Derek Birrell

With new devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, this book makes a comprehensive assessment of the impact of devolution on social policy. It provides a study of developments in the major areas of social policy and a full comparison between Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To what extent is it valid to speak of agendas for government driven by social policy? With new governments in each country, has a fresh dynamic been given to the emergence of distinct social policies? The impact of devolution on social policy uses a framework of analysis based on the nature and scope of social policies, ranging from major innovations and policy distinctiveness, to differences in implementation, policy convergence and areas of overlap with UK policies. This framework facilitates an integrated analysis and comparison of social policy developments and outcomes between the four UK nations. An assessment is also made of the ideas and values which have driven the direction of social policy under devolution. With devolution becoming increasingly important in the study of social policy, the book will be of key interest to academics and students in social policy, public policy and politics, and will also be a valuable resource for practitioners involved in policy making.

The Impact of Devolution on Social Policy

Cathy Gormley-Heenan

This book examines the governance arrangements in Northern Ireland through a multi-level lens, particularly in the period since the new institutions established through the 1998 Agreement became more firmly embedded. Northern Ireland can be examined as a particularly well-developed example of multi-level governance in terms of six levels of formal institutions of governance, namely the national UK government; devolved government; North-South All-Ireland institutions; local government; the EU and a broader international level. The book considers the consequences these different levels have for the divisions of powers and for inter-governmental relationships, and examines the definitions and value of multi-level governance. Offering a cutting edge assessment of the role of multi-level governance in providing good or stable government and in tackling and resolving political and social conflict, this book is key reading for advanced students and scholars working in the field of multi-level governance and government in Northern Ireland.

Multi-Level Governance and Northern Ireland

Alan Murie

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Derek Birrell

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