Speaking after an Assembly debate on funding for advocacy services, Pembrokeshire-based Labour Assembly Member Jpyce Watson AM said: "Advocacy services do an important job of speaking up for vulnerable people who have difficulties speaking up for themselves. "I recently had a useful meeting with Pembrokeshire Advocacy, a group which represents the individual interests of people with learning disabilities living in Pembrokeshire, during their visit to the National Assembly for Wales. "The overriding message that came through at that meeting was the importance of listening to and responding to the needs and concerns of people who rely on the vital work of advocacy services. This echoes the conclusions of the Waterhouse and Carlisle reports. "The British Institute of Learning Disabilities recently warned that the fragile nature of many advocacy organisations means that they will cease operating if alternative sources of funding are not available when the grant programme comes to an end. "I will press for the issue of some core funding to be properly considered during the ongoing budget planning process."