Explanatory Memorandum

Commissioner for Older People Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

2011 CHAPTER 1

25 January 2011

Commentary on Sections

Section 25 - Interpretation: “older person”

This Section defines the use of the words “older person” to mean a person aged 60 or over. It also proposes that the Commissioner could deal with a matter raised by someone aged 50 or over if it was an issue that raised a question of principle affecting people age 50 or over generally or there were exceptional circumstances.

It also proposes that where an older person has died or is for some reason incapable of representing himself/herself, a representative acting on their behalf should also be able to do anything under this Act that can be done by an older person.

This Section also provides that the age ranges (60 and over and 50 and over) can be changed by Order.