Emigration is Government's Substitute For Job Creation

Emigration is Government's Substitute for Job Creation


Speaking after yesterday’s release of the Live Register figures for October, Sinn Féin Councillor and Cork South Central general election candidate Chris O’Leary accused the government of relying on emigration to mask unemployment figures in the absence of a proper job creation strategy.

Cllr O’Leary stated:

“Yesterday the government were congratulating themselves for a significant reduction in the live register. Yet the figures show quite clearly that this reduction is due to emigration, not an increase in employment.”

“5,741 young people under 25 have left the live register within the last month. Does anyone really believe they are flowing into jobs? The savage cuts to young people’s unemployment benefit at the last budget provided a further incentive for them to leave the country. Sadly, encouraging emigration appears to be the best strategy the government can come up with for reducing the live register.”

“Emigration is a blight on our country. Ireland cannot afford the loss of these highly skilled young people from our shores. Rather than further decimating the economy, the government should use next month’s budget to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and retain our young people”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307