymru ar gyfer gwneud cais am grantiau addasu cartrefi, a darparu grantiau o’r fath, yn gymhleth ac yn aml yn anghyson rhwng gwahanol rannau o’r wlad neu rhwng gwahanol fathau o dai. O ganlyniad, ceir anghydraddoldebau o ran y gwasanaethau a gaiff pobl hŷn. Yn gryno, darganfu’r pwyllgor fod pobl hŷn yn gorfod aros yn rhy hir am addasiadau, bod anghysondeb rhwng ardaloedd awdurdodau lleol a deiliadaethau tai, ei bod yn anodd cael gwybodaeth, a bod perfformiad yn cael ei reoli’n wael.

This report could not have been completed without the dedication of the members of the committee in taking evidence, or without the clerk, Bethan Webber, who drafted the report and brought the emerging themes together. It certainly would not have happened without the evidence from the older people in north and west Wales who took the time to meet some of us and talk about their experiences, some of them very personal, in the hope that others would not have to go through the same problems. I thank you all on behalf of the committee. I also thank the Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies, for her response to our report. I welcome that response and am pleased that she has accepted the majority of our recommendations, either fully or in principle.

Ni ellid bod wedi cwblhau’r adroddiad hwn heb ymroddiad aelodau’r pwyllgor wrth gasglu tystiolaeth, a heb y clerc, Bethan Webber, a ddrafftiodd yr adroddiad a dwyn ynghyd y themâu a oedd yn dod yn amlwg. Yn bendant, ni fyddai’r adroddiad wedi gweld golau dydd heb dystiolaeth pobl hŷn yn y gogledd a’r gorllewin, a roddod o’u hamser i gwrdd â rhai ohonom a siarad am eu profiadau, personol iawn weithiau, gan obeithio na fyddai pobl eraill yn gorfod wynebu’r un problemau â hwy. Diolch i bob un ohonoch ar ran y pwyllgor. Diolch hefyd i’r Dirprwy Weinidog dros Dai, Jocelyn Davies, am ei hymateb i’n hadroddiad. Croesawaf yr ymateb hwnnw, ac yr wyf yn falch ei bod wedi derbyn y mwyafrif o’n hargymhellion, naill ai’n llawn ynteu mewn egwyddor.

I now turn to a couple of those recommendations. I particularly welcome the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to ensuring that resources are found to fund a thorough review of the implementation of the recommendations in the Welsh Government’s 2005 review of disabled facilities grants. Many of the issues that emerged during this inquiry mirrored those that emerged in 2005, which led us to the sad conclusion that there is still much more to be done. A review will be vital in assessing why progress has not been made in improving the situation for many older people in Wales.

Hoffwn droi’n awr at rai o’r argymhellion hynny. Yn anad dim, yr wyf yn croesawu ymrwymiad Llywodraeth y Cynulliad i sicrhau y deuir o hyd i adnoddau i ariannu adolygiad trwyadl o’r modd y gweithredwyd argymhellion adolygiad 2005 Llywodraeth Cymru o grantiau cyfleusterau i’r anabl. Yr oedd llawer o’r materion a ddaeth i’r amlwg yn ystod yr ymchwiliad hwn yr un fath â’r rhai a ddaeth i’r amlwg yn 2005, a’n harweiniodd i’r casgliad trist fod llawer mwy eto i’w wneud. Bydd adolygiad yn hanfodol i asesu pam nad oes cynnydd wedi’i wneud wrth wella’r sefyllfa ar gyfer llawer o bobl hŷn yng Nghymru.

During the inquiry, a lack of available information made it difficult to fully assess the difficulties that particular groups of older people face. With that in mind, I welcome the Government’s commitment to carry out research into areas where there is currently very little information available, such as information relating to people who have different needs, or to people living in different types of housing. I would be grateful if the Deputy Minister would outline the timescales envisaged for taking forward both those pieces of work.

Yn ystod yr ymchwiliad, oherwydd diffyg gwybodaeth yr oedd yna anodd asesu’n llawn yr anawsterau sy’n wynebu grwpiau penodol o bobl hŷn. O gofio hynny, yr wyf yn croesawu ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i ymchwilio i’r meysydd lle nad oes llawer o wybodaeth ar gael ar hyn o bryd, megis gwybodaeth am bobl sydd ag anghenion gwahanol, neu wybodaeth am bobl sy’n byw mewn gwahanol fathau o dai. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe bai’r Dirprwy Weinidog yn amlinellu’r amserlenni a ragwelir ar gyfer mynd ymlaen â’r ddau ddarn hynny o waith.

I also welcome the Government’s commitment to work in partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association to carry out a programme of research and evaluation into what works well. That will inform revised guidance to local authorities. I also welcome the Government’s commitment to involving older people in this work. That was the main message from the older people themselves: they have stories to tell and experiences to share. I would be grateful if the Deputy Minister could tell us more about what that programme will entail, what stage the discussions with the WLGA have reached, and give an indication of the timescale for this work.

Yr wyf hefyd yn croesawu ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i weithio mewn partneriaeth â Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru i gynnal rhaglen werthuso ac ymchwilio i weld beth sy’n gweithio’n dda. Bydd hynny’n sail ar gyfer canllawiau diwygiedig i awdurdodau lleol. Yr wyf hefyd yn croesawu ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i gynnwys pobl hŷn yn y gwaith hwn. Dyna oedd y brif neges a gafwyd gan y bobl hŷn eu hunain: mae ganddynt straeon i’w hadrodd a phrofiadau i’w rhannu. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe gallai’r Dirprwy Weinidog ddweud mwy wrthym am yr hyn y bydd y rhaglen yn ei olygu a pha gam y mae’r trafodaethau gyda Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru wedi’i gyrraedd, a rhoi syniad o’r amserlen ar gyfer y gwaith hwn.

I am pleased by the Government’s commitment to develop a more strategic approach to monitoring the performance of local authorities. It varies greatly and affects the delivery of a fair and equitable service for older people, wherever they live. The committee would welcome any information to support the better monitoring of this recommendation.

Y mae ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i ddatblygu dull mwy strategol o fonitro perfformiad awdurdodau lleol yn fy mhlesio. Mae eu perfformiad yn amrywio’n fawr ac yn effeithio ar ddarparu gwasanaeth teg i bobl hŷn, ble bynnag maent yn byw. Byddai’r pwyllgor yn croesawu unrhyw wybodaeth er mwyn helpu monitro’r argymhelliad hwn yn well.

4.10 p.m.

I am disappointed, Minister, that you have accepted only in principle the recommendation that the current performance indicator for the disabled facilities grant be refined to provide a clearer picture of performance. We all agree that care needs to be taken not to place undue burdens on local authorities in collecting data. However, in its evidence to the inquiry, the WLGA stated that current guidance to local authorities on that performance indicator stipulates that they should be able to break down information about the start and finish points of a range of stages. It asserted that local authorities should already be collecting information at that level of detail. While I believe that we must be careful when asking for more information, and about where we collect the information from, it must be meaningful and robust. The current performance indicator does not provide an accurate picture and could be more meaningful if it were to be refined.

Yr wyf wedi fy siomi, Weinidog, mai mewn egwyddor yn unig yr ydych wedi  derbyn yr argymhelliad y dylid mireinio’r dangosydd perfformiad presennol ar gyfer y grant cyfleusterau i’r anabl, i sicrhau ei fod yn rhoi darlun cliriach o berfformiad. Yr ydym i gyd yn cytuno bod angen gofalu na chaiff baich diangen ei osod ar awdurdodau lleol o ran casglu data. Fodd bynnag, yn ei thystiolaeth i’r ymchwiliad, dywedodd Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru fod canllawiau cyfredol i awdurdodau lleol ynghylch y dangosydd perfformiad dan sylw yn dweud y dylai fod modd iddynt ddadansoddi gwybodaeth am bwyntiau dechrau a gorffen ystod o gamau. Mynnodd y Gymdeithas y dylai awdurdodau lleol eisoes fod yn casglu gwybodaeth mor fanwl â hynny. Er fy mod yn credu ei bod yn rhaid inni fod yn ofalus wrth ofyn am ragor o wybodaeth, a bod yn ofalus ble’r ydym yn casglu’r wybodaeth, rhaid i’r wybodaeth fod yn ystyrlon ac yn gadarn. Nid yw’r dangosydd perfformiad presennol yn rhoi darlun cywir, a gallai fod yn fwy ystyrlon pe bai’n cael ei fireinio.

The Committee on Equality of Opportunity would like to be kept informed of the outcome of the consultation on the local government performance measurement framework in relation to this indicator. The Government’s commitment to developing one register of adapted housing across all tenures is welcomed. I appreciate that there are inherent difficulties in relation to private sector housing, and the committee would appreciate information about where the Government stands on this issue.

Hoffai’r Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal gael y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ganlyniad yr ymgynghoriad ar fframwaith mesur perfformiad awdurdodau lleol yng nghyswllt y dangosydd hwn. Croesewir ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i ddatblygu un gofrestr o dai sydd wedi eu haddasu ym mhob deiliadaeth. Yr wyf yn sylweddoli bod anawsterau sylfaenol mewn cysylltiad â thai sector preifat, a byddai’r pwyllgor yn gwerthfawrogi gwybodaeth am safbwynt y Llywodraeth ar y mater hwn.

The Deputy Minister has committed to exploring how local service boards could help to drive forward improved partnership working in some local authority areas, and has also committed to accept in principle the recommendation that the strategic capital investment fund be used to boost the building trade by encouraging contractors to undertake home maintenance and adaptations work. We welcome that move, and the agreement to discuss the matter with the Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery. I appreciate the complexities surrounding SCIF, and we will ask for information so that we can monitor that situation.

Mae’r Dirprwy Weinidog wedi ymrwymo i archwilio sut y gallai byrddau gwasanaethau lleol helpu gwella gwaith partneriaeth mewn rhai ardaloedd awdurdodau lleol, ac y mae hefyd wedi ymrwymo i dderbyn egwyddor yr argymhelliad y dylid defnyddio’r gronfa buddsoddi cyfalaf strategol i roi hwb i’r fasnach adeiladu drwy annog contractwyr i wneud gwaith addasu a chynnal a chadw cartrefi. Yr ydym yn croesawu’r cam hwnnw, a’r cytundeb i drafod y mater gyda’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid a Chyflenwi Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus. Sylweddolaf y cymhlethdodau sy’n gysylltiedig â’r gronfa buddsoddi cyfalaf strategol, a byddwn yn gofyn am wybodaeth fel y gallwn fonitro’r sefyllfa honno.

I recognise the Deputy Minister’s commitment to accept in principle the recommendation that steps be taken to fill the current shortfall in occupational therapists, although I am disappointed that she has rejected the recommendation that the Welsh Assembly Government employ an occupational therapist in its housing department. I appreciate the justification for that rejection, and I am reassured by her offer to meet regularly with the College of Occupational Therapists, as well as her suggestion to include a representative on existing panels, where it could add value.

Yr wyf yn cydnabod ymrwymiad y Dirprwy Weinidog i dderbyn egwyddor yr argymhelliad y dylid cymryd camau i wneud iawn am y prinder presennol mewn therapyddion galwedigaethol, er fy mod wedi fy siomi iddi wrthod yr argymhelliad y dylai Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru gyflogi therapydd galwedigaethol yn ei hadran dai. Yr wyf yn gwerthfawrogi’r cyfiawnhad dros wrthod yr argymhelliad hwnnw, a chaf fy nghalonogi gan ei chynnig i gwrdd yn rheolaidd â Choleg y Therapyddion Galwedigaethol, a’i hawgrym i gynnwys cynrychiolydd ar baneli sy’n bodoli eisoes, lle gallai hynny ychwanegu gwerth.

In conclusion, enabling older people to live independent lives is vital, and ensuring that their homes are maintained and adapted appropriately, regardless of where they live or the type of housing they live in, is critical. I therefore take great delight in commending this report to the Assembly, and I call on the Government to ensure that the recommendations of our report are implemented effectively and efficiently.

I gloi, mae galluogi pobl hŷn i fyw bywyd annibynnol yn hanfodol, ac y mae sicrhau y caiff eu cartrefi eu haddasu a’u cynnal a’u cadw’n briodol yn hollbwysig, ni waeth ble maent yn byw na pha fath o dŷ y maent yn byw ynddo. Felly, mae’n bleser mawr gennyf gymeradwyo’r adroddiad hwn i’r Cynulliad, a galwaf ar y Llywodraeth i sicrhau y caiff argymhellion ein hadroddiad eu gweithredu’n effeithiol ac yn effeithlon.

Jonathan Morgan: As a member of the committee, I start by congratulating the Chair, Ann Jones, on the way in which this review was conducted. This is a substantial report indeed and it is evidence based, given that we took evidence from a wide variety of individuals, as the Chair said, and looked at a number of issues critical to ensuring that we improve home adaptations for older people in the future. It is a testament to the excellent work done by the Committee on Equality of Opportunity in the Assembly.

Jonathan Morgan: Fel aelod o’r pwyllgor, hoffwn ddechrau drwy longyfarch y Cadeirydd, Ann Jones, ar y modd y cafodd yr adolygiad ei gynnal. Mae hwn yn adroddiad sylweddol yn wir, wedi’i seilio ar dystiolaeth, o gofio inni gasglu tystiolaeth gan amrywiaeth eang o unigolion, fel y dywedodd y Cadeirydd, ac inni edrych ar nifer o faterion hollbwysig i sicrhau ein bod yn gwella addasiadau i gartrefi pobl hŷn yn y dyfodol. Mae’r adroddiad yn tystio i’r gwaith ardderchog a wnaed gan y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal yn y Cynulliad.

Yesterday, we discussed how care might be paid for in the future. It is a hugely complicated subject, not least because it covers domiciliary and residential care. We had a wide-ranging discussion about what may need to happen in the next 20 years. We discussed that yesterday but we know now, from reading this report, that we struggle to carry out the most simple and basic tasks, such as providing the most simple home adaptations to help older people to live independently and longer in their own homes. When we took the evidence, it was shocking to hear how appallingly slow some local authorities are in processing the disabled facilities grants and in ensuring that the work is undertaken. When it came to judging and measuring how quickly local authorities have reacted, I found it remarkable that something as simple as installing a hand rail was in the same category as something as complicated as building an extension to someone’s home. It is a bit like asking the medical profession to measure the ability of a GP surgery to deal with tonsillitis in the same category as an acute hospital’s ability to deal with knee operations. It is meaningless.

Ddoe buom yn trafod sut y gellid talu am ofal yn y dyfodol. Mae’n bwnc cymhleth tu hwnt, ac un o’r prif resymau am hynny yw ei fod yn ymdrin â gofal cartref a gofal preswyl. Cawsom drafodaeth eang am yr hyn y gallai fod angen iddo ddigwydd yn ystod yr 20 mlynedd nesaf. Buom yn trafod hynny ddoe, ond gwyddom bellach, o ddarllen yr adroddiad hwn, ein bod yn cael trafferth cyflawni’r tasgau mwyaf syml a sylfaenol, megis darparu’r addasiadau mwyaf syml mewn cartrefi er mwyn helpu pobl hŷn i fyw’n hwy ac yn annibynnol yn eu cartrefi eu hunain. Wrth gasglu’r dystiolaeth, yr oedd yn syfrdanol clywed mor ddychrynllyd o araf yw rhai awdurdodau lleol wrth brosesu grantiau cyfleusterau i’r anabl a sicrhau bod y gwaith yn cael ei wneud. Pan ddaeth yn fater o farnu a mesur cyflymder ymateb awdurdodau lleol, yr oeddwn yn rhyfeddu fod tasg mor syml â gosod canllaw yn yr un categori â thasg mor gymhleth ag adeiladu estyniad i gartref rhywun. Gellir cymharu hynny â gofyn i’r proffesiwn meddygol fesur gallu meddygfa meddygon teulu i ymdrin â thonsilitis yn yr un categori â gallu ysbyty acíwt i ymdrin â llawdriniaethau’r pen-glin. Nid yw’n gwneud synnwyr.

The way in which we collect and use data is crucial. Some local authorities were quite quick at ensuring that the most simple and basic tasks were undertaken; others were incredibly slow. There is a problem with the way in which we ask for data, the sort of data we require, and the speed at which local authorities perform in a variety of categories. It is meaningless for a local authority to give an average performance measure when it covers anything from a handrail to an extension. That must be looked at by the Assembly Government. I urge the Deputy Minister to look at that as quickly as possible.

Mae’r modd yr ydym yn casglu data a’u defnyddio yn hollbwysig. Yr oedd rhai awdurdodau lleol yn sicrhau’n eithaf cyflym fod y tasgau mwyaf syml a sylfaenol yn cael eu cyflawni; yr oedd eraill yn rhyfeddol o araf. Mae problem o ran y modd yr ydym yn gofyn am ddata, y math o ddata y mae arnom eu hangen, a chyflymder perfformiad awdurdodau lleol mewn amrywiaeth o gategorïau. Nid yw’n gwneud synnwyr i awdurdod lleol fesur cyfartaledd perfformiad pan fydd yn cynnwys popeth o osod canllaw i adeiladu estyniad. Rhaid i Lywodraeth y Cynulliad edrych ar hynny. Anogaf y Dirprwy Weinidog i edrych ar hynny cyn gynted ag sy’n bosibl.

There is a major problem here, as evidenced by the fact that we have had so many reviews relating to this issue, with little evaluation of the progress made at all levels of Government to implement the recommendations made in those reviews. I urge the Government to be a great deal quicker in implementing the recommendations that our committee has made, because we have been extremely thorough in our research and evidence taking.

Mae yma broblem enfawr, fel y tystir gan y ffaith inni gael cynifer o adolygiadau ar y mater hwn, ac ychydig gamau a gymerwyd i werthuso’r cynnydd a wnaed gan Lywodraeth ar bob lefel i weithredu’r argymhellion a gyflwynwyd yn yr adolygiadau hynny. Anogaf y Llywodraeth i ddelio lawer yn gyflymach i weithredu’r argymhellion a wnaed gan ein pwyllgor ni, oherwydd yr ydym wedi bod yn eithriadol o drylwyr wrth ymchwilio a chasglu tystiolaeth.

One of my main concerns, in addition to the way in which we collect data that show how we measure local authorities, is the fact that there is a fundamental problem with the skills mix of those people working in local authorities. We were told by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists that we need more occupational therapists working in local authorities. As it says in the report, a small number of witnesses referred to the benefits of having more occupational therapists employed at strategic higher level positions to inform the development of policy, to determine the right skills mix required and to drive change. So, we need occupational therapists to help inform the decision-making process, because they can help with the more complex problems that are brought to the attention of local authorities. We need to look at having the correct skills mix, so that we can process these applications much more quickly. We have made some good recommendations on the workforce issues, the skills mix and partnership working.

Un o’m prif bryderon, ar wahân i’r modd yr ydym yn casglu data sy’n dangos sut yr ydym yn mesur perfformiad awdurdodau lleol, yw’r ffaith fod problem sylfaenol gyda chymysgedd sgiliau’r sawl sy’n gweithio mewn awdurdodau lleol. Cawsom wybod gan Goleg Brenhinol y Therapyddion Galwedigaethol fod arnom angen mwy o therapyddion galwedigaethol i weithio mewn awdurdodau lleol. Fel y dywedir yn yr adroddiad, cyfeiriodd nifer fach o dystion at fanteision cyflogi mwy o therapyddion galwedigaethol mewn swyddi strategol ar lefel uwch, er mwyn cyfrannu at ddatblygu polisi, penderfynu’r cymysgedd sgiliau cywir sy’n ofynnol, a sbarduno newid. Mae angen, felly, inni gael therapyddion galwedigaethol i helpu cyfrannu at y broses o wneud penderfyniadau, oherwydd gallant helpu gyda’r problemau mwy cymhleth sy’n dod i sylw awdurdodau lleol. Mae angen inni edrych ar gael y cymysgedd sgiliau cywir, fel y gallwn brosesu’r ceisiadau hyn ynghynt o lawer. Yr ydym wedi gwneud rhai argymhellion da ar faterion yn ymwneud â’r gweithlu, y cymysgedd sgiliau a gwaith partneriaeth.

However, ultimately, we need to look at how local authorities prioritise this level of work. Often, we are talking about a vulnerable group of individuals—older people—who may not understand how to get their applications processed quickly enough. They find the system extremely confusing and complicated, and, ultimately, it is all too easy for local authorities to look at an application from older people and say 'There, there, it doesn’t matter; it has come from a couple in their mid-80s, so we will sit on it for a while and see what happens’. We need to be doing more to champion the rights of older people who need these home adaptations to help them live more independently for longer in their own homes. The more we can do to achieve that, the better the quality of life will be for a large proportion of the people of Wales.

Fodd bynnag, yn y pen draw mae angen inni edrych ar y ffordd y mae awdurdodau lleol yn blaenoriaethu gwaith ar y lefel hon. Byddwn yn aml yn siarad am grŵp o unigolion sy’n agored i niwed—pobl hŷn—nad ydynt efallai’n deall sut i sicrhau bod eu ceisiadau’n cael eu prosesu’n ddigon cyflym. Iddynt hwy, mae’r system yn eithriadol o ddryslyd a chymhleth, ac yn y pen draw mae’n rhy hawdd i awdurdodau lleol edrych ar gais gan bobl hŷn a dweud, 'Does dim angen inni boeni; cais gan bâr ynghanol eu 80au yw hwn, felly, cystal inni aros am ychydig i weld beth ddaw’. Mae angen inni wneud mwy i hyrwyddo hawliau pobl hŷn sydd ag angen  yr addasiadau hyn i’w cartrefi, i’w helpu i fyw’n hwy ac yn fwy annibynnol yn eu cartrefi eu hunain. Po fwyaf y gallwn ei wneud i gyflawni hynny, gorau oll fydd ansawdd bywyd cyfran helaeth o boblogaeth Cymru.

Val Lloyd: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, for allowing me to add my voice, albeit briefly, in support of the important recommendations laid out in this report by the Committee on Equality of Opportunity. Its findings remind us that need, rather than locality or housing tenure, must direct our actions in ensuring that older people can live fully independent, high-quality lives. I thank the committee for its work and the production of the report. The report presents a range of important points that need to be considered, particularly recommendation 9, which deals with the information available to older people. It is a key recommendation, because it is often the inaccessibility of information and the difficulty in understanding what information is available that prevents the take-up of entitlements, thereby preventing the use of services. As a consequence, people’s needs are not met, prolonging their difficulty and suffering.

Val Lloyd: Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd, am ganiatáu amser, er yn fyr, imi fynegi fy nghefnogaeth i’r argymhellion pwysig sydd yn yr adroddiad hwn gan y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal. Mae ei ddarganfyddiadau’n ein hatgoffa mai angen, yn hytrach nag ardal neu ddeiliadaeth tŷ, a ddylai gyfarwyddo ein gweithredoedd wrth sicrhau bod pobl hŷn yn gallu byw bywydau hollol annibynnol o safon. Diolch i’r pwyllgor am ei waith ac am gynhyrchu’r adroddiad. Mae’r adroddiad yn cyflwyno ystod o bwyntiau pwysig y mae angen eu hystyried, yn enwedig argymhelliad 9 sy’n ymdrin â’r wybodaeth sydd ar gael i bobl hŷn. Mae’n argymhelliad allweddol, oherwydd methu cael gwybodaeth ac anhawster deall pa wybodaeth sydd ar gael yn aml y’n atal pobl rhag manteisio ar eu hawliau, ac sy’n eu hatal felly rhag defnyddio gwasanaethau. O ganlyniad, nid yw anghenion pobl yn cael eu diwallu, sy’n golygu bod eu hanhawster a’u dioddefaint yn parhau.

Furthermore, the availability and form of information is of particular importance in relation to home improvements, because access to the services often occurs at a stressful time for those in need and, often, their families, when plans are being made for someone to come out of hospital and their home must be made accessible and therefore liveable in. As Jonathan Morgan said, this is a vulnerable group of people.

At hynny, mae gallu cael gwybodaeth a’r math o wybodaeth o bwys mawr o ran gwella cartrefi, oherwydd bydd y gwasanaethau’n aml yn cael eu defnyddio pan fydd y sawl sydd mewn angen, a’u teuluoedd yn aml, dan straen, pan gynllunnir i rywun ddod allan o’r ysbyty a phan fydd yn rhaid sicrhau bod cartref yr unigolyn yn gyfleus ac yn gartref y mae modd byw ynddo. Fel y dywedodd Jonathan Morgan, mae hwn yn grŵp o bobl sy’n agored i niwed.

The concerns raised by the committee are valid, and, with the Deputy Minister’s recently commissioned strategy on this topic soon to be finalised, I hope that the committee’s concerns and recommendations for policy development will be considered in the strategy and by the Deputy Minister.

Mae’r pryderon a godwyd gan y pwyllgor yn rhai dilys, ac o gofio y bydd fersiwn terfynol y strategaeth a gomisiynwyd yn ddiweddar gan y Dirprwy Weinidog ar y pwnc hwn yn cael ei lunio cyn hir, gobeithio y bydd pryderon ac argymhellion y pwyllgor ar ddatblygu polisi yn cael eu hystyried yn y strategaeth honno a chan y Dirprwy Weinidog.

Peter Black: I thank the committee and the Chair for bringing this report to the Assembly. It is a valuable piece of work, which, once again, focuses the Assembly’s attention on an important part of social policy. As the report mentions, it is also a piece of work that has been done on a number of occasions in the past. To an extent, it is regrettable that some of the recommendations in this report repeat those made in the past, particularly the Assembly Government’s own review in 2005—I think—on disabled facilities grants.

Peter Black: Diolch i’r pwyllgor a’r Cadeirydd am ddod â’r adroddiad hwn i’r Cynulliad. Mae’n ddarn gwerthfawr o waith sydd, unwaith eto, yn canolbwyntio sylw’r Cynulliad ar ran bwysig o bolisi cymdeithasol. Fel y mae’r adroddiad yn sôn, mae hefyd yn ddarn o waith a wnaed lawer gwaith yn y gorffennol. I raddau, mae’n anffodus fod rhai o’r argymhellion yn yr adroddiad hwn yn ailadrodd y rheini a wnaed yn y gorffennol, yn enwedig o ran adolygiad Llywodraeth y Cynulliad ei hun yn 2005—mi gredaf—ar grantiau cyfleusterau i’r anabl.

4.20 p.m.

It was also interesting to see that the report made reference to a previous report by the former Social Justice and Regeneration Committee and some of its recommendations. However, it did not quite pick up some of the important recommendations in that report, which have never been advanced by the Assembly Government. One of those recommendations, which is mentioned in this report, is about equity release, which is an important way of enabling older people to access resources that are tied up in their home. One of the reasons why many people are unable to do that, putting aside the condition of the mortgage market and the economy, is that the sums of money involved are quite small in comparative terms, and mortgage companies are not necessarily prepared to go that low and release that sort of money. In other words, they want to offer them bigger sums of money.

Yr oedd hefyd yn ddiddorol gweld bod yr adroddiad yn cyfeirio at adroddiad blaenorol gan yr hen Bwyllgor Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ac Adfywio, a rhai o’i argymhellion. Fodd bynnag, ni lwyddodd i roi sylw i rai o’r argymhellion pwysig yn yr adroddiad hwnnw, nad yw Llywodraeth y Cynulliad erioed wedi eu gweithredu. Mae un o’r argymhellion hynny, a grybwyllir yn yr adroddiad hwn, yn ymwneud â rhyddhau ecwiti, sy’n ffordd bwysig i alluogi pobl hŷn i allu cael adnoddau sydd wedi’u clymu yn eu cartref. Un o’r rhesymau pam na all llawer o bobl ryddhau ecwiti, o anwybyddu cyflwr y farchnad forgeisi a’r economi, yw’r ffaith fod y symiau dan sylw yn eithaf bach mewn cymhariaeth, ac nad yw cwmnïau morgeisi o reidrwydd yn barod i fynd cyn ised â hynny a rhyddhau’r math hwnnw o arian. Mewn geiriau eraill, maent am gynnig symiau mwy o arian i bobl hŷn.

One of the suggestions of the Social Justice and Regeneration Committee was to set up the Welsh home improvement lending agency, which would facilitate those sorts of equity-release loans, and enable additional resources to be put into the sector so that people could draw down funds that would later be repaid, once the home was sold off. that would allow them to make adaptations and improvements to their home. The Deputy Minister might like to come back at some stage—not necessarily now—to say whether or not the Assembly Government is looking at what is now a historic recommendation and to see whether that might be revived.

Un o awgrymiadau’r Pwyllgor Cyfiawnder Cymdeithasol ac Adfywio oedd sefydlu asiantaeth benthyciadau gwella cartrefi Cymru, a fyddai’n hwyluso’r mathau hynny o fenthyciadau rhyddhau ecwiti, ac yn ei gwneud yn bosibl rhoi adnoddau ychwanegol yn y sector er mwyn i bobl allu cael arian a fyddai’n cael ei ad-dalu’n ddiweddarach, pan fyddai’r cartref yn cael ei werthu. Byddai hynny’n eu galluogi i addasu a gwella eu cartref. Efallai yr hoffai’r Dirprwy Weinidog ddod yn ôl rywbryd—nid yn awr o reidrwydd—i ddweud a yw Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn ystyried argymhelliad sydd erbyn hyn yn hanesyddol ai peidio, ac i weld a ellid adfywio hynny.

The management of the disabled facilities grants is key in terms of making sure that older people get the adaptations that they need as quickly as possible. Jonathan made the important point about the need to streamline smaller grants for installing a handrail or a quick ramp, costing less than £3,000. Not all local authorities are implementing the recommendations of previous reports and streamlining those particular grants. That needs to be pressed home. If you can do quick and easy adaptations quickly and easily, you can focus on getting the more complex and expensive grants done more quickly and focus your resources on dealing with that. It would allow you to deal with the concerns of a great many people who literally just need to have a handrail installed. Again, I hope that the Deputy Minister will be able to pick up on that and talk to the Welsh Local Government Association and local councils; I know that she has regular meetings with housing cabinet members about how they are dealing with that particular aspect of the disabled facilities grants.

Mae rheoli grantiau cyfleusterau i’r anabl yn allweddol i sicrhau bod pobl hŷn yn cael yr addasiadau y mae arnynt eu hangen, cyn gynted ag sy’n bosibl. Gwnaeth Jonathan y pwynt pwysig fod angen symleiddio grantiau llai ar gyfer gosod canllaw neu ramp sydyn, sy’n costio llai na £3,000. Nid yw pob awdurdod lleol yn gweithredu argymhellion adroddiadau blaenorol ac yn symleiddio’r grantiau penodol hynny. Mae angen cael y maen i’r wal yn y cyswllt hwnnw. Os gall addasiadau rhwydd a chyflym gael eu gwneud yn rhwydd ac yn gyflym, gellir canolbwyntio wedyn ar sicrhau bod gwaith sy’n ymwneud â grantiau mwy cymhleth a chostus yn cael ei wneud ynghynt, a chanolbwyntio ein hadnoddau ar ymdrin â hynny. Byddai hynny’n ein galluogi i ymdrin â phryderon llawer iawn o bobl syddag angen un canllaw’n unig yn llythrennol. Unwaith eto, yr wyf yn gobeithio y bydd y Dirprwy Weinidog yn medru rhoi sylw i hynny a siarad â Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru a chynghorau lleol; gwn ei bod yn cael cyfarfodydd rheolaidd gydag aelodau’r cabinet ar dai, ynglŷn â’r modd y maent yn ymdrin â’r agwedd benodol honno ar grantiau cyfleusterau i’r anabl.

The whole issue on DFG is about the resources available. It is probably true to say that, since the initial reviews by previous Assembly committees, the amount of money available for disabled facilities grants has not increased; in fact, it has probably declined in real terms. Part of the reason for that is—it is a curse as well as a benefit—that this money is no longer ring-fenced; it is part of the general capital allocation available to local councils. Therefore, the amount of money that they use, by and large, stays roughly the same, while they use up the other capital allocation, which, in a sense, is also declining. We need to find ways of getting more money into the public sector as part of this.

Mae holl fater grantiau cyfleusterau i’r anabl yn ymwneud â’r adnoddau sydd ar gael. Ers yr adolygiadau dechreuol a wnaed gan bwyllgorau blaenorol y Cynulliad, mae’n debyg yn wir dweud nad yw swm yr arian sydd ar gael ar gyfer grantiau cyfleusterau i’r anabl wedi cynyddu; mae’n debyg ei fod wedi gostwng mewn gwirionedd. Rhan o’r rheswm am hynny—sy’n felltith ac yn fendith—yw’r ffaith nad yw’r arian hwnnw wedi’i neilltuo mwyach; mae’n rhan o’r dyraniad cyfalaf cyffredinol sydd ar gael i gynghorau lleol. Felly, mae’r arian a ddefnyddiant yn aros yr un fath, fwy neu lai, tra byddant yn defnyddio’r dyraniad cyfalaf arall, sy’n gostwng hefyd mewn ffordd. Mae angen inni gael ffyrdd i gael mwy o arian i mewn i’r sector cyhoeddus fel rhan o hyn.

Finally, an important point is that of the delays caused by the shortage of occupational therapists. We also have to understand that we do not have to use the local government occupational therapists; they do not have to be employed by the local council. Local authorities can employ occupational therapists on an ad hoc basis to do the work and to clear backlogs if necessary. Not enough councils understand that, and too many seem to think that they have to employ them. That is an issue that has to be driven home to those local councils.

Yn olaf, pwynt pwysig yw’r oedi a achosir gan brinder therapyddion galwedigaethol. Rhaid inni ddeall hefyd nad oes rheidrwydd arnom i ddefnyddio therapyddion galwedigaethol awdurdodau lleol; nid yw’n  rhaid i’r therapyddion gael eu cyflogi gan y cyngor lleol. Gall awdurdodau lleol ddefnyddio therapyddion galwedigaethol yn unswydd i wneud y gwaith a chlirio achosion sydd wedi cronni, os oes angen. Nid oes digon o gynghorau’n deall hynny, ac ymddengys fod gormod ohonynt yn credu ei bod yn rhaid iddynt gyflogi therapyddion galwedigaethol. Mae hwnnw’n fater y mae’n rhaid ei egluro wrth y cynghorau lleol dan sylw.

Janet Ryder: I am pleased to be speaking straight after Peter, because I would like to highlight the role that occupational therapists play. What Peter has said is valid; yes, we took evidence that local authorities do not have to employ their own occupational therapists, but we heard evidence of the crucial role that occupational therapists play in cutting the backlog that many councils face. While employing people from outside to clear that backlog may be one solution, the councils and housing associations that had made a fundamental difference to how they dealt with adaptations had employed occupational therapists at quite a senior level. They were employed at a level at which they could influence how decisions were taken, how budgets were allocated and how work was planned. For me, that was one of the crucial things that came out of the inquiry.

Janet Ryder: Yr wyf yn falch cael siarad yn syth ar ôl Peter, oherwydd hoffwn dynnu sylw at rôl therapyddion galwedigaethol. Mae’r hyn a ddywedodd Peter yn ddilys; do, casglwyd tystiolaeth gennym nad oes rhaid i awdurdodau lleol gyflogi eu therapyddion galwedigaethol eu hunain, ond clywsom dystiolaeth am rôl hollbwysig therapyddion galwedigaethol wrth leihau nifer yr achosion sy’n cronni mewn nifer o gynghorau. Er bod defnyddio pobl o’r tu allan i glirio’r achosion hynny’n un ateb, efallai, yr oedd y cynghorau a’r cymdeithasau tai a oedd wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth sylfaenol i’r modd yr oeddent yn ymdrin ag addasiadau wedi cyflogi eu therapyddion galwedigaethol eu hunain ar lefel eithaf uchel. Caent eu cyflogi ar lefel lle gallent ddylanwadu ar y ffordd y câi penderfyniadau eu gwneud, sut y câi cyllidebau eu dyrannu, a sut y câi gwaith ei gynllunio. I mi, dyna un o’r pethau hollbwysig a ddeilliodd o’r ymchwiliad.

Recommendation 14 asks the Deputy Minister to consider employing an occupational therapist in her department, so crucial is that role in getting to grips with this field. I hope that she will look positively at that.

Mae argymhelliad 14 yn gofyn i’r Dirprwy Weinidog ystyried cyflogi therapydd galwedigaethol yn ei hadran, cymaint yw pwysigrwydd y rôl honno i fynd i’r afael â’r maes hwn. Gobeithio y bydd yn ystyried hynny’n gadarnhaol.

Recommendations 12 and 13 also relate to occupational therapists. Recommendation 12 relates to the issues that Peter Black has raised, namely how much local government is investing in its occupational therapists, to enable it, not only in relation to home adaptations but in other areas of its work, to eat into its backlog. Recommendation 13 touches on that point. Do we have the right workforce planning for occupational therapists? Is the right amount of occupational therapists coming through? Do we need to put more money in to encourage more people to go into training, and to look at the career structure for occupational therapists? For me, those recommendations touched on some of the most important aspects to come out of the review.

Mae argymhellion 12 a 13 hefyd yn ymwneud â therapyddion galwedigaethol. Mae argymhelliad 12 yn ymwneud â’r materion a gododd Peter Black, sef faint y mae llywodraeth leol yn ei fuddsoddi yn ei therapyddion galwedigaethol, i’w galluogi i leihau nifer yr achosion sy’n cronni, nid yn unig wrth addasu cartrefi ond mewn agweddau eraill ar ei gwaith. Mae argymhelliad 13 yn cyffwrdd â’r pwynt hwnnw. A ydym yn cynllunio’r gweithlu’n iawn yn achos therapyddion galwedigaethol? A yw’r nifer iawn o therapyddion galwedigaethol yn dod drwy’r system? A oes angen inni neilltuo mwy o arian i annog mwy o bobl i gael hyfforddiant, ac edrych ar strwythur gyrfa therapyddion galwedigaethol? I mi, yr oedd yr argymhellion hynny’n cyffwrdd â rhai o’r agweddau pwysicaf a ddeilliodd o’r adolygiad.

Another issue that struck me was that we still do not have a common register of property that has been adapted. I know that each property is adapted to suit an individual, and will be customised according to that person’s needs. However, in many cases, major structural changes are made to houses. When a property becomes vacant—whether it is a private, council or housing-association tenure—we should have a way of knowing that it is available, where it is, and whether there is anyone who needs that property and who is willing to move to the area where it is located to occupy it. That information should go preferably beyond one local authority. As a result, the need for further adaptations would perhaps be reduced slightly. We could perhaps look at doing that over a wider area, perhaps three or four counties, or at having regional registers. Those properties are not that common, but they are there. We need to look at that aspect. A number of things came out of the inquiry, but for me, that would be one of the most important.

Mater arall a’m trawodd oedd y ffaith nad oes gennym o hyd gofrestr gyffredin o eiddo wedi ei addasu. Gwn fod pob eiddo’n cael ei addasu ar gyfer unigolyn, ac y bydd yr eiddo wedi’i deilwra’n unol ag anghenion yr unigolyn hwnnw. Fodd bynnag, mewn nifer o achosion gwneir newidiadau strwythurol mawr i dai. Pan fydd eiddo’n dod yn wag—boed yn ddeiliadaeth breifat, yn ddeiliadaeth cyngor ynteu’n ddeiliadaeth cymdeithas tai—dylai fod modd inni wybod bod yr eiddo ar gael, gwybod ble mae’r eiddo, gwybod a oes angen yr eiddo hwnnw ar rywun, a gwybod pwy sy’n fodlon symud i’r ardal lle mae’r eiddo dan sylw, i fyw ynddo. Gorau oll pe gallai’r wybodaeth honno ymestyn y tu hwnt i ffiniau un awdurdod lleol. Pe bai hynny’n digwydd, efallai y byddai’r angen am addasiadau pellach rywfaint yn llai. Hwyrach y gallem ystyried gwneud hynny ar draws ardal ehangach, ar draws tair neu bedair sir efallai, neu ystyried cael cofrestrau rhanbarthol. Er nad yw eiddo o’r fath yn gyffredin iawn, mae ar gael. Mae angen inni edrych ar yr agwedd honno. Daeth nifer o bethau i’r amlwg o’r ymchwiliad, ond i mi yr agwedd hon oedd un o’r rhai pwysicaf.

The last point that I want to touch on relates to recommendation 7, on the confusion as to who owns the adaptations when they have been put in. I assumed that, if an adaptation was put in in a council property, the council owned it, but that is apparently not the case. Many of these adaptations, be they stairlifts, baths that have open sides, or adaptations that have moveable parts—and even some static adaptations—need regular maintenance, and there is now a significant issue as to who picks up the bill to pay for that maintenance. There is confusion because no-one knows who owns that piece of equipment. I would appreciate it if the Deputy Minister could look into that and deal with it so that we can get legal clarity as to who owns the adaptation when it goes in, whose responsibility it is to maintain it, and who should picking up that maintenance bill.

Mae’r pwynt olaf yr hoffwn ei grybwyll yn ymwneud ag argymhelliad 7, a’r dryswch ynghylch pwy sy’n berchen ar addasiadau ar ôl eu gwneud. Os oedd addasiad yn cael ei wneud mewn tŷ yn eiddo i’r cyngor, yr oeddwn i’n cymryd yn ganiataol mai’r cyngor fyddai’n berchen ar yr addasiad hwnnw, ond y mae’n debyg nad yw hynny’n wir. Mae angen cynnal a chadw llawer o’r addasiadau hyn yn rheolaidd, boed yn lifftiau grisiau, yn faddonau ag ochrau agored, ynteu’n addasiadau gyda chydrannau sy’n symud—a rhai addasiadau llonydd hyd yn oed—ac y mae problem fawr wedi codi erbyn hyn ynghylch pwy sy’n talu am y gwaith cynnal a chadw hwnnw. Mae’r dryswch wedi codi oherwydd nad oes neb yn gwybod pwy sy’n berchen ar y darn hwnnw o offer. Byddwn yn gwerthfawrogi pe gallai’r Dirprwy Weinidog ymchwilio i hynny ac ymdrin â hynny, er mwyn inni allu cael eglurhad cyfreithiol ynghylch pwy sy’n berchen ar yr addasiad ar ôl ei wneud, cyfrifoldeb pwy yw ei gynnal a’i gadw, a phwy ddylai fod yn talu am y gwaith cynnal a chadw hwnnw.

Joyce Watson: As a member of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, I echo the words of Jonathan Morgan in congratulating Ann Jones, the committee Chair, on conducting a wide-ranging review, but also on making sure that it was not just a Cardiff-centric investigation. It involved going to meet people where they work, making it easy for them to give us information face to face. I would also like to echo much of what Ann said in her opening statement.

Joyce Watson: Fel aelod o’r Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, hoffwn adleisio geiriau Jonathan Morgan wrth longyfarch Ann Jones, Cadeirydd y pwyllgor, ar wneud adolygiad eang, ond hefyd am sicrhau nad oedd yn ymchwiliad yn canolbwyntio ar Gaerdydd yn unig. Yr oedd yr ymchwiliad yn golygu mynd i gwrdd â phobl lle maent yn gweithio, a’i gwneud yn hawdd iddynt roi gwybodaeth inni wyneb yn wyneb. Yn ogystal, hoffwn adleisio llawer o’r hyn a ddywedodd Ann yn ei datganiad agoriadol.

4.30 p.m.

As a committee, we heard many times about inconsistencies in the way in which home adaptations are processed and delivered in most parts of the country. I am sure that, like me, most Members have had to deal with cases where elderly residents have struggled with the system, either because it is confusing or because they have had to wait too long for work to be carried out. For example, I recently dealt with the case of a resident who was waiting for a hip operation and so knew that a stair lift would be needed at home after coming out of hospital. That person was told by the council that work could be undertaken after the operation, following assessment. All the confusion and to-ing and fro-ing caused an immense amount of stress and anxiety for that person. Thankfully, in this case, the situation was resolved happily, because that individual happened to know where to go for help. That, unfortunately, is not the case for many elderly people in Wales. Quite frankly, it is not good enough. That point has been raised here today.

Fel pwyllgor, clywsom droeon am anghysondebau yn y modd y caiff addasiadau i gartrefi eu prosesu a’u gwneud yn y rhan fwyaf o’r wlad. Yr wyf yn siŵr fod mwyafrif yr Aelodau, fel fi, wedi gorfod ymdrin ag achosion lle mae trigolion hŷn wedi cael trafferthion gyda’r system, naill ai oherwydd bod y system yn rhy ddryslyd ynteu oherwydd bod y trigolion wedi gorfod aros yn rhy hir i waith gael ei wneud. Er enghraifft, yn ddiweddar bûm yn ymdrin ag achos preswyliwr a oedd yn aros am lawdriniaeth ar ei glun ac yn gwybod felly y byddai arno angen lifft grisiau yn ei gartref ar ôl gadael yr ysbyty. Cafodd yr unigolyn dan sylw wybod gan y cyngor y byddai modd gwneud y gwaith ar ôl y llawdriniaeth, yn dilyn asesiad. Achosodd yr holl ddryswch, a’r holl fynd a dod, lawer iawn o straen a phryder i’r unigolyn. Yn yr achos hwn, diolch byth, cafodd y sefyllfa ei datrys yn foddhaol oherwydd bod yr unigolyn dan sylw’n digwydd gwybod ble i gael help. Yn anffodus, nid yw hynny’n wir yn achos llawer o bobl hŷn yng Nghymru. A siarad yn blwmp ac yn blaen, nid yw’r sefyllfa’n ddigon da. Mae’r pwynt hwnnw wedi’i godi yma heddiw.

Even small adaptations that could make a big difference are not delivered equally. Older people are not being given the best outcomes for their health and their welfare. It is more cost effective if minor adaptations are addressed reasonably and urgently, because it removes the need for care workers to visit daily. It also prevents delays in people leaving hospitals to go home and prevents, in some cases, people, on leaving hospital, from having to go to a residential home, which they sometimes have to pay for themselves.

Ni chaiff hyd yn oed addasiadau bach a allai wneud gwahaniaeth mawr eu gwneud yn deg. Nid yw pobl hŷn yn cael y canlyniadau gorau i’w hiechyd a’u lles. Mae’n fwy cost-effeithiol os eir i’r afael â mân addasiadau’n rhesymol ac ar frys, oherwydd mae hynny’n dileu’r angen am ymweliadau dyddiol gan weithwyr gofal. Mae hefyd yn atal oedi wrth i bobl adael yr ysbyty i fynd adref, ac mewn rhai achosion mae’n atal pobl, wrth iddynt adael yr ysbyty, rhag gorfod mynd i gartref preswyl a hwythau weithiau’n gorfod talu amdano eu hunain.

I am concerned, as I am sure many others are, that even the simplest low-cost adaptations can take a year to process. That is what happens in Pembrokeshire. It takes, on average, 359 days to deliver a simple low-cost adaptation to a private homeowner in Pembrokeshire while, next door in Carmarthenshire, it takes 20 days. That is an inconsistency that is unfair and it needs to be addressed urgently.

Yr wyf yn gofidio, fel eraill mae’n sicr gennyf, fod hyd hyn oed yr addasiadau symlaf a rhataf yn gallu cymryd blwyddyn i’w prosesu. Dyna sy’n digwydd yn Sir Benfro. Mae’n cymryd ar gyfartaledd 359 diwrnod i wneud addasiad syml rhad ar gyfer perchennog preifat yn Sir Benfro, a’r drws nesaf yn Sir Gaerfyrddin mae’n cymryd 20 diwrnod.  Mae hynny’n anghysondeb sy’n annheg, ac y mae angen mynd i’r afael ag ef ar frys.

Earlier this year, the Assembly Government awarded more than £2 million for the rapid response adaptations programme. That provides minor adaptations, within 15 days, to the homes of those who have been discharged from hospital. Deputy Minister, I would like an update on whether that programme could be developed and targeted to help to remove some of the inconsistencies, such as those that I have just raised.

Yn gynharach eleni, rhoddodd Llywodraeth y Cynulliad dros £2 filiwn i’r rhaglen addasiadau brys. Mae’r rhaglen yn darparu mân addasiadau, cyn pen 15 niwrnod, i gartrefi pobl sydd wedi’u rhyddhau o’r ysbyty. Ddirprwy Weinidog, hoffwn gael y manylion diweddaraf ynghylch a ellid datblygu’r rhaglen honno a’i thargedu i helpu dileu rhai o’r anghysondebau, megis y rheini yr wyf newydd dynnu sylw atynt.

Another inconsistency in the system, which was mentioned in the report, is that when individuals find that the adaptation equipment that they have received ceases to work or is no longer fit for purpose, in some cases, councils insist that they go back on the list to be assessed and that occupational therapists come to their homes. I had a case where an individual had no bathing facilities and waited for a year to be reassessed by an occupational therapist. That is an appalling demonstration of how we treat elderly people today.

Anghysondeb arall yn y system, a grybwyllwyd yn yr adroddiad, yw’r ffaith fod cynghorau mewn rhai achosion, pan fydd unigolion yn gweld bod yr offer addasu a gawsant wedi torri neu bellach yn anaddas at eu diben, yn mynnu bod yr unigolion hynny’n dychwelyd i’r rhestr o bobl sydd i’w hasesu, ac yn mynnu bod therapyddion galwedigaethol yn dod i’w cartrefi. Cefais achos lle nad oedd gan unigolyn gyfleusterau ymolchi, a lle gorfu iddo aros am flwyddyn i therapydd galwedigaethol ei ailasesu. Mae achos o’r fath yn enghraifft ddychrynllyd o’r modd yr ydym yn trin pobl hŷn y dyddiau hyn.

The Deputy Minister for Housing (Jocelyn Davies): I attach great importance to today’s debate, not least because it allows me to reinforce the point that the housing needs of older people are, and will remain, a high priority for the Assembly Government, particularly in respect of home maintenance and housing adaptations.

Y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Dai (Jocelyn Davies): Yr wyf yn rhoi pwys mawr ar y ddadl hon heddiw, ac un o’m rhesymau pennaf dros wneud hynny yw ei bod yn gyfle imi atgyfnerthu’r pwynt fod anghenion pobl hŷn o ran tai yn flaenoriaeth uchel i Lywodraeth y Cynulliad yn awr ac i barhau’n flaenoriaeth uchel iddi yn y dyfodol, yn enwedig o ran cynnal a chadw cartrefi ac addasu tai.

As I said in my written response to the committee’s report on 14 September, the stark demographics of an ageing population are well known and do not need to be amplified. With people living longer and wishing to remain independent in their own homes, it is incumbent on the Assembly Government to ensure that the right policies and structures are in place so that services are delivered effectively, consistently and in accordance with the wishes of older people and, where appropriate, their carers and families. That is why the report and its recommendations are timely. I thank Ann and her committee for their efforts in producing it.

Fel y dywedais yn fy ymateb ysgrifenedig i adroddiad y pwyllgor ar 14 Medi, mae’r ddemograffeg drawiadol o ran poblogaeth sy’n heneiddio yn wybyddus i bawb, ac nid oes angen ymhelaethu arni. Wrth i bobl fyw’n hwy a dymuno aros yn annibynnol yn eu cartrefi eu hunain, mae’n ddyletswydd ar Lywodraeth y Cynulliad i sicrhau bod y polisïau a’r strwythurau cywir mewn grym i sicrhau darparu gwasanaethau’n effeithiol, yn gyson ac yn unol â dymuniadau pobl hŷn, a’u gofalwyr a’u teuluoedd lle bydd hynny’n briodol. Dyna pam mae’r adroddiad a’i argymhellion yn amserol. Diolchaf i Ann a’i phwyllgor am eu hymdrechion i’w gynhyrchu.

While much has been achieved in these policy areas, the committee has rightly highlighted a number of imperfections and systemic weaknesses that are prevalent in the current administrative and funding arrangements for home adaptations. We will certainly look to remedy and eliminate these and the other shortcomings that the committee describes. My acceptance of nearly all of the recommendations, at the very least in principle, shows that.

Er bod llawer wedi’i gyflawni yn y meysydd polisi hyn, mae’r pwyllgor wedi tynnu sylw, a hynny’n gwbl iawn, at nifer o ddiffygion a gwendidau yn y system sy’n gyffredin yn y trefniadau gweinyddol a’r trefniadau cyllido presennol ar gyfer addasu cartrefi. Byddwn yn sicr yn ceisio gwella a dileu’r rhain a’r gwendidau eraill a ddisgrifir gan y pwyllgor. Mae’r ffaith fy mod wedi derbyn bron pob un o’r argymhellion, o leiaf mewn egwyddor, yn dangos hynny.

Variability in service provision is in no-one’s interest, not least the older person, who rightly expects to receive equal treatment and the same high standards of service irrespective of where in Wales he or she lives. Crucial to the success of the policies and initiatives in this sphere is effective corporate working both within local authorities and between authorities and their partners. That was the main message of the 2005 Assembly report on housing adaptations, which the committee focused on strongly, and that remains the case today. It is imperative that each local authority housing and social services department has effective joint-working arrangements, that needless bureaucracy is eradicated and that the needs of the client are never lost in all of that. Moreover, local authorities as delivery agents must ensure consistency and parity in the way that they interpret legislation, in the way that they administer schemes, the way that information is given, and the way that services are delivered.

Nid yw amrywiadau yn y ddarpariaeth o ran gwasanaethau o fudd i neb, yn enwedig y person hŷn, sy’n hollol iawn yn disgwyl cael triniaeth gyfartal a’r un safonau uchel o wasanaeth, ni waeth ble yng Nghymru y mae’n byw. Yr hyn sy’n hollbwysig i lwyddiant y polisïau a’r mentrau yn y maes hwn yw gweithio corfforaethol effeithiol, o fewn awdurdodau lleol a rhwng awdurdodau a’u partneriaid. Dyna oedd y brif neges yn adroddiad y Cynulliad yn 2005 ar addasu tai y canolbwyntiodd y pwyllgor yn fanwl arno, ac y mae’r neges honno’n dal yn wir heddiw. Mae’n hanfodol i adran gwasanaethau cymdeithasol a thai ym mhob awdurdod lleol gael trefniadau cydweithio effeithiol, bod biwrocratiaeth ddiangen yn cael ei dileu, ac nad yw anghenion y cleient byth yn mynd ar goll ynghanol hynny i gyd. Yn ogystal, rhaid i awdurdodau lleol, yn rhinwedd y ffaith eu bod yn gyfryngau darparu, sicrhau cysondeb a chydraddoldeb yn y modd y maent yn dehongli deddfwriaeth, y modd y maent yn gweinyddu cynlluniau, y modd y caiff gwybodaeth ei rhoi, a’r modd y caiff gwasanaethau eu darparu.

In implementing the recommendations, we will work closely with the Welsh Local Government Association, other authorities and partner organisations in order to achieve these aspirations and the others specified by the committee. As you know, I have already written to the leaders and chief executive of the WLGA and will be meeting them shortly, on 2 December. I will be discussing the need for improvements in service delivery in this area and I will certainly write to you, Ann, following that meeting to let you know how things are progressing. The Assembly ought to be aware of the WLGA’s recent publication of its second benchmarking report on housing adaptations. Again, that is a timely report. I do not think that it was available for the committee to consider, but it does signify positive commitment on its part and I am pleased to acknowledge that it shows that 19 of the local authorities have improved their performance. I think that we would all be pleased about that.

Wrth weithredu’r argymhellion, byddwn yn cydweithio’n agos â Chymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru, awdurdodau eraill a sefydliadau partner er mwyn cyflawni’r dyheadau hyn a’r dyheadau eraill a nodwyd gan y pwyllgor. Fel y gwyddoch, yr wyf eisoes wedi ysgrifennu at arweinwyr a phrif weithredwr Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru, a byddaf yn cwrdd â hwy’n fuan ar 2 Rhagfyr. Byddaf yn trafod yr angen i wella’r modd y caiff gwasanaethau eu darparu yn y maes hwn, a byddaf yn sicr yn ysgrifennu atoch, Ann, yn dilyn y cyfarfod hwnnw i ddweud wrthych sut mae pethau’n dod yn eu blaen. Dylai’r Cynulliad fod yn ymwybodol fod Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru, yn ddiweddar, wedi cyhoeddi ei hail adroddiad meincnodi ar addasu tai. Unwaith eto, mae hwnnw’n adroddiad amserol. Ni chredaf ei fod ar gael i’r pwyllgor ei ystyried, ond y mae’n arwydd o ymrwymiad cadarnhaol ar ran y Gymdeithas, ac y mae’n bleser gennyf gydnabod bod yr adroddiad yn dangos bod 19 o’r awdurdodau lleol wedi gwella’u perfformiad. Credaf y byddem i gyd yn falch o hynny.

Ann, you also asked about the performance indicators. As you know, the regime is out to consultation currently. I would be happy to meet you after the analysis of that consultation has been undertaken. You mentioned occupational therapists. I have agreed to meet them regularly because I think that that will achieve the input that your committee wanted to see. I think that your committee probably based its recommendation on the practice in Northern Ireland, which did bring about considerable improvements, but please accept that the Assembly Government does not provide services directly to individuals, as the Northern Ireland Assembly does. Therefore, it is perhaps not applicable; your recommendation may not be as effective as you think that it would be in terms of improving performance. Please accept that I do want input from occupational therapists, but perhaps we do not need to employ one. What we need is for those who deliver the services to have them.

Ann, yr oeddech yn holi am y dangosyddion perfformiad. Fel y gwyddoch, mae ymgynghori am y drefn yn digwydd ar hyn o bryd. Byddwn yn fodlon cwrdd â chi ar ôl y dadansoddiad o’r ymgynghori hwnnw. Soniech am therapyddion galwedigaethol. Yr wyf wedi cytuno i gwrdd â hwy’n rheolaidd oherwydd credaf y bydd hynny’n rhoi’r mewnbwn yr oedd eich pwyllgor am ei weld. Credaf fod eich pwyllgor wedi seilio’i argymhelliad fwy na thebyg ar yr arfer yng Ngogledd Iwerddon, a fu’n gyfrifol am lawer iawn o welliannau. Ond gobeithio y derbyniwch nad yw Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn darparu gwasanaethau’n uniongyrchol i unigolion, fel y mae Cynulliad Gogledd Iwerddon yn ei wneud. Felly, efallai nad yw’n gymwys: efallai nad yw eich argymhelliad mor effeithiol ag y credwch o ran gwella perfformiad. Derbyniwch, ond gwelwch yn dda, fy mod am gael mewnbwn gan therapyddion galwedigaethol, ond efallai na fydd angen inni gyflogi un. Yr hyn y mae ei angen yw i’r rhai sy’n darparu’r gwasanaethau i gael therapyddion galwedigaethol.

Jonathan, handrails can be fast tracked. We allow for fast tracking of that kind in the guidance. Again, if you have examples, I would be very happy to have them.

Jonathan, gellir cyflymu’r broses o osod canllawiau. Caiff gwaith cyflymu o’r fath ei ganiatáu gennym yn yr arweiniad. Unwaith eto, os oes gennych enghreifftiau, byddwn yn falch iawn o’u cael.

Jonathan Morgan: The point that I was making in terms of the key performance indicators is that all adaptations are lumped into one indicator. That is a rather daft way of measuring how well local authorities perform. I know that you are consulting on it, but I think that there ought to be a commitment by Government to measure this in a proper way, in the same way that we would in the health service.

Jonathan Morgan: Y pwynt yr oeddwn yn ei wneud o ran y dangosyddion perfformiad allweddol oedd fod yr holl addasiadau’n cael eu trin gyda’i gilydd mewn un dangosydd. Mae’n ffordd hurt braidd o fesur perfformiad awdurdodau lleol. Gwn eich bod yn ymgynghori am y drefn, ond credaf y dylai’r Llywodraeth ymrwymo i fesur perfformiad yn gywir, fel y byddem yn y gwasanaeth iechyd.

Jocelyn Davies: You will remember that when I gave my evidence, I said that I would be happy to refine the performance indicators so that they properly reflect what is going on because we know that some adaptations may take a very long time, especially if planning permission and so on is required. That can skew the results of a local authority that would otherwise be doing extremely well. I am therefore happy to refine them.

Jocelyn Davies: Pan roddais fy nhystiolaeth, fe gofiwch imi ddweud y byddwn yn fodlon mireinio’r dangosyddion perfformiad er mwyn iddynt adlewyrchu’n gywir yr hyn sy’n digwydd, oherwydd gwyddom y gall rhai addasiadau gymryd amser maith i’w cyflawni, yn enwedig os oes angen caniatâd cynllunio, ac yn y blaen. Gall hynny gamystumio canlyniadau awdurdod lleol a fyddai fel arall yn perfformio’n eithriadol o dda. Yr wyf felly’n fodlon eu mireinio.

4.40 p.m.

I accept that the committee was thorough, and I hope that you accept that the Government has provided the legislation and provides guidance and funding. I am assured that there are sufficient training places for occupational therapists. The shortage of occupational therapists employed is not therefore the result of a shortage in occupational therapists being trained.

Yr wyf yn derbyn bod y pwyllgor wedi bod yn drwyadl, a gobeithio eich bod yn derbyn bod y Llywodraeth wedi darparu’r ddeddfwriaeth a’i bod yn darparu arweiniad a chyllid. Caf fy sicrhau bod digon o leoedd hyfforddi ar gael i therapyddion galwedigaethol. Felly, nid yw’r prinder therapyddion galwedigaethol a gyflogir yn ganlyniad i brinder yn nifer y therapyddion galwedigaethol sy’n cael eu hyfforddi.

Val, you mentioned information in recommendation 9. I accept that recommendation, and I will be discussing this matter with Care and Repair at the earliest opportunity.

Val, yr oeddech yn sôn am wybodaeth yn argymhelliad 9. Yr wyf yn derbyn yr argymhelliad hwnnw, a byddaf yn trafod y mater hwn gyda Gofal a Thrwsio cyn gynted ag y bo modd.

Peter, you mentioned the 2005 report and the finance. I do not know that report well. I am happy to look at it, but I am told by officials that two loan pilot schemes are under way with the Home Improvement Trust. I am happy to write to you, Ann, as the committee Chair, about the outcome of those pilot schemes, as soon as that is known.

Peter, yr oeddech yn sôn am adroddiad 2005 a’r cyllid. Nid wyf yn gyfarwydd iawn â’r adroddiad hwnnw. Yr wyf yn fodlon edrych arno, ond dywed swyddogion wrthyf fod dau gynllun peilot ar fenthyciadau ar y gweill ar hyn o bryd, gyda’r Ymddiriedolaeth Gwella Cartrefi. Yr wyf yn barod i ysgrifennu atoch, Ann, fel Cadeirydd y pwyllgor, ynghylch canlyniad y cynlluniau peilot hynny, cyn gynted ag y bydd yn hysbys.

Janet, you also mentioned occupational therapists, and I hope that you accept that there cannot be a direct comparison with what is going on in Northern Ireland, because we do not provide these services directly. I am happy to meet occupational therapists regularly. You are quite right, of course, that they may not be needed for straightforward assessments, and local authorities must not delay assessments by saying that an occupational therapist needs to call. Often, what is needed is a suitably qualified person, rather than an occupational therapist.

Janet, yr oeddech chi hefyd yn sôn am therapyddion galwedigaethol, a gobeithio eich bod yn derbyn na ellir cymharu’n uniongyrchol yr hyn sy’n digwydd yma â’r hyn sy’n digwydd yng Ngogledd Iwerddon, oherwydd nid ydym yn darparu’r gwasanaethau hyn yn uniongyrchol. Yr wyf yn fodlon cwrdd â therapyddion galwedigaethol yn rheolaidd. Yr ydych yn llygad eich lle, wrth gwrs, wrth ddweud na fyddai eu hangen efallai ar gyfer asesiadau syml, a rhaid i awdurdodau lleol beidio â gohirio asesiadau drwy ddweud bod angen i therapydd galwedigaethol alw. Yr hyn y mae ei angen yn aml yw unigolyn sydd â chymwysterau addas, yn hytrach na therapydd galwedigaethol.

Byddwn yn sicr yn annog llywodraeth leol a landlordiaid cymdeithasol i ddatblygu cofrestrau, a byddaf yn ceisio cyngor ar yr agweddau cyfreithiol yn ymwneud â chynnal a chadw addasiadau yn y sector tai rhent cymdeithasol. Gwn fod yr arfer yn amrywio o un landlord cymdeithasol i’r llall.

Some Members have mentioned resources and hypothecation. It is true that, in England, this funding is hypothecated, but we ought to acknowledge that there is no spend above the hypothecation, which can, in fact, lead to fewer adaptations being carried out. If we were to apply the Barnett formula to the spend in England, officials tell me that we would spend about £6 million a year in Wales. Members will be delighted to hear that, in fact, we spend £40 million a year. So, before we say that hypothecation is required, we ought to consider the possibility that it can act as a perverse incentive and lead in the long term to less money being spent on what we want it to be spent on.

Soniodd rhai Aelodau am adnoddau a neilltuo adnoddau. Mae’n wir bod y cyllid hwn yn cael ei neilltuo yn Lloegr, ond dylem gydnabod nad oes dim gwariant y tu hwnt i’r hyn a neilltuir i’w wario, a all arwain mewn gwirionedd at wneud llai o addasiadau. Pe baem yn cymhwyso fformiwla Barnett i’r gwariant yn Lloegr, dywed swyddogion wrthyf y byddem yn gwario tua £6 miliwn y flwyddyn yng Nghymru. Bydd Aelodau’n falch clywed ein bod, mewn gwirionedd, yn gwario £40 miliwn y flwyddyn. Felly, cyn inni ddweud bod angen neilltuo cyllid, dylem ystyried y posibilrwydd y gallai hynny fod yn gymhelliant gwrthnysig, ac y gallai arwain yn y tymor hir at wario llai ar yr hyn y dymunwn i’r arian gael ei wario arno.

I reaffirm, as I said in my written response, that the committee has done older people a valuable service in highlighting the problems that they face in obtaining adaptations. The report also provides a solid platform on which to tackle the issues that have come to light. Again, I commend the committee on its diligence and its commitment.

Hoffwn gadarnhau unwaith eto, fel y dywedais yn fy ymateb ysgrifenedig, fod y pwyllgor wedi gwneud cymwynas werthfawr â phobl hŷn wrth dynnu sylw at y problemau sy’n eu hwynebu wrth gael addasiadau. Mae’r adroddiad hefyd yn darparu llwyfan cadarn ar gyfer mynd i’r afael â’r materion a ddaeth i’r amlwg. Unwaith eto, hoffwn ganmol y pwyllgor am ei ddiwydrwydd a’i ymrwymiad.

Ann Jones: I thank the Members who have taken part in this debate, and the Deputy Minister for reiterating her commitment to look at these recommendations. To those Members who mentioned the fact that I chair this committee, I should say that I see it as a team effort. I like to think that we work as a team, and we therefore get the best out of it.

Ann Jones: Diolchaf i’r Aelodau sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn y ddadl hon, a’r Dirprwy Weinidog am ailadrodd ei hymrwymiad i edrych ar yr argymhellion hyn. O ran yr Aelodau hynny a soniodd fy mod yn Gadeirydd y pwyllgor hwn, dylwn ddweud wrthynt fy mod yn ystyried yr adroddiad yn ymdrech gan y tîm cyfan. Hoffwn feddwl ein bod yn gweithio fel tîm, a’n bod felly’n cael y gorau allan ohono.

Jonathan, you are so right, because you provided the joined-up thinking in all this. You discussed what we were discussing yesterday and how crucial it is that we get housing adaptations right. I am grateful to you for the way in which you do that on the committee at all times.

Jonathan, yr ydych yn llygad eich lle, oherwydd chi a ddarparodd y dull cydgysylltiedig o feddwl yn hyn i gyd. Yr oeddech yn trafod yr hyn y buom yn ei drafod ddoe, a phwysigrwydd cael trefn ar addasu tai. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar ichi am y modd y byddwch yn gwneud hynny bob amser ar y pwyllgor.

Many of us have mentioned that information is important. I am grateful to Val and to Peter, who are not on the committee, for taking an interest in this matter. Val, you are so right, information is so important, and it is important that older people get information in a way that they can understand, and that they feel empowered to do that.

Mae nifer ohonom wedi sôn bod gwybodaeth yn bwysig. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i Val a Peter, nad ydynt ar y pwyllgor, am ddangos diddordeb yn y mater hwn. Val, yr ydych yn hollol gywir, mae gwybodaeth yn bwysig tu hwnt, ac y mae’n bwysig i bobl hŷn gael gwybodaeth mewn modd sy’n ddealladwy iddynt, a’u bod yn teimlo y cânt eu grymuso i gael y wybodaeth honno.

Peter, you mentioned that we did not look at an item in the 2005 review. In the Committee on Equality of Opportunity we got bogged down somewhat in the issue of whether we were a subject, policy committee or whether we were trying to look at equality across the piece. We have to remember that we are the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, and we have to try to look at that.

Peter, soniech na fuom yn edrych ar eitem yn adolygiad 2005. Yn y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, cawsom ein llesteirio rywfaint gan y cwestiwn a oeddem yn bwyllgor polisi pwnc, ynteu a oeddem yn ceisio edrych ar gydraddoldeb yn gyffredinol. Rhaid inni gofio mai ni yw’r Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, a rhaid inni geisio edrych ar hynny.

Peter Black: It was not meant as a criticism of the committee, Ann. I was just trying to draw out the point for the Deputy Minister.

Peter Black: Nid oeddwn yn bwriadu i’r sylw fod yn feirniadaeth o’r pwyllgor, Ann. Y cyfan yr oeddwn yn ceisio’i wneud oedd cyfleu’r pwynt i’r Dirprwy Weinidog.

Ann Jones: That is fine, and I did not take it as a criticism. However, we need to put on record the committee’s position in undertaking reviews. You aired the point about occupational therapists, as did many others.

Ann Jones: Mae hynny’n iawn, ac nid oeddwn yn ystyried y sylw’n feirniadaeth. Fodd bynnag, mae angen inni gofnodi sefyllfa’r pwyllgor o ran gwneud adolygiadau. Gwyntyllu y pwynt gennych ynghylch therapyddion galwedigaethol, fel llawer un arall.

The point that Janet made on occupational therapists, however, was the one that we were trying to get across, which is about where they sit in the corporate structure. Are they are at a level where they can dictate a change in the budget heading, or are they at a level where they are told what they can do? We made the recommendation that you look at that because we wanted someone at a level that was able to dictate budget heads, because where they sit in the structure of corporate responsibility is important.

Y pwynt yr oeddem yn ceisio’i gyfleu ynghylch therapyddion galwedigaethol, fodd bynnag, oedd y pwynt a wnaeth Janet, sef safle therapyddion galwedigaethol yn y strwythur corfforaethol. A ydynt ar lefel lle gallant gyfarwyddo newid ym mhennawd y gyllideb, ynteu a ydynt ar lefel lle dywedir wrthynt beth y gallant ei wneud? Cyflwynwyd yr argymhelliad gennym y dylech ystyried y mater, oherwydd yr oeddem am gael rhywrai ar lefel lle gallent gyfarwyddo penawdau cyllidebau, oherwydd mae eu safle yn y strwythur cyfrifoldeb corfforaethol yn bwysig.

On the common register for adapted houses, we were astounded to hear that some local authorities will put in an adaptation for a person, but when that person moves on they take out the adaptation so that the house is restored to how it was originally. Those local authorities will not look at its register to see whether there is someone that could benefit from that adaptation. We found that to be astounding, and I still cannot believe that that happens, but I am informed that it does. We want to see a common housing register so that that does not happen.

O ran y gofrestr gyffredin o dai wedi’u haddasu, cawsom ein syfrdanu o glywed bod rhai awdurdodau lleol, pan fyddant wedi gwneud addasiad ar gyfer unigolyn a’r unigolyn hwnnw’n symud allan, yn tynnu’r addasiad oddi yno i adfer y tŷ i’w gyflwr gwreiddiol. Nid yw’r awdurdodau lleol hynny’n edrych ar eu cofrestr i weld a oes rhywun a allai gael budd o’r addasiad dan sylw. Yr oedd hynny’n ein syfrdanu, ac ni allaf gredu o hyd ei fod yn digwydd, ond dywedir wrthyf bod hynny’n wir. Yr ydym am weld cofrestr gyffredin o dai er mwyn sicrhau nad yw hynny’n digwydd.

We must look carefully at the points that Janet made about maintenance. Many older people who have gone through the private sector because they cannot afford to wait for local authority adaptations have found themselves in great difficulties over maintenance costs.

Rhaid inni edrych yn ofalus ar y pwyntiau a wnaeth Janet am gynnal a chadw. Mae llawer o bobl hŷn sydd wedi mynd drwy’r sector preifat, oherwydd na allant fforddio aros am addasiadau gan awdurdodau lleol, wedi cael eu hunain eu hunain mewn trafferthion mawr o ran costau cynnal a chadw.

Joyce highlighted the inconsistency between a local authority and neighbouring authorities. So, for someone that lives on the border of one authority, two or three streets down the road they see their counterparts receiving the adaptation much quicker, which is what we found as a committee. That is the area that we are looking at in terms of equality of service. I also thank Joyce, because she invited me to west Wales to meet older people there. I spent a great morning with them where they told us their views. If they are listening, I hope that they feel that we have done them justice.  

Tynnodd Joyce sylw at yr anghysondeb rhwng awdurdod lleol ac awdurdodau cyfagos. Felly, i rywrai sy’n byw ar ffin un awdurdod, byddant yn gweld eu cymheiriaid sy’n byw ddwy neu dair stryd i ffwrdd yn cael yr addasiad ynghynt o lawer, a dyna a ddarganfuom fel pwyllgor. Dyna’r maes yr ydym yn edrych arno o ran sicrhau gwasanaeth cyfartal. Diolch hefyd i Joyce, oherwydd cefais wahoddiad ganddi i’r gorllewin i gwrdd â phobl hŷn yno. Treuliais fore bendigedig yn eu cwmni, lle buont yn dweud eu barn wrthym. Os ydynt yn gwrando, gobeithio’u bod yn teimlo inni wneud cyfiawnder â hwy.

I thank Jocelyn for her response to the debate. On where we go from here, we want to keep a regular dialogue with you and we appreciate that you have made a commitment and that you came to the committee to openly discuss things with us. Thank you for saying that you will keep the committee informed. We do not want to produce another report saying that people are still waiting for adaptations—we want to see the recommendations being implemented effectively. We want to see all older people across Wales receiving the adaptations and the service that they need wherever they live. I am sure that we can arrange to do that, and the committee will keep monitoring the recommendations from the report so that we do not have to have a further report.

Diolch i Jocelyn am ei hymateb i’r ddadl. O ran y cyfeiriad y dylem fynd yn awr, yr ydym am drafod yn rheolaidd gyda chi, ac yr ydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich bod wedi ymrwymo, ac wedi dod i’r pwyllgor i drafod pethau’n agored gyda ni. Diolch am ddweud y byddwch yn rhoi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i’r pwyllgor. Nid ydym am gynhyrchu adroddiad arall sy’n dweud bod pobl yn dal i aros am addasiadau—yr ydym am weld yr argymhellion yn cael eu gweithredu’n effeithiol. Yr ydym am weld pobl hŷn i gyd ledled Cymru’n cael yr addasiadau a’r gwasanaeth y mae arnynt eu hangen, ni waeth ble maent yn byw. Yr wyf yn siŵr y gallwn drefnu gwneud hynny, a bydd y pwyllgor yn parhau i fonitro argymhellion yr adroddiad fel na fydd yn rhaid inni gael adroddiad arall.

The Deputy Presiding Officer: The motion is to note the committee’s report. Is there any objection? I see that there is not. In accordance with Standing Order No. 7.35, the motion is therefore agreed.

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru:

yn nodi adroddiad y Pwyllgor Menter a Dysgu, 'Lleihau Nifer y Bobl a Gaiff eu Hanafu neu eu Lladd a Rheoli Cefnffyrdd’, a osodwyd yn y Swyddfa Gyflwyno ar 23 Medi 2009. (NDM4326)

notes the report of the Enterprise and Learning Committee, 'Casualty Reduction and Trunk Road Management’, which was laid in the Table Office on 23 September 2009. (NDM4326)

Fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Menter a Dysgu, yr wyf yn falch o agor y ddadl ar ein hadroddiad ar leihau damweiniau a rheoli cefnffyrdd a gafodd ei gyflwyno ar 23 Medi, a diolchaf i’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog am ei ymateb cadarnhaol i’r argymhellion.

As Chair of the Enterprise and Learning Committee, I am delighted to open this debate on our report on casualty reduction and trunk road management, which was laid on 23 September, and I thank the Deputy First Minister for his very positive response to our recommendations.

Gan fod y strategaeth a’r targedau diogelwch ffyrdd presennol yng Nghymru yn parhau tan 2010, a chan fod strategaeth newydd i Brydain sy’n gosod targedau hyd 2020 wedi cael ei lansio ar gyfer ymgynghori arnynt, mae’n amserol inni ddylanwadu ar amcanion Llywodraeth Cymru yn y maes hwn. Diolchaf hefyd i’r tystion eraill yn ein hymchwiliad, sef Sustrans, yr elusen trafnidiaeth gynaliadwy, cyn-brif gwnstabl Heddlu Gogledd Cymru, cymdeithas y cludwyr, sef y Freight Trade Association, a Diogelwch Ffyrdd Cymru. Cawsom dystiolaeth ysgrifenedig hefyd gan yr elusen genedlaethol sy’n cynrychioli cerddwyr, Living Streets.

Given that the current road safety strategy and targets for Wales cover the period up to 2010, and as a new Great Britain strategy rolling these targets forward to 2020 has been launched for consultation, it is timely for us to be influencing Welsh Government thinking in this area. I also thank the other witnesses in our inquiry: Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, the then former chief constable of North Wales Police, the Freight Trade Association and Road Safety Wales. Living Streets, the national charity that represents pedestrians, also provided us with written evidence.

Gadewch imi ddechrau drwy ddweud bod gan Brydain y record orau yn Ewrop o ran diogelwch ffyrdd, ac mae cyfradd y damweiniau’n gostwng ymhlith pob grŵp o ddefnyddwyr ffyrdd. Fodd bynnag, mae tua 1,400 o bobl yn cael eu lladd neu eu hanafu’n ddifrifol ar ffyrdd Cymru bob blwyddyn, gan gynnwys 115 o blant, ac mae 74 y cant o’r holl farwolaethau ar ffyrdd a 68 y cant o ddamweiniau beicwyr modur, yn digwydd ar ffyrdd gwledig. Mae’r rhain yn golledion annerbyniol.

Let me start by saying that Britain has the best road safety record in Europe, and the frequency of accidents is falling for all road user groups. However, some 1,400 people are killed or seriously injured on Welsh roads every year, including 115 children, and 74 per cent of all road deaths and 68 per cent of motorcycling casualties in Wales occur on rural roads. These are unacceptable losses.

Casgliad cyffredinol ein hadroddiad yw y byddai modd lleihau nifer y marwolaethau ar ffyrdd yng Nghymru drwy ddefnyddio technoleg well a thrwy weithio mewn partneriaeth, ond yn fwy na dim drwy arweiniad cliriach gan y Llywodraeth. Felly, mae prif argymhellion ein hadroddiad fel a ganlyn. Dylai fod mwy o gydweithio rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru, awdurdodau lleol, y gwasanaethau argyfwng a sefydliadau eraill i ostwng cyfartaledd cyflymdra ar rwydwaith ffyrdd Cymru. Dylai awdurdodau lleol orfodi cyfyngiadau o 20 mya mewn mannau prysur yng nghanol trefi ac ardaloedd preswyl. Mae cynllun yn Hull, er enghraifft, wedi gweld anafiadau cyffredinol yn gostwng 60 y cant, ac mae anafiadau i blant yn cerdded wedi gostwng 75 y cant. Argymhelliad arall yw y dylai Llywodraeth Cymru gadw llygad ar gyfyngiadau cyflymder ar ffyrdd gwledig ac annog awdurdodau lleol i wneud mwy o ddefnydd o’u pwerau i ostwng cyfyngiadau cyflymder i 40 mya lle bo hynny’n addas. Drwy wneud hyn, byddent yn ymateb ymlaen llaw i bryderon sy’n cael eu codi am ardaloedd lle mae goryrru’n broblem. Byddai hyn yn llawer gwell nag ymateb ar ôl i farwolaethau neu anafiadau ddigwydd. Dylid buddsoddi ymhellach mewn technoleg camera cyfartaledd cyflymder ar y rhwydwaith cefnffyrdd yng Nghymru a thargedu cwmnïau masnachol sydd â record wael o ddiogelwch, er ein bod yn deall nad yw’r mater hwn wedi’i ddatganoli. Dylai gyrwyr lorïau ddefnyddio technegau gyrru diogel a darbodus eu defnydd o danwydd a dylai fod mwy o gyfleusterau gorffwys ac aros dros nos i yrwyr ar y ffyrdd pwysicaf. Dylai Cymru osod ei thargedau ei hun ar gyfer diogelwch traffig ffyrdd ar gyfer 2020 a fydd yn rhoi sylw i amgylchiadau penodol rhwydwaith ffyrdd Cymru. Dylai Llywodraeth Cymru ystyried creu asiantaeth gefnffyrdd genedlaethol gan fod y patrwm presennol o reoli rhwydwaith cefnffyrdd yng Nghymru mor gymhleth. Felly, yr wyf yn croesawu adolygiad y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog o’r trefniadau ar hyn o bryd ac edrychaf ymlaen at ei gasgliadau, a fydd yn barod yn y flwyddyn newydd.

The overall conclusion of our report is that the number of road deaths in Wales could be cut by using better technology and through partnership working, but above all by clearer leadership from Government. The main recommendations of our report, therefore, are as follows. There should be greater co-operation between the Welsh Government, local authorities, emergency services and other organisations to drive down average speeds on the road network in Wales. Local authorities should enforce 20 mph zones in busy town centres and residential areas. A scheme in Hull, for example, has seen overall injuries reduce by 60 per cent, and child pedestrian injuries have declined by 75 per cent. Another recommendation is that the Welsh Government should keep under review speed limits on rural roads and encourage local authorities to make greater use of their powers to lower speed limits to 40 mph where appropriate. In doing so, they would respond pre-emptively to concerns raised about areas where speeding is a problem. This would be much better than reacting after casualties have arisen. Further investment is needed in average-speed camera technology on the trunk road network in Wales, and commercial operators with poor safety records should be targeted, although we understand that this is a non-devolved mater. Freight operators should use safe and fuel-efficient driving techniques and more rest and overnight facilities should be available for drivers on major routes. Wales should set its own targets for road traffic safety for 2020, which take into account the specific circumstances of the Welsh road network. The Welsh Government should consider the creation of a national trunk roads agency because the current pattern of trunk road network management in Wales is so complicated. I therefore welcome the review by the Deputy First Minister of current arrangements and I look forward to his findings, due in the New Year.

I am pleased that the Minister has decided to accept our recommendations in full or in principle, and that for the two that he rejected—because powers are not devolved—he will arrange for the appropriate UK Government department to receive a copy of our recommendations. I should stress that the committee did not see speeding tickets as the answer to preventing deaths through road accidents, but we believe that enforcement, along with education and closer co-operation, is the route to safer roads in Wales, and to reducing vehicle emissions at the same time. We believe that it is essential to change the hearts and minds of current and future road users.

Yr wyf yn falch bod y Gweinidog wedi penderfynu derbyn ein hargymhellion yn llawn neu mewn egwyddor, ac y bydd yng nghyswllt y ddau a wrthodwyd ganddo—oherwydd nad yw’r pwerau perthnasol wedi’u datganoli—yn trefnu bod yr adran briodol yn Llywodraeth y DU yn cael copi o’n hargymhellion. Dylwn bwysleisio nad oedd y pwyllgor yn credu mai cosbi â thocynnau goryrru yw’r ateb i atal marwolaethau mewn damweiniau ffordd. Yn hytrach, credwn mai gwaith gorfodi, ynghyd ag addysg a chydweithio agosach, a fydd yn arwain at ffyrdd mwy diogel yng Nghymru, ac lleihau allyriadau cerbydau ar yr un pryd. Credwn ei bod yn hanfodol newid calonnau a meddyliau defnyddwyr presennol ffyrdd a defnyddwyr y dyfodol.

We were particularly concerned to hear that uninsured drivers and those who fail to stop after a road collision are involved in an estimated 160 road deaths and injury to 23,000 other road users every year. Drivers without a vehicle excise licence or without a driving licence also feature highly in road collisions. We were therefore impressed to hear about the partnership between the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and North Wales Police that led to over 1,800 vehicles being seized and removed from the roads during a dedicated 23-day operation, which proved good value for money and very popular with the general public. We commended this initiative for being the largest operation of its kind in the UK and we believe that more such enforcement campaigns should be carried out.

Yr oeddem yn pryderu’n arbennig o glywed bod gyrwyr heb yswiriant, a gyrwyr sy’n gwrthod aros ar ôl damwain ffordd, yn gysylltiedig â thua 160 o farwolaethau ar y ffyrdd, ac yn gysylltiedig ag anafiadau i 23,000 o ddefnyddwyr eraill bob blwyddyn. Mae gyrwyr heb drwydded treth cerbyd neu drwydded yrru hefyd yn gysylltiedig â nifer fawr o ddamweiniau ffordd. Yr oeddem yn hynod falch clywed, felly, am y bartneriaeth rhwng yr Asiantaeth Trwyddedu Gyrwyr a Cherbydau a Heddlu Gogledd Cymru, a arweiniodd at atafaelu dros 1,800 o gerbydau a’u tynnu oddi ar y ffordd yn ystod cyfnod penodol o 23 diwrnod. Yr oedd  yn rhoi gwerth da am yr arian ac yn boblogaidd iawn ymysg y cyhoedd. Canmolwyd y fenter hon am fod yr un fwyaf o’i bath yn y DU, a chredwn y dylid cynnal mwy o ymgyrchoedd gorfodi tebyg.

In conclusion, in focusing our inquiry on casualty reduction, we did not wish to forget the wider picture of Wales’s national transport policy. Despite the Welsh Government’s new transport strategy, we regrettably anticipate a continuing increase in the volume of vehicular traffic on Welsh roads. This will not help to change the travel behaviour of motorists, and will not contribute to health, lifestyle or environmental strategic objectives or social exclusion policy.

I gloi, wrth ganolbwyntio ein hymchwiliad ar leihau nifer y bobl sy’n cael eu hanafu neu eu lladd, nid ydym am anghofio’r darlun ehangach o bolisi trafnidiaeth cenedlaethol Cymru. Er gwaethaf strategaeth drafnidiaeth newydd Llywodraeth Cymru, yr ydym yn anffodus yn rhagweld cynnydd parhaus yn nifer y cerbydau ar ffyrdd Cymru. Ni fydd hynny’n helpu newid ymddygiad modurwyr wrth deithio, ac ni fydd yn cyfrannu at amcanion strategol ar iechyd, ffordd o fyw neu’r amgylchedd na pholisi ar allgau cymdeithasol.

Walking and cycling account for a quarter of journeys, yet the Welsh Government’s budget of £25 million for walking and cycling initiatives is less than 8 per cent of the £320 million roads budget. I am very pleased that the Deputy First Minister has agreed to consider increasing his walking and cycling budget, but the wider message of our inquiry must be to encourage greater emphasis in Government policies on effecting cultural and behavioural change, not only among current and future road users, but also among the transport planners and the engineers who design the transport infrastructure.

Mae cerdded a beicio yn cyfrif am chwarter y teithiau a wneir, ond er hynny mae cyllideb Llywodraeth Cymru o £25 miliwn ar gyfer mentrau cerdded a beicio yn llai nag wyth y cant o’r gyllideb o £320 miliwn ar gyfer ffyrdd. Yr wyf yn falch iawn fod y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog wedi cytuno i ystyried cynyddu ei gyllideb cerdded a beicio, ond rhaid mai neges ehangach ein hymchwiliad yw annog mwy o bwyslais ym mholisïau’r Llywodraeth ar sicrhau newid mewn diwylliant ac ymddygiad, nid yn unig ymysg defnyddwyr ffyrdd heddiw ac yn y dyfodol, ond ymysg cynllunwyr trafnidiaeth a pheirianwyr sy’n cynllunio’r seilwaith trafnidiaeth.

Finally, it was our impression that many agencies are trying to convey similar messages about road safety, but in different ways. I am therefore delighted that the Deputy First Minister agreed with our recommendation for a more strategic approach to achieving targets and implementing strategies. While the UK may be at the forefront of road safety in Europe, deaths or injuries in road collisions are not acceptable in a contemporary, progressive Welsh society. Everyone must work together in partnership to improve safety on our roads, when incidents occur and also in delivering proactive initiatives and programmes to prevent them happening in the first place.

Yn olaf, cawsom yr argraff fod llawer o asiantaethau’n ceisio cyfleu negeseuon tebyg am ddiogelwch ar yn ffordd, ond mewn gwahanol ddulliau. Yr wyf wrth fy modd, felly, fod y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog wedi cytuno â’n hargymhelliad ar ddull mwy strategol o gyrraedd targedau a gweithredu strategaethau. Er mai’r DU sydd ar y blaen efallai o ran diogelwch ar y ffyrdd yn Ewrop, nid yw marwolaethau nac anafiadau mewn damweiniau ffordd yn dderbyniol mewn cymdeithas Gymreig gyfoes a blaengar. Rhaid i bawb gydweithio mewn partneriaeth i wella diogelwch ar ein ffyrdd, pan fydd digwyddiadau ac wrth i fentrau a rhaglenni gweithredol gael eu darparu i’w rhwystro rhag digwydd yn y lle cyntaf.

Y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog: Diolchaf i Gareth Jones am gyflwyno adroddiad y Pwyllgor Menter a Dysgu. Diolchaf hefyd i holl aelodau’r pwyllgor am eu gwaith yn casglu tystiolaeth a chynnal ymchwiliad i’r hyn y gellid ei wneud i leihau nifer y bobl sy’n cael eu hanafu a’u lladd ar y ffyrdd ac i’r modd y rheolir ein cefnffyrdd.

The Deputy First Minister: I thank Gareth Jones for introducing the report of the Enterprise and Learning Committee. I also thank members of the committee for all their work in gathering evidence and undertaking their inquiry into casualty reduction and trunk road management.

Fel y soniais yn fy ymateb ysgrifenedig i’r pwyllgor, mae diogelwch ar y ffyrdd yn rhan hanfodol o’n polisi ar reoli ein rhwydwaith cefnffyrdd, ac mae lleihau nifer y bobl sy’n cael eu hanafu a’u lladd ar y ffyrdd ym mhob rhan o Gymru yn flaenoriaeth uchel i’r Llywodraeth. Yr ydym wedi ymrwymo i leihau anafiadau a damweiniau traffig ac i ddatblygu amgylchedd sy’n fwy diogel i holl ddefnyddwyr y ffyrdd.

As I said in my written response to the committee, road safety is an intrinsic element of our trunk road network management and reducing the number of road casualties in all parts of Wales is a high priority. We are committed to reducing road traffic collisions and injuries, and developing a safer environment for all roads users.

Fel y cydnabu’r Cadeirydd, yr oeddwn yn falch o fedru derbyn mwyafrif yr argymhellion yn adroddiad y pwyllgor. Maent naill ai’n cyd-fynd yn agos â’n polisïau cyfredol neu mae gwaith eisoes ar y gweill ar nifer o fesurau a chynlluniau, neu yr ydym wedi ystyried derbyn rhai eraill a gweithredu arnynt. Yn naturiol, bydd angen ystyried ac ymchwilio ymhellach i rai o’r argymhellion, ond cefnogaf fwriad y cynigion a chredaf y dylid cymryd camau i’w cyflawni. Fel y cydnabuoch, Gareth, ni allaf dderbyn dau o’r argymhellion, am eu bod yn gysylltiedig â materion sydd heb eu datganoli. Fodd bynnag, am fy mod yn cefnogi bwriad y ddau argymhelliad hynny, yr wyf wedi ymrwymo i sicrhau bod yr adran berthnasol yn Llywodraeth y Deyrnas Gyfunol yn cael copi ohonynt.

As the Chair acknowledged, I was pleased to be able to accept the majority of the recommendations in the committee’s report. They fit closely with our current policies and work is already underway on a number of initiatives and schemes, or we have considered accepting others and acting on them. Obviously, some of the recommendations will require further consideration and investigation, but I support the intent of the proposals and believe that steps should be taken to achieve them. As you acknowledged, Gareth, I was unable to accept two of the recommendations as they related to non-devolved matters. However, since I support the intent of both these recommendations, I have made a commitment to ensure that the appropriate UK Government department receives a copy of them.

Fel yr ydym oll yn cydnabod, yr ydym wedi ymrwymo i wneud y ffyrdd yn fwy diogel i bob defnyddiwr, ac yr ydym yn ariannu ac yn cefnogi amrywiaeth o fesurau sydd â’r nod o gyflawni hyn. Mae’r mesurau’n cwmpasu nifer o gynlluniau i wella diogelwch ar y ffyrdd, gan gynnwys gwella’r seilwaith, cyflwyno mesurau gostegu traffig ac annog dulliau eraill o deithio heblaw’r car—yr oeddwn yn falch i agor cyfleuster parcio a theithio ym Mhentwyn yng Nghaerdydd yn ddiweddar, sy’n cael ei ddefnyddio’n dda, gyda’r bwriad i ymestyn y defnydd yno. Credaf hefyd fod newid ymddygiad pobl yn bwysig, fel yr awgrymoch, Gadeirydd, ac felly, mae dysgu plant a phobl eraill sy’n defnyddio’r ffyrdd i wneud hynny mewn ffordd fwy diogel yn hynod o bwysig.

As we have all acknowledged, we are committed to making roads safer for all road users, and we fund and support a range of measures aimed at achieving this. Those measures include a number of schemes to improve road safety, including making infrastructure improvements, introducing traffic calming measures, encouraging the use of alternative modes of travel to the car—I was pleased to open park-and-ride facilities in Pentwyn, Cardiff, recently, which is well used, with the intention of expanding its use.  I also believe that changing people’s behaviour is important, as you suggested, Chair, and therefore, educating children and other road users to use the roads in the safest way possible is very important.

5.00 p.m.

I am pleased that we are making good progress towards meeting the UK Government casualty reduction targets, which are to be achieved by 2010. We have seen a reduction of 31 per cent in the numbers killed or seriously injured; that is against a target of 40 per cent. There has also been a reduction of 60 per cent in the number of children killed or seriously injured against a target of 50 per cent. We have therefore gone further than that target, and slight or non-critical injuries are down 37 per cent against a target of 10 per cent. Therefore, the Government has have either achieved the targets already or is close to doing so.

Yn ystod y degawd diwethaf mae llawer o fywydau wedi’u hachub oherwydd addysg, mesurau gorfodi a mentrau peirianneg. Fel yr awgrymasoch, mae gan derfynau cyflymder rôl sylfaenol i’w chwarae wrth gyrraedd y targedau hyn, ac yn gynharach yn y mis cyhoeddais y canllawiau 'Pennu Terfynau Cyflymder Lleol yng Nghymru’. Mae gan awdurdodau lleol gyfle yn awr i edrych ar eu polisïau ac i adolygu’r terfynau cyflymder ar eu holl ffyrdd dosbarth A a B, a rhoi unrhyw newidiadau angenrheidiol ar waith erbyn 31 Rhagfyr 2014.

Mae’n bwysig inni sylweddoli bod yn rhaid inni weithio’n agos gyda’n holl bartneriaid sy’n ymwneud â darparu a gwella diogelwch ar y ffyrdd yng Nghymru, a byddwn yn parhau i weithio gyda’n gilydd i sicrhau bod y polisïau a’r mentrau iawn yn eu lle. Yr wyf yn edrych ymlaen at glywed sylwadau aelodau eraill y pwyllgor ac Aelodau yn gyffredinol, cyn imi ymateb iddynt yn ddiweddarach.

It is important that we recognise that we have to work closely with all partners involved in delivering and improving road safety in Wales, and we will continue to work together to ensure that we have the right policies and initiatives in place. I look forward to hearing the comments of other committee members and Members generally, before responding to them later.

David Melding: I will start by saying how pleased I am that the general response from the Welsh Assembly Government to this important report, which was unanimously approved by the committee, is encouraging. However, in the best traditions of scrutiny, I will concentrate on the areas that cause me concern and where the Welsh Assembly Government needs to be more rigorous in its response.

David Melding: Hoffwn ddechrau drwy ddweud mor falch yr wyf fod ymateb cyffredinol Llywodraeth y Cynulliad i’r adroddiad pwysig hwn, a gymeradwywyd yn unfrydol gan y pwyllgor, yn galonogol. Fodd bynnag, gan ddilyn arferion gorau gwaith craffu, hoffwn ganolbwyntio ar y meysydd sy’n peri pryder imi a lle mae angen i Lywodraeth y Cynulliad ymateb yn fanylach.

I will begin with the road safety targets. The setting of Welsh targets that are related to what we are trying to do on a UK basis is important, but the report suggests targets for 2020, and I hope that, when the Deputy First Minister concludes his study, he will be able to move from accepting this recommendation in principle to actually carrying it out. Among other things, it will get his department to focus more on road safety. I am not saying that the department is dilatory, but I think that we need to go beyond the impressive advances that have been achieved over the last generation. There are still too many deaths on our roads, even if the roads are becoming safer.

Dechreuaf gyda’r targedau ar gyfer diogelwch ffyrdd. Mae pennu targedau Cymreig yn gysylltiedig â’r hyn yr ydym yn ceisio’i wneud ar lefel y DU yn bwysig, ond awgryma’r adroddiad dargedau ar gyfer 2020, a gobeithio, pan fydd y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog yn gorffen ei astudiaeth, y bydd yn gallu newid o dderbyn yr argymhelliad hwn mewn egwyddor i’w weithredu’n wirioneddol. Ymysg pethau eraill, bydd yn sicrhau bod ei adran yn canolbwyntio mwy ar ddiogelwch ffyrdd. Nid dweud yr wyf fod yr adran yn araf, ond credaf fod angen inni fynd y tu hwnt i’r datblygiadau aruthrol a gyflawnwyd yn ystod y genhedlaeth ddiwethaf. Mae gormod o farwolaethau o hyd ar ein ffyrdd, hyd yn oed os yw’r ffyrdd yn mynd yn fwy diogel.

By way of an example, a constituent told me recently that the use of one-way streets in urban areas increases average speeds, and has an effect on accident rates among pedestrians and cyclists. Many countries—and this constituent quoted the example of western Australia—are moving to phase out one-way streets in urban areas because of these dangers. I therefore asked the Deputy First Minister what assessment the Welsh Assembly Government had made of the effect of one-way streets in urban areas, and their impact on accident rates among pedestrians and cyclists. The answer I got was as follows:

Er enghraifft, dywedodd etholwr wrthyf yn ddiweddar fod defnyddio strydoedd unffordd mewn ardaloedd trefol yn cynyddu cyfartaledd cyflymder, ac yn effeithio ar gyfraddau damweiniau ymysg cerddwyr a beicwyr. Mae llawer gwlad—a soniodd yr etholwr dan sylw bod gorllewin Awstralia yn enghraifft—yn bwriadu dileu strydoedd unffordd yn raddol mewn ardaloedd trefol oherwydd y peryglon hyn. Felly, gofynnais i’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog pa asesiad yr oedd Llywodraeth y Cynulliad wedi’i wneud o effaith strydoedd unffordd mewn ardaloedd trefol, a’u heffaith ar gyfraddau damweiniau ymysg cerddwyr a beicwyr. Dyma’r ateb a gefais:

'The Welsh Assembly Government does not hold this information. It is a matter for the relevant local authority’.

Nid yw’r wybodaeth hon gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru. Mae’n fater i’r awdurdod lleol perthnasol.

I have to tell you, Deputy First Minister, that although you have shaken up your transport department, much to the approval of many of us, there is still a long way to go to turn it around. There is still a culture of predict, provide and build, which is all designed for the car, and attempts are then made to make the road as safe as possible after that essential assumption has been made. We need some radical rethinking on that.

Rhaid imi ddweud wrthych, Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog, er eich bod wedi ad-drefnu eich adran drafnidiaeth, er boddhad i lawer ohonom, mae llawer o waith i’w wneud eto cyn y bydd yn mynd i’r cyfeiriad cywir. Mae ynddi ddiwylliant o hyd o ragweld, darparu ac adeiladu, a phob cam wedi’i gynllunio er budd y car, ac yna ceisir gwneud y ffordd mor ddiogel ag sy’n bosibl ar ôl i’r dybiaeth hanfodol honno gael ei llunio. Mae angen inni ailfeddwl yn sylfaenol am y diwylliant hwnnw.

I now turn to a subject that reflects our move away from assuming that the car is king, and indeed that the driver is able to assume that the primary responsibility for safety rests with cyclists or pedestrians. It is often the view of drivers that if we obeyed the speed limit and something went wrong it was the pedestrian who should have been more attentive.

Trof yn awr at bwnc sy’n adlewyrchu’r modd yr ydym yn dechrau rhoi’r gorau i dybio mai’r car sy’n teyrnasu, a thybio y gall gyrwyr gymryd yn ganiataol mai beicwyr neu gerddwyr sy’n bennaf gyfrifol am ddiogelwch. Cred gyrwyr yn aml, os ydynt yn cadw at y cyfyngiad cyflymder a bod rhywbeth yn mynd o’i le, mai’r cerddwr ddylai fod wedi bod yn fwy gofalus.

The use of 20 mph speed limits in urban areas ought to be the norm. We need to move to that very quickly to get people used to driving at lower speeds. It is a critical factor in a collision. If you were hit by a car travelling at more than 30 mph, you would probably be killed and certainly severely injured. If you were hit at 20 mph, there would be a good chance of a full recovery. It is an even more critical factor with regard to children and the likely result of any injury. The introduction of 20 mph speed limits is a good way to show how serious we are about reshaping urban spaces. I must say that I own a car and that I do not think I could live without one, but all of us who are motorists need to think radically about what we need our cars for and what rights and responsibilities we have as drivers. We cannot go racing round urban spaces as we perhaps previously thought we had some sort of right to do.

Dylai defnyddio cyfyngiadau cyflymder o 20 mya mewn ardaloedd trefol fod yn arfer cyffredin. Mae angen inni symud i’r cyfeiriad hwnnw’n gyflym iawn er mwyn cael pobl i ymgyfarwyddo â gyrru’n arafach. Mae’n ffactor hollbwysig mewn damwain. Pe baech yn cael eich taro gan gar sy’n teithio dros 30 mya, mae’n debyg y byddech yn cael eich lladd, a byddech yn sicr yn cael eich anafu’n ddifrifol. Pe baech yn cael eich taro gan gar sy’n teithio 20 mya, mae’n debygol iawn y byddech yn gwella’n llwyr. Mae cyflymder yn ffactor pwysicach fyth yng nghyswllt plant a thebygolrwydd anafu. Mae cyflwyno cyfyngiadau cyflymder o 20 mya yn ffordd dda i ddangos cymaint yr ydym o ddifrif ynghylch ad-drefnu ardaloedd trefol. Rhaid imi ddweud fy mod yn berchen ar gar ac nad wyf yn credu y gallwn fyw heb un, ond mae angen i bob un ohonom sy’n fodurwyr feddwl yn sylfaenol ar gyfer beth y mae arnom angen ein ceir, a’n hawliau a’n cyfrifoldebau fel gyrwyr. Ni allwn rasio o amgylch ardaloedd trefol gan feddwl bod gennym ryw fath o hawl i wneud hynny, fel yr arferem efallai.

An increase is needed in the walking and cycling budget. This was raised repeatedly in evidence given to the committee and referred to by the committee Chair, Gareth Jones. I wish to say at this point that you need to be very careful in monitoring the sustainable towns initiative. I am a bit concerned that the Cardiff sustainable town initiative, which will be the model for the others, still lacks a robust evidence base in terms of base data and targets. You need to take more responsibility for that in partnership with the local authority.

Mae angen cynnydd yn y gyllideb ar gyfer cerdded a beicio. Codwyd y pwynt hwnnw dro ar ôl tro yn y dystiolaeth a roddwyd i’r pwyllgor, a chyfeiriodd Cadeirydd y pwyllgor, Gareth Jones, at hynny hefyd. Hoffwn ddweud cyn symud ymlaen fod angen ichi fonitro’r fenter trefi cynaliadwy yn ofalus iawn. Yr wyf yn pryderu braidd nad oes gan fenter tref gynaliadwy Caerdydd, a fydd yn batrwm i eraill ei ddilyn, sylfaen dystiolaeth gadarn o hyd o ran data sylfaenol a thargedau. Mae angen ichi gymryd mwy o gyfrifoldeb am hynny mewn partneriaeth â’r awdurdod lleol.

I wish to end by saying that, for longer journeys, the use of average-speed camera technology is very important. I think that this will be accepted by the public. People are sometimes frustrated that having drifted over the speed limit but then reduced their speed, they are still prosecuted because they were caught on camera. I do not object to that; it is bad luck, and you should obviously be attentive at all times, but average-speed technology really does get people to think about the speed of their journey overall. That would be a very good way to enforce the law in a way that will get people to think responsibly about their driving speed.

Hoffwn orffen drwy ddweud bod defnyddio technoleg camerâu cyfartaledd cyflymder yn bwysig iawn, ar gyfer teithiau hwy. Credaf y bydd y dechnoleg hon yn cael ei derbyn gan y cyhoedd. Weithiau bydd pobl yn mynd i deimlo’n rhwystredig am eu bod wedi digwydd gyrru ychydig yn gyflymach na’r cyfyngiad cyflymder, yna wedi arafu, ond yn cael eu herlyn er hynny am eu bod wedi eu dal ar gamera. Nid wyf yn gwrthwynebu hynny; eu hanlwc hwy yw hynny, a dylent fod yn rhoi sylw bob amser wrth gwrs. Ond mae technoleg cyfartaledd cyflymder yn cael pobl i ystyried yn wirioneddol beth yw cyflymder cyffredinol eu taith. Byddai hynny’n ffordd dda iawn i orfodi’r gyfraith mewn modd a fyddai’n cael pobl i feddwl yn gyfrifol am eu cyflymder wrth yrru.

Ann Jones: I am not a member of the committee but I read its report with interest. I am pleased that it recommends a different way of looking at the trunk road agencies. That is much needed. I called for a strategic national roads board to be created following the tragic accident on the A547 involving cyclists. We found that one authority had got so far, while another authority had not got so far. If we had had a national strategy, perhaps we would have avoided that awful tragedy.

Ann Jones: Nid wyf yn aelod o’r pwyllgor, ond darllenais ei adroddiad gyda diddordeb. Yr wyf yn falch ei fod yn argymell ffordd wahanol o ystyried yr asiantaethau cefnffyrdd. Mae angen dybryd am hynny. Gelwais am greu bwrdd strategol ar gyfer ffyrdd cenedlaethol yn dilyn y ddamwain drasig i feicwyr ar yr A547. Gwelsom fod un awdurdod wedi cyrraedd rhyw fan nad oedd awdurdod arall eto wedi’i gyrraedd. Pe buasai gennym strategaeth genedlaethol ar y pryd, efallai y byddem wedi osgoi’r drasiedi ddychrynllyd honno.

I am pleased to see traffic officers on the A55, Minister. It has taken a while to get them there, but I am pleased that they are there now and I hope that they will make life easier. There are still issues on the A55, which I know you are aware of. There is a particular problem when heavy goods vehicles break down on Rhuallt hill. There is no mobile phone signal there, which makes things even more difficult. Often, they are eastern European drivers who cannot speak English and do not know how to get hold of emergency and recovery services. That needs to be looked at with regard to making the roads safer.

Yr wyf yn falch gweld swyddogion traffig ar yr A55, Weinidog. Mae wedi cymryd amser i’w cael yno, ond yr wyf yn falch eu bod yno erbyn hyn, a gobeithio y byddant yn gwneud bywyd yn haws. Mae problemau o hyd ar yr A55, a gwn eich bod yn ymwybodol ohonynt. Mae problem benodol pan fydd cerbydau nwyddau trwm yn torri i lawr ar allt Rhuallt. Nid oes modd cael signal ffôn symudol yno, sy’n gwneud y sefyllfa’n anos fyth. Yn aml daw’r gyrwyr o ddwyrain Ewrop, nid ydynt yn gallu siarad Saesneg, ac nid ydynt yn gwybod sut i gael gafael ar wasanaethau achub a gwasanaethau brys. Mae angen ystyried y mater hwn o ran gwneud y ffyrdd yn fwy diogel.

I welcome the committee’s emphasis on the education of drivers and on the national curriculum. I think that it was the former chief constable of North Wales Police, Richard Brunstrom, who mentioned DangerPoint. DangerPoint at Talacre in north Wales is one of the finest initiatives that we have, and I hope that the Government can find some form of funding to ensure that children go there to see the effect of crashes; anyone can go there to see what can happen when they are driving. Richard Brunstrom had an initiative that meant that if you were caught speeding, you could choose to go on an awareness course instead of having three points on your licence. Many have told me—because, touch wood, I have not been caught—that they are taught about speed cameras and have been told that a speed camera represents about four children’s lives and that that is why it is in a particular location. That is an issue that we all need to consider. Often, when you see cameras, you will slow down, but we should realise why they are there in the first place, and that that is because there has been a loss of life.

Yr wyf yn croesawu pwyslais y pwyllgor ar addysgu gyrwyr ac ar y cwricwlwm cenedlaethol. Credaf mai cyn-brif gwnstabl Heddlu Gogledd Cymru, Richard Brunstrom, a soniodd am DangerPoint. DangerPoint yn Nhalacre yn y gogledd yw un o’r mentrau gorau sydd gennym, a gobeithio y gall y Llywodraeth ddod o hyd i ryw fath o gyllid i sicrhau bod plant yn mynd yno i weld effaith gwrthdrawiadau; gall unrhyw un fynd yno i weld beth all ddigwydd pan fyddant yn gyrru. Yr oedd gan Richard Brunstrom fenter a oedd yn golygu, pe caech eich dal yn goryrru, y gallech ddewis mynd ar gwrs ymwybyddiaeth yn lle cael tri phwynt ar eich trwydded. Mae llawer o bobl wedi dweud wrthyf—oherwydd, yn ffodus, nid wyf erioed wedi cael fy nal yn goryrru—eu bod yn cael eu haddysgu am gamerâu cyflymder, ac wedi cael gwybod bod camera cyflymder yn cynrychioli bywydau tua phedwar o blant, ac mai dyna pam y cânt eu rhoi mewn lleoliadau penodol. Mae hwn yn fater y mae angen i bob un ohonom ei ystyried. Yn aml, byddwn yn arafu wrth weld camerâu, ond dylem sylweddoli pam maent yno yn y lle cyntaf, sef fod rhywrai wedi colli eu bywydau yn y lleoliadau hynny.

5.10 p.m.

I am concerned that the number of people killed and seriously injured needs to be considered in the context of how areas are indicated as black spots. The Chair and the Minister will know that, across north Wales, we are seeing an increase in the number of young drivers being killed, therefore could a graduated driving scheme that would perhaps help young drivers be considered?

Yr wyf yn pryderu bod angen ystyried nifer y bobl sy’n cael eu lladd neu eu hanafu’n ddifrifol yng nghyd-destun y ffordd y caiff ardaloedd eu clustnodi’n fannau peryglus. Bydd y Cadeirydd a’r Gweinidog yn gwybod ein bod, ar draws y gogledd, yn gweld cynnydd yn nifer y gyrwyr ifanc sy’n cael eu lladd. Felly, a ellid ystyried cynllun gyrru graddedig a fyddai’n helpu gyrwyr ifanc efallai?

I have mentioned heavy goods vehicles, but I think that we should consider taking freight off the roads. While we cannot do that in one fell swoop, we should make sure that they have adequate rest places, and I am grateful to the committee for raising that point.

Yr wyf wedi crybwyll cerbydau nwyddau trwm, ond credaf y dylem ystyried tynnu cerbydau cludo nwyddau oddi ar y ffyrdd. Er na allwn wneud hynny dros nos, dylem wneud yn siŵr bod gan gerbydau cludo nwyddau leoedd digonol i yrwyr gael egwyl, ac yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i’r pwyllgor am godi’r pwynt hwnnw.

As I can only speak for North Wales Police, I must say that its traffic department does an excellent job in keeping our roads safe. It does an excellent job in making us feel safe on our roads in north Wales, and I commend the department for its dedication each year and for the work that it does to make sure that we are safer in north Wales.

Ni allaf ond siarad ar ran Heddlu Gogledd Cymru, ond rhaid imi ddweud bod adran draffig yr heddlu hwnnw’n gwneud gwaith ardderchog i gadw ein ffyrdd yn ddiogel. Mae’n gwneud gwaith ardderchog i sicrhau ein bod yn teimlo’n ddiogel ar ein ffyrdd yn y gogledd, a chanmolaf yr adran am ei hymroddiad bob blwyddyn, ac am y gwaith a wna i sicrhau ein bod yn fwy diogel yn y gogledd.

I welcome this report and I congratulate you on it. I hope that you will get those recommendations implemented.

Yr wyf yn croesawu’r adroddiad hwn, ac fe’ch llongyfarchaf ar ei lunio. Gobeithio y gallwch sicrhau bod yr argymhellion hynny’n cael eu gweithredu.

Jenny Randerson: I very much welcome this report and its detailed recommendations. I will pick out a few points that I regard as most significant. The first point relates to the recommendation on the walking and cycling budget. Although I welcome the fact that the Minister accepts the increase that has been recommended in principle, I have to say that I looked at the detailed wording of his response with some considerable disappointment because he promises to look at next year’s budget in this context. Let us just put this in its context: you can double the walking and cycling budget for Wales for the cost of half a mile of dual carriageway, and by doing so you would make a major contribution to sustainability as well as to road safety because you would be taking cars off the roads and providing cycles with safer places on the road. Therefore, I would strongly urge the Minister to look proactively at his budget for next year and urge that we have a bold response to this particular recommendation.

Jenny Randerson: Yr wyf yn croesawu’r adroddiad hwn a’i argymhellion manwl yn fawr. Hoffwn dynnu sylw at rai o’r pwyntiau pwysicaf yn fy marn i. Mae’r pwynt cyntaf yn ymwneud â’r argymhelliad ar y gyllideb ar gyfer cerdded a beicio. Er fy mod yn croesawu’r ffaith fod y Gweinidog yn derbyn mewn egwyddor y cynnydd a argymhellwyd, rhaid imi ddweud fy mod wedi fy siomi’n fawr wrth edrych yn fanwl ar eiriad ei ymateb, oherwydd yr hyn a wna yw addo edrych ar gyllideb y flwyddyn nesaf yn y cyd-destun hwn. Gadewch inni roi’r gyllideb yn ei chyd-destun, felly: gallwch ddyblu’r gyllideb ar gyfer cerdded a beicio ar gyfer Cymru am gost hanner milltir o ffordd ddeuol, ac wrth wneud hynny byddech yn gwneud cyfraniad sylweddol i gynaliadwyedd yn ogystal â diogelwch ffyrdd, oherwydd byddech yn tynnu ceir oddi ar y ffyrdd ac yn darparu lleoedd mwy diogel ar y ffordd i feiciau. Felly, byddwn yn annog y Gweinidog yn daer i edrych yn rhagweithiol ar ei gyllideb ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf, a byddwn yn erfyn am ymateb eofn i’r argymhelliad penodol hwn.

The committee heard evidence that the walking and cycling budget is, in practice, spread around many different pots of money when it could be co-ordinated in a much more effective manner. This would be much clearer and more transparent, and the Government would therefore have more control over ensuring that local authorities delivered on the projects for which they got the money.

The second point is the fact that the Welsh Assembly Government is reviewing how all of the agencies concerned with road safety work together, and the committee made a recommendation on this. I strongly support the concept of creating a national trunk road agency for Wales. I will use this opportunity to express my considerable concern at the hiatus that has occurred when the police have ceased to proactively patrol the M4 without being replaced by any kind of traffic officers for some considerable time. That sends out entirely the wrong message about road safety issues in Wales. That gap in security is unforgivable.

Yr ail bwynt yw’r ffaith fod Llywodraeth y Cynulliad wrthi’n adolygu’r modd y mae pob un o’r asiantaethau sy’n ymwneud â diogelwch ffyrdd yn cydweithio, a gwnaeth y pwyllgor argymhelliad ynghylch hynny. Yr wyf yn cefnogi’n gryf y syniad o greu asiantaeth gefnffyrdd genedlaethol ar gyfer Cymru. Hoffwn achub ar y cyfle hwn i fynegi fy mhryder sylweddol am fwlch sydd wedi ymddangos ers i swyddogion yr heddlu orffen patrolio’r M4 yn rhagweithiol, heb ddim math swyddogion traffig wedi dod i gymryd eu lle ers cryn amser. Mae hynny’n cyfleu’r neges hollol anghywir am faterion diogelwch ar y ffyrdd yng Nghymru. Mae’r bwlch hwnnw o ran diogelwch yn anfaddeuol.

On the problems associated with large goods vehicles, the committee heard a considerable amount of evidence that the problem was concentrated among a certain number of poorer fleet providers, and was particularly common among foreign goods vehicles where the drivers can sometimes have been working for far too long, going well beyond the legal number of driving hours permitted. There have been considerable restrictions on the safety checks permitted up until now. Although that has been dealt with, we heard clear evidence that a disproportionate number of accidents are caused by those rather more suspect goods vehicles. Deputy First Minister, you need to ensure that those vehicles are monitored much more closely, that statistics are kept, and that programmes are put in place to encourage safer and more fuel-efficient driving.

O ran y problemau sy’n gysylltiedig â cherbydau nwyddau trwm, clywodd y pwyllgor lawer iawn o dystiolaeth a oedd yn dangos bod y broblem i’w gweld ar ei mwyaf amlwg ymysg rhai darparwyr fflyd sydd o safon is, a’i bod yn arbennig o gyffredin ymysg cerbydau nwyddau tramor, a’u gyrwyr weithiau wedi bod yn gweithio am ormod o lawer o amser, efallai, gan fynd ymhell y tu hwnt i’r nifer cyfreithlon o oriau gyrru a ganiateir. Cafwyd cyfyngiadau sylweddol ar yr archwiliadau diogelwch a ganiateid tan yn awr. Er bod y mater hwnnw wedi cael sylw, clywsom dystiolaeth glir a oedd yn dangos bod nifer anghymesur o ddamweiniau’n cael eu hachosi gan y cerbydau nwyddau hynny sydd ychydig yn fwy amheus. Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog, mae angen ichi sicrhau bod y cerbydau hynny’n cael eu monitro’n agosach o lawer, bod ystadegau’n cael eu cadw, a bod rhaglenni’n cael eu rhoi ar waith i annog pobl i yrru’n fwy diogel ac yn fwy effeithlon o ran defnyddio tanwydd.

On speed limits, I welcome the guidance that the Deputy First Minister has issued to local authorities to encourage 20 mph speed limits. In many areas of rural Wales, 40 mph speed limits would be appropriate on trunk roads, and so guidance is especially welcome.

O ran cyfyngiadau cyflymder, croesawaf y canllawiau y mae’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog wedi’u rhoi i awdurdodau lleol i hybu cyfyngiadau cyflymder o 20 mya. Mewn nifer o ardaloedd yng nghefn gwlad Cymru, byddai cyfyngiadau cyflymder o 40 mya yn briodol ar gefnffyrdd, ac y mae’r canllawiau’n arbennig o dderbyniol, felly.

Finally, I want to say a few words about roadside clutter. It is almost counterintuitive. As accidents occur and dangers are perceived, our tendency and that of local authorities and those in charge of our roads is to put up more signs. However, the Swedish experience shows that we need to take the signs away, because the more signs you take away, the safer the road is. I welcome the fact that the Deputy First Minister’s officials are looking at that, because it is possibly the way forward to encourage the safer use of our roads.

Yn olaf, hoffwn ddweud rhai geiriau ynghylch gormod o arwyddion wrth ymyl ffyrdd. Mae bron yn groes i’r hyn y byddai synnwyr cyffredin yn ei awgrymu. Wrth i ddamweiniau ddigwydd ac wrth i beryglon gael eu canfod, ein tuedd ni ac awdurdodau lleol a’r sawl sydd â gofal am ein ffyrdd yw gosod mwy o arwyddion. Fodd bynnag, mae profiad Sweden yn dangos bod angen inni ddileu’r arwyddion, oherwydd po fwyaf o arwyddion y byddwch yn eu dileu, mwyaf diogel fydd y ffordd. Croesawaf y ffaith fod swyddogion y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog yn edrych ar hynny, oherwydd efallai mai dyna’r cyfeiriad i fynd ymlaen er mwyn annog pobl i ddefnyddio ein ffyrdd yn fwy diogel.

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): I will deal briefly with some of the points that have been raised. In view of the time, I will not be able to deal with them all, but I will deal with as many as I can.

Y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog a’r Gweinidog dros yr Economi a Thrafnidiaeth (Ieuan Wyn Jones): Hoffwn ymdrin yn fyr â rhai o’r pwyntiau a godwyd. Oherwydd diffyg amser, ni fydd modd imi ymdrin â phob un ohonynt, ond ymdriniaf â chynifer ag y gallaf.

In response to David Melding’s contribution, I can say that we are looking at introducing Welsh targets to be achieved by 2020. The Department for Transport and we need to agree on a uniform approach—although it need not necessarily be exactly the same. We will be looking at that.

Wrth ymateb i gyfraniad David Melding, gallaf ddweud ein bod yn ystyried cyflwyno targedau Cymreig i’w cyrraedd erbyn 2020. Mae angen i’r Adran Drafnidiaeth a ninnau gytuno ar ddull gweithredu—er nad oes angen o reidrwydd i’n dull gweithredu fod yn union yr un fath. Byddwn yn ystyried hynny.

On the issue of one-way streets, there are no one-way streets on Welsh trunk roads; they are all on local authority roads, so we do not have that information. If you would like me to write to all the local authorities to ask for that information, that is a different matter, but you cannot criticise my department for not having information when we are not responsible for the designation.

Ar fater strydoedd unffordd, nid oes strydoedd unffordd ar gefnffyrdd Cymru; maent i gyd ar ffyrdd awdurdodau lleol, felly, nid yw’r wybodaeth honno gennym. Mae’n fater gwahanol os hoffech imi ysgrifennu at bob un o’r awdurdodau lleol i ofyn iddynt am y wybodaeth honno, ond ni allwch feirniadu fy adran am beidio â chadw gwybodaeth pan nad ydym yn gyfrifol am ddynodi strydoedd yn rhai unffordd.

David Melding: You are not responsible for county roads, but you are able to issue guidance. It is also a planning matter, and the Welsh Assembly Government does issue guidance on that. Surely that active approach is what we need from a Welsh Assembly Government that has to lead society.

David Melding: Nid ydych yn gyfrifol am ffyrdd sirol, ond yr ydych yn gallu rhoi canllawiau. Mae hefyd yn fater cynllunio, ac y mae Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn rhoi canllawiau ar hynny. Rhaid mai agwedd weithredol o’r fath sydd ei hangen arnom gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru sy’n gorfod arwain cymdeithas.

The Deputy First Minister: If there are particular issues relating to one-way streets—and you do not issue guidance unless there is a particular issue—let me know and I will look at the matter.

Y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog: Os oes problemau penodol yn ymwneud â strydoedd unffordd—ac ni allwch roi canllawiau oni bai fod problem benodol—gadewch imi wybod ac fe ystyriaf y mater.

David Melding: Speed.

David Melding: Cyflymder.

The Deputy First Minister: Talking of speed, when David was speaking, I had a vision of him speeding around urban centres, although I am sure that he never does that.

Y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog: A sôn am gyflymder, pan oedd David yn siarad yr oedd gennyf ddarlun ohono yn fy meddwl yn rasio o amgylch canolfannau trefol, er fy mod yn siŵr nad yw byth yn gwneud hynny.

I agree that we should be introducing more 20 mph speed limits in appropriate locations, particularly around schools. The Government is committed to that, and David is also aware that we are also introducing average-speed camera technology on the M4, as he advocates.

Cytunaf y dylem fod yn gosod mwy o gyfyngiadau cyflymder 20 mya mewn lleoliadau priodol, yn enwedig o amgylch ysgolion. Mae’r Llywodraeth wedi ymrwymo i hynny, ac y mae David hefyd yn ymwybodol ein bod yn cyflwyno technoleg camerâu cyfartaledd cyflymder ar yr M4, ac y mae o’i phlaid.

Ann Jones and Jenny Randerson mentioned trunk road management. We are looking at that as part of the review that I am currently undertaking within my department. One option is to have one national trunk road management team.

Soniodd Ann Jones a Jenny Randerson am reoli cefnffyrdd. Yr ydym yn ystyried y gwaith hwnnw fel rhan o’r adolygiad yr wyf wrthi’n ei wneud yn fy adran. Un dewis yw cael un tîm cenedlaethol i reoli cefnffyrdd.

I am glad that you welcome the traffic officers on the A55, David, and I agree with you about the education of drivers. I am also keen to see the development of adequate rest places, although some local authorities find it difficult to find suitable locations for them.

Yr wyf yn falch eich bod yn croesawu’r swyddogion traffig ar yr A55, David, a chytunaf â chi ynghylch addysgu gyrwyr. Yr wyf hefyd yn awyddus i weld datblygu digon o fannau i yrwyr cerbydau nwyddau trwm gael egwyl, er bod rhai awdurdodau lleol yn ei chael yn anodd dod o hyd i fannau addas ar eu cyfer.

Jenny mentioned the issue of budgets. I was not able to give the committee a commitment on the budget in full, because I will need to go back to see what I can do for future years. However, I have made a commitment that that budget head needs to be looked at, which should be welcomed.

Soniodd Jenny am fater cyllidebau. Nid oeddwn yn medru rhoi ymrwymiad llawn i’r pwyllgor ynghylch y gyllideb, oherwydd bydd angen imi fynd yn ôl i weld beth allaf ei wneud ar gyfer y blynyddoedd i ddod. Fodd bynnag, yr wyf wedi ymrwymo fod angen edrych ar y pennawd cyllideb hwnnw, a dylid croesawu hynny.

I do not accept the point that Jenny made about the M4, as the last thing we want is to introduce traffic officers on the M4 who are not trained. They have to be properly trained. Until that is the case, I am not prepared to allocate resources for that to happen. I do not want untrained traffic officers patrolling the M4. Until we are in a position to provide that, the police have that responsibility.

Nid wyf yn derbyn y pwynt a wnaeth Jenny am yr M4, oherwydd y peth olaf yr ydym am ei wneud yw cael swyddogion traffig ar yr M4 sydd heb eu hyfforddi. Rhaid iddynt gael eu hyfforddi’n gywir. Nes i hynny ddigwydd, nid wyf yn barod i ddyrannu adnoddau i gael swyddogion traffig ar yr M4. Nid wyf am gael swyddogion traffig sydd heb eu hyfforddi yn patrolio’r M4. Yr heddlu sy’n gyfrifol am batrolio’r M4 nes y byddwn mewn sefyllfa i fedru darparu hynny.

5.20 p.m.

Gareth Jones: Diolch i bawb, gan gynnwys y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, am eu cyfraniadau y prynhawn yma i ddadl sy’n amlwg yn un o bwys am fater o bwys, sef lleihau nifer yr anafiadau a’r marwolaethau ar ein ffyrdd yng Nghymru.

Gareth Jones: I thank everyone, including the Deputy First Minister, for their contributions this afternoon to a debate which is clearly important on a matter of importance, namely reducing the number of casualties and injuries on our roads in Wales.

O’r hyn yr wyf wedi’i glywed, teimlaf fod consensws ein bod yn gwneud cynnydd yn hyn o beth. Bu cynnydd amlwg dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, er y bu i David Melding wneud y pwynt nad da lle gellir gwell. Yr ydym, felly, yn derbyn eich ymrwymiad, Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog. Deallwn eich bod yn cymryd y mater hwn o ddifrif ac yn bwriadu symud ymlaen i wella’r targedau yr ydych yn eu gosod ar gyfer y 10 mlynedd nesaf, hyd nes 2020.

Mark Isherwood: You refer to rates of progress in recent years, but do you share my concern that the Welsh Government’s transport statistics show that the rate of reduction in road casualties in Wales has fallen by some 60 per cent since the 1994-98 comparator period? In north Wales last year, the figures for those killed or seriously injured were some 13 per cent higher than in the last year before the Safety Camera Partnership was introduced.

Mark Isherwood: Yr oeddech yn cyfeirio at gyfraddau cynnydd yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf, ond a ydych chi, fel finnau, yn pryderu bod ystadegau Llywodraeth Cymru ar drafnidiaeth yn dangos bod y gyfradd ar leihau’r nifer sy’n cael eu hanafu neu eu lladd ar ffyrdd Cymru wedi gostwng oddeutu 60 y cant ers y cyfnod cymharu, sef 1994-98? Yn y gogledd y llynedd yr oedd y niferoedd a gafodd eu lladd neu eu hanafu’n ddifrifol oddeutu 13 y cant yn uwch nag yn y flwyddyn olaf cyn i’r Bartneriaeth Camerâu Diogelwch gael ei chyflwyno.

Gareth Jones: I am grateful to you, Mark, for that information, which is rather sad and which we should be aware of. However, there are improvements overall. It is a changing scene. What concerns us as a committee is that we ensure that, having listened and taken evidence, we can provide sound recommendations to the Government to take this further. We cannot change historical or more recent developments, but we can try to pave the way for more effective and co-ordinated working.

Gareth Jones: Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar ichi, Mark, am y wybodaeth drist honno y dylem fod yn ymwybodol ohoni. Fodd bynnag, mae yna welliannau’n gyffredinol. Mae’n sefyllfa sy’n newid. Yr hyn sy’n bwysig i ni fel pwyllgor yw ein bod yn sicrhau, ar ôl gwrando a chasglu tystiolaeth, ein bod yn gallu darparu argymhellion cadarn i’r Llywodraeth i fwrw ymlaen â hyn. Ni allwn newid datblygiadau hanesyddol neu rai diweddarach, ond gallwn geisio paratoi’r ffordd ar gyfer gweithio’n fwy effeithiol a chydlynol.

As I said, there is a consensus, certainly among committee members, that these recommendations need to be looked at carefully. I am pleased that the Deputy First Minister is committed to implementing most of these recommendations. He mentioned two specifically that relate to areas that are not devolved to us, but he is prepared to take them further, to ensure that the appropriate Government department understands the concerns of the people of Wales.

Fel y dywedais, mae consensws, yn bendant ymysg aelodau’r pwyllgor, fod angen ystyried yr argymhellion hyn yn ofalus. Yr wyf yn falch fod y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog wedi ymrwymo i weithredu mwyafrif yr argymhellion hyn. Soniodd am ddau yn benodol yn ymwneud â meysydd nad ydynt wedi’u datganoli inni, ond y mae’n barod i weithredu arnynt a sicrhau bod adran briodol y Llywodraeth yn deall pryderon pobl Cymru.

David Melding referred to the concern regarding the safety targets, and we listened to the response from the Deputy First Minister. We will have to wait and see in relation to that particular point.

Cyfeiriodd David Melding at y pryder am dargedau diogelwch, a chlywsom ymateb y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog. Bydd yn rhaid inni aros i weld ar y pwynt penodol hwnnw.

The 20 mph zoning has been given some prominence. From what I have heard, I think that there is consensus on that important issue. It is particularly relevant around schools and in our town centres. I make a plea to the Deputy First Minister when considering the budget for schemes to promote cycling and walking to consider funding such zones, as they would help with that agenda. It would also help us to achieve certain other objectives over and above the road safety aspect, important though that is. Therefore, the 20 mph zoning is important, as is vividly illustrated in television advertisements and so on. We know the impact of speed, as we learn about it through these advertisements, but awareness needs to be further promoted.

Mae creu parthau 20 mya wedi cael cryn sylw. O’r hyn a glywais, credaf fod consensws ar y mater pwysig hwnnw. Mae’n arbennig o berthnasol o amgylch ysgolion ac yng nghanol ein trefi. Pan fydd y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog yn ystyried y gyllideb ar gyfer cynlluniau i hyrwyddo cerdded a beicio, erfyniaf arno i ystyried cyllido parthau 20 mya, oherwydd byddent o gymorth i’r agenda honno. Byddent o gymorth hefyd inni gyflawni rhai amcanion eraill ar wahân i agwedd diogelwch ffyrdd, er mor bwysig yw’r agwedd honno. Mae creu parthau 20 mya yn bwysig, felly, fel y dangosir yn fyw iawn mewn hysbysebion ar y teledu, ac yn y blaen. Gwyddom am effaith goryrru, oherwydd clywn amdani drwy’r hysbysebion hyn, ond mae angen hybu ymwybyddiaeth ymhellach eto.

Ann, you welcomed the report, and I am grateful to you for your comments on that. Again, there is consensus on the national trunk roads agency. There is currently a lack of proper co-ordination. We know about your concerns regarding the A55. We took a lot of evidence from the chief constable of North Wales Police, as I said in my introduction this afternoon. You made an important point about young drivers and the role of education, and that was looked at in some detail. You mentioned DangerPoint and the courses that are made available, such as speed awareness courses. The more we learn about road safety, the better and safer our roads will be. You certainly made the point about young drivers. That needs to be looked at carefully and is included in our recommendations.

Ann, yr oeddech yn croesawu’r adroddiad, ac yr wyf yn ddiolchgar ichi am eich sylwadau am hynny. Unwaith eto, mae consensws ar yr asiantaeth gefnffyrdd genedlaethol. Mae yna ddiffyg cydlynu priodol ar hyn o bryd. Gwyddom am eich pryderon am yr A55. Cawsom lawer o dystiolaeth gan brif gwnstabl Heddlu Gogledd Cymru, fel y dywedais yn fy nghyflwyniad y prynhawn yma. Gwnaethoch bwynt pwysig am yrwyr ifanc a rôl addysg, ac edrychwyd yn eithaf manwl ar hynny. Soniech am DangerPoint a’r cyrsiau sydd ar gael, megis cyrsiau ymwybyddiaeth o gyflymder. Po fwyaf a ddysgwn am ddiogelwch ffyrdd, y gorau a mwyaf diogel fydd ein ffyrdd. Gwnaethoch bwynt yn sicr am yrwyr ifanc. Mae angen ystyried y pwynt yn ofalus, a chaiff ei gynnwys yn ein hargymhellion.

Jenny, we have had a response from the Deputy First Minister about the M4, and you also mentioned the 20 mph zones. All that remains for me to say is that I am pleased to present this report. I think that it provides valuable information about the evidence that we collated and our recommendations. I am pleased that we have received a positive response from the Deputy First Minister, and we look forward to seeing how these recommendations will be implemented and become policy as far as the Welsh Assembly Government is concerned.

Jenny, yr ydym wedi cael ymateb gan y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog am yr M4, a soniech hefyd am y parthau 20 mya. Y cyfan sydd ar ôl imi ei ddweud yw ei bod yn bleser gennyf gyflwyno’r adroddiad hwn. Credaf ei fod yn darparu gwybodaeth werthfawr am y dystiolaeth a gasglwyd gennym a’n hargymhellion. Yr wyf yn falch ein bod wedi cael ymateb cadarnhaol gan y Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, ac edrychwn ymlaen at weld sut y caiff yr argymhellion eu gweithredu, a sut y byddant yn dod yn bolisi gan Lywodraeth y Cynulliad.

Finally, I thank all members of the committee and all who have taken part in the debate this afternoon. I also thank all those who provided us with valuable, informative evidence. They were important sessions for us. Lastly, I thank the researchers who provided us with reliable information and the clerk and deputy clerk who compiled the report and assisted us with this important work.

Yn olaf, diolchaf i bob un o aelodau’r pwyllgor a phawb a gymerodd ran yn y ddadl y prynhawn yma. Diolch hefyd i bawb a roddodd dystiolaeth werthfawr a llawn gwybodaeth inni. Yr oedd y sesiynau hynny’n bwysig inni. Yn olaf, diolch i’r ymchwilwyr a roddodd wybodaeth ddibynadwy inni, a’r clerc a’r dirprwy glerc a luniodd yr adroddiad a’n cynorthwyo gyda’r gwaith pwysig hwn.

The Deputy Presiding Officer: The proposal is that the Enterprise and Learning Committee’s report be noted. Are there any objections? I see that there are not. In accordance with Standing Order No. 7.35, the motion is therefore agreed.

Y Dirprwy Lywydd: Y cynnig yw bod y adroddiad y Pwyllgor Menter a Dysgu yn cael ei nodi. A oes gwrthwynebiad? Gwelaf nad oes. Yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog Rhif 7.35, felly, caiff y cynnig ei dderbyn.

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Mick Bates: I move that

Mick Bates: Cynigiaf fod

the National Assembly for Wales:

calls on the Welsh Assembly Government, through its climate change strategy, to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 against the 1990 baseline, and to encourage other Governments to do the same. (NDM4328)

I understand that the amendments have been withdrawn. To set the scene better than my words ever could, I have a short presentation of 1 minute 57 seconds that will be shown on the screens now.

Deallaf fod y gwelliannau wedi eu tynnu’n ôl. I osod yr olygfa yn well nag y gallwn i fyth ei wneud mewn geiriau, mae gennyf gyflwyniad byr sy’n para 1 funud 57 eiliad, a chaiff ei ddangos ar y sgriniau’n awr.

Dangoswyd DVD.
A DVD was shown.

That presentation expresses so much for me about why we have tabled this motion for debate today. The issue is one of human rights, but also of Wales’s role in helping to resolve this incredible problem. That, in itself, is a massive challenge.

Mae’r cyflwyniad yn mynegi cymaint i mi  pam yr ydym wedi cyflwyno’r cynnig hwn i ddadlau yn ei gylch heddiw. Mae’n fater sy’n ymwneud â hawliau dynol, ond mae hefyd yn ymwneud â rôl Cymru wrth helpu datrys y broblem ryfeddol hon. Mae hynny ynddo’i hun yn her anferth.

5.30 p.m.

Today, there has been a lot of talk about powers under a future referendum for the Assembly. For me, this motion offers one of the most powerful opportunities that we have, and is of equal importance to the issue of powers that we have here in future. Today, we have a great opportunity for Wales to lead and show courage, and thereby give confidence to other countries to do the same and reduce their emissions.

Mae llawer o sôn wedi bod heddiw am bwerau i’r Cynulliad dan refferendwm yn y dyfodol. I mi, mae’r cynnig hwn yn un o’r cyfleoedd mwyaf pwerus sydd gennym, ac y mae’r un mor bwysig â mater y pwerau a fydd gennym yma yn y dyfodol. Heddiw, mae gennym gyfle gwych i sicrhau bod Cymru’n arwain y ffordd ac yn bod yn ddewr, gan roi hyder felly i wledydd eraill wneud yr un peth a lleihau eu hallyriadau.

Ban Ki-moon, secretary general of the United Nations, said that

Dyma a ddywedodd Ban Ki-moon, ysgrifennydd cyffredinol y Cenhedloedd Unedig,

'we have less than 10 years to halt the global rise in greenhouse gas emissions if we are to avoid catastrophic consequences for people and the planet. It is, simply, the greatest collective challenge we face as a human family.’

mae gennym lai na 10 mlynedd i atal y cynnydd byd-eang mewn allyriadau nwyon tŷ gwydr os ydym am osgoi canlyniadau trychinebus i bobl a’r blaned. Yn syml, dyma’r her fwyaf sy’n ein hwynebu ar y cyd fel teulu dyn.

The Copenhagen climate summit on 7 December is now less than 30 days away. With this key conference on the horizon, tackling climate change is high on the agenda in Wales, in Westminster and throughout the world. In this debate, we must come together and prove, just as in the film, that there is consensus among us to reach a global agreement to address the worsening climate crisis facing us.

Erbyn hyn, mae’r uwchgynhadledd ar hinsawdd yn Copenhagen ar 7 Rhagfyr lai na 30 diwrnod i ffwrdd. Gan fod y gynhadledd allweddol hon ar y gorwel, mae mynd i’r afael â’r newid yn yr hinsawdd yn agos at frig yr agenda yng Nghymru, yn San Steffan a thrwy’r byd i gyd. Yn y ddadl hon, rhaid inni ddod ynghyd i brofi, fel yn y ffilm, fod consensws yn ein plith i ddod i gytundeb byd-eang ar fynd i’r afael â’r argyfwng hinsawdd sy’n ein hwynebu ac sy’n gwaethygu.

At present, there is concern that the summit will be unable to reach agreement on a new Copenhagen protocol to ensure that the world moves forward towards a low carbon economy. We stand on the brink of a precipice, a turning point in our history, and yet some, unfortunately, have backed off a little, afraid to be ambitious and, above all, brave.

Ar hyn o bryd, mae pryder na fydd yr uwchgynhadledd yn gallu dod i gytundeb ar brotocol newydd yn Copenhagen, i sicrhau bod y byd yn symud tuag at economi carbon isel. Yr ydym ar ymyl y dibyn, trobwynt yn ein hanes, ac eto’n anffodus mae rhai pobl wedi camu’n ôl ryw ychydig, gan ofni bod yn uchelgeisiol, ac yn anad dim yn ofni bod yn ddewr.

The quote from Ban Ki-moon highlights that we must work together as a human family to prevent the most devastating impacts of climate change and provide a clean, green future for our children and grandchildren. That is why our debate today calls on the Welsh Assembly Government, through its climate change strategy, to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 against the 1990 baseline, and to encourage other Governments to do the same.

Mae’r dyfyniad gan Ban Ki-moon yn tynnu sylw at y ffaith ei bod yn rhaid inni weithio gyda’n gilydd fel teulu dyn i atal effeithiau mwyaf dinistriol y newid yn yr hinsawdd, a rhoi dyfodol glân a gwyrdd i’n plant a’n hwyrion. Dyna pam mae ein dadl heddiw’n galw ar Lywodraeth y Cynulliad, trwy ei strategaeth ar y newid yn yr hinsawdd, i leihau allyriadau 40 y cant erbyn 2020 yn erbyn gwaelodlin 1990, ac annog Llywodraethau eraill i wneud yr un fath.

To secure a deal at Copenhagen, Britain and other developed countries must accept their historic responsibility for the industrial emissions that are causing runaway climate change today. We need a cross-cutting approach to reduce, mitigate and adapt to the impacts on our environment. A 40 per cent target is crucial and in line with the most recent science, if we are to stay well below the threat to the planet of warming by 2 degrees C. According to the WWF, at least 100 countries are calling for a legally binding outcome from Copenhagen. Norway has offered a 40 per cent emissions cut, and that is the most ambitious target set to date by a developed nation. The German environment ministry this week announced that it is setting highly ambitious proposals, with an eight-point plan that includes Germany cutting its carbon dioxide emissions by 40 per cent within 13 years. This includes plans for citizens to help reduce electricity use by 11 per cent by 2020, and that alone would save 40 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and lead to Germany becoming the world’s most energy-efficient country in the coming years. If Jonathon Porritt is listening, I am certain that he would love the energy-efficiency bit.

Er mwyn taro bargen yn Copenhagen, rhaid i Brydain a gwledydd datblygedig eraill dderbyn eu cyfrifoldeb hanesyddol am yr allyriadau diwydiannol sy’n achosi newid afreolus yn yr hinsawdd heddiw. Mae arnom angen dull gweithredu trawsbynciol i leihau a lliniaru’r effeithiau ar ein hamgylchedd ac addasu iddynt. Mae cyrraedd targed o 40 y cant yn hollbwysig ac yn cyd-fynd â’r wyddoniaeth ddiweddaraf, os ydym am aros ymhell islaw lefel y bygythiad i’r blaned, sef y bydd yn cynhesu 2 radd C. Yn ôl Cronfa Bywyd Gwyllt y Byd, mae o leiaf 100 o wledydd yn galw am ganlyniad cyfreithiol rwymol o Copenhagen. Mae Norwy wedi cynnig lleihau ei hallyriadau 40 y cant, a dyna’r targed mwyaf uchelgeisiol hyd yn hyn gan genedl ddatblygedig. Cyhoeddodd gweinyddiaeth yr amgylchedd yn yr Almaen yr wythnos hon ei bod yn cyflwyno cynigion uchelgeisiol iawn, a chynllun wyth pwynt sy’n cynnwys yr angen i’r Almaen leihau ei hallyriadau carbon deuocsid 40 y cant mewn 13 mlynedd. Mae hynny’n cynnwys cynlluniau i ddinasyddion helpu defnyddio llai o drydan 11 y cant erbyn 2020, a byddai hynny’n unig yn arbed 40 miliwn tunnell o garbon deuocsid ac yn golygu mai’r Almaen fyddai’r wlad orau yn y byd yn y blynyddoedd nesaf o ran effeithlonrwydd ynni. Os yw Jonathon Porritt yn gwrando, yr wyf yn siŵr y byddai wrth ei fodd â’r darn am effeithlonrwydd ynni.

Closer to home, Scotland has already set an ambitious target under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 of 42 per cent by 2020. Today, Wales, too, has an opportunity to stand up and be counted as a country that is willing to lead by example, and to do all it can to secure a legally binding deal that recognises the right scale of its contribution. Too often, the debate on climate change is left to a small group of international negotiators, but this is something that affects everyone, as you saw in the short film. We must all, therefore, get involved in the debate. Europe must put aside internal budget wrangling, resist the industrial lobbies, and stop treating climate change talks as if they were merely trade negotiations. As the WWF states,

Yn nes adref, mae’r Alban eisoes wedi gosod targed uchelgeisiol dan Ddeddf Newid yn yr Hinsawdd (yr Alban) 2009, sef sicrhau lleihad o 42 y cant erbyn 2020. Heddiw, mae gan Gymru hefyd gyfle i sefyll dros ei hegwyddorion fel gwlad sy’n barod i ddangos y ffordd, a gwneud popeth o fewn ei gallu i sicrhau cytundeb cyfreithiol rwymol sy’n cydnabod maint cywir ei chyfraniad. Yn rhy aml, caiff y ddadl am y newid yn yr hinsawdd ei gadael i grŵp bach o drafodwyr rhyngwladol, ond mae hwn yn rhywbeth sy’n effeithio ar bawb, fel y gwelsoch yn y ffilm fer. Rhaid inni bob un gymryd rhan yn y ddadl, felly. Rhaid i Ewrop roi’r cweryla mewnol am gyllidebau o’r neilltu, gwrthsefyll y lobïau diwydiannol, a rhoi’r gorau i drin trafodaethau ar y newid yn yr hinsawdd fel pe baent yn drafodaethau masnachol yn unig. Fel y dywed Cronfa Bywyd Gwyllt y Byd,

'there is a desperately urgent need to 'stop the rot’ of ambition on the outcomes of Copenhagen. Copenhagen is, and remains, THE moment for the decision.’

mae angen brys ac enbyd i atal y dirywiad uchelgais ynghylch canlyniadau Copenhagen. Yn Copenhagen y mae, ac yr erys, y cyfle i wneud Y penderfyniad hollbwysig.

Amendments 1 and 2 in the name of Alun Cairns appeared on the agenda as follows:

Ymddangosodd gwelliant 1 a 2 yn enw Alun Cairns ar yr agenda fel a ganlyn:

Gwelliant 1: ychwanegu pwynt newydd ar ddiwedd y cynnig:

recognises that energy should come from a diverse range of sources, including renewables and nuclear in order to reduce emissions.

Amendment 2: add at the end of the motion:

Gwelliant 2: ychwanegu pwynt newydd ar ddiwedd y cynnig:

regrets the delay in UK Government decisions which means that it is too late for nuclear sources to come onstream to replace our current capacity before it shuts down, resulting in greater dependence on fossil fuels and higher emissions.

Angela Burns: I do not intend to move amendments 1 and 2. I am most grateful to be able to speak in this debate. I thank Mick Bates for proposing this motion.

Angela Burns: Nid wyf yn bwriadu cynnig gwelliannau 1 a 2. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar iawn am gael y cyfle i siarad yn y ddadl hon. Yr wyf yn diolch i Mick Bates am gynnig y cynnig hwn.

Reducing emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 is a serious ambition, which gives us just 10 years to persuade, educate, cajole and incentivise the population of Wales to change, reduce, recycle and be judicious. We need to ask those who already do those things to do more, and say to those who do not, 'Please, for all our sakes, and for our beloved planet and her peoples, do’.

Mae lleihau allyriadau 40 y cant erbyn 2020 yn uchelgais difrifol, sy’n rhoi 10 mlynedd yn unig inni berswadio, addysgu, cymell ac ysgogi poblogaeth Cymru i newid, lleihau, ailgylchu a gweithredu’n ddoeth. Mae angen inni ofyn i’r sawl sydd eisoes yn gwneud y pethau hyn i wneud mwy, a dweud wrth y sawl nad ydynt yn gwneud y pethau hyn, 'Gwnewch nhw, er ein mwyn i gyd, er mwyn ein planed annwyl a’i phobl’.

However, we need a clear and consistent framework to move this aim forward. On this side of the Chamber, we believe that, to keep our nation strong and healthy, with a good and productive economy, with jobs and careers available, with sustainability at the heart of the lives that we are asking people to lead, we will need to look at a mixed bag of energy sources—gas, renewables and nuclear all need to be considered.

Fodd bynnag, mae arnom angen fframwaith clir a chyson i fwrw ymlaen â’r nod hwn. Yr ochr hon i’r Siambr, credwn fod angen inni ystyried cymysgedd o ffynonellau ynni—nwy, ynni adnewyddadwy ac ynni niwclear—er mwyn cadw ein cenedl yn gryf ac yn iach, sicrhau bod ganddi economi dda a chynhyrchiol, sicrhau bod swyddi a gyrfaoedd ar gael, a sicrhau bod cynaliadwyedd wrth wraidd y bywydau yr ydym yn gofyn i bobl eu byw.

We recognise and respect the cross-party move to support this motion; that is why I have not moved the amendments on behalf of the Welsh Conservatives. However, we have real concerns at the lack of strategic cohesion within Plaid Cymru and Labour as to the roles of these various sources of energy. So, while we support, with all our hearts, the motion to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2020, we ask that the Government understands and agrees where you are going with the energy mix that we need to ensure that our nation can continue to develop, and so that our nation has a future.

Yr ydym yn cydnabod ac yn parchu’r cam trawsbleidiol i gefnogi’r cynnig hwn; dyna pam nad wyf wedi cynnig y gwelliannau ar ran Ceidwadwyr Cymru. Fodd bynnag, yr ydym yn pryderu’n wirioneddol am y diffyg cydlyniant strategol ym Mhlaid Cymru a’r Blaid Lafur ynghylch rolau’r amrywiol ffynonellau ynni hyn. Felly, er ein bod yn hollol gefnogol i’r cynnig i leihau allyriadau 40 y cant erbyn 2020, gofynnwn i’r Llywodraeth ddeall a chytuno i ba gyfeiriad yr ydych yn mynd o ran y cymysgedd ynni y mae angen inni ei gael i sicrhau bod ein cenedl yn gallu parhau i ddatblygu, a bod gan ein cenedl ddyfodol.

When I think of climate change, I think of children—of my children and yours, of grandchildren, nieces, nephews  and godchildren, and of the children who are already trying to carve a life for themselves in hostile and unforgiving environments around the world, as Mick’s film demonstrated. If nothing else, a 40 per cent reduction in emissions will help to keep us under that magical 2 degrees C temperature rise—a rise that has already been acknowledged to be at a level that will have the most grave impact, but beyond which our world and her people will begin to die.

Wrth feddwl am y newid yn yr hinsawdd, byddaf yn meddwl am blant—fy mhlant i a’ch plant chi, ac am wyrion, wyresau, nithoedd, neiaint a phlant bedydd, a’r plant sydd eisoes yn ceisio creu bywyd iddynt eu hunain mewn amgylcheddau gelyniaethus a difaddau o amgylch y byd, fel y dangosodd ffilm Mick. Hyd yn oed os na fydd lleihau allyriadau 40 y cant yn llwyddo i wneud dim arall, bydd yn ein helpu i sicrhau na fydd y tymheredd yn codi mwy na’r ffigur allweddol hwnnw o 2 radd C—cynnydd y cydnabuwyd eisoes a fyddai’n cael yr effaith fwyaf difrifol posibl arnom. Ond byddai unrhyw gynnydd dros y tymheredd hwnnw’n golygu y byddai ein byd a’i bobl yn dechrau marw.

At 1 degree C to 2 degrees C rise in temperature, the Arctic Sea cap disappears. Pen Hadow’s research bears out the fact that the rise is happening at a faster rate than we thought possible. Tropical coral reefs will start to suffer, and marine biodiversity will become deeply wounded. At a 1 degree C to 2 degrees C rise in temperature, there will be droughts in the sub-tropics and heatwaves and wildfires. At 2 degrees C to 3 degrees C, there will be annual summer heatwaves in Europe, and extreme heat will see temperatures reaching around 40 degrees C.

Os bydd y tymheredd yn codi rhwng 1 radd C a 2 radd C, bydd cap Môr yr Arctig yn diflannu. Mae gwaith ymchwil Pen Hadow yn profi bod y tymheredd yn codi’n gyflymach nag a oedd yn bosibl yn ein tyb ni. Bydd creigresi cwrel trofannol yn dechrau dioddef, a bydd bioamrywiaeth y môr yn cael ei niweidio’n ddifrifol. Os bydd y tymheredd yn codi rhwng 1 radd C a 2 radd C, bydd sychder mewn ardaloedd is-drofannol, a gwres mawr a thanau gwyllt. Os bydd y tymheredd yn codi rhwng 2 radd C a 3 gradd C, bydd g