Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While 56,000 people came into the State, the CSO figures illustrate that 89,000 people have emigrated over the past year. This figure translates to 1,700 people leaving every week. The recent National Youth Council report found that a quarter of the population had a direct experience of emigration of a close family member and that half of all 18 to 24-year-olds would consider emigrating. We are losing a generation. The Government cannot kid itself that this is acceptable or a lifestyle choice. The recent UCC study by Emigre Project found that 62% of emigrants were graduates. Surprisingly, 47% were in full-time employment while 13% worked part-time and only 23% were unemployed. Most left due to lack of opportunity. Only 22% believe that it is likely that they will return in the next three years.

Since the Government came to power, 43% of the jobs created have been part-time and over one third of all part-time workers are under-employed. What is the Government doing to develop high-quality, full-time jobs and opportunities? What target is it setting to reduce emigration and what targets has the Minister set for getting returning emigrants into employment in the State?

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