Derry woman named the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland

A Derry woman has been announced as the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland.

The First Minister, Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little Pengelly have today announced the appointment of Siobhan Casey as the new Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland.

As the third Commissioner since the establishment of COPNI in 2011, the former Thornhill College student will take up her post on 7 April 2025 for a period of four years.

Siobhan Casey said: "It is an honour to be afforded this opportunity to serve as the Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland. Having spent the past fifteen years working for and with older people across all our communities, developing programmes, campaigns and services, I am totally committed to ensuring that older people’s voices are central to decisions made about their lives here. I am also very much looking forward to working with the COPNI team to continue to promote and protect the rights of older people across Northern Ireland."

Evelyn Hoy, Chief Executive of COPNI  welcomed the appointment: “The team at COPNI and I extend our warm congratulations to Siobhan who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Siobhan has worked with and for older people for many years at Age NI, she brings enthusiasm and commitment to the rights and interests of older people. The whole team at COPNI and I are looking forward to working together, under her leadership, to continue our vital work in safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of older people in Northern Ireland."