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The social partners and the NESC: from tripartite dialogue via common knowledge events to network knowledge

Chapter Ten examines policy analysis in the institutional arrangements created by the state to involve the social partners – employers, unions, framers and voluntary/community organisations – in the policy process, particularly the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). This method of policy analysis was developed in response to interest group dialogue which in Ireland took the shape of social partnership (1987-2008). The NESC’s early work is examined, followed by a discussion on the significant changes in its role after 1986. Its analysis of the economic crisis of the 1980s in A Strategy for Development 1986-1990 (NESC, 1986), played a central role in the resolution of that crisis. The NESC sees its role as a ‘boundary organisation’, managing the relationship between policy analysis and diverse actors.