The decision to commission a feasibility study into creating a national gallery of contemporary art and a national sport museum is something I personally welcome because I want to see Wales, my country, prosper in terms of the abundance of talent we have in the arts and encourage people from other countries to partake and compete in Wales, therefore adding growth to our economy. Rural areas in Wales must also not be forgotten, as they are extremely important and are often neglected.

However, I think that we have to also look at the bigger picture, which is the public perception. At a time when our public services are being cut to the bone and the arts have faced many years of cuts, can we justify spending millions of pounds on a museum of contemporary art?

Tomorrow, we are debating the Culture, Welsh, Language and Communications Committee's report on its inquiry into non-public funding of the arts, which came about because the Welsh Government requested that the sector reduce its reliance on public funding. And the committee found that it would be very difficult for arts organisations to do so.

I fully support continued public funding for the arts. Art, in all its forms, is an essential part of our culture. It's what defines us as humans and brings huge benefit to all, not just those who create it, but those who watch and learn and look. But we also need to be realistic about the funding. The average taxpayer would maybe rather see their public library remain open, or the local day centre be available to vulnerable, older people than pay for a new Tate Modern. Yes, Wales needs a museum of contemporary art, but can we afford it at present?

The feasibility study alone cost more than the annual grant given to Dawns i Bawb, Theatr Felinfach, Trac, Arts Alive or the Pontardawe Arts Centre. Even without building the new HQ, phase 1 and 2 of this project will cost almost a third more than the entire annual budget of the Arts Council of Wales. So, while I really support the Plaid Cymru leader’s vision of a Welsh Guggenheim, I cannot support diverting public funds away from vital public services or other arts projects. Yes, such a venture would highlight Wales's cultural achievements, but at what cost?

How can we achieve this? I want to achieve this because I really do think this is important to Wales, but we simply have far too many other priorities at this moment in time. Should we be looking—