Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:38 pm on 6 November 2018.
Diolch, Llywydd. I think it might be helpful just to outline a few points here. As stated in the motion, the commissioner has indicated that he's unable to act in the matter relating to the complaint made by Joyce Watson, and any related complaints, and he has asked for an acting commissioner to be appointed. The provision for an acting commissioner has been included in the Measure, and therefore it will have no bearing on the commissioner's position. In this instance, after careful consideration, the commissioner decided that this was the best option to deal with the matter.
The commissioner made it clear in his statement that he'd received further complaints, and has concluded that he should not act in this matter. And it's permissible within the legislation for an acting commissioner to be appointed. There is nothing in the Measure to prevent a complaint being looked at where one of a similar nature had been dismissed.