I'm very glad, Presiding Officer, that Darren Millar supports the Welsh Government's policy of the pupil development grant, which this year will be worth some £91 million to our most deprived children's education. Despite the severe pressure that this Government finds itself under in terms of budgets, we've been able to maintain our commitment to those children who are on free school meals or who are looked after. In fact, despite the constraints, we are expanding the number of children that are eligible for PDG.

Darren makes a very good point with regard to pastoral care for children whose families are in the forces, and that's why I am so disappointed that the MOD has decided to pull its funding for the support of the education of those children. I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence to ask him to reconsider. But, I have to say, Darren, this is a pattern that we are increasingly seeing from the Westminster Government, where it looks to shift cost away from what should be their responsibilities onto this devolved Government.

If there is evidence to suggest an impact on levels of attainment from schoolchildren because of a whole range of issues that may be affecting them, I will continue to review that as I look to develop and strengthen the pupil development grant. But I hope the MOD will change its mind.