Can I also thank the Minister for the statement? And can I also thank the current commissioner for her work so far, as well as her predecessor, Professor Sally Holland?

The past few years have been difficult for us all, and in particular, children and young people, who’ve had to experience significant disruption to their lives and development. So, it’s important that we in the Senedd continuously ask ourselves how we are working to create a better future for young people, and give them the tools that they need. I very much hope that all public bodies and tiers of government from across the UK are fully engaged, and continue to engage, with this work. The children’s commissioner’s role and reporting are fundamental to shining a light on areas that need improvement, and I compliment the commissioner on her report. I personally found it clear, succinct and easy to use.

Deputy Llywydd, the issues faced by our children and young people have persisted for far too long, and in many cases the issues mentioned in the report are exacerbated in rural areas, such as in my constituency of Monmouth. Take transport: young people often experience barriers to accessing education, leisure or employment opportunities due to the availability and cost of public transport. There just isn't the provision that you would get in Newport or Cardiff, for example. Now then, Minister, are you working with your Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the needs of young people are fully met in your transport strategy, 'Llwybr Newydd', as well as your upcoming bus Bill? 

The report also mentions several things relating to the accessibility of services and advocacy for a range of young people. Again, these are things that are not necessarily easily accessible in large rural areas, which can affect how young people engage with and receive support. How is the Government working with local authorities and service providers to ensure that services are fully accessible? And are services being adequately promoted so that young people know what's available to them and how to access it? 

Finally, can I also put my full support behind the commissioner's recommendation for a specific strategy on how to tackle child poverty in Wales, particularly given the current context that we find ourselves in? And at this point, I have to express my disappointment once again that the commissioner's office struggled to get the level of engagement with UK Government that was deserved, and on several levels. This is not good enough and has to change. Now, the Welsh Government may not have all of the levers that it argues that it needs, but it certainly has a lot already, and we need to find ways to better utilise what powers and initiatives that we do have. Can I ask, Minister, whether the Government will fully consider how well its current policies are working to alleviate the causes and consequences of child poverty, and whether such learning can be taken forward to help to inform the new strategy that is due later this year? Thank you.