Menu
17/09/2003
MP calls for greater protection for the elderly
North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds has urged the government to meet the needs of senior citizens who are living in fear of violent attacks.
The DUP representative yesterday led a delegation to meet NIO Minister John Spellar at Castle Buildings in Stormont to call on the government to take action against "the climate of fear" which he says has gripped many elderly people over the past year.
Mr Dodds said: “Our meeting with Mr Spellar gave us a good opportunity to press upon the Minister the many issues that are affecting the health, well being and everyday lives of the elderly in Northern Ireland.
"In particular, we pointed out to the Minister that too many of our senior citizens are living in fear of violent attacks. Newspaper and television reports of horrific assaults on some 80 and 90-year-olds has created a climate of fear amongst elderly people who feel isolated and vulnerable."
Mr Dodds said he called on the Minister to work in tandem with the Security Minister Jane Kennedy to implement a comprehensive community safety strategy so that voluntary groups, the police and statutory agencies can work to ensure that older people feel safe in their own homes.
"We once again called upon the Minister to establish an Older Peoples’ Rights Commissioner to promote and protect the human rights of senior citizens," he said.
"There is an urgent need for such a commissioner who can play a crucial role in co-ordinating the work of organisations charged with providing services for the elderly and ensuring such work is of the appropriate standards."
(MB)
The DUP representative yesterday led a delegation to meet NIO Minister John Spellar at Castle Buildings in Stormont to call on the government to take action against "the climate of fear" which he says has gripped many elderly people over the past year.
Mr Dodds said: “Our meeting with Mr Spellar gave us a good opportunity to press upon the Minister the many issues that are affecting the health, well being and everyday lives of the elderly in Northern Ireland.
"In particular, we pointed out to the Minister that too many of our senior citizens are living in fear of violent attacks. Newspaper and television reports of horrific assaults on some 80 and 90-year-olds has created a climate of fear amongst elderly people who feel isolated and vulnerable."
Mr Dodds said he called on the Minister to work in tandem with the Security Minister Jane Kennedy to implement a comprehensive community safety strategy so that voluntary groups, the police and statutory agencies can work to ensure that older people feel safe in their own homes.
"We once again called upon the Minister to establish an Older Peoples’ Rights Commissioner to promote and protect the human rights of senior citizens," he said.
"There is an urgent need for such a commissioner who can play a crucial role in co-ordinating the work of organisations charged with providing services for the elderly and ensuring such work is of the appropriate standards."
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
14 October 2024
Ministers Attend First Council Of Nations And Regions Meeting
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, have attended the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in Edinburgh.
Ministers Attend First Council Of Nations And Regions Meeting
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, have attended the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in Edinburgh.
15 July 2016
Call For New NI Secretary Of State To Start Work Immediately
The new Northern Ireland Secretary of State has been called to start work immediately and to recognise that the majority of people living in NI voted to remain in the European Union (EU). Alliance Leader David Ford made the call after the new UK Prime Minister Theresa May selected James Brokenshire for the role.
Call For New NI Secretary Of State To Start Work Immediately
The new Northern Ireland Secretary of State has been called to start work immediately and to recognise that the majority of people living in NI voted to remain in the European Union (EU). Alliance Leader David Ford made the call after the new UK Prime Minister Theresa May selected James Brokenshire for the role.
03 October 2024
Executive Approves New Victims And Survivors Strategy
A new strategy for victims and survivors of the Troubles/Conflict has been announced by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Executive Approves New Victims And Survivors Strategy
A new strategy for victims and survivors of the Troubles/Conflict has been announced by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
17 May 2024
Balmoral Show 'Highlight Of The Farming Year'
The Balmoral Show has been described as the "highlight of the farming year", by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Around 110,000 people are expected to visit during the four-days of the Show.
Balmoral Show 'Highlight Of The Farming Year'
The Balmoral Show has been described as the "highlight of the farming year", by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Around 110,000 people are expected to visit during the four-days of the Show.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
