6. 6. Debate on a Member's Legislative Proposal

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:18 pm on 5 July 2017.

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Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru 3:18, 5 July 2017

Yes, definitely, and I think it’s important as well, as Michelle Brown said, that we don’t want to put all the onus on carers, so that they feel pressured and burdened, but we also have to have a balance between what the state provides and what they feel comfortable providing. We want young people to be young people. That’s what they want to do as well, but we have to recognise that people’s lives are complex and they will need to care for those around them. And so, I hope that this is part of a progress of debate. I welcome that young carers will be part of the new group that you’ve announced, and that they can be fully involved in that process.

I will say, though, that people under 16 can’t pick up prescriptions. Over 16, they can, so that’s why I’ve asked Community Pharmacy Cymru if I can have a meeting with them, because young people said to me on that Saturday when I took part in the event that they feel disrespected. They go in to get that drug for a loved one in a very urgent situation, so they need to be respected in that regard. Yes, they’re children, but they have to act in an adult role in that capacity, and so we just have to afford them the same respect as if we were going in to get that prescription, and the respect that they deserve as young carers. I hope this does kick-start the debate, and thank you to everyone who has contributed.