Claims Government's €750 Tax Credit Proposal Won't Buck Emigration Trends

Clare FM

Young people in Clare claim the government's proposal to introduce a tax credit for themselves and their peers won't buck historical trends of emigration. Measures to keep recently gradated students in Ireland will be included in the upcoming budget, with calls for it to be central to government policy. The Department of Enterprise's pre-budget submission is set to include Minister Peter Burke's proposal of a €750 tax credit for people aged under 25. This forms part of an attempt by the government to stem the tide of young people leaving the country after they finish third level education. Former Ennis Independent local election candidate, Ruairí Keenan believes although it's a positive step, it will not provide a long term solution. Oireachtas Finance Committee Chair, John McGuinness, has since claimed the initial proposal was too low and that as much as €5,000 should be awarded as an incentive to young people. Housing supply is also a major issue with keeping newly graduated students in the country, with research property advisory, Savills finding that population growth exceeded home delivery by 4 to 1 between 2015 and 2023. Former Fine Gael election candidate from Kilkee, Mike Taylor claims young people have always emigrated and will continue to do so.