Conclusions

Abstract

This study, based on the application of multi-level governance to Northern Ireland, has provided valuable and relevant insights into: the operation of multi-levels of government; the distinction between MLG 1 and MLG 2 governance; the impact of the levels on key areas of policy making; and also the implications of the Northern Ireland experience for the multi-level governance framework and its conceptual underpinning. It has been possible to clearly identify six levels of MLG 1 governance, each a distinctive and separate entity with specific sets of institutions and powers. The levels identified have been: UK Government; devolved government; EU governance; All-Ireland institutions; local government; and supranational government. It has been possible to identify the components and characteristics of each level, the executive, legislative and administrative and the decision-making process. An attempt has been made to assess the scope and capacity of each level of governance and the results are summarised below.