MP calls for greater protection for the elderly

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds has urged the government to meet the needs of senior citizens who are living in fear of violent attacks.

The DUP representative yesterday led a delegation to meet NIO Minister John Spellar at Castle Buildings in Stormont to call on the government to take action against "the climate of fear" which he says has gripped many elderly people over the past year.

Mr Dodds said: “Our meeting with Mr Spellar gave us a good opportunity to press upon the Minister the many issues that are affecting the health, well being and everyday lives of the elderly in Northern Ireland.

"In particular, we pointed out to the Minister that too many of our senior citizens are living in fear of violent attacks. Newspaper and television reports of horrific assaults on some 80 and 90-year-olds has created a climate of fear amongst elderly people who feel isolated and vulnerable."

Mr Dodds said he called on the Minister to work in tandem with the Security Minister Jane Kennedy to implement a comprehensive community safety strategy so that voluntary groups, the police and statutory agencies can work to ensure that older people feel safe in their own homes.

"We once again called upon the Minister to establish an Older Peoples’ Rights Commissioner to promote and protect the human rights of senior citizens," he said.

"There is an urgent need for such a commissioner who can play a crucial role in co-ordinating the work of organisations charged with providing services for the elderly and ensuring such work is of the appropriate standards."

(MB)