I'm very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to today's debate. And firstly, may I pay tribute to the work of my colleague Mark Isherwood, and the work he's undertaken during his time in this place, to provide a voice on a subject that is often difficult and emotional to discuss? I also add my praise to those hard-working staff employed on the front line of the palliative care sector, either working hospices or providing end-of-life care in patients' homes.

My constituents in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire are fortunate to be served by some excellent hospice and palliative care providers. The national providers, yes, but included in those are the local providers of Paul Sartori and Tŷ Cymorth, and I know that the staff at Paul Sartori made some valuable contributions to the cross-party group's report.

This is a subject matter that will touch a number of us and our families—mine included. The fact that demand for palliative care in the community is forecast to double by 2040, as Rhun mentioned—a date that still seems a long time in the future but is less than two decades away. The ability to meet these demands will only be achieved by ensuring that we look at new practices, offer new training and recruit and train new workforce. The cross-party group report touches on answers to many of these issues. It is certainly an impressive piece of work that resulted from the inquiry, and I commend all Members and stakeholders who contributed. Ahead of focusing on a few specific issues from the CPG's report, Westminster's health committee has this week taken evidence into their assisted dying, assisted suicide inquiry. They heard from Baroness Meacher, the chair of the Dignity in Dying organisation, who made the stark statement that, quote,

'Some people are having to choose between suicide, suffering and Switzerland'.

An emotive statement, but one that I feel rings true for a number of people entering the final stages of life here in Wales. Dignity in death is central to the findings of this report. Unfortunately, during the peak of the COVID pandemic, there were times when this was not possible. I will be interested to hear from the Minister, Deputy Minister, what lessons have been learnt from these experiences of three years ago, so that we are continually improving and best practice is shared and implemented.

I was concerned to learn that a decision was taken to wait until 2024 and the completion of another funding review before addressing the immediate cost-of-living pressures threatening hospice services right now. Staff costs are ever-increasing, with the expected NHS pay rise, which are likely to cost Welsh hospices at least £4.4 million per year. It is also worrying that a decision was not taken to approve the national programme board for palliative and end-of-life care recommendation for a £1 million one-off payment to support energy and fuel costs for voluntary sector hospice services.

Llywydd, hospice and palliative care services do not always get the priority and attention that they so deserve, but for many, they provide a vital service in the last days of life. Therefore, I'd be grateful for the Government's rationale on why these decisions have been made, given the impact on the future operation of hospices in Wales. Finally, during the last few weeks, we've seen a very public case of a terminal patient ceasing to have food and water given to them by a hospital for 28 days, expediting their passing, a practice referred to as the Liverpool pathway, which had been discontinued since 2014. This practice steals away that much-sought dignity in death. Can the Minister outline what safeguards are in place to ensure that patients on their passage from life to death are able to complete this journey with dignity and respect? Diolch, Llywydd.