Enhancing Civic Participation Frameworks and Mechanisms (IE0052)

Objective of this commitment The Round Table begins identifying a pathway using the existing structures where available, to further enhance civic participation.

Status Quo Public consultation and engagement is embedded in the way of working of Irish civil servants and this ethos is epitomised in its core values of independence, integrity, impartiality, equality, fairness and respect. The existing consultation and engagement framework includes -  Extensive engagement fora across the public sector.  Public consultation listing (searchable) with the ability to subscribe for automatic updates.  Consultation principles and guidance. There are an enormous number of existing engagement fora across government at national; ministerial; departmental; and sectoral levels spanning most, if not all, policy areas. The importance of consultation and engagement is captured and reflected in the Programme for Government (2020) commitments. A variety of methods are used to increase awareness of consultations and maximise engagement, including: key stakeholder group events; online surveys/ consultations/workshops; targeted digital engagement, and physical stakeholder meetings / forums in line with public health guidelines.

Ambition This commitment is a first step towards this longer term ambition. To work with Civil Society to understand and progress towards a framework for government, public bodies and local government that guides and promotes early, proactive, meaningful and representative engagement with the citizen, civil society and stakeholders. Framework characteristics envisaged include:  An open and transparent process;  Inclusive participation of citizens, including traditionally marginalized groups, civil society and stakeholders;  Participants having an equal opportunity to participate, and  Consultation feedback with evidence based reasons for why the decisions were reached.

Commitment description

What is the public problem that the commitment will address? That a more consistent approach occurs across departments, public bodies and local government to early, proactive, meaningful and representative consultation and engagement with the citizen, civil society and stakeholders.

What is the commitment? To progress the adoption of a set of values and principles for engagement with the community and voluntary sector and begin to embed those values in how the government seeks the input of both the community and voluntary sector, civil society and the public in the formation of policy. To establish the Civic Forum, which will provide for formal dialogue between local and central government and the community and voluntary sector. That the Social Dialogue process will be strengthened and deepened. Social Dialogue is a process for engagement between the state and groups representing different segments of society including Government, Trade Unions and employers, the community and voluntary sector, as well as farmers and environmental groups to discuss key societal issues. That a Round Table subgroup be established to focus on progressing civic participation with the objective of further enhancing the proactive and meaningful participation and engagement with citizens in the decisions that affect them.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem? The commitment will contribute to a more consistent approach to early, proactive, meaningful and representative consultation and engagement with the citizen, civil society and stakeholders by establishing the values and principles which will be published and reflected in the published guidance; establishing the Civic Forum for formal dialogue between central and local government bodies and representatives of civil society and strengthening/deepening the Social Dialogue process.

Describe what the intended impact of successful That the policy deliberation and formulation process reflects active consultation with a diverse group of citizens, communities, civil society and stakeholders to implementation of this commitment will be? ensure that the evidence based policies which emerge will deliver for citizens, support implementation and build trust.

Which Open Government value(s) does your commitment relate too? Civic Participation

Why is (and describe how) this commitment is relevant to the Open Government value(s)? The milestones will enhance the existing framework to guide and promote early, proactive, meaningful and representative engagement with the citizen, civil society and stakeholders. This will result in a more consistent approach and enhanced experience of civic participation.

What United Nations Sustainable Development Goal does this commitment relate too? . Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Sub-goal 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

Additional information (if known)

Commitment milestones Suggested next steps and milestones to guide implementation Who / What organization (if known) When (if known) Additional info. Strengthening and deepening the Social Dialogue with the active participation of the various parties, including Civil Society. D/Taoiseach; relevant Department; Agencies and Civil Society Not yet known Consultation, engagement and drafting of the ‘Values and Principles for engagement with the community and voluntary sector’ to be finalised. DRCD End Q1 2022 Cabinet to consider ‘Values and Principles for engagement with the community and voluntary sector’. DRCD Q2 2022 The ‘Consultation Principles and Guidance’ to be updated, as required, in light of Cabinet consideration of the values and principles above. DPER Q4 2022 The establishment of the Civic Forum for formal dialogue between central and local government bodies and representatives of Civil Society. The definition of the role, format and modalities of the Civic Forum will be agreed with the existing Cross-sectoral group (which oversees the Government’s strategy for community and voluntary sector50). DRCD Q2 2022 The hosting of the first Civic Forum. DRCD Q3 2022