Lack of affordable housing is central to Ireland's latest emigration controversy

EDITORIAL

THERE are a few things politicians hate more than losing votes.

One of them is the suggestion that their collective failings have created a serious new wave of emigration among the nation's young generation.

But that's exactly what has happened, according to the results of a survey commissioned by the National Youth Council of Ireland.

The research, conducted by Red C over a number of years, found that 68% of 18–24-year-olds are considering moving abroad, while 71% believe they would have a better quality of life outside Ireland.

Housing and affordability remain the main concerns for respondents while worries about employment have increased significantly year on year. Nine in 10 young adults now say it is becoming harder to find secure, well-paid work while a similar number said they had been negatively affected by the cost of living, and 89% agreed that the housing crisis disproportionately affects young people. Transport costs and mental health also remain prominent concerns.

The National Youth Council of Ireland described the findings as a wake-up call for the government because of the fact too many young people feel that their chance to build a secure and independent life is slipping out of reach.

However, there is also another side to this story, most notably the statistic, referenced by government party Oireachtas representatives, showing that 35,000 people emigrated last year but 30,000 people came back, suggesting the level of emigration is not as high as perceived.

They have also been citing the fact the cost of a house in Sydney is 14 times the median household income compared to five times in Dublin.

It is correct to have balance in all debates.

But no politician can deny the fact that Ireland's housing crisis is completely out of control (there are currently 17,885 people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland) while young graduates leaving home and finding work for the first time simply cannot see themselves ever being able to afford to buy a home due to the exaggerated costs of those that are on the market.

So who can blame them for jumping on a plane and leaving the negativity and steep challenges behind for a few years at least?