Europeanisation

This chapter investigates whether Europeanisation has been a catalyst for change in the pattern of governance in Ireland. It presents a theoretical framework for understanding the effects of Europeanisation on Ireland and relates the various conceptualisations of Europeanisation to the Irish case. This chapter contends that while Europeanisation has influenced changes in Irish policy-making and implementation, the impact of Europeanisation was mediated by domestic forces. It also analyses the way in which key variables such as intergovernmental relations, political parties and cultural values have been affected to differing degrees by Europeanisation.