The announcement follows several years of campaigning by Help the Aged alongside older people.

Ian Paisley said: 'We are committed to doing all in our power to help improve the lives of older people. A Commissioner for older people is one important step towards our commitment.'

The next stage is to agree on the role, remit and powers of a Commissioner. This will be carried out with wide consultation. The Ministers aim to have someone in post by early 2009.

Help the Aged in Northern Ireland believes that the Commissioner should:

• have a strategic and holistic role in securing, promoting and safeguarding the rights and interests of older people;
• be independent from Government;.
• be complementary to existing bodies such as the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland;
• offer value for money; and
• engage older people appropriately.