There exist huge inequalities in wealth and health in our society. I don't believe that anyone taking part in this debate could claim otherwise, but I would be delighted to show them around some of the communities in my region of South Wales East if they need further convincing. The pandemic over the last two years has amplified these differences that already existed, exacerbated by more than a decade of Westminster austerity. As we have seen this week, with news of yet another lockdown-busting party in 10 Downing Street, the privileged few seem to be living by a different set of rules. There is also a gulf between the wealthy and those in poverty when it comes to health outcomes. Dr Ciarán Humphreys, a consultant in public health on the wider determinants of health at Public Health Wales has said, and I quote:

'Many conditions contribute to the gap in life expectancy between the least and most disadvantaged communities. This shows that we must look beyond simple medical explanations to the root causes and to the wider conditions in which people live.'

We could improve these inequalities through a greater focus on community-based early intervention that is universal but especially targeted at those most in need. We are all familiar with the health backlog created by the pandemic, but, if timely access to primary health services improve, the need for hospital care can be reduced. This would also drive down healthcare costs by reducing the pressure on A&E. People on low incomes and those living in deprived areas often consume a less healthy diet and are therefore more likely to experience the adverse health outcomes associated with poor diet. Unfortunately, affordable healthy food options are often not easy to come by in many of our communities. The Welsh food poverty network noted in 2020 that not having enough money to reach affordable food shops or access a nutritionally balanced diet is now a common reality for many people in Wales. This is why I'm proud that Plaid Cymru has secured free school meals for all primary school children as part of the co-operation agreement. The security of a decent nutritious meal made with local produce for all young children in Wales will go some way to reducing the health inequalities associated with food and dietary practices. 

I also want to talk about some sections of our society that are digitally excluded. Digital exclusion is often linked with poverty. It is also linked with age, with many older people unable to access the internet, for whatever reason. This is something I wrote about last October on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. With so many essential services now being offered and run online, we cannot afford to leave such large sections of society disenfranchised by technology. As GP services move more and more online, I hope the Government redoubles its efforts to ensure that people are not left out on account of their age or their income levels. 

Finally, I wish to mention dementia. As the Plaid Cymru spokesperson for older people, this is an issue that is close to my heart. The rights of people with dementia have also been in the news in recent days, thanks to my Plaid Cymru colleague, Liz Saville Roberts. She spoke passionately in the House of Commons about the need to end the isolation and separation of people with dementia in care homes and hospitals. As Liz herself said:

'The Welsh Government has a respectable policy text in place with our dementia action plan for Wales 2018-2022. But there is a yawning chasm of a gap between what it describes and the reality of what is happening in our hospitals and care homes, in both Wales and England.'

End of quote. There should be more awareness that an individual's risk of developing dementia can be significantly determined by a number of factors. Health inequalities have become a vital component as we learn more about the potential for reducing the possibility of developing dementia. Consideration of health inequalities should feed into dementia care plans, as well as dementia risk reduction, and I would like to hear from the Government today how that is happening in the here and now. Diolch yn fawr iawn.