Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:04 pm on 15 June 2022.
Can I also thank Rhianon Passmore for submitting today's important short debate and for allowing me to contribute briefly this evening? As I have stated a number of times in the Chamber, music is extremely important to our culture here in Wales, and it's important to all walks of life, to all sorts of different people, and at different points in their life as well. In addition to this, I've personally found music beneficial to me, along with my family. I think the last time there was a short debate here in December on a similar topic, I let Members know where my daughters were up to in terms of their piano lessons, and you'll be pleased to know that 'Old MacDonald Had a Farm' is no longer being played; we've moved on to the 'Watchman's Song', which is a great relief to my ears, and 'The Music Box' is no longer being played—we're on to 'The Year 1620'—by the eldest. They're doing excellently. But music in bringing people together, in bringing families together, bringing communities together, is really important, and also in terms of education and lifelong skills. That's why I support this call for increased access for people to musical instruments and to learn those instruments as easily as possible. And that's why, last month, it was positive to see the Chamber welcome the Government's national music service, and, as I've outlined before, it's crucial that charities, businesses and co-operatives such as the Denbighshire and Wrexham music co-operative are encouraged and supported in improving access to music for all. I will remind Members that my sister-in-law is also a peripatetic teacher, in case there's any conflict there at all. But the importance of people having access to those lessons, and access to those instruments, is vital. So, again, I'd like to thank Rhianon Passmore for bringing forward today's debate and I certainly support her continued advocacy of this important part of life here in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.