In recent years, Ireland has experienced a surge in anti-immigrant protests. These protests are driven in a large part by an organised cohort who are driven by xenophobia, prejudice, and fear. What can we say of Irish “patriots” who march alongside the UDA, except that we have to suspect that they have other more pressing motivations than the flourishing of the Irish Republic! It is accurate to describe these protests as Far Right and they should be opposed wherever they emerge, to protect those who are targeted and to preserve the rule of law.
But polling, and anecdotal experience, suggests many Irish people have residual reservations about the rate of immigration to our society. Sinn Féin talk of their genuine concerns about the capacity of essential services to accommodate a growing population. There are others who are philosophically committed to welcoming those in need of shelter in Ireland but end up in a conflicted situation because the accommodation offered to those seeking International Protection is now so paltry – if it exists at all – as to deny basic human dignity.
One of the recurring themes that emerges when we listen to these reservations has to do with what we might call spatial planning. Those seeking protection are now often warehoused in entirely unsuitable accommodation. The luckier asylum seekers might be in a hotel, but the hotel could be kilometres from the nearest village, leaving the “residents” entirely disconnected from any hope of integration. And there is a concentration of facilities and resources in more socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
In this context, recent research produced by Edmond Grace SJ might offer a fresh angle on cultivating an Ireland that truly lives up to its reputation for a 100,000s welcomes. Grace, a research fellow here at the JCFJ, has developed the concept of Citizen Juries, which have been successfully deployed across Europe (115 occasions across ten different countries), for the Irish context. They offer a promising method for constructive engagement and restoring Ireland’s tradition of hospitality.
Understanding Citizen Juries
Citizen Juries consist of small, representative groups of citizens selected through “sortition”—a random selection process that mirrors the broader population. These juries spend significant time learning about specific issues, deliberating with expert guidance, and ultimately making informed recommendations. This model has been effective in various contexts, especially in addressing complex and contentious public policy issues.
It bears a resemblance to the “Citizen’s Assemblies” that are well-trialled in Ireland. But a Citizens’ Jury is typically smaller than an Irish Citizens’ Assembly, with an average of thirty-four members (though it can be much larger). It tends to be a lot less time-consuming. But most importantly, they are dedicated not to grand political questions but to practical local matters. Edmond Grace has particularly considered urban planning as a context where this kind of deliberative process would make a big difference. Figuring out where to put houses, schools and clinics, enterprise parks and playgrounds is currently fraught and opaque to many people. Citizen Juries could make a difference at just this point and doubly so if they also help a community consider how it can be hospitable to those who have arrived from abroad.
There are few issues in contemporary Irish society more heated than immigration. And while we want to firmly and creatively oppose the considerable fear-filled racism that agitates so many of these protests, these juries might be a way to foster the conversations that do need to be had. The racists draw their momentum from their ability to claim the concerns of moderate citizens as their own. If those concerns could be reasonably discussed, it would strengthen our response for those coming to our shores, honour the citizens who are uneasy with the prevailing situation, and it would sap the energy from the fascistic forces that seek to spread chaotic fear.
The Role of Citizen Juries
So, how do we balance the needs of existing residents with the imperative to welcome and support newcomers? Citizen Juries can play a crucial role in addressing these concerns in a way that is inclusive, respectful, and solution-oriented.
1. Inclusive Representation
Citizen Juries ensure that a diverse cross-section of the population is represented. This includes individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds, ages, genders, and regions. Such diversity ensures that the deliberations encompass a wide range of perspectives, including those who may feel marginalised or unheard in traditional political processes.
2. Informed Deliberation
One of the strengths of Citizen Juries is their emphasis on informed discussion. Participants are given access to comprehensive information and expert insights about the issues at hand. In the context of immigration, this would include data on the economic contributions of immigrants, the capacity of current infrastructure, and the social and cultural benefits of a diverse population. By grounding discussions in facts rather than fear, Citizen Juries can dispel myths and foster a more nuanced understanding of immigration.
3. Balancing Competing Interests
Citizen Juries are adept at balancing competing interests. Through facilitated deliberation, jurors can explore the complexities of immigration, weighing the benefits of welcoming newcomers against the need to ensure that essential services are not overstretched. This process can lead to innovative solutions that might include policy recommendations for better resource allocation, investment in infrastructure, and support for both new and existing residents.
Restoring our Appetite for Welcome
Those who express reservations about the rate of immigration are not necessarily opposed to the principle of welcoming “the alien in the land“. Their concerns often revolve around practical issues: the availability of housing, the quality of healthcare, and the capacity of schools. Citizen Juries provide a platform for these individuals to voice their concerns constructively and to participate in developing realistic and fair solutions.
1. Enhancing Public Services
One potential outcome of Citizen Jury deliberations could be a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing public services to accommodate both existing residents and newcomers. This might include proposals for building more affordable housing, expanding healthcare facilities, and investing in education. By focusing on improving infrastructure and services, Citizen Juries can help alleviate fears that immigration will lead to a decline in living standards.
2. Promoting Social Cohesion
Citizen Juries can also foster social cohesion by encouraging dialogue and understanding between different community groups. Through respectful and informed discussions, jurors can build bridges between established citizens and immigrants, highlighting shared values and common goals. This can lead to community-led initiatives that promote integration and mutual support.
Ultimately, the goal is to restore and enhance Ireland’s long-standing tradition of hospitality while ensuring that the needs of all residents are met. Citizen Juries offer a democratic and inclusive mechanism to achieve this balance, especially with the practical demands of spatial planning in mind. They provide a space for constructive dialogue, informed decision-making, and community-driven solutions which takes heed of the particularities of a specific locality.
As Ireland grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by immigration, Citizen Juries represent a valuable tool for restoring our capacity for hospitality. By bringing together diverse voices, grounding discussions in facts, and focusing on practical solutions, they can help ensure that Ireland remains a place of welcome and opportunity for all.
