Welsh Government News-in-Brief
Second phase of Innovate to Save fund launched
A second phase of the Welsh Government’s £5m Innovate to Save fund to help support public and third sector organisations deliver services in Wales has been launched by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford.
Mark Drakeford said: “We hope to see a similarly wide range of proposals coming forward this year, which will generate cash-releasing savings which can then be re-invested in services and improve outcomes for people, including their quality of life.”
Net closing in on illegal fishing says Counsel General
The Welsh Government is acting to protect Wales marine natural resources and coastal communities from illegal fishing activity in Welsh waters, the Counsel General, Jeremy Miles has said.
Jeremy Miles said: “Where there is sufficient evidence against those who flout the law, we must take action to protect our seas and wider fishing industry. These latest convictions show that anyone breaking the laws, whether off shore or in the intertidal areas should expect to face prosecution and potentially severe penalties.
“It's important that we continue to crack down on illegal activity so that it remains sustainable for licensed fisherman.”
Lesley Griffiths welcomes publication of EU Exit scenario report
Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs has welcomed the publication of an EU Exit scenario report for the food, fisheries, farming, forestry and the environment sectors.
The EU Exit scenario report has been published by the Cabinet Secretary’s Brexit Roundtable Stakeholder Group.
The Cabinet Secretary said: “Whilst today’s report makes for stark reading it will be an important resource for us as a government, as well as the sectors themselves, to inform our collective preparations for a successful future outside the EU.”
Finance Secretary meets his Irish counterpart to discuss Ireland/Wales trade links post-Brexit
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford has met the Irish Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohue to discuss the Ireland/Wales European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programme and ways of maintaining trade links post-Brexit.
Mark Drakeford said: “We highly value our relationship with Ireland and we are committed to deepening our engagement outside the EU given the close bond, common values, trade and cultural links between the 2 nations.”
NHS Wales responds to busiest January on record
NHS Wales Chief Executive Andrew Goodall has responded to the latest NHS performance statistics.
NHS Wales Chief Executive, Andrew Goodall, said: “Our latest figures show that last month was the busiest ever January on record for our A&E Departments. A&E attendance by those aged 85 and over, was the second highest ever for any month on record. Flu has also had an impact on capacity across our system with the highest rates for six years.
“During this busy time, our NHS and social care staff have continued to deliver emergency and planned care with compassion and professionalism. I would like to thank them for their exceptional commitment and hard work during this extremely challenging period.
75% of alcohol in Wales is drunk by just over a fifth of the population – new report
75% of all alcohol consumed in Wales is drunk by the 22% of the adult population who are hazardous or harmful drinkers, a new report shows.
Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething said: “The report shows the greatest impact of a minimum unit price would be on the most deprived harmful drinkers, while moderate drinkers would experience only small impacts on their alcohol consumption and spending. This is because moderate drinkers tend to buy alcohol which would be subject to little or no increase in price under the policy.
“If passed, this law will potentially save lives.”
For more Welsh Government news visit: http://gov.wales/newsroom/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|