Abstract This article starts off by presenting a brief history of public service reform initiatives in Ireland, at both central and local government level, from the foundation of the state to the present day. Reasons for the reforms and the main issues addressed are highlighted. Common themes are identified. These common themes provide the basis for identifying and examining five enduring reform challenges: building the capability of public servants; involving and empowering the public; coordination and collaboration; centralisation versus decentralisation; and policy and evidence. Drawing from insights from previous reform efforts, and particularly those following the financial crisis, suggestions are made as to what steps might be taken in the next phase of reform to deal with them.

中文翻译：

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后见之明、前瞻与前瞻：公共服务改革的几点思考

摘要 本文首先简要介绍了爱尔兰中央和地方政府从建国至今的公共服务改革举措的历史。强调了改革的原因和解决的主要问题。确定了共同的主题。这些共同主题为确定和审查五个持久的改革挑战提供了基础：建设公务员的能力；让公众参与并赋予其权力；协调与合作；中心化与去中心化；以及政策和证据。根据以往改革努力的见解，特别是金融危机之后的改革，就下一阶段改革可能采取的措施来应对这些问题提出了建议。