18/11/2009
Aged Proposals 'Up For Discussion'
People across Northern Ireland are being urged to have their voices heard as a public consultation initiative on the establishment of Older People's Commissioner continue.
Stormont Executive Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly have urged people to participate in a series of consultations to discuss proposals for such a position.
They said that a total of nine events have been arranged beginning with one in the Guildhall in Londonderry, yesterday.
Other events are taking place in Cookstown, Ballymena, Belfast, Enniskillen, Portadown, Newtownards and will conclude with an event in Ballybot House in Newry next Tuesday.
Speaking at the initial event in the Guildhall, Minister Newton said: "These events are designed to give people a first-hand opportunity to express their views in relation to the role, powers, functions and duties of the Older People's Commissioner who will have a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the interests of older people."
Also commenting, Minister Kelly, who is due to participate in the Belfast event in Grosvenor House next week said: "The participation of as many people as possible in this consultation process will help us ensure that the Commissioner best meets the needs of the people that they will represent and champion."
Dame Joan Harbison, the Older People's Advocate will facilitate the series of events and anyone wishing to attend a public meeting is asked to register for the events by contacting the Commissioner for Older People Bill Team on 028 9052 8273.
They can also email olderpeoplescommissioner@ofmdfmni.gov.uk or get further information is the First & Deputy First Minister's website at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/index/equality/age/older-peoples-commissioner
(BMcC/KMcA)
Stormont Executive Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly have urged people to participate in a series of consultations to discuss proposals for such a position.
They said that a total of nine events have been arranged beginning with one in the Guildhall in Londonderry, yesterday.
Other events are taking place in Cookstown, Ballymena, Belfast, Enniskillen, Portadown, Newtownards and will conclude with an event in Ballybot House in Newry next Tuesday.
Speaking at the initial event in the Guildhall, Minister Newton said: "These events are designed to give people a first-hand opportunity to express their views in relation to the role, powers, functions and duties of the Older People's Commissioner who will have a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the interests of older people."
Also commenting, Minister Kelly, who is due to participate in the Belfast event in Grosvenor House next week said: "The participation of as many people as possible in this consultation process will help us ensure that the Commissioner best meets the needs of the people that they will represent and champion."
Dame Joan Harbison, the Older People's Advocate will facilitate the series of events and anyone wishing to attend a public meeting is asked to register for the events by contacting the Commissioner for Older People Bill Team on 028 9052 8273.
They can also email olderpeoplescommissioner@ofmdfmni.gov.uk or get further information is the First & Deputy First Minister's website at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/index/equality/age/older-peoples-commissioner
(BMcC/KMcA)
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