Carers play a vital role in our society. Whether it be financially or socially, the contribution made by carers simply cannot be overstated. Not only are more people caring, but they are caring for longer, and the number of people needing care and those needing care for longer periods of time has increased significantly in Wales. It is imperative, therefore, that we recognise the extent to which our economy relies on unpaid care provided by families and friends. If just a small proportion of the people providing care were no longer able to do so, the cost burden would be substantial.

For young adult carers, the struggle of trying to juggle the responsibility of caring for a loved one with their education, careers and friendship can have a lasting impact on their future. Our debate this afternoon is about supporting young carers so that they are able to continue to do the vital work. They're valued so highly. One must care for carers here. There are more than 22,000 young carers, as Janet earlier said, aged between 14 and 25 in Wales. The pressure faced by these young people due to their caring duties can have a negative impact on their own physical health, mental health, education and employment opportunities in future.

I wish to concentrate my remarks this afternoon on the barriers young carers face in education. Without support, they can struggle to attend school and make good educational progress. Around one in 20 young carers miss school because of their caring responsibilities. They have significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level, and also in higher education, and are more likely than the national average not to be in education, employment or training between the ages of 16 and 19—that is called NEET in educational terms.

It is totally unacceptable, Deputy Presiding Officer, that the life chances of these young people should be reduced simply because they have to care for sick relatives in this part of the world. If they do manage to make it to college and university, over half report experiencing difficulties because of their caring role, and they consider dropping out from there. Colleges and universities need to do more to recognise and support the needs of young carers. The Carers Trust highlighted the lack of formal mechanisms to identify or count carers in school or in further and higher education. There are some notable exceptions. Coleg Gwent, which was mentioned earlier, for example, has a strategy to identify young carers at the earliest point, so that a tailor-made support service can be provided to them. I hope all institutions in Wales can follow their example. We, on this side of the Chamber, have made a number of proposals to assist young carers. It is a noble job to look after others. But 74 per cent of carers in Wales have already mentioned that they suffer mental illness as a result of this caring in their later age.

I wish to address, in my closing remarks this afternoon, that one aspect of this support is the right to flexible, high-quality respite. They need to look after themselves. Looking after a family member or a friend is highly rewarding but also extremely demanding. A break, even if just for a few days, can boost your energy level and enthusiasm. Just knowing that you are able to escape for a break is a great incentive, particularly when you're confident that the person you care for will be well-looked after in your absence. This would have a huge impact on the health and well-being of young carers. Carers are doing more than ever to support others. It is our moral duty to ensure they get the support and recognition they need and deserve. 

Deputy Presiding Officer, my wife had a stroke last year. She just survived. She was that close to death. The NHS did a wonderful job. I do a little bit, I'm not saying I do a lot. I care for her. In the morning, I make sure that she gets up from the bed and I make a cup of tea and make sure she's up during the day. She can walk around and do everything but she's still got some mental problems at the moment. I put a little note on the plug, 'Make sure you turn the heater off', 'Make sure you turn the light off'. These minor things. It is the job of a carer. I feel satisfaction. I've been married for more than 36 years. For loved ones, you feel pleasure doing it. But what I'm thinking is, when you're older, who's going to look after you? It's that sort of thing. From those of a young age to others, it's a noble job. It's our moral duty to make sure that this Chamber recognises the need for carers to be looked after in our culture and our society. We must set an example to the world that we are best in the world. Thank you.