Good afternoon and thank you, Llywydd. I'm pleased to open today's debate and move the motion before us on tackling substance misuse. I'll comment initially about the amendments and then go into my remarks—broadly about where we find ourselves in Wales today.

I'm happy to confirm that we'll support amendment 1 from Plaid Cymru—I'll mention that later on. On amendment 2, we won't be able to support this, because there's a factual disagreement about the assertions made. Actually, the latest data from NHS Wales Informatics Service show that the number of people completing treatment substance free actually increased, not decreased, as the wording sets out—there was an increase from 3,288 in 2015-16 to 3,604 people who completed their treatment substance free in 2016. I do accept that the other elements in the amendment are accurate.

I'm also happy to accept the third amendment put forward by the Conservatives. We agree that residential rehabilitation and in-patient detoxification play an important role in helping people to secure their long-term recovery, albeit these are not alternatives to community-based rehabilitation, which also plays an important part.

Substance misuse itself is, of course, a major health issue that affects individuals, families and communities. As well as the rising concerns that we have over the impact of alcohol misuse, the ever-changing nature of drug misuse presents us with new and changing challenges to both policy makers, commissioners and treatment agencies. This Government continues to invest almost £50 million annually to deliver the commitments in our latest substance misuse delivery plan that runs up to 2018.

Our plan remains rooted in a harm-reduction approach. That is why we recognise substance misuse as a health and care issue and not solely a criminal justice issue. That is why we are happy to accept amendment 1. The Welsh Government's overall aim is to ensure that people in Wales are aware of the dangers and the impact of substance misuse, and to know where they can seek information, help and support if they need it. 

There are considerable challenges associated with the fast-changing picture, supporting some of our most vulnerable citizens. However, we are making real progress. In 2015-16, 83.3 per cent of people who started treatment were seen within 20 working days. In 2016-17, we saw 16,406 people start treatment, and 86.7 per cent of those people were seen within 20 working days—a material increase in the speed of treatment. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those front-line staff who provide those services for that achievement.

We're also seeing improvements in treatment outcomes—77 per cent of people reported a reduction in their substance misuse following treatment in the last year, compared to 69.2 per cent in 2013. Now, whilst these improvements are welcome, our annual report highlights worrying increases in both alcohol and drug-related deaths. And this emphasises how important it is that tackling these issues remains a priority for this Government and our partners, as alcohol and drugs remain a significant cause of death and illness, and, indeed, avoidable death and illness. The data show the rise in alcohol-related deaths in 2016 and that reinforces our need to take action. That is why our Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Bill is a crucial part of responding to this major public health issue. And that legislation, debated in this place last month, will focus on reducing alcohol consumption amongst hazardous and harmful drinkers. And it will also reduce the negative impact of alcohol misuse on hard-pressed public services, both devolved and non-devolved.