I'm pleased to be able to take part in this extremely important debate this afternoon. The powers that are contained within this Bill are, under the circumstances, given we're in extraordinary times, entirely appropriate and will, hopefully, give the Welsh Government additional tools that will help better equip the Government for the coming weeks and months. 

Admittedly, there are some provisions in this Bill that will seem extreme to many people and which could curb people's freedoms and, as someone who came into politics to champion the freedom of the individual, I too find some of the measures draconian, but given the seriousness of the situation, it's important to have these emergency powers as a last resort. But it is worth emphasising, as the Minister said, that these powers are being introduced on a temporary basis. 

Dirprwy Lywydd, if I can now turn to some of the specifics in this Bill. It contains important clauses in relation to the emergency registration of nurses and other health and care professionals under Schedule 1 to the Bill. And hopefully these clauses will help deal with any significant increase in the number of those needing medical care, as well as addressing any shortage in the level of approved staff who are able to help at this time. It's entirely appropriate that emergency registrations take place quickly and that our NHS workforce is as prepared as possible throughout this period. 

However, it's also important that there are the appropriate safeguards in place to ensure that those treating people are clinically safe to perform their roles. So, perhaps, in responding to today's debate, the Minister can tell us a little bit more about the checks and balances that will be in place here in Wales to ensure that any one advising or treating patients throughout this period are as capable as possible of doing so. 

In order to ease the burden on front-line staff, I note that the Bill also contains clauses in relation to emergency volunteering leave and compensation for emergency volunteers under Schedule 6 to the Bill. This is also crucial as it will help maximise the number of volunteers that are able to fill gaps in capacity and thereby help to safeguard essential services. For example, we know that there's a strong possibility that adult social care services will face a rise in demand and a reduced capacity arising from higher rates of staff absence. Therefore, it's understandable that local authorities should be able to prioritise care in order to protect life and reach speedy decisions without undertaking full Care Act 2014-compliant assessments. At the same time, the Bill introduces a new form of unpaid statutory leave, as well as powers to establish compensation schemes, which is entirely right to compensate for some loss of earnings and expenses incurred by volunteers. 

One of the key objectives of the Bill is to contain and slow the virus, and so it's vital that the Welsh Government has the powers in place to effectively meet this objective. Clause 49 provides for powers relating to potentially infectious persons under Schedule 20, and I appreciate that this clause may seem draconian to some people but, given yesterday's announcements, it will be important that police and immigration officers will now be able to direct individuals to stay at home or keep them at suitable locations for screening and assessment. It's hoped that these measures will go some way in filling the existing gaps in powers to ensure the screening and isolation of people who may be infected or contaminated with the virus and to ensure that constables can enforce health protection measures where necessary. Of course, both the UK Government and Welsh Government are working on the assumption that the vast majority of people in Britain will comply with the official public health advice, and as a result, this clause simply seeks to ensure that proportionate measures can be enforced if and when necessary. And I have to say that what we saw over the weekend in some places, where some people just disregarded advice and travelled to holiday destinations in certain parts of Wales, was totally irresponsible, and that’s why these powers are necessary in order to prevent this from happening in the first place. I'm pleased that the Welsh Government took action yesterday to close caravan parks and tourist hotspots.

Dirprwy Lywydd, we all have a role in ensuring that our constituents are aware of the latest guidance and that they are as informed as possible. Whilst I appreciate that the UK and Welsh Governments have made great efforts to advise the public of steps to take if they feel that they may have symptoms of the virus, there are still people contacting their Assembly Members for advice and support. As Joyce Watson said earlier, some are misinforming people online, so perhaps the Minister could tell us a little bit more about what the Welsh Government can do to widen the reach of its messaging so that we’re not in a position where people are detained or isolated by force.

There are also some very serious concerns surrounding the ways in which the deceased are managed with respect and dignity. I appreciate that this is a particularly sensitive issue, however, it’s important to ensure that the administrative processes relating to the registration of births, deaths and stillbirths can operate effectively during the outbreak period.

Dirprwy Lywydd, there are several other areas of the Bill that will be of significant importance to the people of Wales, and I hope the Welsh Government are examining how best to work with the provisions in this Bill. Whilst some provisions in the Bill may seem draconian, we must remember that these are unprecedented times, and as such, they call for unprecedented action. My colleagues and I will, of course, support this LCM and continue to do what we can to support both the Welsh Government and the UK Government to protect the people of Wales and mitigate the spread of this devastating virus. Thank you.