A recent statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Services signals the beginning of the end of the long wait for new legislation for carers. As a party we have campaigned for years for the rights of carers to be improved and back in early 2008, the party received cross party support to introduce legislation to improve the rights of Carers. These proposals were then adopted by the Deputy Minister as part of her legislative package for carers and this week it has been announced that the process is now at the measure stage.

In the constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire there are 8,302 people providing unpaid care with a further 8,295 in the constituency of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. Plaid has campaigned for years for the rights of carers to be improved. Many people who provide unpaid care, don't see themselves as carers, they just think they're doing their duty as a spouse, parent or child and as a result they don't apply for the help and support that they are entitled to.

Therefore, I am absolutely delighted that the planned legislation to help carers in Wales will soon be a reality. I am confident that it will make a real difference to carers’ lives. The new law will ensure that it is easier for carers to access the services and support that are rightfully theirs, services and support that they are often unaware of. I am only disappointed that thanks to the cumbersome legislative process that Wales is currently burdened with, it has taken us 2 years to get this far. This is a concrete example of how a yes vote in the referendum could make a real difference to people lives.