This book explores the relationship between public administration and social justice in Ireland. It argues that public administration, at a variety of levels, is challenged to reassess its unique role in designing and delivering social justice outcomes. However, it finds little evidence to indicate that the public administration system, now or in the past, sees social justice as one of its core developmental objectives. This book is original in focusing 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. In addition, it engages with recent empirical experience within the public administration system in Ireland, drawing on the views of those within the system as well as those who closely engage with it. Based on this, it presents a series of conclusions pointing towards ways in which a more activist, justice oriented public administration could be fostered.
This 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. It is also relevant to policy makers and to those interested in ongoing processes of public sector reform.

Introduction
1. Contemporary challenges for public administration
2. The role of public administration in promoting and protecting social justice
3. Exploring the meaning of social justice
4. Civic engagement and social justice
5. The evolution of public administration in Ireland
6. Assessing the state of social justice in Irish public administration
7. Social justice and public administration in practice
8. Towards a social justice agenda for public administration
Index

Chris McInerney is a Lecturer in Public Administration at the University of Limerick