Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I thank the Chair and committee members for reviewing the proposals contained in the consultation on a refreshed TB eradication programme. I have formally responded to the committee's report, which we are debating here today, and I was reassured to see that the recommendations are broadly in line with our proposals. 

I set out my intention to refresh our TB eradication programme last November. Our current delivery plan, which dates back to 2017, set out enhanced measures, which have since been implemented as part of a regionalised approach. Our programme continues to be based on the four key principles of infectious disease control: keep it out, find it fast, stop it spreading and stamp it out. The latest TB statistics show progress has been made across Wales, with long-term decreases in a number of key indicators, such as incidence and prevalence. We're also seeing regional long-term reductions in TB in our high TB areas, and our refreshed delivery plan will build on this good work. The 246 responses to the consultation on a refreshed TB eradication programme, which closed in February, are helping to inform our strategy, going forwards. The summary of responses is available on our website. 

In November, I commissioned an independent task and finish group to consider communication with cattle keepers regarding TB. Their recommendations have been published and are also being considered towards our future approach. I am pleased to see synergies between the task and finish group report, the NFU Cymru TB focus group report and the report presented by this committee. A recurring theme in these reports highlights the importance of the role of vets in the TB eradication programme, and in particular their relationships with farmers in communicating accurate and trusted information.

As a continuation of the work of the task and finish group and in response to their recommendations, I look forward to seeing the outputs of a workshop at the Royal Welsh Show next week to explore the role of the vet and the interface between Welsh Government, vets and farmers in tackling TB. The outputs will be considered alongside veterinary capacity and progressing a pilot with veterinary delivery partners and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to trial the use of lay TB testers in Wales. 

Earlier this week, I published a written statement setting out immediate and longer term intentions for our programme. We have a great deal of work to do and I and my officials will continue to work with stakeholders to further develop and refine our approach. The initial focus will be on progressing a pilot aimed at driving down TB incidence in Pembrokeshire and setting up a technical advisory group. As a priority, the group will consider our TB testing regime and provide independent recommendations, ensuring the latest information continues to be at the heart of the programme. Later this year, I will publish a refreshed delivery plan, setting out the next steps for the programme. I will continue to work with stakeholders. I've always emphasised that the eradication of bovine TB will only be achieved by working in partnership. 

I would like to thank once again all those who responded to our consultation and contributed to the various reports and recommendations, and I look forward to providing a further update in the Senedd in due course. Diolch.