Young Irish families emigrate in brain drain

As Ireland faces a new "brain drain" tens of thousands of skilled workers emigrate in search of a better life.

Countries such as Australia, to mitigate their own health services shortages, are wooing vital workers such as doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.

At this time thousands of young professional families are joining the 'brain drain' exodus.

Visa consultants have seen a surge in interest from workers who have recently been made redundant or fear their jobs may be under threat. In the year to April, 45,300 workers left Ireland. Between them, Australia and New Zealand attracted 11,300. Others went to continental Europe and the United Kingdom.

As the economic downturn bites in Ireland, visa inquiries from Irish workers in the past 12 months, are up by about 12% from the year earlier. All are contemplating permanent moves to English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US.

Australia’s construction boom has caused a shortage of all skilled tradespeople, including bricklayers, carpenters and plasterers. However, there are also shortages in a number of professions, including the financial services, accountancy and IT, as well as nursing and teaching.

A rapidly expanding mining industry in Western Australia has led to a big demand for workers, with mining specialists earning up to $AU165,000 (€96,000).