What are interest groups? Explain how interest groups operate. Explain ways in which interest groups can interfere with the Government – give examples. Are they a hindrance or help in Ireland?
Maintaining a balance between fairness and sustainability is a challenge that lies at the heart of every Welfare State. With specific reference to Welfare State Models used in Ireland and the wider European Union, such as the Nordic Model, outline and discuss the factors Policy Makers should consider when making changes to the Irish model.
Compare multi-level governance in Ireland with the approach taken in other European countries, assessing the potential advantages, disadvantages, risks, and opportunities of increased devolution and multi-level governance. Based on your answer, comment on whether Irish citizens would benefit from greater levels of devolution and multi-level governance. Provide insights into local government in Ireland compared to the EU, using examples from the EU, particularly focusing on local and regional government structures. Why does Ireland lag when it comes to delegation and decentralization?
(a) Briefly outline the steps involved at the policy formulation stage of the policy cycle. (b) Which factors have the most significant influence on policy formulation and design in Ireland, in your opinion? Explain your answer with examples.