The Opposition MLA said: “This is good news. It’s time that older people had a voice. They deserve this watchdog to safeguard their interests. We have long campaigned for the appointment of such a Commissioner.
“I was previously chair of the All-party age sector reference group which brought senior citizens from all parts of Northern Ireland together to meet on regular basis and today’s announcement is a very welcome move.
“This is not however a panacea for all problems facing older people. We still need to see the Executive move on introducing free personal care. Alliance has been campaigning for years on this and we will continue to push the Executive on it. All the Executive parties pledged before the election to implement free personal care but they have not yet delivered it.
“Today’s announcement does not absolve the Executive from any of its responsibility to deliver for older people. There are still many serious questions about their commitment to giving older people a better standard of living.”
ENDS