Obywatele w centrum uwagi: procesy deliberatywne w czasach kryzysu, niepewności i zmiany. Doświadczenia płynące z Irlandii

Abstract

The subject of the paper is the deliberative processes implemented in Ireland. These processes were initiated in response to the crisis, consequently leading to fundamental social and political changes in the country. The subject of deliberative processes in Ireland focused on issues that divide society, introducing the so-called "state of discord" . According to this concept, deliberative assemblies should lean on controversial topics that reveal either strong divisions in public opinion or a high degree of citizen indecision on an issue. In Ireland, these were issues of worldview and touching on fundamental religious and moral values, such as the decriminalization of abortion, the crime of blasphemy, the role of women in the family, or marriage equality regardless of gender. The chapter aims to answer questions about whether deliberative processes can succeed in times of crisis, uncertainty, and change, and whether they put citizens at the center. I will also consider the significance of the deliberative process's designed interaction with the national representative system for its success or failure.