How is 'public policy' defined in Northern Ireland?

Public policy in Northern Ireland, as well as in other political contexts, is defined as the decisions made by the government to address public issues. This includes the formulation and implementation of laws, regulations, and programs designed to solve problems affecting the community or society at large. Public policy encompasses a wide range of areas, such as health, education, transportation, and welfare, reflecting the government's response to the needs and challenges facing its citizens.

The focus is on government action aimed at improving societal conditions or addressing specific issues, which means that the decisions made by elected officials, civil servants, and other governmental entities are central to this definition. In contrast, other answer choices revolve around different concepts: influencing government action, legal frameworks for the judiciary, or specific economic strategies, all of which do not capture the comprehensive role of public policy in mitigating societal issues.