There are substantial numbers of people living in poverty. The number of people longterm unemployed is still problematic. Access to appropriate accommodation is becoming more difficult for large numbers of people. Adult illiteracy levels remain a scandal. The dropout rates from second-level education are storing up problems for the future.
Rural exclusion continues to be a major forgotten issue in Irish society.
Some communities who were excluded from the benefits of recent developments are falling further behind. There are major issues to be addressed in the areas of equality, healthcare and disability. Environmental issues are not being addressed adequately. Social exclusion is still the lived experience of large numbers of people. I could go on and on.