Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Through no fault of our own and for whatever reason we are where we are. We need to accept that there will be a shortage of jobs for a couple of years. It should be okay to discuss emigration and support to emigrants. As I have mentioned previously at committees, we need to look to Europe. There are gaps in the market across Europe where jobs are available. There are even places in college - Germany, for example, has available spaces. We probably need to co-ordinate our approach a bit better, even in Europe. We need not be afraid to do that. There is nothing wrong with the Irish Government helping people find a suitable job that might further their career path in another country with the plan to bring them back. It might benefit the country if we facilitate people's career development because when they come back they might be in a better position to take up a position and therefore help the situation here.

We need to get over the nervousness around the issue. We might be able to do that through this committee by engaging with organisations such as the National Youth Council of Ireland. We need to grow up and accept the situation.