This year marks the centenary of the third battle of Ypres. This terrible battle has come to symbolise the horrors associated with the first world war. It is frequently known by the name of the village where it culminated, Passchendaele. Although there is no-one left alive today who served in what was called 'the war to end all wars', it reminds us of the enormous debt we owe to those who are serving and who have served in our armed forces. It is estimated there could be as many as 230,000 veterans in Wales alone.

Sadly, in some cases, it is clear we are not providing our veterans with the care and support they richly deserve. Leaving the military after a long period of service presents many challenges. Often, it involves having to relocate, find a new home, new employment and a change of lifestyle—in some cases, drastic lifestyle. However, as this report highlights, the delivery of services for our armed forces community can be inconsistent. This is a direct result of lack of awareness about what the armed forces covenant means in practice and operation.

I believe we need an armed forces commissioner in Wales to co-ordinate and provide the support our veterans deserve from public sector organisations. This commissioner would enhance the work of the Veterans' Gateway helpline being set up in Nantgarw, providing a new 24-hour service for armed forces veterans from across the United Kingdom returning to civilian life. Housing, health and other services have often failed to meet their needs, and this can lead to social isolation and reduced health and well-being also. 

Safe and secure housing is vital for veterans when entering civil life. There are a number of schemes in Wales that recognise this. We, on this side of the Chamber, believe that quickly delivering appropriate housing would be complemented by a veteran needs assessment as soon as possible and at early stages. This could form the basis for service delivery and provide solid evidence to close any gaps in provision. A number of veterans become homeless due to an inability to come to terms with their traumatic experiences, to the extent that they interrupt everyday tasks. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder caused by experiencing distressful and distressing events—in and during the war. In some cases, it can lead to an increase in alcohol and drug misuse. The symptoms of mental ill health need to be recognised early, and greater support is required in this area also. The Welsh Government recently announced additional funding to increase consultant psychiatrist sessions by 50 per cent—this is very welcome news. It is vital that this additional funding is used to develop Wales-wide improvements to the service. No veteran in need of specialist support should be left languishing on a waiting list.

The education of children of service personnel can also suffer due to a disrupted lifestyle. The pupil deprivation grant is only available to the children eligible for free school meals. Deputy Presiding Officer, most servicemen and women's children do not meet this criteria. In England, there is a service pupil premium of £300,000 per child, payable direct to the schools. No such premium exists in Wales, leaving service children here disadvantaged compared to those living in England. The Welsh Government should introduce a service pupil premium to address this issue.

Deputy Presiding Officer, I personally have experienced this in life: the armed forces, they are there to give the extreme sacrifice to the nation. And they're not only done to this nation; they're done globally. I am personally an example. When, in 1947, India was divided, it was the Royal Air Force officers, who my family owes for the rest of our children and grandchildren—they flew us from Delhi to Peshawar, with my mother and father and three children, empty-handed. That was actually the scenario of the second world war, which I think—. The Royal Air Force has not only given to this country, but the whole world. Our service personnel have never let us down. I hope that this National Assembly will acknowledge this by voting for this motion today. Thank you.