Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:51 pm on 19 October 2016.
Diolch yn fawr, Sian. May I thank the Member very much for her commitment to this piece of work, and I know that she has a great interest in it? I think it is very important that we take a view as to how joined up the services are in Wales, and how they can be joined up for refugees, asylum seekers and unaccompanied children coming to Wales, and, indeed, how new legislation like the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 can help us achieve that joining-up and general improvement to services.
I very much recognise the points about advocacy. As I mentioned in my speech, the Welsh Refugee Council have highlighted that as an area that does require examination.
I think it was clear from the summer consultation exercise that the committee conducted that there is considerable support in Wales for this piece of work and a need for our committee to carry it out. So, I look forward to a high degree of interest and ongoing contribution from all those organisations in Wales with an interest. And it will be important that we look outward to what the UK Government is doing, what the picture is in Europe, and to make appropriate points, but, of course, our main focus will be on Welsh Government’s role and, indeed, local authorities, as the Member mentioned, because they’re absolutely crucial in terms of the powers and responsibilities that are devolved to Wales that can make a difference to the experience of these vulnerable groups.