National Assembly for Wales

Evidence shows neurodivergent people frequently experience co‑occurring mental and physical health conditions. Recognising this interrelationship is essential to avoid misdiagnosis, address unmet needs and provide effective, person‑centred care. Our approach must therefore be integrated, ensuring services assess the whole person and respond to overlapping needs across neurodevelopmental, mental and physical health.

Citizenship is at the heart of the Curriculum for Wales, supporting learners to understand democracy, rights and political processes. We are strengthening this through investment in programmes that support political and media literacy in schools, and by providing resources and support for teachers. Our ongoing curriculum review will ensure this remains fit for purpose, while strong literacy and critical thinking skills enable young people to engage confidently in democratic life.

There are various mechanisms to challenge decisions made by public bodies, but most are not devolved. For devolved tribunals, our aim in most circumstances is to ensure people can access the tribunal and so challenge decisions made by the relevant public bodies in Wales without needing legal representation.

Devolving policing has been the recommendation of a series of independent commissions, dating back to the Silk commission in 2014. Those commissions considered the legal implications, among others, in reaching their clear conclusions. I look forward to further discussions with colleagues as we take forward this work.

The Welsh Government is actively working to secure the full devolution of powers over water for Wales. Discussions are ongoing with the UK Government to secure this through the proposed UK clean water Bill.

Any assessment of the need for legislative consent to a social media ban for under-16s would require detailed consideration of legislative provisions.