Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm pleased to open today's debate on the substance misuse annual report 2018. Tackling substance misuse is a priority for the Welsh Government and a significant area to focus upon if we are to meet our ambitions for a healthier Wales. It is a major health issue that affects individuals, families and communities. Our overall aim continues to be 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. We remain committed to tackling the harms associated with substance misuse.

I'm pleased that we have recently been able to back up this commitment with extra resources. Last month, I announced an extra £2.4 million of funding for the next financial year for our seven area planning boards, who are responsible for commissioning local front-line services. That is an increase in funding of over 10 per cent. This additional funding, at a time of continuing austerity, means we are now able to support the area planning boards with extra money to meet future challenges. This additional investment takes our annual funding for substance misuse to over £50 million. 

In Wales, our approach to dealing with substance misuse will continue to be rooted in health-focused harm reduction. The recently published evaluation of our 10-year strategy, together with the independent health inspectorate review of services, both recognise that overall progress has been made, and this has been achieved against the challenging backdrop of the ever-changing nature of substance misuse. 

That said, we recognise there will always be more to do. We're supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society and we will continue to face challenge. As we reach the end of the current strategy and delivery plan period, we're turning our attention to the areas on which we need to focus to reduce the harms associated with substance misuse over the next few years. We're currently engaging with area planning boards and other front-line partners and service users themselves to co-produce priorities for the next plan. 

I've already indicated to area planning boards the priority areas to be considered for investment in the coming financial year. These include support work on co-occurring substance misuse and mental health conditions, and work on supporting children and families. In particular, I want them to work with those on the edge of care. There will also be a need for continued focus on work to reduce drug-related deaths, looking at support for those who may be homeless or have housing issues. We have seen real progress on waiting times against our targets. In 2017-18, 90.9 per cent of people starting treatment were seen within 20 days, compared to 86.7 per cent in the year previous. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank those providing these essential front-line services for their achievement.