The Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said more needs to be done to reduce the role of religion in health and education systems.

He was speaking at the Collins Institute think-tank in Dublin city.

In a speech, Mr Donohoe outlined a number of elements for social and economic reform.

He said: "Further steps to both reduce the role of religion in health and education systems, and to deliver the full participation of women in both society and economy by closing gender pay gaps, equal representation on both state and private company boards, better childcare and extended and equal parental leave."

He also said there should be increased focus on policies "that seek to tackle income inequality before redistribution".

"This 'pre-distribution' agenda would encompass labour market reforms, education initiatives and wider market reforms that tackle the cost of living."

Land Development Agency

On the issue of property, Minister Donohoe suggested improvements in the planning, management and use of land in urban areas.

He said: "A key proposal is the establishment of a National Land Development Agency, tasked with planning and developing land in a coordinated manner in the public interest."

On the EU, he said Ireland needs to "deepen political alliances" with member states who share Irish values and outlook.

Minister Donohoe added: "My contention is that renewal of the political centre is a necessary condition for [this] wider economic and social renewal.

"Equally, this renewal must be radical if it is to meet the demands of our turbulent era."

The speech is the first in a regular series to consider policy responses to political, economic and social issues.