Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I thank you, Deputy Minister, for your statement and I actually welcome some of the practical measures that you've indicated you'll take to improve the creative sector here in Wales.

You're right to say that the creative industry here in Wales has suffered over the past 18 months, and, whilst industries such as live music and shows in particular have been affected right across the UK, it's important to note that, in Wales, they've often had to deal with COVID restrictions that impact this sector for far longer than in some other parts of the UK. And to add into the mix now, some of these industries will also have to contend with COVID passes too—all while the First Minister keeps the prospect of future lockdowns on the table. So, not only have these industries had it more difficult here in Wales over the last 18 months, they're also lacking the stability and certainty to plan for the future too. So, I'll start by asking exactly what you make of the impact of the pandemic restrictions in Wales specifically and how it compares to other UK nations.

Your statement also makes very little reference to the live music industry. Whilst you touch upon the problems that the industry has faced, there has been very little action to help the live music sector specifically. We know that there has been a lack of long-term support for the music sector and particularly to address the huge disparities in that sector between rural and urban areas, and this statement does very little to address that either.

And whilst I welcome some of the action in today's statement to address the skills shortage in the creative industries, I, unfortunately, reject your suggestion, Deputy Minister, that the demand for a skilled workforce is, quote, 'unprecedented'. The shortage in skills in the creative industry has long been an issue and needs to be addressed. Clwstwr, in their 'Screen Work 2020' report, spoke at length about the skills shortages in this sector and warned the Welsh Government that it was a problem and called on it to address it. So, the Government was clearly forewarned on this issue, and I think it would be wrong to say that the current situation is unprecedented. That report said, and I quote:

'I think generally speaking, lots of companies out there, unless they've had direct involvement with Welsh Government are under the impression that there isn't a strategy or any joined up thinking in terms of skill development'.

Deputy Minister, such a quote is a damning indictment, don't you think, of the Government's approach until now, and so I ask: what action are you taking to improve the confidence of industry professionals in your Government strategy in this area? 

The Welsh Government's measures to support further practical learning within the creative industries are also welcome too, as we know that many of the jobs and skills required do not come from classrooms and textbooks, but instead from practical, on-the-job learning. So, I'm pleased to see the further measures that the Government is taking today in this area. But it's also worth noting that the introduction of the T-level courses in England in areas such as digital production, design and development, craft and design and broadcast and production have meant that these T-levels are producing a highly skilled future workforce with specialist skills in relevant creative areas. So, what lessons have you learnt from this scheme in England, and what discussions, if any, are ongoing to ensure a parity of esteem between any Welsh qualifications and those English T-levels?

We also need to encourage further awareness of career opportunities in the creative industries amongst young people as an attainable goal in Wales. Therefore, a strategy is required to engage with young people regarding careers in creative industries. Welsh Government should be more proactive in talking to creative industry stakeholders in establishing more targeted, ambitious goals for this strategy. So, can I ask you, Deputy Minister: how are the sectors working with schools and colleges to encourage young people to seriously explore the creative industries as a future career option? And how can we improve collaboration between this sector and higher and further education so that Wales is at the forefront of new skills and developments in that sector?

You also mentioned, Deputy Minister, that the Welsh Government is currently working on detailed arrangements for that creative skills body you mentioned, but, unfortunately, you gave no time frame or commitment for this. So, can I ask you for a firm indication on when that will be established?

Finally, I note that you mentioned the statement outlined by the economy Minister yesterday and presented to the Senedd today. I read that report, and I found it deeply disappointing from a creative industries perspective. As you know, the arts and sport have been added to the economy brief, at least in part to recognise the vital contribution that they make to the economy in Wales. You have been made the Deputy Minister responsible for these areas, and yet the arts and creative industries were not mentioned once in that statement. So, do you agree that that is a real missed opportunity to deliver a vibrant sector in the future, and that the creative industries should take a more prominent role in this Government's strategic priorities?