Commentary on Sections Section 1- The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland
This means that there will be a Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (the Commissioner) who will be appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister jointly. This section also makes provision for Schedule 1 of the Commissioner for Older People Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 which deals with the establishment and operation of the Commissioner and his or her office, for example, general powers, finances, tenure of office (4 years, renewable once), staffing matters and accountability. Schedule 1 also allows the Commissioner to cooperate with other bodies, whether in the UK or elsewhere, which exercise functions relating to older persons or their interests.  The appointment of the Commissioner will be after both Ministers have taken account of the views of older people.