Assembly hosts debate to mark International Day of Older People

A debate involving members of the Age Sector Platform and the Northern Ireland Youth Forum has today taken place in the Assembly Chamber.

The event, which was hosted by the Speaker of the Assembly, Mitchel McLaughlin, marked the International Day of Older People and focused on how the skills and experience of older people can be transferred to the younger generation.

Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mitchel McLaughlin said: "I am delighted to preside over this debate between members of the Age Sector Platform and NI Youth Forum. Use of the Assembly Chamber is rarely permitted for business other than plenary sessions but I wanted to do it for this event to highlight that the Assembly and our wider community should respect the older generation as a valuable part of our community.

"Older people have a wealth of experience and skills but recognising that is equally an issue for future generations. This debate is a real opportunity to debate and discuss the best ways of ensuring that our young people can benefit from the accrued wisdom of our older people.

"As a society with a troubled history, the older generation, including people like me, also have a duty not to simply pass on our baggage and attitudes, but to encourage the younger generation to move on and make the most of the future.

"The International Day of Older People gives us the perfect occasion to both recognise our older people and to demonstrate ways that they can pass on the knowledge that they have gained over their lifetime."