Sharon Keogan (Independent)

Today, I speak about one of the major crises that is affecting Ireland, which is brain drain. This problem has arguably been with our nation for centuries. The latest wave is ongoing since the crash in 2008 but it is lately reaching critical levels. In many ways, we can all come up with explanations or stories to help us cope with or dismiss the issue of brain drain. We say things like it is just a few students going abroad or we have probably have too many graduates anyway and they will come back after a few years when they have made their money and they will settle back in. Such explanations will not cut it anymore because brain drain is no longer restricted to unemployed graduates. It has been steadily creeping higher and higher in our society and our economy as foreign institutions and firms poach leading experts, boardroom members and even CEOs. Most recently, and shockingly, they have now poached our finance Minister.

I wish Paschal Donohoe all the best in his new role and I wish him and his family all the best in their new life. He will be a great credit to himself because, regardless of political differences, there is no question that is he is a man of great intelligence, deep knowledge and good character. I do not think anyone who looks at Ireland can begrudge or question his decision to go, because while Paschal was a hard-working and competent Minister, his achievements were sadly limited by the system and the political environment we have created in this country; an environment of obstructionism, indecision and inertia. On leaving the Civil Service, Flann O'Brien reportedly said it was a pity such a fine institution could not carry a few more floaters. I say it is a dire situation when the institution of Government cannot keep its best and its brightest.