Reflections on day two at the second weekend of the Citizen’s Assembly

Another very busy day at the Citizen’s Assembly for Northern Ireland. The assembly members were getting into the crucial work of agreeing resolutions and did the ground work for the recommendations that will be discussed and finalised tomorrow. The resolutions so far agreed are embargoed until tomorrow at midnight so it would not be appropriate […]

Weekend Two at the Citizen’s Assembly

Not much to report from tonight’s Assembly. It was largely an opportunity to get set up for tomorrow’s full agenda of addressing and moving towards some conclusions on the shape that future social care should take. The agenda looks a little different from that of the first weekend. The contributions from the academic team are […]

Final reflections on the first weekend of the Citizen’s Assembly for Northern Ireland

The first weekend of the Citizen’s Assembly for Northern Ireland has come to a close. My day job as a lecturer means I’m used to mental labour, but I have to admit I am very tired. This is testament to the commitment, and serious engagement of the Assembly Members who really ‘put in a good […]

Reflections on day two of the Citizen’s Assembly for Northern Ireland

Today was the first full day of the Citizen’s Assembly. We heard contributions from academic experts Dr. Alexandra Chapman of UU, and Dr. Gemma Carney of QUB, on current social care provision in Northern Ireland, and on taking the long view on ageing. Sean Holland, of the department of health, and the Commissioner for Older […]

Day one of the Citizen’s Assembly.

A few quick thoughts after the first evening of the Citizen’s Assembly. Tonight was essentially orientation, and housekeeping. There has been a great atmosphere at the Citizen’s Assembly so far. It’s obvious that the members come from very diverse demographics. A good spread in terms of age is the most visible or obvious variable. There […]

Thoughts on a Citizen’s Assembly for Northern Ireland

My thoughts on the upcoming NI Citizens Assembly.

Ulster Green