1. What assessment has the Counsel General made of the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns on access to justice in North Wales? OQ56080

Listing in all north Wales magistrates' courts is now at pre-COVID levels, and all Crown courtrooms in north Wales have been made safe for jury trials. We're seeking assurance from Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service that the existing measures are suitable for the current transmissibility of the virus. Providers delivering advice services via the Welsh Government single advice fund have been working to deliver remote access to advice during the pandemic.

Thank you for that answer, Counsel General. During the course of last year, many reports suggested a huge and growing backlog of cases in both criminal and civil courts, and concerns have been raised that victims of rape and sexual assault, in particular, may be put off carrying on with their cases, as they just want to move on with their lives. What discussions have you had with the Ministry of Justice about this, and what is the position in Wales, please?

We have had discussions with the Ministry of Justice in relation to appropriate court facilities across Wales for the purposes that the Member has referred to today. There has been a magistrates' court recovery programme, on which the Ministry of Justice position is that that is largely work in terms of building back capacity in all parts of Wales, including in north Wales. And in the Crown courts system, there have been some refurbishment works and repurposing works to courtrooms in order to extend capacity, and, as the Member will be aware, in south Wales in particular, the use of Nightingale courts as well. But the point that the Member makes is very important, in that the impact of COVID can be felt in many different aspects of our society, and obviously in the justice system as well. And I'm pleased that she has highlighted this issue in proceedings today; it's a matter that, as a Government, we continue to make representations to the Ministry of Justice.