Monday 24 May 2010

The ‘We Agree’ campaign has signed up its 1000^th member just as the results of the recent consultation process are published by OFMDFM.

‘We Agree’, a partnership between Age Sector Platform and Age NI, has been campaigning for an Older People’s Commissioner in Northern Ireland with sufficient powers and duties to act independently in order to guarantee that the rights of older people are protected, their interests are promoted and the issues affecting them are given prominence.

The Older People’s Commissioner Draft Bill has now been amended to reflect the findings of the consultation process. These amendments include many of the recommendations put forward by older people, the ‘We Agree’ campaign and its supporters during the consultation.

Anne O Reilly, Chief Executive, Age NI said:

‘We are delighted that so many people throughout NI have supported our campaign for a powerful Older Peoples’ Commissioner. There is already evidence that our campaigning efforts have had an impact and in the coming weeks, when the Bill is due to be debated, we will be making every effort to ensure that all members of the Assembly are aware of our position and the growing support we have for our campaign.’

Francis Hughes, Age Sector Platform, said:

‘Today marks an important step in the process. It’s great that our campaign is getting so much support and this is testament to the enthusiasm of people across NI to act now to protect their future. However this is only the start of this process. The debate on the newly amended Older People’s Commissioner draft Bill is due to begin on  June 7th, the session starts at 12noon and is open to the public and we would encourage anyone who wishes to attend to be there to help demonstrate strong support for a Powerful Older People’s Commissioner.’

You can still sign up to support the ‘We Agree’ campaign by visiting the website at www.weagree.org.uk; or for those not online, a freepost postcard is available to sign and return. At this important stage in the process you can still influence the powers and duties of the forthcoming Older People’s Commissioner by writing to your local MLA. For more information or copies of the campaign sign up postcard please contact Michele Smyth (Project Leader) on 028 9024 5729 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it