Good afternoon and welcome to this afternoon's Plenary meeting. As we begin this afternoon, we are all painfully aware of the sudden loss suffered by the First Minister over the weekend, and, on behalf of us all, I wish to extend our condolences to him and his family.

It’s little understood by people outside this Chamber, but often what pains one of us can pain all of us. In this case, what pains the First Minister has touched many people throughout Wales. When the news broke on Saturday, the first asking for her condolences to be passed on to the First Minister, messaging me, was a nurse in Bronglais.

Mark and his family are in our hearts and prayers this afternoon. Many will have known Clare well. We will rise now to remember Clare, and in love and support for our First Minister and his family.

A minute's silence was held.

Diolch. The Trefnydd will be answering questions on behalf of the First Minister this afternoon, and I ask the Trefnydd to say a few words. 

Diolch, Llywydd. Thank you all for that moment of reflection in memory of Clare Drakeford and in recognition of her life. I know the thoughts of everyone in the Senedd, and across Wales, are with our First Minister and his family at this very sad time, which I know he will greatly appreciate. 

I thank the Trenydd for that.