Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Mary Cunningham, director and Ms Marie-Claire McAleer, senior research and policy officer, National Youth Council of Ireland. I apologise to the delegation for keeping them waiting. The delay was due to an additional item being added to the agenda, namely expressions of sympathy on the death of former President Mandela. His death occurred after arrangements had been made for today's meeting.

The main purpose for meeting the council is to hear about its report entitled Time to Go? which explores the social and economic impact of youth emigration and its implications for the future. The council has carried out an in depth study on the subject. Emigration has been part of life for many in the State, to such an extent that everyone here and their families have been touched by emigration. Over the past number of months the committee has touched on the issue of emigration reform. I call on Ms Cunningham to make her presentation.