7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on accessibility of refuges in north Wales for women who are victims of sexual assault and recovering from substance use? OQ62439

Thank you very much for that question, Janet Finch-Saunders. Women’s refuges are available across north Wales for women fleeing immediate violence or the threat of violence and harm. The complex needs of women, such as mental health or substance misuse, are always considered.

Thank you. Responding to my written question as to why there are no women's refuges in north Wales that can house women who are victims of both sexual assault, exploitation and drug addiction, you stated, and I quote, that

'A number of refuges across Wales, including in north Wales, can and do accommodate individuals with these experiences.'

However, I followed this up, that response, by requesting the name of such a refuge, but was told by the Welsh Government, via FOI, and I quote,

'Following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you require is not held by the Welsh Government.'

So, Cabinet Secretary, could you clarify how you could say on 22 January that there are these refuges—and you've just said it now—when in fact the Welsh Government states that you don't hold such information?

Well, I think it might be useful if we had a follow-up meeting about this, Janet Finch-Saunders, because it's always unfortunate when something goes to an FOI and we can't give you the full feedback that we would like to. We want to understand what the issues are because there are at least five providers of refuge space in north Wales, and you will know many of them, providing multiple sites and units. And, of course, we're allocating funding. Each refuge has its own eligibility criteria, and that depends on access to professional support at any given time. But we do want to make sure that women or people, survivors, can access the sort of support you're talking about. But I would very much like, if you would be agreeable, Janet, to have a meeting about this, so that we can unpick where there may be issues that we can clarify. 

Finally, question 8, Adam Price.