Embedding deliberation in political processes – lessons from Ireland

19 February 2025

Speakers: Darren Lawlor (Principal Clerk [Head of Policy Advisory Coordination and Development], Committees’ Secretariat, Houses of the Oireachtas); Charlotte Cousins (Senior Parliamentary Researcher [Parliamentary Affairs], Oireachtas Library & Research Service, Houses of the Oireachtas); Cathal O’Regan (Principal Officer, Department of the Taoiseach).

Chair: Chris Shaw (Clerk of the Home Affairs Committee, UK House of Commons, and IPEN Executive Team)

This IPEN seminar will focus on processes for citizens’ assemblies in Ireland through the lenses of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) and the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister).

Darren Lawlor and Charlotte Cousins will give the perspective from the Houses of the Oireachtas, detailing the role of the Oireachtas in establishing the Citizens’ Assemblies. They will share how the recommendations were considered and reported on through Committees, and will provide insights on the engagement of parliamentarians and administration of these Committees.

Cathal O’Regan will provide a view from the Taoiseach’s department. He will cover the benefits the Government sees in citizens’ assemblies, including how views have evolved with experience and with different administrations. The choice of subject will be considered: how the decision is made and agreed with Parliament. Cathal will also cover the impact of different citizens’ assemblies on policy, and the wider impact that the use of these participatory methods have had on public engagement and Irish politics.

This will be followed by a Q&A and further discussion on the extent to which these processes are now permanently embedded in Irish politics.

Image: Meeting of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss which took place in St. Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle in 2022.