Emigration in Ireland - Leaving need not be the final break

This society has always regarded emigration as a consequence of economic or political failure, but this may not be entirely accurate.

The scores of millions who make up the Irish diaspora are testimony to the draining reality that has been a part of Irish life for centuries. One current estimate suggests 80m people — about 13 times the population of the island — can be so defined. This worldwide resource has been targeted and made many valuable contributions to Irish life.

The depth of our current malaise is such that emigration rates have, dishearteningly, returned to Great Famine levels. Recent CSO figures reveal more than 3,000 people are leaving the country each month, the highest number since the 1844-1849 catastrophe. Up to 76,000 people left Ireland in the year to April, including an estimated 40,000 Irish nationals.