Budget 2025 Ask #4 - Promoting Civil Society: Strengthening Democratic Participation and Inclusivity with Budget 2025

Civil society is the beating heart of modern democracies, providing a space where citizens come together to express their interests, advocate for their rights, and take collective action for the common good. From local community groups to national and international organisations, civil society plays a crucial role in shaping the socio-political landscape, promoting democratic values, and safeguarding the rights of marginalised groups. As we look toward Budget 2025, there is a pressing need to ensure that civil society continues to thrive and that its ability to engage in civic dialogue and advocacy is protected and strengthened.

The Importance of Civil Dialogue

At the core of civil society’s role is its ability to foster civil dialogue—creating spaces where citizens, governments, and various stakeholders can engage in meaningful conversations about public issues. Civil society organisations often act as honest brokers, ensuring that the voices of the most marginalised groups are heard and advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes. Whether through advocacy campaigns, public awareness initiatives, or policy analysis, these organisations are pivotal in safeguarding democratic values and ensuring that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

In 2022, Government launched the Values and Principles for Collaboration and Partnership with the Community and Voluntary Sector. Developed by the sector in collaboration with the government, this framework solidified the relationship between the government and civil society, highlighting their essential partnership in addressing social challenges. These values—social justice, active participation, respect, and collaboration—should be central to how government bodies interact with the sector, ensuring that civil dialogue remains a cornerstone of policymaking.

However, while these values have been established, there is a need for more investment to activate civic participation, especially in areas where voices are underrepresented. Budget 2025 should commit to funding participation activation measures with an initial investment of €500,000 for targeted programmes. This investment would ensure that civil dialogue remains inclusive, empowering communities that are often left out of the conversation to engage meaningfully in democratic processes.

Advocacy Initiatives: Supporting Participative Democracy

Civil society is also critical in promoting deliberative democracy—a system where citizens are actively engaged in discussions on public issues, and where their voices directly shape decision-making. Mechanisms such as Citizens’ Assemblies, Public Participation Networks, and various Dialogue Forums provide invaluable opportunities for citizens and sector organisations to contribute to democratic discourse.

The pandemic and the humanitarian response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine showcased the resilience and agility of civil society organisations. These groups were able to respond quickly to emerging crises, stepping in where government and market mechanisms lacked the necessary speed or flexibility. This capacity for rapid action underscores the importance of a strong and vibrant civil society sector, particularly in times of crisis.

However, recent attempts to undermine the role of sector organisations in advocacy processes are deeply concerning. Civil society must be protected, not just as a partner to the government in delivering essential services, but also as an independent voice advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable. To safeguard participative democracy, Budget 2025 should allocate €5 million to fund local and national advocacy initiatives, ensuring that civil society remains an essential driver of democratic engagement and social justice.

Building Communities on a Shared Island

Civil society’s role in promoting inclusive dialogue and collaboration extends beyond national borders, especially in the context of Ireland’s Shared Island initiative. A recent focus group organised by iCommunity—a joint initiative by The Wheel and NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action)—revealed a strong desire for cross-border cooperation on key issues affecting communities on both sides of the island. However, significant barriers remain, particularly in the wake of Brexit, which has disrupted many collaborative efforts.

One major challenge identified is the lack of specific funding for partnership-building and collaborative work. Without resources to support staff and allocate time for cross-border initiatives, many opportunities for cooperation are lost. To address this, Budget 2025 should include multi-annual funding of €100,000 to further develop iCommunity’s collaborative efforts. In addition, the budget should commit to €10 million in match-funding to support sector-wide all-island partnerships on key issues like digital transformation, social enterprise, rural sustainability, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These investments would provide the necessary infrastructure for cross-border initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and resilient island that works together to address shared challenges.

Nurturing Civil Society for a More Inclusive Future

Civil society is the backbone of participatory democracies. Through civil dialogue, advocacy initiatives, and cross-border collaboration, sector organisations ensure that citizens are not just passive recipients of policy but active participants in shaping their own futures. As we look ahead to Budget 2025, it is crucial to invest in civil society, ensuring that it has the resources and support needed to continue its vital work.

By safeguarding civil dialogue, supporting advocacy initiatives, and fostering cross-border collaboration, Ireland can ensure that all voices are heard, that democratic processes remain robust, and that communities across the island have the opportunity to thrive. These investments are not just about strengthening civil society—they are about building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all.

The Wheel’s Pre-Budget 2025 submission is available HERE