Jane Suiter and Deiric O Broin join Expert Advisory Group to Citizens Assemblies

Two faculty experts to advise upcoming Citizens Assemblies

25/03/2022

Congratulations to our Faculty colleagues Jane Suiter from the School of Communications and Professor Deiric Ó Broin from the School of Law and Government, on joining the Expert Advisory Group to the upcoming Citizens Assemblies announced by An Taoiseach yesterday.

The upcoming Citizens Assemblies will focus on Biodiversity Loss which will be chaired by UCD Academic Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin; and on a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin which will be chaired by former Dublin Football Manager and DCU Honorary PhD recipient, Jim Gavin.

Speaking about the appointments An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, “I would like to thank Aoibhinn and Jim for accepting the invitation to Chair these two Assemblies. The topics of Biodiversity Loss and a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin are two important issues that impact people and communities throughout Ireland. These are challenging subjects, but we are fortunate to have two expert Chairs who will bring particular knowledge, expertise, and passion to these topics."

Meanwhile the Expert Advisory Group will assist the work of the Assemblies in terms of preparing information and advice. An introductory meeting will take place in Dublin Castle on 9 April. The main roles of the Advisory Group will relate to the following:

Supporting the Chair and Secretariat in constructing a fair, balanced and comprehensive work programme for the Assembly on each of the topics;
Providing background expert advice on the issues being discussed;
Advising on the criteria for selecting specialists/ experts to appear before the Assembly;
Recommending names for the specialists/ experts to appear before the Assembly, for ratification by the Steering Group;
Working with the Chair and Secretariat to select speakers from civil society and advocacy groups.