RESPONDING to the news that WAG is setting up a new Advocacy and Advice Service for children and young people at the cost of more than £450,000, Shadow Education Minister Paul Davies said:

"Welsh Conservatives hold in highest regard the rights of all children and are determined to ensure all young people are listened to and supported fully.

"It is important children who find themselves in a vulnerable position never feel alone or helpless.

"ChildLine is a well established and well known service offering children and young people confidential support and it does a tremendous job.

"I cannot understand why the Assembly Government wants to establish its own advocacy and advice service at this time.

"Apart from the initial financial backing of £459,850, I would like the Minister to detail what she envisages the ongoing running costs of this service to be and why she thinks this money wouldn't be better spent supporting the existing ChildLine service."