Diolch, Ddirprwy Weinidog. I welcome the statement that's been issued this afternoon and I thank you for the namecheck in the statement and for mentioning the cross-party group that I've helped to set up with the assistance of the fantastic staff at the drugs charity Kaleidoscope. It's also pleasing to be reminded of the reduction in drug deaths in Wales, although I'd like to see the number reduced further because each and every one of those deaths is a tragedy. The rise in alcohol-specific deaths by nearly 20 per cent tallies with the anecdotal evidence that many people were drinking more during lockdown, and it has a huge concern.

There's a strong sense from experts in the field and those who have recovered after a life of addiction that a more compassionate, peer-led approach, that is centred on harm reduction, will be much more effective in combating substance abuse. Waging the war on drugs has been tried for decades and decades without resolution or even an end in sight. This was, by and large, the message that came over loud and clear during the inaugural meeting of the cross-party group on substance misuse. This group was set up to encourage the conversation about life experiences and what constitutes good practice. In our first meeting yesterday, we heard some powerful testimonies from people who had been to hell and back due to substance abuse and addiction. Deputy Minister, I hope we can welcome you to a future meeting to meet and talk with the members of the group.

Plaid Cymru rejects the tabloid-headline-grabbing and draconian drug policies that the Tories in England have. Like many things they announce these days, I suspect it's nothing more than a smokescreen to divert attention from their serious and multiple failings in other areas. In contrast to the reactionary Westminster way of doing things, Plaid Cymru has called for investment into tackling the root causes of drug misuse through innovative programmes and establishing drug-consumption rooms for people to stabilise their drug use. Criminalising people who need treatment is no good for anyone, and it certainly isn't good for society. We can forge a different path here in Wales, even within the limitations of a criminal justice system that is yet to be devolved.

One of the major examples of this has been the out-of-work peer mentoring services running throughout Wales. In my region of South Wales East, this goes by the name of Cyfle Cymru, but it is called something different in other parts of the country. This programme, with a proven track record, was funded by European social fund money that was due to run out in August. I very much welcome the commitment to continue with the funding that is needed to maintain this programme. There was little detail in the statement about the out-of-work peer mentoring programmes, and they will run out in August this year. Can we, therefore, have an undertaking that there will be a continuation of services commissioned by the Welsh Government? The current peer-led model has worked well for the last five years, and experienced staff, who make it the success that it is, need the safeguards that they can carry on with the vital work beyond August in helping some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Diolch yn fawr.