Citizens Assembly

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Questions (97)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

97. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach the proposed method by which a group will be selected to randomly choose persons to go on the new Citizens Assembly being set up by the Government on foot of a resolution passed in Dáil Éireann on 13 July 2016; if there will be independent oversight of its work and, if so, by whom; the steps being taken to ensure the persons chosen represent every region of the country, each eligible age group and persons in all socioeconomic groups; if records will be published to show the number of persons contacted with an invitation to attend the forum, broken down as above, who decline the invitation; if this information will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22870/16]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Citizen's Assembly will comprise of 99 citizens and an independent Chairperson. The Chairperson will be selected following consultation with Government and Opposition Leaders. A polling company will be engaged by public tender to randomly select 99 people entitled to vote in a referendum to be members of the Assembly. The selection process will be overseen by the Chairperson. It will be for the Chairperson to see as far as possible that the persons chosen are broadly representative of Irish society, and to decide on procedures in relation to record keeping and publication of information.