“While you're over there in Brussels, get us a grant”: The management of the structural funds in Ireland

Abstract

This paper examines the current reform of the European Community's structural funds and assesses Ireland's response to the reform proposals. The administrative structures which have evolved to manage the funds in Ireland are described, as are the goals pursued by Irish policy makers in relation to the funds. Ireland's approach to the funds leaves it ill‐equipped to respond to two of the Community's dominant concerns, programmes and partnership. Put simply, the new rules of the game pose difficulties for Irish policy makers.