ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of how Ireland's approach evolved and then focuses on the post-crisis period. Adaptation to European Union (EU) membership required more than just a one-off adjustment as the EU polity expanded and evolved over time both in terms of the scope of its activities and its constitutional architecture. The resurgence of formal integration in the EU level from the late 1980s onwards led to change in the Irish system. The structures of the Irish core executive that deal with EU business includes: the ministries, committees, and designated units with responsibility for managing EU affairs. The coordination ambition depends on the nature of the issue on the Brussels agenda, the phase of the policy process, and the national style in managing EU business. The Permanent Representation is an integral part of Ireland's management of EU business. Responsibility for day-to-day coordination on EU matters was assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
