Coulter questions First Minister about delays in appointing an Older People's Commissioner

Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA, has been demanding answers about progress on the appointment of an Older People's Advocate.

He said: "I am concerned about all the time delays in moving things forward in the Assembly. That is why I asked the First Minister what was happening over this appointment. "I had learned that consideration was being given to the appointment of an Older People's Advocate and naturally I wanted to find out why this was happening when a Commissioner appointment was envisaged."

"The Executive's Programme for Government includes a commitment under PSA 7 (2) 'Making People's Lives Better' to deliver a strong independent voice for older people. So why hasn't this happened? The First Minister told me that the Older People's Advocate was an interim arrangement, pending the appointment of an Older People's Commissioner. That, at least, is progress."

"I said at the time that there was no need for a further consultation on this issue since it had been discussed in the public domain for 18 months. The First Minister also told me that the appointment of an interim Older People's Advocate would be announced soon.

"The Older People's Advocate will be responsible for providing independent advice to Ministers on issues of importance to Older People."

"The post will be part-time and the recruitment process has been monitored by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland. I am saddened about all the delays in this matter which have necessitated an interim solution. Nonetheless, the sooner this individual is in place, the better. The rights of older people have been ignored for far too long."

"In addition to an Older People's Advocate and later Commissioner, I want to see Age-Proofing added as a stage in all new Assembly legislation and administrative action to force the automatic consideration of older people's interests before new laws are passed," said Assemblyman Dr Coulter."