The Citizen's Assembly or We the Citizens is an Irish citizens' assembly that discusses various political and often controversial issues. The assembly has become an integral part of the democratic process. It is particularly important that a cross-section of society is represented within each meeting, so that the 100 or so members are selected by lot by a polling company. All Irish citizens are eligible for a mandate. Among other things, the Irish constitution is discussed in relation to issues such as climate change, the fixed term of legislatures, referendums, abortion or the ageing society. After 18 months, the work of citizens from all parts of Ireland produces a report to which the Irish government must officially respond in parliament.

More political participation and participatory democracy through citizen participation and transparency within political processes, focusing on the respective issues as well as the composition of the assembly.
The representation of different opinions through a variety of voices from different walks of life and sectors of the country.
Democratic decisions through holistic knowledge transfer and equal encounters.

The positions formulated within the Assembly have so far mostly coincided with the general opinion within Irish society and can contribute to solutions and legislative reforms within referendums that are in the interests of a large number of citizens.
Criticism: The claim that potentially every person could be part of the C.A. is unrealistic: A:ny participant:in must attend all meetings that are scheduled. This means meetings on several weekends, for which many do not have the capacity (because they have to work on weekends, are single parents, etc.). Moreover, such participation requires a political interest, as a lot of information is transmitted in order to be able to grasp the overall complexity of an issue, which would overwhelm many people. The biggest problem, however, is that the results of the C.A. are only a recommendation for the government, so it is not binding.

David Farrel / mandated by the Irish Government