Commentary on Sections Section 2- Principal aim of the Commissioner
This sets out the main aim of the Commissioner, which will be to safeguard and promote the interests of older people.  Importantly, in considering what the interests of older people are and in the course of carrying out his or her work as a Commissioner, the Commissioner is required to take account of the United Nations Principles for Older Persons.
In response to points raised during the public consultation, OFMDFM will draw the Commissioner’s attention to other international agreements, protocols and relevant documents such as the UN Paris Principles and the EU Employment Framework Directive.
This section also makes it clear that, in deciding whether or how to act in relation to a particular older person the interests of that older person are to be the Commissioner’s main consideration.  The Commissioner must also work within all other relevant laws.