What are interest groups? Explain how interest groups operate. Explain ways in which interest groups can interfere with the Government: Public Policy Making Assignment, UCD, Ireland

Question 1.

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?

Question 2.

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, (Nordic Model) outline and discuss the factors Policy Makers should make to changes to the Irish model.

Question 3.

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. Give knowledge of local government in Ireland Vs EU use some examples from the EU – examples EU on local Regional Government – Why does Ireland lag when it comes to delegation and decentralization?

Question 4.

(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.