Minister's remarks hurtful to emigrants
Sir, I write with regard to the highly insensitive comments made by Minister Michael Noonan where he stated that many young people make a lifestyle choice by emigrating looking for work. He is obviously wrong.
It is a shame to see parents and families being parted when young people have to travel long distances to Australia, New Zealand, America and all over the world seeking employment. In county Kerry for instance there is not a town or village that has not, particularly over the last two years, seen many of their young people having to leave. These young people would of course much prefer to stay at home nearer to their families if they could find work.
Forced emigration has been a plaque in Ireland for many decades and the minister should have been more thoughtful of the many parents who are sad today that they do not have their children living and working in Ireland. Sincerely, Michael Healy-rae TD, Kilgarvan.
