Ireland faces loss of entire generation

IRELAND could lose a whole generation to a fresh wave of emigration after a survey showed that more than three quarters of third-level students want to move abroad after completing their studies.

More than 79% of college students said they planned to emigrate after graduation, according to research conducted by the Student Marketing Network.

The survey of more than 1,200 students nationwide carried out over the Christmas period revealed that 92% were worried about their future in Ireland.

Many of those who expressed an intention of travelling abroad indicated they were likely to stay away for a considerable period. More than 80% of those who intend to emigrate said they would live abroad for a minimum of three years.

While the findings clearly reflect a negative outlook on any pick-up in the Irish economy in the short term, 36% said they would only emigrate if they were unable to find a job in Ireland first.

Most students claim the prospect of finding better job opportunities abroad is the main reason for any decision not to stay in Ireland. Almost one in five students surveyed said all their friends had already emigrated.

Nearly two thirds of those surveyed said they worked part-time jobs in order to support themselves through college, while a similar level said the need to work had impacted negatively on their studies.

Half of those surveyed said they would have to borrow money to stay in college if third-level fees were reintroduced, while 40% favour a system of student loans.

Australia is the most popular target destination for would-be emigrants, with it being cited as the preferred choice of almost 30% of students, followed by the US (22%), Britain (20%) and Canada (13%).

Students also voiced criticism of the Government’s performance in tackling the problem of youth unemployment, with 93% saying not enough was being done to prevent young people emigrating.

A large number suggested the best way of preventing a further exodus of Ireland’s young population would be to increase the number of graduate and internship schemes.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on children Charlie McConalogue said the survey’s results highlighted the stark situation facing Ireland.

“The need for graduates to go abroad to find employment is a serious reflection on the current employment environment in the country. These survey results are very down-heartening.”