Thank you for the statement, Minister. According to the World Health Organization, a billion people, or 15 per cent of the global population, have some sort of disability. Marking International Day of People with Disabilities not only is an opportunity to ensure that we remember the importance of securing equality and fair opportunities for people here in Wales, but also for the billion people across the globe who face inequalities and injustices of all kinds on a day-to-day basis. I want to focus on that international element, and also the fact that there is often a gap between the experiences of disabled people and the statements of those in power.

We must mention, with Wales’s eyes on Qatar today, and our economy Minister there, nations that don’t recognise disabilities properly and therefore don’t support disabled people sufficiently despite their statements on bold policies. There’s, again, that gap between Government rhetoric and the experience of disabled people themselves. Disability Rights UK, for example, have questioned Qatar’s attitude towards its disabled population as it claims that only 0.5 per cent of its population is disabled, which is completely out of step with the international norm of between 15 and 25 per cent. Disability Rights UK say that disease and genetic factors are mainly responsible for disabilities, according to the Qatari Government website, while injuries cause between a third and 50 per cent of disabilities usually.

We’ve also heard the Qatari Government today recognising that hundreds of people died in constructing the stadia for this world cup. It’s certain, according to Disability Rights UK, that there are thousands more that will have suffered injuries during that work, and those would have led to disabilities. Their fates and their needs are hidden, whilst what is in the global eye is shining, with the facilities for disabled supporters in this world cup among the best that there have ever been in the history of the competition, which is to be welcomed of course, but we need to hear the voices of disabled people and acknowledge their experiences, which is as crucial in Qatar as it is here in Wales. It’s not about access literally to buildings—although of course that needs to be addressed—but it’s the values of society, the social and economic policies in place, that close people out and create inequalities and a lack of opportunities to deliver potential.

The Minister for Economy has stated this morning that the links between Wales and Qatar are to be developed. But if we are serious about our commitment in our future generations legislation to being a nation that is responsible at a global level, whilst contributing positively to global well-being, do you agree, Minister, that we must deeply consider the kinds of nations that we develop economic relationships with, if our words and aspirations are to correspond with our actions? Have you had a conversation with your fellow Minister about that, Minister?

Plaid Cymru, as you mentioned, is very proud of the commitment in our co-operation agreement with the Government to strengthen the rights of disabled people in Wales and to tackle the inequalities that they continue to face, and to ensure the success of the disability rights taskforce, which was established in response to the ‘Locked out’ report. That report demonstrated clearly that the rights, well-being and dignity of disabled people, even in a nation like Wales, were far too vulnerable and, in a period of crisis, were often neglected or left behind. Now, as you’ve mentioned, the cost-of-living crisis and the economic crisis are hitting disabled people harder than most. I’d like to ask, Minister: how specifically will the work of the taskforce ensure that the door doesn’t remain locked during this economic crisis?

Another thing that I would like to understand, and that you mentioned, is the importance of laws and international human rights in this regard. So, would it be possible to have some sort of timetable or schedule for incorporating the UN convention on the rights of disabled people, something that has been pledged in the programme for government? Thank you very much.