10. What discussions has the Minister had with the UK Government and other public bodies regarding the role of probation officers in ensuring community safety? OQ57965

Diolch yn fawr, Rhys ab Owen. I have regular engagement with UK Government Ministers on all aspects of community safety in Wales and I'm meeting Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation on 18 May and continuing discussions with all partners, devolved and reserved, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that communities are safe in Wales.

Diolch yn fawr, Weinidog. It's fair to say—and I'm sure that everyone can agree with this—that, due to underfunding and reorganisation of the probation services in England and Wales over the past 12 years, they have faced a very difficult time. Often, this can lead to real, tragic consequences. Currently, there are over 700 job vacancies across England and Wales. Has the Minister had any discussions regarding staff levels and what impact that has on protecting members of the public here in Wales?

Thank you very much for that question, and I value your interest in the probation service. In fact, over the years, we have developed positive working relationships with key justice partners and key service providers in Wales. I was very proud when we were the first part of the UK—the first nation—where the probation service was re-nationalised, if you like, to be a national probation service after that flawed and appalling privatisation that took place under Chris Grayling's ministerial role.

So, we actually have got to—. I think, in terms of ensuring that our probation service meets the needs of people in Wales, it's crucial to our youth justice and female offending blueprints—excellent examples of partnership working—and for community safety in Wales. But we see that there are real opportunities as we move forward in terms of justice in Wales to look at the role of the probation service and to make sure, therefore, that it is a place where people will want to work and make a contribution. And I think that they will, because of the focus that we have in terms of justice in looking at the role of the probation service.

I thank the Minister.