I am grateful for the opportunity this afternoon to speak on the Children, Young People and Education Committee’s report of the inquiry into statutory advocacy provision. May I begin by saying that Welsh Conservatives fully support the findings and recommendations contained in this report? This Assembly has a proud record of supporting the rights of children. I believe our report marks another milestone on the road of taking the rights of children and young people seriously. This measure emphasises our resolve to take the rights of children and young people seriously.

Our report intends to strengthen and enhance the advocacy rights of children and young people in Wales. This is in line with the statutory duty of local authorities to provide advocacy services. In the past, children’s commissioners, together with this committee’s predecessor, made a series of recommendations designed to strengthen statutory advocacy services in Wales. In response, the Welsh Government began work in 2013 to deliver a national approach to statutory advocacy services. Proposals for this national approach were due to be brought forward by the end of 2015. During the evidence sessions for this inquiry, some stakeholders expressed concerns about the lack of progress being made in delivering this national approach. No confirmation had been received that local authorities would implement this national approach in spite of work being done since 2013. Many stakeholders found this delay, some 16 years since the publications of the Waterhouse report, as unacceptable and frustrating. It is pleasing to note, therefore, that our committee’s proceedings appear to provide some impetus as progress in delivering the national approach was made during our deliberations. The committee made eight recommendations, of which six have been accepted by the Welsh Government, with another accepted in principle. So, could I ask the Cabinet Secretary to confirm that the national approach is on track to be in place by June this year and that all local authorities are fully committed to its adaptation and implementation?

It is essential that local authorities are monitored to ensure the national approach is fully implemented within timescales. Could the Cabinet Secretary provide more details on what monitoring arrangements will be in place to ensure local authorities comply with the requirements placed on them? How will progress on delivery be reported to local authorities, stakeholders and to the National Assembly? One point that did emerge during our proceedings was that there was a huge variation in the amount of money that local authorities were spending on their statutory advocacy duty. Could the Cabinet Secretary advise how he intends to tackle this variation and whether any new funding will be made available to meet the obligations of providing advocacy services?

Finally, Deputy Presiding Officer, specific groups of children have particular needs when it comes to statutory advocacy—these include children with mental health issues and with additional learning needs, and the children of asylum seekers. Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm that the specific needs of children such as these will be addressed in the national approach?

Deputy Presiding Officer, I welcome this report, which keeps Wales at the forefront of promoting and protecting the rights of children in Wales. Thank you.