The fifth FMQs of 2023 comes to a close.

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The Senedd will once again be lit tonight in the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine’s flag as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Peredur Owen Griffiths expresses concerns about "unfair charges" facing people "struggling to pay off a debt".

He says, "the system adopted by some debt collection companies appears to be nothing more than a racket that prays upon the most vulnerable in our communities. It has to stop. Can the government issue guidance to the public sector and utility companies so that they only work with debt collection companies who work in tandem with the enforcement conduct board? I'd be grateful if you could also explore any ways of curtailing the rogue operations in this sector in order to protect our citizens."

Lesley Griffiths replies, "you raise a very important point, and I know the Minister for Social Justice, next week, is meeting with enforcement companies to bring forward that very point that you make."

Hefin David refers to two deaths from dog attacks in the Caerphilly area in just over a year.

Last year, two people were jailed after admitting owning or being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog following the death of 10-year-old Jack Lis in November 2021.

And in December, Shirley Patrick, 83, died 17 days following a dog attack. Four people were arrested and released under investigation.

Both were in the community of Penyrheol.

Hefin David says, "a recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted the activities of unscrupulous dog breeders, who are breeding dogs and are combining breeds to get past loopholes in the law, and those dogs are then finding their way into communities like Penyrheol and others across Wales.

"So, when updating the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, which you have committed to, can this issue be considered, particularly cross-breeding?"

Lesley Griffiths replies, "I'm certainly very happy to look at your suggestion. As you know, we updated the animal welfare licensing regulations, and we did close loopholes there relating to pet sales to try and improve enforcement by local authorities."

She adds, "But there is absolutely more we can do. I've asked officials to actually start to look at dog licensing again. When I was young, people had to have a dog licence, and maybe now is the time to look at that. I have asked my interim chief veterinary officer to do that for me."

Image source, Family photo

"What took you so long?" asks Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price after the Welsh Government offered eight health unions an extra 3% on top of the £1,400 already promised.

Welsh NHS staff suspended strike action following the improved offer from ministers.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and GMB union ambulance staff have put walkouts on hold.

"This is the hardest budget I've ever dealt with as a minister" says Lesley Griffiths.

The Welsh government has tabled a new deal of an extra 3% - backdated to April 2022, of which 1.5% is consolidated.

This means they will receive 3% this year and 1.5% extra pay the year after.

Mr Price reiterates Plaid Cymru's call for a 1p in the pound increase for people earning over £12,500, a 2p rise for salaries of over £50,000, and an extra 3p for those bringing in more than £150,000.

He says the extra cash can go on NHS and social care pay.

Lesley Griffiths replies, "our position on tax is very clear; any analysis of the levers that are available to us as a government via the Welsh rates of income tax demonstrates we simply cannot raise enough fairly enough to make good the holes that have been created by the economic crisis, and ensure higher pay in our public services.

"So, I don't think it would be right in a cost-of-living crisis to ask anyone that pays the basic income rate to pay any extra money".

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, asks what contribution Wales can make as part of the international aid effort in southern Turkey and northern Syria following a huge earthquake that has killed more than 5,000 people.

“Wales has a proud tradition of helping out in situations like this,” he says.

Lesley Griffiths replies that her cabinet colleague Jane Hutt had asked officials to begin discussions with the UK government on the matter. “I’m sure there are already people being identified to go and support the rescue operation,” she adds.

Mr Davies then refers to the auditor general for Wales' view that the Welsh Government acted with "avoidable haste" buying a Powys farm for possible use by the Green Man music festival.

Mr Davies highlights the lack of minutes of meetings regarding the £4.25m purchase of Gilestone Farm, citing six meetings without minutes between civil servants and Green Man Festival.

"There are always lessons to be learned," says Lesley Griffiths, adding there were "a lot of positives in the the auditor general's letter".

Conservative MS for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, raises concerns about the safety of buildings owned by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Only 62% of buildings owned by the board are "operationally safe," a report has revealed.

The board owns 238 properties across north Wales.

The report said: "There is a risk that failure to provide a safe and compliant built environment could result in avoidable harm to patients and staff."

Janet Finch-Saunders says "this is simply not a good state of affairs for a health board that swings from one crisis, or one scandal or story, week by week".

The Trefnydd Lesley Griffiths replies the board is "responsible for the condition of its own estate. Business cases can be submitted to Welsh Government for capital funding for the health board's assessed priorities, which have to be considered against the backdrop of significant capital pressures across NHS Wales."

The Llywydd (presiding officer) Elin Jones conducts a ballot to determine the names of members who may table questions to the first minister and Welsh ministers. Each member may enter their name into a ballot.

The Plaid Cymru MS for Ynys Môn, Rhun ap Iorwerth, seeks a statement on the Welsh Government's response to the 2 Sisters Food Group's consultation on the closure of its site in Llangefni.

The Trefnydd Lesley Griffiths says the Welsh Government is doing all it can to give its full support for the affected employees, but has to "prepare for the worst".

She says the first meeting of a taskforce took place last week.

It was attended by senior officials from the Welsh Government with representation from Isle of Anglesey Council, UK government, DWP, 2 Sisters Poultry Ltd and the Unite Union. They agreed an objective to investigate new ways to secure the future of the plant and the jobs in Llangefni.

Rhun ap Iorwerth says if the factory does close, "the response must be significant and swift from the Welsh and UK governments" with "significant financial support".

Lesley Griffiths replies, "we are, once again, urging the UK government to act quickly to support Welsh businesses, and, as a government, we will continue to do all we can."

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the fifth session of First Minister's Questions in 2023.

The Trefnydd (Senedd business manager) Lesley Griffiths continues to stand in, following the passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the first minister.

The meeting is held in a hybrid format, with some members in the Siambr (Senedd chamber) and others joining by video-conference.

You can click on the play button above to watch the proceedings.

Image source, PA Media