Debate contribution: Ageing Population

Debate contribution by Ms Claire Sugden on 27 April 2026.

MLA: Ms Claire Sugden
Party at the time: Independent
Date: 27 April 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Ageing Population
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5508406

Text

First Minister, will you give a commitment that, before the end of the mandate, we will look into strategic planning for our ageing population? You referred to older people and how we have to be effective for them. Absolutely: they are as much part of society as any other age group. However, all public services will be impacted on — we see it already in the health service — if we do not start planning for the impact of an ageing population. It is irresponsible of the Government not to have looked at it before now. It was irresponsible 10 years ago. We need to do it, not today, not tomorrow but yesterday. Can I get that commitment from you?

120 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2274/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

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