USI Figures Show A Continuing Rise In Graduates

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has welcomed new figures from the Higher Education Authority showing a continued rise in the number of graduates – but urged the Government to act over a critical shortage of jobs suitable for graduates in rural regions.

HEA figures suggest that graduates aiming for degree-level jobs have little or no choice but to settle in greater Dublin. Reportedly only 3% of graduates are working in the northwest and Donegal, with only slightly more finding work in the midlands.

USI President Tony McDonnell said: “USI welcomes both the fact that the economy is performing well overall, and that graduates, whose numbers are increasing, continue to find graduate level jobs here in Ireland. What the Government must now do is stimulate the growth of graduate-level jobs in rural regions like Donegal. Otherwise, the danger is that rural regions could fall further behind greater Dublin and the cities in the race to raise living standards.

“As well as the risk of rural regions failing to match the living standards of cities, USI believes degree-holders should not be forced to move hundreds of miles away from the small communities where they were born and raised in the search for suitable employment. Non-voluntary migration to the cities does nothing to help rural communities to thrive.

“Many graduates from other parts of Ireland are enthusiastic about moving to places like Dublin, but graduates who were raised in rural regions deserve the option of finding suitable work in the rural communities which they love and call home, where their contributions could make a terrific impact.”

(CD)