10. What action is the Welsh Government taking to support the armed forces community in Wales? OQ58659

The Welsh Government works to ensure that servicepeople, veterans and their families are supported in the spirit of the armed forces covenant. In devolved areas including health, education, housing and employment, the Welsh Government aims to ensure no-one is disadvantaged by their service. Where applicable, special consideration is applied.

Thank you for that response on behalf of the Welsh Government, Trefnydd. Can I ask you about armed forces liaison officers? They've been an incredible addition to the wonderful team that has supported our armed forces community across Wales in recent years, and they do some wonderful work in making sure that the armed forces covenant is being upheld by local authorities and other public sector organisations. But as you will be aware, the funding for those armed forces liaison officers currently ends in March of next year. I want to see that funding continue, and so do all members of the cross-party group that I chair. I would be very grateful to have confirmation today, in this Remembrance Week, that that funding will go beyond the end of March into the future.

Thank you. As you know, the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership is leading a debate this afternoon on armed forces. I don't want to steal her thunder, but I don't think I'm saying anything that isn't in the public domain; I've heard her say many times that she is absolutely committed to continuing to fund our armed forces liaison officers.

As the vice-chair of the group on the armed forces, I'd like to echo the points that Darren Millar has made. The armed forces liaison officers form a critical part of the infrastructure of the provision of services, and the representation of need within local government across Wales. We were able to extend the funding—I think it was for two years—which runs out now in March, and it would be a really essential and good use of public money to ensure that this funding becomes a permanent feature of this public service architecture.

So, I refer, really, to my answer to Darren Millar. I think we all recognise the very important work of the armed forces liaison officers here in Wales.

Thank you to the Trefnydd, and best wishes to the First Minister for a speedy recovery.