A return to mass emigration would mean a huge hit to Ireland's international brand as a great place to work.
That's according to an employment expert, as seven in ten young people aged 18 to 24 are considering moving abroad for a better quality of life.
The National Youth Council says support must be given to young people in the Budget or we risk losing our best and brightest.
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Cavan student, Conor Smith says young people are bearing the "economic burden" with the rise in the cost of living and as a result are looking towards a life across the water:
