Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:58 pm on 17 January 2017.
Vikki Howells raises a very important issue in terms of our very successful policy for free swimming, not just for children but for older people as well, over-60s, which is very well used for that age group. But it is worth reflecting on, and, in fact, the Minister for Social Services and Public Health has asked her officials to look at the fact that there has been a decline in the use of free swims amongst the under 16s. I think it’s important to recognise that there have been changes to the free swimming policy over the years. There are more, for example, pool-side activities that are being encouraged, as well as ways in which this can be linked to swimming lessons et cetera. So, as part of her portfolio, the Minister will be looking at these issues, which are very important to raise today.