Youth Council serious concern at escalation of emigration in last year

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has expressed serious concern at CSO figures released today showing a significant increase in emigration in the past year.

The latest data shows that the numbers emigrating increased in the year to April 2012 – and was at its highest level since the start of the crisis in 2008. The numbers of young people aged 15-24 emigrating increased and was the highest number since the start of the recession in 2008. There is also a significant 26% increase in the numbers aged 25-44 emigrating to 39,100.

“The emigration figures released today further underline the need for immediate and stronger Government action to stem the flow of young people leaving the country in the first instance and, secondly, the need to provide greater support and advice to young people who are left with little option but to emigrate,” said James Doorley, NYCI deputy director.

Figures also indicate:

• 8% increase in emigration to April 2012 at 87,100
• 35,700 young people emigrated in year to April 2012, the highest number since the start of the crisis
• 26% increase in those aged 25-44 emigrating
• 308,000 people have emigrated in the last 4 years
• 125,000 of those have been in the 15-24 year old age group

ENDS

For further information, please contact Daniel Meister, Communications Officer at NYCI on 087 781 4903 or 01 425 5955 or email communications@nyci.ie

Notes to Editors:

National Youth Council of Ireland

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests of voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.