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.
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: