This book provides a thematic case-study analysis of the wide-ranging public sector reforms introduced in one of the states most deeply affected by the global financial crisis: the Republic of Ireland. It presents a timely and apposite examination of how a crisis can be used to overcome barriers and facilitate new reform agendas. The study draws upon unique insider access to the centre of Irish government, as well as interviews with over 60 key figures, to examine the implementation of those reforms over the 2011-16 period. The book opens with a contextual analysis of the creation of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Subsequent chapters explore the process of shrinking the Irish state, renegotiating the political-administrative bargain, expenditure reforms, administrative culture reforms, and political reforms. This rich 'in action' study of a reform agenda undertaken during a period of crisis will appeal not only to students of executive politics, cutback managementand public sector reform, but also to practitioners seeking to implement administrative reforms.

Provides unique 'insider' insights on public sector reform by giving a voice to those charged with reform implementation Captures a wide range of reform initiatives, and presents them in thematic perspective Contributes to international literatures on executive politics, public sector reform, and cutback management In-depth examination of how public sector reform played an essential role in the Irish state's response to the global financial crisis Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext

Muiris MacCarthaigh is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and Public Administration, Queen's University Belfast, UK.

Inhalt

Introduction.- Chapter 1: Political and Administrative Contexts.- Chapter 2: A Ministry for Public Sector Reform.- Chapter 3: Through the Window of Reform.- Chapter 4: Shrinking the State: Organisational Reform and Rationalisation.- Chapter 5: Re-negotiating the 'Bargain'.- Chapter 6: Public Expenditure Reform.-Chapter 7: Culture Reform: Civil Service Renewal.- Chapter 8: Political Reform.- Conclusions.