I’d like to thank Paul Davies for bringing forward this Bill today. Plaid Cymru stood, in the last Assembly election, on a manifesto that called for legislation to protect and promote the rights of people with autism, their families and their carers, and this proposal would do exactly that. So, I’ll be voting in favour of the proposal, and I hope that it’ll pass today so that the Member can table a Bill with the support of this Assembly.

Like the previous speaker, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve met parents with despair, who’ve battled to get services for their children and haven’t been able to. Surely it’s the role of Government to make sure that everyone can play a full part in society—too many people are prevented from doing do at the moment. Too many people feel as though our society is not designed to fit them. Now, I accept that a full inbox isn’t always a guide to what’s right and wrong, but it can be an indication as to what is important, of what matters to citizens in Wales. And, like many others in this Chamber, I have received a lot of correspondence, as well as social media lobbying, calling for legislation on this issue. There is a great demand from people with autism and their family members to see autism recognised in specific legislation. I take on board the points that Lynne Neagle made in her contribution. I do think we need to consider unintended consequences, but I do think that this is something that we do need to proceed with.

People understand the differences between services and legislation, and they understand that services are more likely to get the resources and attention that they deserve if there is a statutory duty in place. When legislation like this has been put forward in the past, promises of improved services have been made by the Welsh Government. The proposed Bill could be the vehicle to deliver on those improvements. It could be the way to make sure those kinds of promises are kept. Depending on what happens in later stages, the Bill could ensure that local authorities and health boards draw up strategic plans for services and make them provide sufficient resources. The strategic action plan introduced in 2008 was groundbreaking, and the proposal here recognises that. So, this isn’t about criticising previous Welsh Governments, but there are, no doubt, continuing gaps in provision—as there are, of course, as others have said, with so many other conditions.

The legislation itself should lead to improved services, but the symbolism of legislation is also important. Legislating on this would send a message about our priorities as a country. It would show that we care about all of those children and adults for whom society doesn’t quite fit. It would tell parents, families, and carers that people with autism matter, and that we will recognise and protect their rights.

Approving this proposal would be a strong endorsement from this Senedd, but it must be followed through as well. For too long, people on the autism spectrum have been prevented from living their lives to the full. By backing this legislation, we will be taking just one small step towards a society where everyone has true equality of opportunity. I’m more than happy to add my voice to those others today in urging Members of all parties to endorse the principles of an autism Bill. And I commend the Member for his proposal today and I look forward to supporting it. Diolch yn fawr.