The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the elderly are treated with dignity and respect while receiving any care they require.

The Minister met with representatives of two of the main voluntary sector organisations working with older people.

Rosemary Kelly, chair of Help the Aged NI, and Dame Joan Harbison, chair of Age Concern, met with the Minister to consider a range of issues affecting the health and well being of the elderly.

The Minister said: "My Department's investment priorities are aimed at developing robust alternatives to institutional care that will be able to support a greater number of older people, and do so in a way that is more reflective of their real care needs. This is the way to maintain their dignity and respect."

He added: "I am very conscious of the valuable work carried out by voluntary organisations and the important contribution this can make to the overall achievement of the Department's objectives."

The Minister welcomed the opportunity to speak about work being taken forward issues such as investment in schemes to prevent deterioration in the health of older people and support them to live independently at home for as long as possible.