25 January 2011
This paragraph ensures the Older People’s Commissioner is subject to investigation by the Commissioner for Complaints in Northern Ireland. As a result of this, the Commissioner for Older People would be automatically bound by the statutory equality duty set out in section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which requires public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and good relations. Inclusion in the Commissioner for Complaints Order also brings the Commissioner for Older People under the Commissioner for Public Appointments who will then regulate, monitor and report on the appointment process of the Older People’s Commissioner.