Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:27 pm on 9 July 2024.
Rhun ap Iorwerth
Plaid Cymru
3:27,
9 July 2024
We in Plaid Cymru are clear on the types of things that we do think that a devolved Government should seek to deliver for Wales. We will outline many of these between now and May 2026: securing economic development based on ambitious targets; a real strategy for tackling child poverty—again, with measurable targets; a sovereign wealth fund for Wales, which ensures that revenue from our natural resources is retained and invested here in Wales.
We often hear, Dirprwy Lywydd, do we not, that Labour Governments at both ends of the M4 have to collaborate for the benefit of Wales. Well, if that's the case, does the First Minister agree with me that there's now no excuse for the Welsh Labour Government not to be ambitious in planning its agenda, because what's been brought forward today, I'm afraid, is very short from what we as a party and what, most importantly, the people of Wales expect?
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.