9. 10. Statement: Armed Forces

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:01 pm on 28 June 2016.

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Photo of Steffan Lewis Steffan Lewis Plaid Cymru 5:01, 28 June 2016

I’d like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement and I’d like to welcome the comments he made regarding marking the centenary of the battle of Jutland and the battle of the Somme. Many Welshmen lost their lives, and we owe it to them to remember and to honour their sacrifice.

Those who have served in the armed forces face particular challenges as a result of their service, but they also have the potential to make valuable contributions to their communities, to businesses, and to employers. It is the Welsh Government’s responsibility of course to ensure that appropriate support is in place to enable them to do so. Will the Government introduce specific targets for waiting times for access to mental health care for ex-service personnel, and what service is the Welsh Government putting in place to ensure that veteran amputees have access to the best levels of care within the Welsh national health service?

I welcome the development of purpose-built homes for veterans, like Tŷ Dewr in Wrexham, as the Cabinet Secretary mentioned, and I’d like to ask him what plans the Government has to build on this success and open similar schemes in other locations across the country? Also, what support is available for the families of those in the armed forces, and veterans? Particularly, what steps is the Welsh Government considering taking to support the children of those in the armed forces? Finally, this year—and a couple of years now—we’re marking the centenary of the first world war, but what plans does the Welsh Government have to continue with education in terms of keeping up awareness of the events of 100 years ago beyond the official period of centenary, also looking towards education in conflict resolution? Diolch yn fawr.