The Government agencies of Norway are state-controlled organizations that act independently to carry out the policies of the Government of Norway. The government ministries are relatively small and merely policy-making organizations, allowed to control agencies by policy decisions but not by direct orders. A minister is explicitly prohibited from interfering with the day-to-day operation in an agency or the outcome in individual cases. While no minister is allowed to give orders to agencies personally, they are subject to decisions made by the government. Also, the minister is normally the instance of appeals for agency decisions.
Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service (Arbeids- og velferdsdirektoratet): administrating age- and disability pensions and other welfare, and manages unemployment
Agency for Public Management and eGovernment (Direktoratet for forvaltning og informasjons- og kommunikasjonsteknologi): management consulting, electronic commerce management and operation og government websites
County Governor (Fylkesmannen): regional authority of the Government, with a Governor in each of 18 counties
Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service (Arbeids- og velferdsdirektoratet): administers age- and disability pensions and other welfare, and manages unemployment
Norwegian Governmental Appeal Board regarding medical treatment abroad (Dispensasjons- og klagenemnda for behandling i utlandet): appeal board for patients who need treatment abroad, and where there is not adequate domestic service, who are entitled to have treatment paid for by the authorities
Regional health authorities
The regional health authorities (regional helseforetak) are responsible for providing specialist healthcare services within their designated geographic area.
Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (Norges vassdrag og energidirektorat): authority controlling and regulating water resources like rivers and lakes, and the production of energy
Enterprises
Enova: manages subsidies and encourages energy conservation
Statnett: owns and operates the central power grid
Limited companies
Gassco: operates all natural gas pipe lines in the country
Petoro: manages the state's direct financial interest in the petroleum industry
Labour Court of Norway (Arbeidsretten): court that takes under consideration disputes about validity, interpretation and existence of collective agreements, questions regarding breach of collective agreements, questions regarding breach of the peace obligation, and claims for damages resulting from such breaches
Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service (Arbeids- og velferdsetaten): administers age- and disability pensions and other welfare, and manages unemployment
