First off, I would like to thank you, Gareth, for bringing this very important debate here to the Chamber. I think the points you very ably make about seeking this Bill to come forward—unless it's put into legislation, then things are going to be the very same. 

Older people's experiences during the pandemic have certainly strengthened the case for further protection of their rights in law. It's not the first time that we as Welsh Conservatives have asked for this legislation to come forward. All of us will have stories of constituents in our own constituencies who have needed rallying round, and, in some instances, have not had anyone to rally round. For example, in Aberconwy, the rotary club of the Conwy valley and Golygfa Gwydyr have been providing a foodbank service. Let's build on that momentum to help others by creating the due duty that our older people deserve. This would help stop serious errors that happen again and again, such as older and vulnerable people being pressured into signing 'do not attempt to resuscitate' CPR forms, the unjustifiable delay on care home testing, and gaps between care home visiting and guidance based against the reality on the ground.

Over 140,000 older people in Wales could be experiencing some form of abuse, and I'd like to thank the older people's commissioner, Heléna Herklots, for the work that she's doing on this very issue. It is clear from the recent report 'Support Services for Older People Experiencing Abuse in Wales' that more action is needed. Recommendations include the need for the Welsh Government to review relevant strategies and policies to ensure that they address the needs of our older people, and for policy makers, commissioners and service providers to consider how the needs of older people living in rural areas can be met.

We know that our community buses, and the lack of them, provide even more social isolation for our older people. We can help by creating the duty to have due regard to the UN principle that you mention that people should be able to live in environments that are safe. Imagine the difference it would make if Ministers, local authorities, health boards and other Welsh authorities had to have due regard to the need for older people to have access to adequate healthcare and housing. It would help drive action to address the worrying estimate that, by 2035, Wales is going to have a shortfall of 5,000 units of housing with care. We're going to have a lack of 7,000 nursing care beds and 15,000 units of housing for older people.

The duty could also help highlight the need for urgent action to address the devastating fact that 70 per cent of older people had a negative experience of accessing healthcare during lockdown. I have constituents coming in now daily where they just feel forgotten because of COVID; they're in desperate pain and agony, with a lack of treatment and a lack of GP access. We have to really strengthen those rights. So, Deputy Minister, I fully endorse and support the calls by my newly elected colleague Gareth Davies. And I thank you, Gareth, for bringing such an important issue to the floor of this Senedd so soon in your political career here. Thank you. Diolch.