This Review argues that Ireland needs to recognise the essentially complementary nature of economic and social development - two sides of the one reality. Economic development is essential to provide the resources necessary for social development. But social development, in turn, is essential because there can be no lasting economic development of any substance without the provision of social services and infrastructure. All one has to do is reflect on the importance of a good education system for the development of a ‘hi-tech, hi-spec, smart’ economy.

At the same time we argue that both economic development and social development must be sustainable if it is to be of lasting value. All development must be sustainable economically, socially and environmentally. Otherwise it should not be accepted as development. Recognising the importance of sustainability presents new challenges which must be addressed, not ignored, in the rush to address the urgent rather than the important.