Written answers

Wednesday, 17 November 2021

Department of An Taoiseach

Citizens' Assembly

Photo of Sorca ClarkeSorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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36. To ask the Taoiseach if he will create a citizens' assembly to work on issues of all-Ireland integration and further unity on the island. [56473/21]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The establishment of a Citizen’s Assembly on all-island issues is not envisaged at this time. As part of the Government’s Shared Island initiative, I launched the Shared Island Dialogue series in October 2021, to foster inclusive, constructive civic dialogue on key issues for a shared future on the island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.

There have been seven Shared Island Dialogue events and two roundtable discussions to date. I participated in the first Dialogue event last November, hearing from young people on their perspectives for the future of the island. Subsequent Dialogues have focused on Climate and Environment; Civil Society; Equality; Economic recovery; Health cooperation; and Education, with participation by Government Ministers.

The Dialogue series is engaging with people who are directly involved and active on the different sectors and issues that are being considered. A key objective of these discussions is to include as broad a range of perspective and experience - including from often under-represented voices - on how we can better share this island in the years ahead.

More than 1,000 civic representatives have participated in the Dialogue series this year from across all regions, communities and traditions on the island.

The Dialogue series has proved really worthwhile and valuable from the Government’s perspective and from feedback received from participants. Exciting projects are also emerging from these discussions such as the All-Island Women’s Forum that has been established by the National Women’s Council.

The Dialogue series will continue next year, with early discussions to focus on Tourism and Sport. The Shared Island unit in my Department is also considering how a next phase of dialogue is undertaken, including on hopefully being in a position to convene more in-person discussions next year.

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