The Ministers, who have joint responsibility for older person’s issues, praised the charity for its progress in tackling disadvantage amongst older people in Northern Ireland.
The charity recently published its 2007 Impact Report for the period May 2006 to April 2007. During this time, the charity has worked on a number of campaigns to improve the lives of older people.
Ian Paisley Jnr said: “Charities such as Help the Aged make a real difference to the lives of older people. They work hard to ensure that they have a voice and that their rights are supported.
“Significant steps have been made in the right direction to eradicate isolation and poverty for older people, but much work is still to be done.
“Earlier this week the First Minister and deputy First Minister announced their intention to create a Northern Ireland Commissioner for Older People. This Commissioner will play a vital role in strengthening the voice of older people and I know charities such as Help the Aged have welcomed this development."
Gerry Kelly said: “We are absolutely committed to doing all in our power to help improve the lives of all older people. And a Commissioner is a further step towards our commitment.
“We would like to congratulate Help the Aged for their continued hard work and look forward to working with them and other groups in the sector in the near future.”
Notes to Editors:
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