From the Assembly

22nd January 2010

Eleanor Burnham AM

Job losses have increased in North Wales according to figures released this week and I believe it's time for the Welsh Government to focus on the importance of establishing a diverse economy, focusing on home-made products, intellectual property creation and services.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to improve Wales' offer to business. We have proposed a £3.5bn 2010 economic stimulus package, aimed at radically improving energy and transport infrastructure.

We have also called on the Welsh Government to reverse its 5% cuts to further and higher education. Now is the time to invest in our skills base and enhance the links between our centres of learning and Wales' entrepreneurial talent.

We keep on pinning our hopes on single investors - it really is the wrong approach in a global economy where the UK is often too expensive.  We have to offer the world something different based on what makes us special - and that means investing in smaller, cutting-edge enterprises. 

Sustainable economic development tends to grow from small seeds.  It may not make the headlines in the same way as a big inward investment, but we ought to be helping our own small and medium-sized enterprises to grow by cutting red tape and helping them tap into the knowledge held in our universities.

The new First Minister's leadership manifesto contained a number of promises to change, implement and/or prioritise different schemes.

There were quite a number of references to issues within my own portfolio, such as children and young people.

Until now Labour and Plaid have been supporting cuts in spending so the question is, can the Assembly budget extend to meeting and matching the commitments and priorities of the new First Minister?

The Budget Minister seems to be very confident that there are good times ahead but it will be interesting to see how she manages to find the money to deliver on the First Minister's promises.

Weekending 9th October 2009

At the beginning of the week, it was a pleasure to accept an invitation from Clwyd Alyn to visit a number of their housing projects for vulnerable people in the area. The visits were arranged as part of Life Begins @ Home week, designed to raise public awareness of housing-related support services in Wales. The week was a celebration of organisations' achievements in supporting vulnerable people in addressing difficulties and developing more healthy, secure and independent lifestyles. I was delighted to meet young residents of a housing project who had experience of homelessness and another project which provides comfortable, safe and secure accommodation for young expectant mothers or mothers and their baby, helping them to move towards independence.

I am deeply concerned that the most vulnerable in our society such as older people, the very young or those with disabilities may be at risk as a result of the last budget round announced in the Assembly last week. In the Chamber, I challenged the Welsh Finance Minister, Andrew Davies, to guarantee that standards of public service delivery would be maintained despite savage "efficiency savings". I believe the government should guarantee that standards should be maintained. Local authorities are already under enormous pressure to deliver day-to-day services at the same time as having to produce massive savings.

What worries me is that the Labour-Plaid government has failed to appreciate the full impact of this situation and will absolve itself by handing over responsibility to the cash-strapped local authorities.

This Labour -Plaid Government must realise that the decisions it makes are seriously affecting people's lives and it is this government that must be held accountable

As the Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Young People, I believe there are far too many young people in prisons and institutions who are disadvantaged due to having undiagnosed and untreated learning difficulties and disabilities.

In my view, the system lets them down as children and they fall into a vicious circle of offending, unproductive custody and inevitable reoffending. Early identification and intervention are essential and in the Assembly last week I called on the Deputy Minister to do all he can to match the needs of individual young offenders to the educational support they receive.

The one-size-fits-all model is clearly not working and I want to make sure that we in Wales begin to make the difference both for young people in the criminal justice system today and for those who are at risk of offending in the future.

Child poverty in Wales a priority 26/6/09

The overwhelming issue this week has been the plight of children and young people. In Plenary, Committee and outside events, the cold, hard facts of how the futures of children in Wales are being jeopardised have been all too evident.

Access to adequate education facilities for post-19 students with learning difficulties was brought to Plenary via a petition and a report from the Enterprise and Learning Committee.

The Chief Constable of South Wales Police, Ms. Barbara Wilding, was one of those invited to give evidence to the Communities and Culture Committee's inquiry into Youth Justice where she emphasised the importance of giving children and young people the right start in life and preventing them from drifting into crime. Once inside the criminal justice system it is extremely difficult for a young person to improve their lot in life. In too many cases they may have failed in the education system and subsequently become marginalised. School exclusion rates can be accurate indicators of young persons' destinies and early intervention is essential to turning this tide.

Since mid-Victorian times philanthropists like Joseph Rowntree have worked to try to alleviate child poverty and its impact. How shocked and disappointed Rowntree would be today to find that in 21st-century Wales almost one-third of children are still living in poverty.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation launched its latest study into child poverty this week where the horrific figures were revealed. Despite the Labour-Plaid Government's assertions that they are dealing with child poverty in Wales the figures have increased, and the prospect of halving child poverty in Wales by 2010 - never mind eradicating it by 2020 - is extremely unlikely unless a radical review of government policies is carried out.

It is shocking that many young people in Wales still find themselves without a home and I was delighted to meet with the Shelter Wales Peer Learning Project team in Wrexham. The Peer Learning Project team play an important role in educating young people and visit local schools to provide information about homelessness, how to prevent it and what can be done if faced with homelessness.

On a final note, what a thrill to hear that UNESCO has named Pontcysyllte as Britain 's newest World Heritage Site. Pontcysyllte is a very important part of our local heritage and I know that this decision will be welcomed by local people. Well done to everyone who was involved in this successful campaign

5/6/09

On Monday, I was pleased to join members of the Wrexham Multiple Sclerosis Society at Wrexham General Station who organised a demonstration to highlight the appalling fact that only 45% of Wales' railway stations are accessible for people in wheelchairs and that a massive 83% of railway stations are unstaffed, leaving many disabled and vulnerable people without assistance at stations.

These are unacceptable statistics and on Wednesday, we, the Welsh Liberal Democrats tabled a debate in the Assembly where the issue of accessible public transport could be discussed and an action plan secured to implement desperately needed improvements. I was able to put forward many of the concerns and experiences of the Wrexham MS group but, unfortunately, the Labour/Plaid Government tabled an amendment, preferring to note the Government is working to "encourage" providers to improve access for disabled and vulnerable people in Wales.

Numerical superiority ensured that the amendment replaced the call for an action plan, and the subsequent final vote fell firmly along party lines, with no rebel voters from the Labour-Plaid benches.

It is a sad indictment of this Government that the warm words of support shown by Labour/Plaid AM's in their constituency are rarely transferred into action when it's voting time in the Assembly.

Throughout Wales last week, many events were held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Volunteer Week and I was delighted to join a celebration of the work of volunteers at Wrexham's Big Day Out on Saturday. Despite the rain, the event organised by AVOW was a tremendous tribute to the work of voluntary organisations in Wrexham and provided a showcase of the diverse range of services available in the area.

In the Assembly earlier in the week, I had expressed concern that many voluntary organisations are facing financial difficulties as a result of the recession and urged the Labour/Plaid Government to ensure the voluntary sector receives proper and sustainable funding.

Voluntary organisations are a vital source of support for the most vulnerable people during the recession and the government must ensure its rhetoric about supporting the third sector through the downturn is backed up with concerted action. If charities fail, we lose yet more jobs as well as losing vital support for the most vulnerable in society.

Ten Years of Devolution May 15th 2009

The Assembly has celebrated its 10th year and whilst democracy is a slow process and there is still a long way to go, I believe the Assembly has begun to deliver real change to the people of Wales and has demonstrated how democracy can be open, transparent and accessible. I look forward to the Assembly achieving greater powers and an improved annual settlement from Westminster which ensures better delivery of services to people living in Wales.

The National Assembly for Wales has been working for the past year to transfer powers held by Westminster regarding the Welsh language to the Assembly, this is known as a Legislative Competency Order (LCO) . I am delighted that this is moving forward. As the Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Welsh language, I have always championed the Welsh language and challenged the Government to improve and embrace bi-lingualism. After all, multilingualism is a normal state of affairs in a majority of countries.

In the Senedd, I was delighted to sponsor an event to launch an Age Concern Cymru report highlighting how Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people are fearful of growing older in Wales. The report highlights specific concerns facing this vulnerable group of people and provides an excellent foundation for the future equality, diversity and human rights work of Age Concern Cymru in Wales.

The Making Tracks Youth Initiative Scheme in Colwyn Bay is an innovative project which aims to involve young people, particularly those subject to community service orders, in horticultural based projects. The project does tremendous work and as Chair of Making Tracks and a former magistrate, I was pleased to visit the staff, young people and volunteers to see what a difference this project is making to young peoples lives.

The CBI annual dinner in Ewloe was an excellent opportunity to meet with the local business leaders and discuss the impact of the economic crisis. Whilst we hear the Labour/Plaid Government championing new initiatives to save jobs and protect business in Wales, I am afraid that this is not enough as we are still seeing new redundancies, closing businesses and rising unemployment. Labour and Plaid cannot on one hand say they are protecting jobs in Wales when unemployment in Wales has reached 7.7% and banks which have received substantial funds from the taxpayers are not doing enough to assist businesses who are experiening financial difficulties. Surely it is improper that public funded banks are holding on to money which could be used to save jobs and generate new business.

11 May 2009

This week, it has been impossible to ignore the recent revelations of MP's expenses claims. Politicians in Westminster have faced scrutiny for the most absurd and shocking expense claims made from the public purse and these revelations are bad for politicians of all parties and caused great damage to the reputation of British politics. In Wales, the position is well ahead of Westminster. A full account of all claims by Assembly Members have been available online since 1 April 2006 for everybody to see and within the next few months, AM's expenses will be available on a month by month basis on the Assembly website. If Westminster politician's had taken the Assembly's lead they would not be facing embarrassing revelations on a daily basis and politics would be much healthier as a result.

In the Assembly, as Social Justice Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, I was pleased to attend a Cross Party launch of the Welsh Assembly Government's guide to help constituents suffering domestic violence. I find it appalling that so many people are living in fear in their own homes; domestic violence is a serious crime that should not be tolerated and so many people suffer in silence. The All Wales domestic abuse helpline number is 0808 801 0800. The helpline is free, confidential and, importantly, the telephone number does not show up on UK landline telephone bills.

What a shock to see recent statistics released by the Department for Work and Pensions which show that the number of children living in poverty in Wales is the highest of any UK nation and still rising. These statistics are a huge blow to the fight against child poverty in Wales and proves the lack of action and firm commitment from the Labour-Plaid government in tackling this issue. What happened to the promise to halve child poverty by 2010?

It is always a pleasure when school children visit the Assembly and I was delighted to meet pupils from Gwersyllt Community Primary School and Victoria School in Wrexham. I am looking forward to visiting the schools in the near future to hear how they enjoyed the day.

OFCOM AND DIGITAL TV ON THE AGENDA THIS WEEK

9-13 March 2009

The developments in broadcasting continue to move on apace, and this week Ofcom held a briefing for AMs. This was a helpful networking opportunity which allowed us to meet with the Ofcom Chairman and members of the Board in order to discuss the fast-changing nature of media, TV, broadband and all general communications issues. One of the concerns I raised was the lack of a Welsh representative on the main Ofcom board.

There are a multitude of reviews and consultations about broadcasting going on at the moment, and some questions are difficult to answer as the results of consultations have yet to be finalised. This was evidenced in this week's Communities and Culture Committee, where we were extremely pleased to welcome the Director General of the BBC, Mark Thompson and BBC Wales Controller, Menna Richards. Joined by senior representatives of Ofcom, S4C and the BBC Trust was Lord Stephen Carter CBE, Minister for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting. Lord Carter was responsible for the recent "Digital Britain" report and the very interesting and informative question and answer session contributed to the ongoing review of broadcasting in Wales.

Digital UK also gave a helpful presentation this week. Theirs was a timely reminder of the imminent digital switchover and the work that is ongoing to familiarise viewers with the changeover. We discussed the importance of ensuring sufficient publicity to assist everyone in my region as the various choices present themselves. A new television will not necessarily be required, but to make sure you get the best from the switchover, contact Digital UK - they will be happy to help you through any technical queries. Website details are www.digitaluk.co.uk and the telephone number is 08456 50 50 50.

The Equality of Opportunity Committee welcomed a delegation of Armenian politicians to the Assembly this Tuesday. As Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Equality I was delighted, amongst others, to discuss the important role we women play in our emerging and maturing Welsh Assembly.

Finally, I would like to say how good it has been to have become involved in so many community issues in the past few weeks. Community Transport, North Wales trains, the removal of signed headlines on ITV Wales, issues around wind turbines and landfill - all these grace my postbox and Inbox and long may that continue! It is a pleasure to work for you all and I hope you will not hesitate to get in touch if you are in need of assistance.

My contact details are:

Eleanor Burnham AM, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1NA.

Tel: (029 20) 898345 Fax: (029 20) 898344

Constituency Office: 67 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1PF

Email: eleanor.burnham@wales.gov.uk

www.eburnham.org.uk

ALL CHANGE?

It's been another varied and interesting week in Cardiff, and the theme has definitely been one of change. Visiting the BBC in Llandaff on a fact-finding mission, I met Rhodri Talfan-Davies and Alan Shurmer to discuss the pending changes in broadcasting. The pace of change has been brisk in this field, and everyone is mindful of the difficult economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. The huge challenges facing ITV are well-documented, yet the necessity to secure competitive news and current affairs coverage must remain a priority for broadcasting.

This week saw the inaugural meeting of the Cross-Party Group on ICT. Information and Communications Technology is in a constant state of change, and we in the Assembly must stay abreast of the developments. As the initial invitation read, "The group is being set up to consider IT and Communications Technology in the context of Wales. Such a group has existed in Westminster for some twenty years and attracts membership from over 100 MPs and some 70 Peers. The purpose of the group will be to provide an informed awareness of the social and economic impact of information and communications technologies on the development and application of policies so important to the future prosperity and international status of Wales. Leading individuals from, for example Industry, Commerce, Academia, and the related Professional Bodies have offered to provide practical support to such a cross-party group and appropriate 'experts' will be invited to participate in discussions of the group."

There are numerous cross-party groups here in the Assembly and they cover such diverse subjects as eating disorders, hospices, faith, and autism. The groups usually meet at 6pm (after Plenary) and as they provide an excellent forum for informed discussion it is not uncommon for topics in Plenary debates or Ministerial questions to have their roots in cross-party groups.

Despite all the other changes there is still no word on the Community Transport Concessionary Fares Initiative. No report has been published and the question was dodged by Ministers in the Siambr yet again this week. On Wednesday I have another opportunity to question the Minister on the subject in the Siambr and I trust that this time he will have the courtesy to provide a full answer.

Finally, I was told this week that there were just twenty-two people on the so-called "WAG Express" from Holyhead to Cardiff on Thursday this week. Coupled with the news that two train services a day from Wrexham are being cancelled I believe it is time for a major re-think on rail services in North Wales.

All change?

IF I RULED THE WORLD............

This week saw a landmark decision being made in the Assembly as we debated the use of plastic carrier bags. The whole thing started with a petition to the Assembly started by Neil Evans, who entered and won the BBC's "If I Ruled the World" competition.

Plastic bags account for 2 per cent of litter recovered from Welsh beaches. The Marine Conservation Society has estimated that every year 100,000 sea birds and mammals are strangled or suffocated by discarded plastic bags. That is a dreadful statistic. A plastic bag can take between 450 and 1,000 years to degrade fully, and it's estimated that we use 450 million plastic bags in Wales each year.

In the Republic of Ireland a levy was imposed on bags and the funds raised are used for environmental improvement projects. Plastic bag use decreased by 90% in Dublin as a result of the levy, and when the use of bags started to increase the levy was also increased to bring consumption back down. The average number of plastic bags used by each individual in Ireland each year has gone down from 328 to just 21 - that's a fantastic reduction and one that we in Wales could soon be matching or even bettering. The Minister, Jane Davidson, will be undertaking a consultation over the summer period to assess the legalities and implications of a levy in Wales. That's excellent news for the environment as well as being a massive incentive to those who think individuals can't influence governments.

Within the Assembly there is a Members' Research Service which we use to obtain information and statistics. Knowing that the Olympics are probably going to result in the loss of millions of pounds of funding for Wales I approached MRS for details of any backlog in maintenance of local authority - owned leisure facilities. The regional figures for Wales were not readily available, but statistics from a 2008 Sports Council survey and report I was given made grim reading. The calculations show that "the total 10 year investment need for all-Wales is approximately £275m (upgrades and new builds)". That is a staggering sum and begs many questions. How will potential sports stars of the future find facilities for their early training? How can local authorities - already struggling with budgets and service delivery - deal with the problem? How can the Welsh Assembly Government hope to tackle obesity issues and encourage physical activity if the facilities are in such dire need of care and repair?

Local authorities are being faced with stark financial choices. It is difficult to imagine leisure buildings being refurbished without the support of external finance. When the Welsh Assembly Government declared it was going to make all schools fit for purpose by 2010 it was only then that a survey was launched to assess the schools. Subsequently, the target year was changed from 2010 to 2020. WAG will no doubt say that leisure facilities are a matter for the local authorities. The stark news that the public services budget is to be cut by £500 million by 2010 will not give councils much hope that they will be able to continue to provide the infrastructure to support Government initiatives on such derisory local government settlements.

WOMEN'S WEEK

26th - 30th January 2009

There has been a definite sense of it being "Women's Week" in the Assembly this week. The Electoral Reform Society staged a very interesting "Women and the Vote" event at which Kirsty Williams and other AMs spoke about their experiences as women in the world of politics. This was a very well-attended event, with lively discussion and a question and answer session after the speeches, but it was memorable for the examples each woman gave of disgraceful treatment they had received during their time in public service - treatment that related purely and simply to the fact that they are women. It would be tempting to think that all that is now in the past, wouldn't it, but even though almost half of our Assembly members are women, that has come about by some parties applying gender-balancing strategies to their candidate selection procedures. Many countries envy Wales' representation and its more civilised approach to politics through the consensual ethos women bring to debate. From the gender perspective, Assembly representation accurately reflects society and allows for a wider selection of issues to be on the agenda. As someone once said, the best man for the job is very often a woman!

On Wednesday Women's Aid celebrated their 30th birthday by holding an evening event in the Senedd. The organisation started out on a voluntary basis and has grown to establish itself as a cornerstone of support for women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. This week's event coincides with the publication of a combined report by the End Violence Against Women and Equality and Human Rights Commission coalition. This "Map of Gaps" highlights the "postcode lottery" in services for women who have been victims of violence or abuse. Startling figures show that each year in the UK three million women experience and have to deal with violence. Many have to travel miles for help with their predicament, often accompanied by young children. Women's Aid is providing much-needed practical support, even to the extent that their website has the capacity to be disguised. I wish them and the "Map of Gaps" campaign every success.

(Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 8010800)

NETWORKING A KEY AND VITAL TOOL

This week's Equality of Opportunity Committee met on Tuesday to discuss issues around Disabled Facilities Grants. This was a particularly useful meeting, as on Monday I had met with representatives of Denbighshire's "Care and Repair" team. Last week the Royal British Legion had held an event in the Assembly at which the main topic had been lengthy waiting times experienced by people in need of these home adaptations.

Having received quite a few letters from people in North Wales who have experienced such delays I was glad of the opportunity to ask our two invitees - Ruth Marks, the Older People's Commissioner for Wales and Wendy Bourton, Chief Executive of Care and Repair Cymru - for their comments. It is important that we in the Assembly make full use of our ability to ensure that services are being properly delivered and that people, especially those who are vulnerable, are able to live in safe environments that suit their needs.

On Tuesday evening I attended three events here in the Assembly - the Police Federation's presentation, the Women in Democracy Group and the Children's University Cymru reception. The Children's University started out in Wrexham in 2002 but has extended itself considerably since that time. There is now only a handful of local authorities that do not operate this extremely worthy programme.

At the Women in Democracy Group we were enthralled by a contribution from Professor Laura McAllister of Liverpool University. Her topic was, "Politics. Is the Future Female?" Personally, I would have to say that women's contribution to politics cannot be underestimated. In the Welsh Liberal Democrats, for example, we have a female Leader (who has this week spoken at the prestigious Oxford Union), and our Chief Executive and President are also women.

"We were enthralled by a contribution from Professor Laura McAllister of Liverpool University"

The third event was given by the Police Federation, where I met and spoke to many very interesting people.

Whilst such events may be seen by some as peripheral, I see them as a means of extending my "network" and strengthening my ability to represent and support the people of North Wales.

NEW COMMITTEES

12TH-16TH Jan 2009

AMs were back in Cardiff this week for the start of the new term. In the Lib Dems many of us changed membership of committees, and I took my place on the Communities and Culture Committee. I will also be part of the Broadcasting Sub-Committee, which has already done a great deal of work with Ofcom and Digital UK. This coincided beautifully with Monday's launch of Ofcom's Draft Annual Plan, where invitees heard a presentation from Ofcom and could then participate in a question and answer session.

This included details of the digital switchover, and with so many complex issues surrounding this switchover - not least the fact that some areas of north-east Wales will not be able to receive a signal - it was a very useful exercise.

As a result of the presentation, arrangements are now in place for me to have individual meetings with representatives of Ofcom and Digital UK.

I am sure these meetings will be informative and productive and give me an excellent opportunity to press concerns on behalf of my constituents.

Speaking of which, Digital UK has this week announced a Switchover Help Scheme. I am really pleased with this initiative. For many people with mobility difficulties television is a major link to what is going on in the world. The thought of the digital switchover has been a worry for some people and this scheme will no doubt come as a great relief to them. The scheme will not only raise awareness through advertising, but has other benefits as well. Eligible people who are aged 75 or over, who get or could get certain disability benefits, who are resident in a care home or who are registered blind or partially sighted can get help to switch one of their TVs to digital for £40 or free if they are also on income benefits.

There is a website http://www.helpscheme.co.uk as well as a freephone telephone number 0800 408 5900 and an email address info@helpscheme.co.uk and I would encourage anyone who thinks they or a friend or relative may be eligible to make contact.

As one of the Eisteddfod's Vice-Presidents and a former soprano prize-winner, I was delighted to attend the launch of the 2009 Llangollen International Eisteddfod which took place in St. David's Hall on Wednesday. Llangollen promises to be a cultural highlight of 2009, with a wonderful programme of events and competitions including mesmeric Shamanic Drummers from Hungary, an International Family Day, an International Youth Day and a moving Peace Message from the Children of Wales to the World. Barbara Dickson will be "Live at Llangollen "on Tuesday, 7th July and I am hugely excited about the Saturday night "Pavarotti Trophy" where the best of the best from the Eisteddfod compete for the title, "Choir of the World". The final night (Sunday, 12th July) will include a "Music of James Bond 007" concert and a firework finale. This year, for the first time, there will be activities on the Sunday and access to these will be free if an evening concert ticket is bought. With such an exciting programme planned I hope this Eisteddfod, the National Eisteddfod as well as other Welsh cultural events will enjoy record attendance.

Expenses provide fodder for cynics

5th-9th Jan 2009

The recent publication of AMs' expenses provided ample fodder for cynics and journalists. Both groups seized the opportunity to question the value of the Assembly and its members. In this week's article I'm going to attempt to redress the balance a little by giving you a short overview of how the Assembly works and what it means to be an AM.

When AMs are elected they have usually spent the past four years campaigning - producing and delivering leaflets and knocking on doors in their constituencies. Teams of party members spend most of their spare time doing this and candidates are no exception - at least, not in my Party!

So actually becoming an AM after such a long haul is a huge relief, but it's after the election the work really starts. Naturally, you don't wake up on the morning after getting elected to find that suddenly you know everything you need to know about being an AM. Yet there you are - democratically accountable for millions of pounds and three million people.

Thankfully, my working life until becoming an AM included a breadth of experiences which included social services, mental health tribunals at the former Denbigh Hospital and being a magistrate. They all stood me in good stead when it came to representing North Wales in the Assembly.

The Assembly committees discuss a variety of issues and there is the opportunity to ask questions of invited experts who attend to give their points of view on their specialist subjects. Specialists in a particular field can register themselves as experts on the Assembly website under "Committees".

Both committees and Plenary are televised on S4C2 and BBC Parliament as well as on Senedd TV on the internet. Times and information on committees and Plenary can be found on the National Assembly website under "Business".

Questions to the First Minister and the Ministers are "tabled" electronically two weeks in advance. Each AM is allowed to table one question to the First Minister a week and two to each Minister. All the AMs' questions are "shuffled" so that just 15 questions are drawn to be asked of each Minister. Whilst the initial tabled question will be bland, you are allowed an undisclosed supplementary question which will be far more specific and searching. Even if your own question isn't drawn, subject to the Llywydd's discretion you still have the opportunity to ask a supplementary on another AM's question, and this is an important means of addressing constituency issues.

Days are hectic in the Assembly, with AMs dashing between committee rooms, the Siambr, informative events or presentations from public service organisations, lobby group meetings and media interviews.

For me, being an AM is a huge privilege and a whirlwind existence - and I wouldn't change it for the world!

WELSH LANGUAGE SET BACK

1ST -5TH DEC 08

My Assembly week began with a Question Time-style video conference. Conducted in Welsh, the video link allowed me in Cardiff and other AMs in Barry and Swansea to answer questions put by pupils from schools all across Wales. Once again my faith in young people was confirmed, as their broad knowledge resulted in searching questions ranging from the proper Welsh translation on road signs to the Barnett formula!

On Tuesday a group of young people from Azerbaijan and Wales visited the Assembly and met with the members of the Children and Young People Committee. The visit was arranged through Dr. Olga Kelly of the British Council, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable event. Dr Kelly contacted me after the event to say that the international visitors found their Assembly visit the "highlight of the day", and that two of the young Welsh men felt that the visit had encouraged them to take their role in politics more seriously.

Unfortunately, I spent the rest of this week suffering from the effects of a virus and was sadly unable to be at the Senedd for the debate on the Welsh language.

Opposition AM David Melding was proposing that a bid for powers be introduced which would allow the Assembly to create a Welsh Language Commissioner and give Welsh the status of an official language.

Wales already has a Commissioner for Older People and a Children's Commissioner, and as the Labour-Plaid "One Wales" document pledges to establish a Welsh Language Commissioner you would think that this debate would be a foregone conclusion. Not so.

Curiously, the Government has been dragging its feet on the Welsh Language over the past eighteen months. The Welsh Liberal Democrats want the decisions that affect Wales to be made in Wales so naturally we all supported the motion. Despite three AMs on the Government side of the Siambr choosing to break ranks, numerical superiority lay firmly with the Government side and in the end the motion was defeated.

Labour have been worrying lately that they are seen as anti-Welsh. I don't think this week's failure to support the Welsh language will help.

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

17-21ST NOV 2008

Children and young people have been the focus of this last Assembly week.

Monday saw the release of a survey by children's charity Barnardo's which reveals that almost half of the adults who responded believe that children are a danger to each other and to adults. Moreover, 45% use the word "feral" to describe today's children.

I find these results extremely disturbing, and they give me great cause for concern - for adults and children alike.

I'm not going to pretend here that I have all the answers to this problem. I do know from my lengthy experience with young people that not only are there an awful lot of very good and able children out there, but also that the time has come for us to put practical solutions in place to make sure all children reach their full potential.

The Children's Commissioner for Wales recently produced his Annual Review. The Review stresses the need "to focus on closing the gap between policy intent and practice". I second that wholeheartedly. It's time to stop just talking about what can be done and start actually implementing practices that will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

Today's youth are tomorrow's citizens and prospective community leaders. They will need to be properly equipped to carry out their duties and I am delighted to report that this week I have seen three wonderfully impressive examples of schools which give me very good reason to be optimistic about the future.

I am always delighted to engage with schools across my region to discuss citizenship and politics and the role that an Assembly Member plays in the process.

Hawarden School 6th form visit

Hawarden and Holywell high schools both invited me to speak to students about the real world of politics. In both groups I saw enthusiastic, perceptive and interested young people who were eager to understand politics as part of everyday life not just something that crops up at election time.

The same was true of Ysgol Maes Garmon, whose students travelled down from Mold to visit the Assembly. Once again, politics and particularly citizenship were seen as included in the routine of their lives.

I am convinced that being included and having a say in decisions that affect their own lives is also the key to addressing the points raised in the Barnardo's research and I will continue to do my utmost to promote that position.

WHAT A LOAD OF "TOSH"!!

10-14TH NOVEMBER 2008

The week began on a high with the Annual Education Lecture, delivered this year by the wonderful Professor (and Baroness) Shirley Williams.

Having visited Branas School in Llandrillo that morning, and having been hugely impressed with the quality of work they are achieving there, it was timely to hear Baroness Williams talk about effective and imaginative ways of dealing with young people in the education system.

What a remarkable woman she is!

It has been a busy week for events in the Assembly. On Tuesday I was privileged to sponsor Age Concern Cymru's "Advocacy Counts 2" launch of their second survey into elder abuse. The first survey, launched in October 2007, was a baseline in the study of the subject.

I was extremely pleased to welcome Louise Hughes and Robert Taylor of Age Concern, as well as Ruth Marks, the Older People's Commissioner. Gwenda Thomas AM, the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services kindly performed the formal launch and there was an opportunity for questions at the end.

I wholeheartedly support the idea of advocacy for older people and I congratulate Age Concern on their admirable work.

On a different theme, the word of the week has been "tosh".

The debate on the digital switchover and the problems it will bring for some viewers in north-east Wales was what prompted me to give that somewhat forthright response to the First Minister on Tuesday afternoon.

Quite frankly, when you are faced with a First Minister who says the problems are there because the mountains face the wrong way and are in the wrong place, then goes on to say that the equator is in the wrong place, there are not a lot of words from which you can choose!

Ever since the move to digital was first talked about in the Assembly I have been trying to find someone who could take responsibility for providing the answer to this problem, but always to no avail.

Next year it will be forty years since we put a man on the moon - surely it's not beyond the wit of 21st Century man (or woman) to come up with the appropriate technology for television in North Wales!

FAMILY PLANNING

AMs are often contacted by local organisations or individuals who would like to have a meeting here in the Assembly. This week, in my role as my party's Spokesperson on Children and Young People I was visited by Julie Bentley and Hayley Blackburn of the Family Planning Association. As a mother, too, I have strong views on sexual education.

Sexual health and wellbeing are sensitive subjects. There are those who argue that teaching young people about sexual matters at an early age simply encourages promiscuity. I do not subscribe to that view. It's surely a parental duty to equip young people so that they can make their own, well-informed choices.

Parents may sometimes be too embarrassed to discuss sexual matters with their children, but they need to know that support is out there! Ignoring the subject will not make it go away. Figures for teen pregnancies and Chlamydia in Wales are a sad testament to that fact.

The FPA tries to work effectively with many community and locally - based organisations to get their key messages across, and I would urge anyone who feels they need a little help to contact their nearest FPA.

The week has been dominated by events "across the pond" and the election of Barack Obama.

US presidential elections usually cause excitement here in the Assembly, and this time was no exception. Our Lib-Dem Group Office proudly displayed an Obama - Biden poster, my researcher wore a fabulous stars and stripes waistcoat and it was good to have an American perspective from Jill, our intern from Ohio.

The end result was truly historic, with all of us feeling part of a great movement towards hope, change and optimism. Having emulated another senator from Illinois, Obama is now living the American Dream. What a bright future he and the rest of the world now have as long as he remains true to himself as he carries out what has been called a "glorious burden"!

The television coverage of voters in some states waiting four hours or more to cast their ballot gave me pause for thought. Could we in Wales ever see such high participation and interest at election time? How could it be achieved? What is it about our political system that discourages people from participating?

If you would like to let me have your views on this subject I would really like to hear from you………………………………………………..

Recess means more time in my constituency

The Autumn Recess took place this week, and AMs were mostly spending time in their constituencies.

Away from the turbulence and bustle of the Assembly, weeks like this always provide the opportunity to get out and about among more people in the constituency.

There is also the chance to find out more about how people at the "sharp end" are dealing with the current economic crisis. For many of the people I have spoken to recently - those running small businesses, working in the rural economy, or struggling to deliver services - life is becoming increasingly difficult.

The credit crunch is hitting everybody in one way or another, and what has been particularly difficult to stomach is that, as belts are tightened to deal with terribly harsh circumstances, the proposed Local Government Settlement just makes matters worse.

With inflation at 5.2% and the average increase local authorities in North Wales will get from the Assembly a derisory 2.6% I have serious concerns for those who depend on councils for crucial services. Not only that, the Welsh Assembly has received a 4.8% increase in its funding from Westminster this year!

Hard-working families and individuals are now under threat of increased council tax bills at the very time the government should be putting money back in their pockets. In this dismal situation local authorities are still expected to find ways of being more efficient with less money.

The fact that there are more people in dire need of local authority-provided services seems to have escaped the Labour- Plaid government in Wales.

In failing to support local communities financially, this Labour - Plaid Government is abandoning us all.

TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG?

This week's hot topic was the "To Blog or Not to Blog?" debate, held here in the Senedd and hosted by Positif Politics.

The debate consisted of six panellists - three active and enthusiastic bloggers and three not-so-keen sceptics - who first made a case for their side of the argument and then took questions from the audience.

On the "pro" side were Peter Black AM, Betsan Powys and Matt Wardman, and on the other Annabelle Harle of the Electoral Reform Society, Victoria Winkler of the Bevan Foundation and yours truly!

The event had been keenly advertised and there was a very good turnout. One AM was even conducting a "live blog" as the event progressed - it was all very exciting.

The quality and quantity of blogging were debated, the Freedom of Information Act was considered as well as the contentious issue of anonymous blogging. What a wonderful example of democracy in action!

I remain unconvinced that the blog is as significant as many people think it is. I firmly believe that there is no better way of communicating with people than meeting with them and speaking to them face to face.

Eleanor debating blogging

One of the best parts of being an Assembly Member is meeting pupils from schools and colleges in North Wales. When they pay a visit to the Assembly I get the chance to talk to them during their time here. Recently, Coleg Llandrillo, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd and Ysgol Rhiwabon have visited and there are many others scheduled.

It is important for young people to see the work done here and for them to get a feel for the democratic process.

Additionally, I like to visit the schools and colleges in North Wales to talk to students there. As a campaigner for votes at 16, I think it is hugely important that young people see me and the political process I represent as accessible and accountable.

Our young people of today are the leaders of the future and we owe it to them to be as inclusive and engaged as we possibly can.

IN THE PINK

Another exciting week at the heart of Welsh government, made all the more interesting as I ventured into the world of video-conferencing.

I sit on the Subordinate Legislation Committee, which meets once a week. Last week the Committee was scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon, rather than the usual Tuesday morning. Obviously wanting to make the most of my time in the constituency, I opted to join the Cardiff meeting via a video-conferencing link from Glyndwr University in Wrexham. Little did I know what I was letting myself in for!

Sitting in a separate room in Wrexham, my visual contact with Cardiff was restricted to the area around Chairperson - hardly helpful in a two-hour long meeting in which I was expected to interview and interact with invited participants! Sound difficulties also featured, but with some minor adjustments by our wonderful technicians I was able to repeat the experience the following week, championing the best use of time and technology.

Away from the Bay, last weekend saw my party's Welsh Autumn Conference get underway near Swansea. It was Mike German's last conference as leader and it also heralded the contest for his replacement.

Despite the fact that the bulk of business was about a review of our constitution - tedious, I know, but necessary nonetheless - there is always an air of excitement at our conferences. Old friends and colleagues get together to "network" and catch up with the news from Westminster, and party members have the opportunity to vote through Liberal Democrat party policy. Democracy in the making - just as it should be!

Later in the week representatives from the Breast Cancer Campaign visited the Assembly promoting the "Wear it Pink" campaign. On Friday, 31st October we are all invited to show our support for the campaign by donating £2 and wearing something pink - I hope I will see lots of pink in North Wales on that day!

Rhubarb AND Custard!!

A Week in the Life of Eleanor Burnham AM

22nd -26th September 2008

The new Assembly term began this week (22nd Septemeber) with the usual combination of travel, meetings and pertinent questions.

Coincidentally, all three of those factors combined on Tuesday in the first Plenary session when the subject of the new north-south rail link was broached. As most people are now aware, the new service will not be passing through Wrexham.

That's right, Wrexham - new university town, thriving shopping centre, aspiring city - has been overlooked in the new scheme. North-East Wales, having been snubbed by "Ieuan Air" has now been snubbed by "Ieuan Rail".

And I said so in the Siambr. It is appalling that rather than provide a service to the whole of North-East Wales, the Labour/Plaid Assembly Government has chosen instead to have a restaurant car and a business class carriage! So much for "One Wales"!

The costs of this decision have yet to be made public, and I shall be taking every opportunity to get the facts, starting with this week's Plenary. Watch this space!

Outside the Siambr I was delighted to welcome Hilary, Richard and Tim from "Making Tracks" to the Senedd on Tuesday.

"Making Tracks" is an organisation that offers opportunities in horticulture to young offenders in North Wales. I am very proud to be their Chair, and I was delighted to have them down to the Assembly.

I am extremely pleased to provide a showcase for the important and commendable efforts put in by everyone involved in the organisation's projects. It is our fervent hope that these efforts can be duplicated by like-minded people in other parts of Wales.

Lastly, as each new day brings fresh challenges (as we like to call them!), how disappointing it has been to see the launch of a "No" campaign against devolution in Wales.

In August I had the privilege to address a gathering at the National Eisteddfod on this very subject. I argued then that the Assembly Government needs more powers in order to give the people of Wales a fair deal.

I said that the current system could be likened to "swimming in custard".

Now we have the rhubarb to go with it!