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12th Sep 2022

Studies show 7 in 10 young Irish people considering emigration

Katy Thornton

In pursuit of a “better quality of life elsewhere.”

 

According to research carried out by RED C on behalf of the National Youth Council of Ireland, many young people in Ireland are feeling pushed out of the country. These people are between the ages of 18 and 24, and they’re considering emigration because, “they think they would enjoy a better quality of life elsewhere.”

This research conducted by the NYCI is extremely worrying. The organisation has expressed their concern over the findings as it truly shows “the severe impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on young people in Ireland.”

More statistics from the survey include this:

“Key findings from the recent survey show that among those surveyed aged 18-24, 8 in 10 said that they are fearful for the future and 1 in 2 reported worse mental health in the context of the rising cost-of-living.”

4 in 10 state they are less happy than they were six months ago; half the participants said they are struggling to make ends meet.

Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI Paul Gordon said this of their findings:

There is a real fear from young people about what the future holds for them. Many say they’re struggling to make ends meet and quality-of-life considerations are driving them to consider a future outside of Ireland. Government must act to ensure young people aren’t overlooked in this crisis.”

Government Interference

In light of the date they are calling for government interference. They are calling for the following changes:

  • A reduction on registration fees for those in college, higher education, or on apprenticeships
  • Raising the national minimum wage
  • Extend the Young Adult travel card to more young people
  • Increase government investment in youth work services in local communities
  • Bring the rate of Jobseekers’ Allowance for under-25s in line with that of those over 25

You can read more on how young Irish people are feeling in Ireland from the survey findings HERE.

Header image via Shutterstock

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