FIRST Minister Rhodri Morgan was due to set out his commitment to improving Welsh public services today.

Schools and hospitals will be one of the central planks of his government's work for the next year, he was expected to say, as he opened the first plenary session for three months.

The length of the break has been much criticised and it seems unlikely it will happen again.

Plaid Cymru have been vocal in their criticism. Newport East AM John Griffiths has admitted: "We don't need a break that long."

Business manager Andrew Davies has said that the recess length is under review. "We are constantly reviewing the way we do business, and this is an issue that is up for review."

Three different solutions have been attempted to accommodate party conferences: none has proved popular.

Mr Morgan was due to set out his broad plans for the coming year in a speech to the first full meeting of the Assembly's new session. This will be augmented by the publication of an updated 10-year plan later this month.

The wide-ranging aims include: Bringing forward measures to implement the administration's vision for the future of education;

Implementing the strategy to improve NHS in Wales; Modernising local government.