Sir, – Your article “Young people leaving Ireland” (Abroad, August 19th) mistakenly gave the impression that 59,600 Irish people left the country in the year to April 2022. The above figure quoted refers to the total number who emigrated during the referenced year. The figure includes both Irish and non-Irish nationals.
The relevant CSO report was released on August 24th last year. In the year to April 2022, the CSO figures are as follows: 27,600 Irish nationals emigrated and 28,900 Irish nationals returned. On a longer five-year time frame to April 2022, CSO figures show that, in total, 143,300 Irish nationals returned while 136,000 emigrated.
A narrative has been growing among some commentators that Irish people are leaving in large numbers. CSO figures show the factual situation.
Over the past five years, the number of Irish nationals leaving and the number returning have been broadly in balance, with slightly more returning.
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The latest CSO migration estimates for the year to April 2023 will be published shortly.
Migration, both outward and inward, is something of an emotive issue.
I think it is important that when migration figures are used that they accurately reflect the actual situation. – Yours, etc,
COLM BURKE TD,
(Fine Gael, Cork North-Central),
Blackpool,
Co Cork.