No. 17

Download

Share

Print

Co-operation of Government Agencies and Their Associated Groups in the Field of Legislation

18 June 2008

Studies

RiTo No. 17, 2008

The main empirical goal of the article is to explain how communication of government authorities and their associated groups in legislative drafting affects legislative process before the bill reaches the Parliament, and achievement of the legitimacy of the draft act.

The article reflects on the results of the social and labour survey which was conducted by the author in 2006–2007 and which analysed two draft legal acts of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The survey revealed that the associated groups in the social and labour area have great interest both in the information provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs and participation in the legislative process. Above all, these groups want to be kept informed of the draft legal acts. There is a somewhat smaller, but equally prevalent desire to contribute to the draft preparation process. As the associated groups’ awareness of the draft legal acts was mediocre rather than good, the ministry should pay more attention to educating these groups in order to enhance efficiency. Another problem lies in the fact that officials tend to hold negotiations with associated groups from an authority position. This reduces the officials’ openness to new ideas, and inhibits any dialogue between the parties.

Full article in Estonian

Feedback