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●Experience, Understanding and New PossibilitiesIreland has experienced a relatively large increase in earningsdispersion in a context in which the dispersion of earnings wasalready high by international standards;● While Ireland continues to have a tax and welfare system thatsignificantly reduces the degree of inequality in market incomesat any given time, and changes in the welfare system havecontributed to a number of positive social developments, theoverall balance of tax and welfare changes have been morefavourable to those on higher incomes.The materialisation of these vulnerabilities provides the agenda thatmust be addressed if Ireland is to achieve fair and sustainable socialprogress.3.6 SEEING SHARED PRESSURES AND CONCERNS:COMPETITIVENESS, QUALITY OF LIFE ANDFAIRNESSIn developing its new Strategy report, the Council identifies theprincipal influences and pressures on three main dimensions ofeconomic and social life: competitiveness and organisationalperformance, quality of life and the fairness of opportunities andoutcomes.3.6.1 Influences and Pressures on Competitiveness andOrganisational PerformanceWe now know that competitiveness and organisational performanceare influenced by a wide range of indigenous, international andpolicy factors. In addition to the normal influences, a number ofnew pressures are now being experienced. These include: domesticeconomic management; transport access, commuting time, qualityand costs; problems of labour supply (including the issues ofchildcare and immigration); wages and salaries; and staff capabilityand flexibility. Public policy and the action of the social partnersmust address the main pressures on competitiveness andorganisational performance.153