The South Belfast MLA has said: "This report from the Commissioner for Older People is yet another warning about how change is necessary if we are going to deliver for an ageing population in the coming decades.

"As Northern Ireland's population begins to decline, the share of it made up by older people will increase dramatically, and most likely faster than elsewhere in the UK. This has obvious implications, such as a higher projected rate of dementia prevalence and more demand for social housing, as well as the need for the social care system to adapt to a greater share of the population aged over 85.

"In the past few weeks, we have yet to hear a single mention of these key issues from the First and deputy First Minister, yet it is their responsibility to lead preparations for them. Demographic change brings both opportunities and concerns, but to maximise the former and minimise the latter it requires proper focus on actually governing in the interests of all our people."