Extract from Wales Assembly Questions to the First Minister - Feb 12

Paul Davies AM (Leader of the Opposition): Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, do you agree with the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru that the severe funding crisis in Welsh schools is having a detrimental effect on our young people?

Mark Drakeford AM (First Minister of Wales): Where I agree with them is when they point to the fact that the austerity imposed on Wales by his Government is having the effect that they regret, and I regret the fact, and regret every day, that we are unable to invest to the extent that we would like in our schools, in our hospitals, in housing and in all the other things that we would like to do in Wales. But the association that he points to—and I've seen their letter—puts their finger on where the blame lies, and it belongs with him and with his Government.