How effective are social policy state agencies on the government's policy agenda?

Abstract

The growth in state agencies, commonly referred to as 'agencification', has been substantial both internationally and in Ireland. It is particularly evident in the social inclusion sector in Ireland since the 1990s. A significant feature in Ireland, unlike other countries, is that agencies are given policy advice functions. There has been little study of the role of agencies in the context of policy making and the literature is limited, which forms the basis for this study.

Agencies' effectiveness in influencing or setting the social inclusion policy agenda depends on the quality of their key relationships with government departments and their involvement in policy fora. Their modus operandi, and the perception of their contribution to cross-cutting and complex government policies are important factors. The role of government departments, in establishing agencies and working in an increasingly agencified environment, is crucial. It appears that policy-making is relatively unchanged, calling into question the openness of government departments to expert body advice. Relationships of trust, and the capacity and willingness of departments to value the advice of agencies are important elements influencing overall agency impact.

A case study methodology with quantitative and qualitative elements is used. A valuable source of data is provided by a series of interviews with senior policy makers in government departments and the chief executives of selected agencies.

Key findings include the limited impact of agencies on social inclusion policy; weak relationships between government departments and agencies; the dominance of government departments' hierarchical decision-making; the extent of duplication and overlapping of responsibilities across agencies; and an overall failure of governance, leading to ineffective policy co-ordination and coherence. Overall, the study concludes that the contribution of agencies is not significant in policy advice. Therefore, agencification may not be the most appropriate institutional response for addressing the 'wicked' social inclusion problems.

Date of Award	Dec 2006
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Department of Social and Family Affairs
Supervisor	Yvonne Galligan (Supervisor)