Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. And can I thank Members for their contributions this afternoon? We’ve heard some very useful and thoughtful contributions on an issue that is very important, given the sheer volume of people affected by autism in Wales, and I apologise from the outset that I will not be able to refer to everyone’s comments, given the time available to me. Now, we’ve heard some concerns about whether there is a need for primary legislation to tackle the gaps and inconsistency in provision across Wales. I just want to reiterate that this Bill intends to work alongside Welsh Government strategies and policies, not against them.

Rwy’n ddiolchgar i’r Aelod dros Ynys Môn am ei gefnogaeth ac am dynnu sylw at grŵp awtistiaeth Ynys Môn, sydd yn poeni am fel mae’r data yn cael eu casglu a pha mor bwysig yw hynny. Ac i ateb ei bwynt e ynglŷn ag a fyddwn i’n barod i ehangu’r Bil, wel, rwyf eisiau sicrhau fy mod i’n barod i edrych i ehangu’r Bil os yn bosib, a byddaf i yn ymgynghori’n eang gyda chi, a chyda rhanddeiliaid, i wneud yn siŵr bod y Bil yma mor effeithiol ag sydd yn bosib.

I’m grateful to the Member for Torfaen for her support, and I understand her reservations about specific legislation. I want to reassure her that I will review the situation over the next 13 months if sufficient progress is being made. I also understand the Member for Llanelli’s reservations about concentrating on one specific condition, and I want to reassure him that I’m more than happy to look at widening the Bill to include other neurodevelopmental conditions, if possible, and that’s something I will be consulting on, should this Bill be given permission to advance to the next stage.

I’m also grateful to David Rees for his support, and he makes a very valid point, I think, about the support people with autism need in getting into employment, and that’s something, hopefully, this Bill will help with.

Now, we’ve also heard some criticism of the plans brought forward in England, and, so, I’ll say again that we have an opportunity here in Wales to look at other legislatures, learn lessons and create a Bill that is bespoke to the needs of the Welsh autism community. I have no intention of delivering a cut-and-paste job, should this Bill proceed to the next stage. Indeed, my intention is to work closely with the Welsh Government, local stakeholders and those living with autism, to develop a Bill that not only recognises that many people still do not receive the services and support they need, but secures consistent and continued provision for all autism services, regardless of where they live in Wales. And I’m confident that should this proposed Bill proceed to the next stage, I can work with the Welsh Government and the autism community in Wales to establish a piece of legislation that addresses the gaps in provision.

I’m also confident that we can deliver a Bill that meets the needs of those living with autism in Wales and truly ensure that their voices are being heard loud and clear. It’s crucial that we create a Bill that gives autism its own statutory identity, and sends a clear message that the provision of autism services will always be a priority for any Welsh Government, regardless of its political colour or make-up.

And in responding to the Minister, can I thank her for the constructive dialogue we’ve had on this matter, and can I thank her officials for engaging with me? Of course, I’m disappointed that the Minister has indicated the Government will abstain on today’s motion, but I accept that this will still provide an opportunity for today’s motion to go through. However, I’m pleased that the Minister has announced today that the Government will look at putting the action plan on a statutory footing, and I would urge her to take action now so that families living with autism can access the services they need, today and in the future.

Therefore, in closing, Deputy Presiding Officer, today the Assembly has an opportunity to send a strong message to the autism community in Wales that its voice is being heard loud and clear. Calls have consistently been made for an autism Bill, and now is the time for this Assembly to step up to the plate, and give the autistic community the support it deserves. I urge Members to support this motion.