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Claire Keatinge Commissioner for Older
People for Northern Ireland
Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland
Safeguarding and promoting the interests of older people
www.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Northern Ireland
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
1.7 million people 340 000 people aged over 60 People pensionable age rising by 11% by
2013, and rising by 43% by 2023 Older people making significant positive
contributions across all aspects family, community, faith and civic life
28% older people live below the poverty line
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected] 4
Giant’s Causeway
Titanic Belfast
Glens of Antrim
Belfast City Hall
Many years of conflict and civil unrest linked to constitutional relationships between Britain and Ireland are now
essentially resolved with political differences being addressed through agreed democratic structures.
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Good Friday/Belfast Agreement 1998 paved the way for power sharing and restored devolved government through the Northern Ireland Assembly
Power sharing between Nationalist and Unionist politicians is critical to functioning of the Assembly and is delivering stable government for Northern Ireland
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Strong political leadership
Recognising the contribution, needs and rights of older people led to a Northern Ireland Assembly commitment through its 2007 Programme for Government for a Commissioner, to deliver a ‘ …strong, independent voice for older people’ underpinned by UN Principles for Older Persons
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Older people’s advocate appointed in 2008 to keep Ministers informed about older people's
issues while legislation to establish a Commissioner was developed and consulted on.
Dame Joan Harbison Older People’s Advocate
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
‘We Agree’ NGO led campaign to secure a Commissioner
with ‘sufficient powers and duties to act independently to guarantee that the rights of older people are protected, their interests promoted, and the issues affecting them are given prominence’
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
70 key organisations in public, private, voluntary and community sectors responded to consultation
400 views from people at public consultation meetings
Amendments to legislation in key areas of Commissioner’s powers and duties following consultation
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland legislation passed December 2010
Legislation establishing a Commissioner received seal approval at final stage in Northern Ireland Assembly with universal support from all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA’s)
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Older people engaged in process of interviewing candidates for Commissioner as part of transparent public appointments process
First and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland acting jointly appoint Commissioner Claire Keatinge who took up post November 2011
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Junior Minister Jonathan Bell, Dame Joan Harbison, First Minister Peter Robinson, Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland Claire Keatinge, Acitng Deputy First Minister John O’Dowd, Junior Minister Martina Anderson
Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Principal aim and paramount consideration ‘… to safeguard and promote the interests of older people’
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Promoting awareness of interests of older people and need to safeguard those interests
Reviewing adequacy and effectiveness of law, practice and services relating to the interests of older people
Promote opportunities and the elimination of discrimination
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Encourage best practice Promote positive attitudes towards older
people Advise government and relevant authorities
on matters concerning interests of older people
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Committee of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Carry out informal investigations to protect the interests of older people
Issue guidance on best practice in relation to any matter concerning the interest of older people
Commission and publish research Provide advice and information
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Make representations or recommendations to any body or person concerning the interests of older people
Establish conciliation services in relation to disputes which may lead to proceedings involving law or practice
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Commissioner has additional powers of review, complaint and formal investigation to ‘relevant authorities’
Government departments, district councils and wide range organisations whose work impacts the lives of older people are identified in legislation as ‘relevant authorities’
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Anyone who obstructs the Commissioner in formal investigation could be guilty of contempt of court
Commissioner has the same powers as the High Court to call for documents, witnesses and power to enter premises, take copies of documents, interview in private any older person who consents to be interviewed, and any person employed on the premises.
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Hope – for a long life which is longevity and be healthy and active
Confidence – rights and contribution recognised; valued and respected; safe at home and in the community; treated fairly and equally; adequate of income
Certainty – if frailty or illness develop person centred care, support and treatment available so all older people can lead dignified and fulfilled lives through to the end of life
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
Older people at the heart of planning, influencing and decision making
Government, policy makers and relevant authorities engage with older people and better understand their interests, needs, rights, hopes and expectations
Older people more confident that politicians, policy makers, and wider society understand and appreciate the issues that matter to them
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]
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Commissioner for Older People for Northern Irelandwww.copgni.org e-mail: [email protected]