A Powys MS has called for the Senedd to ditch the virtual plenary sessions and return to a hybrid format.
Russell George, who represents Montgomeryshire in the Welsh Parliament, said returning to Cardiff Bay would allow better scrutiny of the Government.
“Parliaments elsewhere in the UK and around the world are able to meet safely and in person, and there is no reason that the Welsh Parliament should be prevented from doing so," the Welsh Conservative member said.
The Welsh Parliament moved to virtual only sittings just before Christmas due to concerns surrounding the omicron variant of coronavirus.
Mr George said: ''It is vital that elected members have the choice to return to the Senedd to execute their duties as effectively as possible. I understand that some members will have reasons for conducting their work from home, but it is important that there is now that option for Members of the Senedd to return to work in the Welsh Parliament
“Being back in the Senedd allows for better scrutiny of the Welsh Government. Zoom is a useful tool but it opens up the opportunity for problems to arise and Minister rely on officials and advisers to provide prompts and off-screen advice.
“Being back in the Senedd is not just about scrutinising the Government. It's also important to set an example of going back to the workplace. Being back in the office also benefits people's mental well-being and it helps support the local economies. Simply being able to chat to colleagues and buying lunch from the local businesses surrounding your workplaces helps support health and boosts the local economy.
“Parliaments elsewhere in the UK and around the world are able to meet safely and in person, and there is no reason that the Welsh Parliament should be prevented from doing so.”
“Whilst options to work from home can remain, many people will now want to get back to working along colleagues”
Senedd Members have been told that fully virtual plenary sessions will remain in place.
Mr George has been calling for plans that allow the country to live with coronavirus. The Shadow Minister for Health has said that many businesses have suffered because of the latest coronavirus restrictions, with the hospitality industry being one of the hardest hit.
The Montgomeryshire MS has claimed that having employees in offices and workplaces helps the surrounding businesses and supports the local economy.
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