In this year of the 50th anniversary of the formal declaration of the Republic, much has been written about the historical and political context, but there has been little debate as to what the real meaning of a republic is, or should be.

In this time of unprecedented wealth and conspicuous consumption, one aspect of what makes a republic - the issue of social justice - must not be forgotten. Our new-found wealth has meant that more and more of our citizens have the economic freedom to make their own life choices.

The Government is committed to the idea that every person, regardless of wealth or position, has access to the same rights and privileges. This is a commitment of a government and a society that accepts a role in caring for its citizens - indeed, this "caring imperative" is the hallmark of a civilised society.

The State must balance the respect for individual autonomy with a concern for social justice. This must mean that while we have a respect for personal choice and the right to disposal of income according to an individual's preference, we must also accept that people have a responsibility to the community as a whole.

A society is given its character by the participation of all those who share in creating it, however small their contribution may be thought to be.

We are lucky to live in Ireland in these times. We have prospered over the last 20 years beyond what most economists would have predicted. Most of us have lifestyles that would compare favourably to any strong economy in the world.

We feel confident, as a nation, taking our place on the world stage. We are proud of our compatriots who excel in all fields internationally. After all the years of financial difficulties we endured, we feel that we have earned our freedom.

But what do we mean by freedom? Do we mean freedom from power - in other words, immunity? Do we mean freedom to act or not to act - in other words, liberty?

I suppose most people would maintain that by freedom we mean a combination of the two concepts, which are linked, but distinct.

It is one of the challenges of the increased freedom and wealth which we are experiencing today in Ireland that we do not allow the freedoms which we aspire to, and hold dear, to slip away from those in society who, perhaps because of circumstances beyond their control, have no power of their own to assert them.

As a Minister in this Government, I am very aware of Article 45.1 of the Constitution, expressly directed to the legislature, which provides as follows: "The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the whole people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice and charity shall inform all the institutions of the national life."

Despite all of the benefits which economic strength has brought, I am very conscious that some less-fortunate people are not benefiting as they should from our increased resources.

It is a human characteristic that poverty makes us uneasy. Sometimes we try to forget that other people may not be as fortunate as we are. It is easy to justify materialism in our own lives if we can ignore poverty around us.

For most of us, we are cocooned in a life like our peers and families. We can go from our comfortable home, via our comfortable car, to our comfortable office.

There is a growing gap between the affluent majority - in work, well-housed, well-educated - and the increasing minority of disadvantaged, many of whom are disproportionately concentrated in the most deprived communities in Ireland.

In these conditions, the sense of vulnerability and the need for a "social shield" provided by the State is underlined.

Concerns are growing among the "haves" over high taxes, welfare costs, and the phenomenon of street homelessness.

This is not unique to Ireland - Europe is becoming increasingly defensive and overtly anxious over new, large-scale immigration, racial violence and social polarisation.

The growing gap between the "haves" and those dependent on state support pose new questions for us in government about the meaning of citizenship and the role of government in building a more responsible and cohesive urban social order.

Ireland, and Europe as a whole, is at a crossroads on many social and economic issues. Issues such as social exclusion, family breakdown, and poverty and its associated ills are becoming more urgent.

The Government must not lose sight of the ideals of public good. We must be committed to the principle that policies will improve the lot of the least advantaged. This is not an easy task.

We are faced with a country whose expectations have been raised significantly due to the improvement of the economy. We have had more social change in the last 20 years than probably in the hundred years before that. We have a lot of adjusting to do.

Irish people are at heart very generous. Most would hate to think that somehow we might be abandoning core social values and attitudes. I could safely say that this would be our deepest fear. This is the challenge which elected representatives face.

It is time to look forward. It is time to throw off any shackles of post-colonial inhibitions. It is time to move into the millennium with confidence and verve. It is also time for us to address the meaning of the Irish Republic in the new Europe. The beginning of a new century is a time for new dreams and hopes. The beginning of a new millennium is surely a time for great aspirations.

My ideal Ireland as we approach the year 2000 is a country progressive and prosperous, fair and just; a society that is totally inclusive, where our riches, material and cultural, are shared by all our citizens; a State that will always demand to be respected as sovereign and independent; a republic worthy and proud of its place on the world stage.

(This article includes extracts from a paper delivered by Ms de Valera at Victoria University, Melbourne)