Cross-Border Governance in Ireland

Abstract

Northern Ireland does participate in a somewhat unique level of transnational governance, and that is an All-Ireland one. In this chapter, the reasons for the development and establishment of the existing arrangements are explained. The nature and functions of the main institutional bodies are set out covering the North South Ministerial Council and, in particular, the cross-border implementation bodies that have a responsibility for direct provision. Other formal areas of cooperation between government departments are noted and wider areas of cooperation across departments, public bodies and local government. There are variations in the degree of formality attached to some arrangements. Also covered in this chapter is the work of the British-Irish Council as an intergovernmental consultative body but as one which can influence agreements on policy adoption too. Also noted is the work of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, an inter-parliamentary body. The fairly limited development of All-Ireland institutions is later explained in terms of political and economic factors. Finally, the existence of a formal tier of governance is assessed and comments are made on flexible and innovative aspects of governance at a cross-border level, which may fall into MLG 2 activity. Some cross-border activity also falls more within a partnership lens.