Key duties
The Commissioner's key duties are: # To promote awareness of the interests of older people in Northern Ireland. # To keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of the law as it affects older people. # To keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of services provided to older people by "relevant authorities" who include health and social care providers. # To promote the provision of opportunities for and the elimination of discrimination against older people. # To encourage best practice in the treatment of older people. # To promote positive attitudes towards older people and encourage participation by older people in public life. # To advise the Assembly, the Secretary of State and any relevant authority on matters concerning the interests of older people. # To take reasonable steps to communicate with older people.The Commissioner's general powers
The law states that the Commissioner may: * Make arrangements for research or educational activities concerning the interests of older people. * Issue guidance on best practice in relation to any matter concerning the interests of older people. * Conduct investigations for the purpose of any of their functions. * Compile and publish information concerning the interests of older people. * Provide advice or information on any matter concerning the interests of older people.References
* https://web.archive.org/web/20130602111201/http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/news-ofmdfm/news-archive-ofmdfm-october-2011/news-ofmdfm-031011-first-commissioner-for.htm * http://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/latest-news/archive/commissioner-for-older-peolpe-ni/ * https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22389786External links
* {{official website, http://www.copni.org/, COPNI.org