Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. One of the great privileges that I've been able to enjoy while serving as an Assembly Member over the past 12 years has been my role as chair of the National Assembly's cross-party group on the armed forces and cadets. Since it was established over a decade ago, the cross-party group has sought to work with stakeholders and the Welsh Government to identify good practice, expose challenges and to champion the cause of our veterans in relation to devolved policy areas. I'm very pleased to report that it's been a very fruitful relationship and I can confidently say that Wales has, in many respects, been leading the way in the UK when it comes to support for veterans and their families.

Back in 2010, during the third Assembly, the Health, Well-being and Local Government Committee undertook an inquiry into post-traumatic stress disorder treatment services for veterans here in Wales. The Welsh Government responded positively to that report by developing a new, bespoke mental health service for veterans as a result. That service, which is now known as Veterans' NHS Wales, has been a godsend for the hundreds of veterans and their families who have received support from Neil Kitchener, who leads the service, and his fantastic team of therapists. 

Then, in 2011, we saw the armed forces covenant, which was enshrined into UK law. The covenant, of course, is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly. It has principles that pledge that the armed forces community should never face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services, and that special consideration, in appropriate cases, should be given to them, especially to those who've given the most, such as the injured or bereaved. That covenant was very enthusiastically embraced here in Wales.

I was delighted that Wales was the very first nation in the UK to see every single local authority sign up to it, and this resulted of course in armed forces champions being appointed in every local authority area, and lead officers also being appointed to promote the covenant. Welsh health boards also signed up and they've also appointed champions as well. I'm pleased to say that an increasing number of private businesses and third sector organisations have been subscribing too.