I’m grateful to the Government for allocating time to debate this important report, and I’d like to echo the Minister’s words and pay tribute to Aled Roberts. Aled was an excellent person, not only a talented politician, but a compassionate public servant who was willing to stand up for our Welsh-speaking communities. He understood what our language has to offer modern Wales as we look to the future, a language that had been in decline for years, as if it were being ignored and weakened. But thanks to Aled’s work and the work done by others, these old-fashioned attitudes started to change. Aled loved the language and understood how important it is; he ensured that it received the attention it deserved. This was clear from his work as a Member of the Assembly and throughout his time as Welsh Language Commissioner. Indeed, without Aled’s leadership, I fear that we would not be able to celebrate the language’s success today.

Furthermore, I must pay tribute to the work done by Gwenith Price, deputy Welsh language commissioner. As this annual report notes, Aled’s passing left a void in the commissioner’s office, and Gwenith, alongside her dedicated team, ensured that Aled’s legacy continues. I believe I speak for the whole Siambr when I express our thanks for the dedicated leadership given to this role.

Turning to the report’s contents, it's clear to me that the office of the Welsh Language Commissioner has been active in its role and responsibility and has acted proactively to promote and safeguard our language. Indeed, it gave me a great deal of pleasure to see the Welsh Language Commissioner’s contribution to the International Association of Language Commissioners; it's important that we learn from our linguistic partners, but, through collaboration, we can also help to provide a platform to promote and safeguard the Welsh language. With opportunities such as the Cymru men’s football team’s participation in the world cup, I hope that the Welsh Government and the office of the Welsh Language Commissioner will take full advantage of the attention that Wales will receive, and will take the opportunity to promote the use of our language. 

In addition, I was pleased to see that efforts have been made to modernise the outputs, rooting the language in technological opportunities now available to us. These opportunities include launching a new website for the Welsh Language Commissioner and using podcasts and broadcasts, and these initiatives must continue. In doing so, we are exporting the language beyond its traditional audience and developing a new market of Welsh speakers that we can attract and captivate. 

Indeed, after reading this report, it's clear that Aled, Gwenith and the team have done more than just discharging their responsibilities. If truth be told, they have successfully engendered new interest, to ensure that we forge ahead to reach our target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050. By persevering with this work, and by continuing to establish the Welsh language as a language that belongs to everyone, as the Minister said, I'm confident that we are on the right track to reach our target. Also, good luck to Efa Gruffudd Jones in her new post; she has our support in that role. Thank you.