Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The increase in the number of people emigrating during the period of austerity is a strong indication that it is not the same. The level of emigration in previous periods when we had employment opportunities and were not in recession was not as high. I certainly do not think it is a moral failing among younger people who are choosing to emigrate or who are not finding employment. There was a reality that it was extremely hard to find consistent employment.