A total of nine events have been arranged beginning with one in the Guildhall in Derry/Londonderry, which took place yesterday Monday 16 November. Other events are taking place Cookstown, Ballymena, Belfast, Enniskillen, Portadown, Newtownards and conclude with an event in Ballybot House in Newry on the afternoon of Tuesday 24 November.

Speaking at the initial event in the Guildhall, Minister Newton said: “These events are designed to give people a first hand opportunity to express their views in relation to the role, powers, functions and duties of the Older Peoples Commissioner who will have a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the interests of older people.”

Minister Kelly who is due to participate in the Grosvenor House event next week said: “The participation of as many people as possible in this consultation process will help us ensure that the Commissioner best meets the needs of the people that they will represent and champion.”

Dame Joan Harbison, the Older People’s Advocate will facilitate the series of events.

The Consultation events will be held in the following locations/dates: Monday 16 November, The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, 11am-1pm (morning), Tuesday 17 November, Gortalowry House, Cookstown 11am-1pm (morning), Wednesday 18 November, Old Town Hall, Ballymena 11am-1pm (morning), Wednesday 18 November, Grosvenor House, Belfast 7pm -9pm (evening), Thursday 19 November Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen,11am-1pm (morning), Friday 20 November, Millennium Court, Portadown, 1pm -1 pm (afternoon), Monday 23 November, Grosvenor House, Belfast 11am-1pm (morning), Monday 23 November, Queens Hall, Newtownards 7pm-9pm (evening), Tuesday 24 November, Ballybot House, Newry 1pm -3 pm (afternoon).

Anyone wishing to attend a public meeting is asked to register for the events by contacting the Commissioner for Older People Bill Team on 028 9052 8273 or email Older Peoples Commissioner. Further information is available on the OFMDFM website.