9. How will the policies contained in the Welsh Government’s ‘Taking Wales Forward’ programme improve support for veterans in Wales? OAQ(5)0037(CC)

The policies in our programme for government reflect the ongoing dialogue with our key partners to ensure we provide effective services that meet our veterans’ needs.

Thank you for the reply, Minister. The programme for government makes a number of pledges to improve support services for veterans. However, there is no mention of veteran cards, which, under other proposals, would provide free bus travel and free access to leisure centres and Cadw sites. They would give priority access to NHS treatment and home adaptations, if needed, as a result of in-service injury too. Will the Cabinet Secretary reconsider introducing the veteran card in Wales please?

I’m very grateful for the Member’s question and the good intention with which it was meant. I would like to remind the Member though that options to develop a veterans identity card were considered by the task and finish group, made up of representatives of our armed forces expert group. They concluded that the value of the introduction of a veterans ID card would be limited. Following this recommendation, it was agreed to publicise and promote the existing defence privilege card as the preferred option. That is what we do.

Question 10, Andrew R.T. Davies.

Thank you, Presiding Officer.

Question 10 (OAQ(5)0042(CC)) not asked.

Question 11, Vikki Howells.