This book presents a political understanding of socio-economic rights by contextualising constitution-makers' and judges' decision-making in terms of Ireland's rich history of people's struggles for justice 'from below' between 1848 and the present. Its theoretical framework incorporates critical legal studies and world-systems analysis. It performs a critical discourse analysis of constitution-making processes in 1922 and 1937 as well as subsequent property, trade union, family and welfare rights case law. It traces the marginalisation of socio-economic rights in Ireland from specific, local and institutional factors to the contested balance of core-peripheral and social relations in the world-system. The book demonstrates the endurance of ideological understandings of state constitutionalism as inherently neutral between interests. Unemployed marches, housing protestors and striking workers, however, provided important challenges and oppositional discourses. Recognising these enduring forms of power and ideology is vital if we are to assess critically the possibilities and limits of contesting socio-economic rights today.

"Social and economic rights encompass the essential elements required for a human being to exist. They include the right to food, water, shelter, emergency medical care, housing and social assistance. However, these rights are primarily seen as being subordinate to civil and political rights. Social and Economic Rights in Ireland focuses on Ireland's protection and vindication of these rights providing a detailed examination of the law in this area, both domestically and under the State's international obligations. With this focus in mind, the following international treaties are analysed: The European Social Charter; The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; The International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights. Their impact is critically examined in order to assess whether Ireland is in compliance with its international obligations. Social and Economic Rights in Ireland provides a detailed and critical analysis of the law and policy in relation to social and economic rights. It will be an invaluable resource for legal academics, students and lawyers, especially in the area of human rights, public law and constitutional law as well as anyone interested in politics, political science, social policy, governance and social and economic rights generally"--Back cover.

The role of public administration and social justice is an area long overlooked in Ireland and more broadly in Europe, though it is somewhat more developed in the USA. This book addresses that gap and presents an original work, drawing on a broad range of conceptual material as well as empirical experiences in Ireland. It focuses on the role of the administrative system as a social justice actor in its own right, with its own dispositions and value systems. In taking this approach the book establishes a conceptual and practical justification for public administration to be proactive in pursuing social justice outcomes. The book is relevant not only to those studying public administration but also to those interested in social policy and social justice. It will be of benefit both to academics in these areas as well as to students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, policy makers and civil society groups.

Ireland has enjoyed continuous democratic government for almost a century, an unusual experience among countries that gained their independence in the 20th century. But the way this works in practice has changed dramatically over time. Ireland's colonial past had an enduring influence over political life for much of the time since independence, enabling stable institutions of democratic accountability, while also shaping a dismal record of economic under-development and persistent emigration. More recently, membership of the EU has brought about far-reaching transformation across almost all aspects of Irish life. But if anything, the paradoxes have only intensified. Now one of the most open economies in the world, Ireland has experienced both rapid growth and one of the most severe crashes in the wake of the Great Recession. On some measures Ireland is among the most affluent countries in the world, yet this is not the lived experience for many of its citizens. Ireland is an unequivocally modern state, yet public life continues to be marked by formative ideas and values in which tradition and modernity are held in often uneasy embrace. It is a small state that has ambitions to leverage its distinctive place in the Atlantic and European worlds to carry more weight on the world stage. Ireland continues to be deeply connected to Britain through ties of culture and trade, now matters of deep concern in the context of Brexit. And the old fault-lines between North and South, between Ireland and Britain, which had been at the core of one of Europe's longest and bloodiest civil conflicts, risk being reopened by Britain's new hard-edged approach to national and European identities. These key issues are teased out in the 41 chapters of this book, making this the most comprehensive volume on Irish politics to date.

Politics in the Republic of Ireland is now available in a fully revised sixth edition. Building on the success of the previous five editions, it continues to provide an authoritative introduction to all aspects of the government and politics in the Republic of Ireland. Written by some of the foremost experts on Irish politics, it explains, analyses and interprets the background to Irish government and contemporary political processes. It devotes chapters to every aspect of contemporary Irish government and politics, including the political parties and elections, the constitution, the Taoiseach and the governmental system, women and politics, the role of parliament, and Ireland’s place within the European Union. Bringing students up to date with the very latest developments, especially with the upheaval in the Irish party system, Coakley and Gallagher combine substance with a highly readable style, providing an accessible textbook that meets the needs of all those who are interested in knowing how politics and government operate in Ireland.