Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. The sentiment coming from abroad is always a kind of overview. Outsiders do not always have the precise details on sectors or individual hardship. They only have an overview and must rely on the macro-statistics, which are very strong.

On the issue of emigration, last years figures indicated that between 80,000 and 90,000 emigrated. However, there was an inflow of almost 50,000 people. There is constant flux in this area, with movement to and fro. As the economy picks up, many of the young people who have emigrated will return, particularly if the trend follows the pattern of the emigration of the 1980s and early 1990s. By 1994, people were returning to jobs here. We always have some emigration.

We must also remember that we are in a European economic zone and that we have a common currency. Since 1922, we have had a free travel area with the United Kingdom. While we are a rather small island country, we are in the same labour market in Europe. Therefore, one should not be surprised if people move to another part of the labour market within an economic region. It is quite common for people to move over and back to the United Kingdom. Many English people came here during the boom and many Irish people moved to London. Many people move back and forth.