Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McAleer for completing and publishing her research and her report. I hope I do not repeat what Deputy Smith said on this issue. Ms McAleer mentioned that a quarter of the population had been affected by emigration. I think this is an indictment of the political system and of us all. Youth unemployment and emigration are the two biggest issues and challenges facing Ireland. The difference between Ireland and the rest of Europe is that emigration is not as significant a factor elsewhere. Ms McAleer mentioned many of the destinations to which many young people are going. Does she see a pattern there? Many young people go to Australia or Canada because they know someone there. There is a pattern of going to countries where the English language is spoken.