Group 3 is next. Group 3 of amendments relates to additional learning needs. Amendment 6 is the lead and lone amendment in this group. I call on the Minister to move and speak to amendment 6. 

Amendment 6 (Jeremy Miles) moved.

Diolch, Llywydd. Amendment 6 adds reference to individuals who have additional learning needs into section 4 of the Bill, which provides for the strategic duty in respect of encouraging participation in tertiary education. Section 4 requires the commission to

'encourage individuals who are ordinarily resident in Wales to participate in tertiary education'.

This amendment alters this section to include express reference to

'individuals who have additional learning needs'. 

While the duty, as introduced, captures all individuals, including those who have additional learning needs, as I indicated at Stage 2, I am bringing forward this amendment to include express reference on the face of the Bill to put beyond any doubt that those who have additional learning needs are within the scope of the strategic duty. I would like to thank Laura Anne Jones in particular for the constructive approach she has taken to discussions in relation to this amendment, which takes into account the discussions we had during the Stage 2 proceedings in committee. I urge Members to support this important amendment.

I recognise the Minister has taken some action on this, and we welcome it, of course, and thank you for recognising our contribution to it. But, we need to see the commission being clear in how they will treat people with additional learning needs in their policy, especially surrounding supported internships and apprenticeships, which are being integrated into the Bill. Barriers already exist for those with learning disabilities entering into the workforce, and this Bill could be a huge opportunity to break down those barriers.

The Minister is aware that the committee expressed its concerns about the commission in relation to the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, and I do note his response, which mentioned that detailed arrangements for implementing post-16 ALN reforms are currently being finalised. I would therefore be grateful if the Minister would clarify when he expects these detailed arrangements to be implemented and how these will affect the commission's policy on the provision of ALN in the tertiary and higher education sectors. I would also like to know whether funding for supported internships and apprenticeships will be included within this policy. 

I recognise the Welsh Government has embarked on significant reforms to ALN in the educational sector, and as ALN is life long, we do need to ensure that there is a seamless transition from schools to tertiary education and then, if possible, on to work. Diolch, Llywydd. 

Plaid Cymru supports the amendment in this group, certainly amendment 6, which responds to issues that were raised during scrutiny stages. As the Minister and Laura Anne Jones said, it is a period of significant change in ALN, and it's important that this Billl, which introduces major changes to tertiary education, does deliver for our ALN learners. As we know, there are barriers for people with learning disabilities to entering the workforce, and this Bill is a very real opportunity to try to remove some of those barriers, as Laura Anne Jones said. And, as was recognised by the Minister during Stage 2, it is crucial that there is a smooth pathway through statutory education to post-16 learning and to the workforce. As the Minister noted during Stage 2, the commission will have a role to play in assessing whether the resources are adequate to make provision for ALN at a general population level. So, what I would like to hear from the Minister is how he anticipates that the commission will encourage individuals living in Wales to participate in tertiary education. 

The Minister to reply to the debate. 

May I thank Laura Anne Jones and Sioned Williams for their support for what we are proposing in this amendment and for recognising the positive and collaborative discussions we had during Stage 2 of the Bill? In terms of the question that Laura Anne Jones asked, it's a matter, of course, for the commission to do this, but the work is already being done in terms of implementing this legislation with regard to actions, and this reform to the Bill will be taken into account in that specific context. And, as Sioned Williams mentioned in her question, it is vitally important to ensure that there is continuity for people with additional learning needs, and this addition does make that clear on the face of the Bill.

I'd just like to restate that what was in the Bill when it was introduced ensured that there was a strategic role for the commission to provide across the system, and that was made clear, and that aligns with the reforms in terms of legislation that we already have with regard to ALN. That is what allows us to work with local authorities and others that have specific responsibilities to provide in the context of individuals. 

The question, therefore, is that amendment 6 be agreed to. Does any Member object to amendment 6?

Is there an objection to amendment 6? 

No. Therefore, amendment 6 is agreed. 

Amendment agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Is amendment 7 being moved by the Minister?

Amendment 7 (Jeremy Miles) moved.

Yes.

Amendment 7. Is there an objection to amendment 7? No, therefore amendment 7 is agreed. 

Amendment agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 8, is it moved, Minister?

Amendment 8 (Jeremy Miles) moved.

Yes.

Therefore, amendment 8. Is there objection to amendment 8? No. Therefore, amendment 8 is agreed. 

Amendment agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Is amendment 9 being moved?

Amendment 9 (Jeremy Miles) moved.

Yes.

Yes. Is there objection to amendment 9? No. Therefore, amendment 9 is agreed. 

Amendment agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 10, is it moved?

Amendment 10 (Jeremy Miles) moved.

Yes. 

Is there objection to amendment 10? No, therefore amendment 10 is also agreed.

Amendment agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.