Neath Guardian Column: Thomas Talks - 31 January 2008

A fortnight ago, the First Minister Rhodri Morgan and I announced the appointment of Ruth Marks as Wales’ first Commissioner for Older People.

Ruth will be a champion and a voice for older people, in the same way that the Children’s Commissioner has been for children and young people. As with the Children’s Commissioner, the Commissioner for Older People is independent from the Welsh Assembly Government, and her role will be to ensure that the interests of older people in Wales, who are aged 60 or more, are safeguarded, voiced and promoted.

In appointing the commissioner, we were able to bring together a panel of older people, nominated by members of the national partnership forum for older people in Wales and representing a variety of different ages and backgrounds. The formal selection panel, which I chaired, consisted of AM’s from the other political parties in the Assembly, together with two members of the older people’s panel. Both panels recommended the same candidate – Ruth Marks – for the post of Commissioner for Older People in Wales.

As the Deputy Minister with responsibility within the Assembly Government for older people, I’m extremely proud that Wales is once again leading the way and setting an example for others to follow. Wales was the first country in the UK to appoint a Children's Commissioner to give children and young people a stronger voice and now we are the first to have a Commissioner to champion the interests of older people. Wales is widely recognised as a world-leader in giving older people a greater say in developing the services that affect them. This unique Commissioner will further consolidate Wales' reputation for innovation and partnership working in older people’s policy.

In Neath Port Talbot, the Older People’s Council makes a significant and positive contribution in making sure that the views of older people are taken into consideration by the County Borough Council and others in developing policies that directly affect them.

If you wish to contact me, please contact my constituency office in Pontardawe on 01792 869993 or e-mail gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk. You can also keep up-to-date with my activities as your AM by logging on to http://www.gwendathomas.com/