The Conference of Religious of Ireland (Cori) today called for the new national partnership agreement to tackle poverty, inequality and social exclusion in society.
Cori said the agreement should lead to a society characterised by fairness and wellbeing.
"In practical terms this would require the agreement to contain commitments to address Ireland's infrastructure deficits; secure appropriate levels of service provision; ensure every man, woman and child has sufficient income to live life with dignity; and maximise the participation of all of Ireland's people in their own development and in the development of the wider society," said spokesman Fr Sean Healy.
The talks on a new agreement to replace Sustaining Progress are due to get under way between unions, employers, farmers and the Government this week.
In its 45-page position paper, Cori said there were high numbers of people at risk of poverty with one in five living in households with an income of less than €200 a week.
It said there are also problems with insufficient social housing, adult illiteracy, early school-leaving, growing social exclusion and racism and discrimination.
Fr Healy said the new national partnership agreement should contain a vision to guide policy in tackling these problems in the coming decade.
Cori will be taking part in the partnership talks along with other organisations in the community and voluntary sector.