The Northern Ireland Assembly host the Older People’s Parliament at Parliament Buildings
Session: Session currently unavailable
Date: 14 October 2024
Reference: OPP 02/24/25
The event on Saturday saw older people from across Northern Ireland speak in the Assembly Chamber taking the opportunity to have their say on issues and decisions that affect their lives.
It comes after a survey carried out by the Northern Ireland Assembly in August and September, asking older people what the biggest issues they faced were.
Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA said: “The Assembly makes laws that impact all of our citizens and it is crucial that all sections of our community, including older people have an opportunity to engage with us directly, to influence policy and legislation and to play an important role in effecting the change that they want to see.
“The Older People’s Parliament is great way for older people to have their voice heard and we’re delighted to have hosted so many passionate, informed and engaged older people at Parliament Buildings today.
“We discussed a number of issues including equal access to healthcare, transport and travel, loneliness and isolation, and the importance of keeping safe from scams and navigating the digital world.
He concluded: “The Older People’s Parliament was a fantastic opportunity for us as decision makers and legislators to hear from a section of society who have a lot to say and a lot to contribute. I look forward to the overall report and working alongside the Older People’s Parliament in the months and years ahead”.
“Finally, I’d like to thank my colleagues Deputy Speaker John Blair MLA, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly MLA, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA, Brian Kingston MLA, Kellie Armstrong MLA, Colin Crawford MLA, Danny Donnelly MLA, Clare Sugden MLA, and Alan Robinson MLA for taking the time to come along to the event to watch proceedings and talk to the participants”.
ENDS
Robbie Best
Deputy Communications and Digital Content Officer