Around 150 older people from across the province will gather in Belfast today to take part in the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament – the first of its kind here.  The Parliament, which will take place over two days, has been organised by Age Sector Platform and will involve older people from every county in Northern Ireland deciding on the main issues of concern for them.

Over the two days, the Holiday Inn Hotel in Belfast will become a hub for democratic decision making as Members of the Pensioners Parliament (MPPs) ask questions and vote on issues such as energy prices, food, fear of crime, health and social care and pensions.  Twenty two motions are expected to be put forward with only those receiving more than two thirds support from MPPs being formally passed by the Parliament.

Michael Monaghan from Age Sector Platform commented: “Each stage of the Pensioners Parliament has been fully democratic with every interested older person given an equal voice.  The response to the entire process has been fantastic, and we are very excited about how we will be able to use the recommendations from the Parliament to influence our decision makers in the coming year.”

He continued: “From our extensive survey with over 1,200 older people in Northern Ireland, we broadly identified the main areas of concern for pensioners here.  These areas were developed more fully during the local parliaments held in each county; and we are now at the final stage where motions must be passed by our MPPs on specific issues.  Following the Parliament, a report will be drafted and distributed to the Northern Ireland Assembly, statutory bodies, the private sector and other relevant organisations in the autumn.”

A number of prominent speakers will address the Parliament, including speakers from the Utility Regulator, the PSNI, the Health and Social Care Board and the Older People’s Advocate’s office.  Expert panels on each main area of concern have also been appointed to answer questions from the floor.

On the second day of the Parliament, a number of MLAs will be present to give an initial response to the motions that were passed.  Mr Monaghan explains: “Following this week’s Parliament, we as older people must ensure that our voice is heard by the new Assembly on these issues.  As a large and growing section of the population, our voice is only going to become stronger and more important over the coming years; and older people have much to contribute.  Our experience and knowledge can really help assist policy and decision makers in the years to come.  The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament hopes to remain a significant means through which the older voice will be heard!”

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