Diolch, Lywydd.

Roeddwn i’n blês iawn yr wythnos diwethaf i gyhoeddi enwau fy nhîm gweinidogol, yn dilyn cymeradwyaeth Ei Mawrhydi’r Frenhines. A gaf i, felly, fynd trwy'r enwau, a hefyd eu cyfrifoldebau nhw?

Llywydd, I have linked the economy with infrastructure. We have an ambitious agenda to take Wales forward, and Ken Skates will embrace those challenges with energy. Julie James will take forward the skills agenda within this portfolio, and we’re maintaining our ministerial emphasis on science.

The health and well-being portfolio is linked explicitly to grass-roots sports participation, in recognition of the importance of making Wales a healthier and better country. Wales has led the way in the UK through integrating health and social services provision, and we continue with this approach through the joint work of Vaughan Gething and Rebecca Evans.

Llywydd, Mark Drakeford becomes Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, a pivotal and challenging role as we move, both as a Government and as a National Assembly—or Parliament, as we will call ourselves, no doubt, in time—into the era of devolved revenue raising.

Llywydd, as Members will be aware, Kirsty Williams joins the Cabinet with responsibility for education, a policy area on which she has spoken with great passion and conviction over many years. We know, of course, that schools are important, but are, by no means, the only important aspect of education, and we reflect this through the appointment of Alun Davies as Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language.

Llywydd, environment and rural affairs represents a very significant part of Government responsibilities, affecting every corner of Wales, and I am confident that Lesley Griffiths will combine a strong sense of the national interest with a powerful emphasis on local action.

Carl Sargeant becomes Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children. The communities aspect was a well-established part of the last Government, but, this time, we’re identifying the interests of children as a distinct ministerial responsibility. This is especially important in view of our commitments on childcare and reasonable chastisement.

Llywydd, Jane Hutt today becomes the longest serving Minister in the history of the institution, and she continues her outstanding record of public service as Leader of the House and Chief Whip.

Llywydd, as I said last week in this Chamber, this will be an open, inclusive and transparent administration, and we are very ready to work with others in the national interest. Indeed, Kirsty Williams’s presence in Government is testimony of that approach. But we also, of course, have the arrangements with Plaid Cymru, which were outlined last week. Indeed, whenever it proves possible to develop consensus and co-operation in respect of legislation and spending plans, that is what we will aim to do. Not only is this good government, but it also reflects the wishes of the Welsh people.

Llywydd, I outlined last week some of the priorities for this administration. I’ve emphasised our open approach, but I also have to enter a note of realism. We don’t have a blank cheque. The Welsh Government gets its money entirely from the UK Government, through the block grant. It’s been cut year on year, and, on our current trajectory, the resources available to us in the year 2020 will have been cut back in real terms to the levels of 2003. Now, an open and transparent approach to government can’t mean an expanding shopping list. We know that every new commitment in this administration will have to be paid for by a cutback somewhere else.

Llywydd, I’m very pleased with the Government team I’ve assembled. A critical five-year period lies ahead. Our relentless focus will be on driving improvement in our economy and public services, and I’m confident this team has the vision and the energy to deliver opportunity for all and a united, sustainable Wales, both now and for future generations.