Irish emigration reaching extreme levels claims politicianPost by Ian MacLeod on 16th May 2012 in Living abroad A floundering domestic economy has led to Irish emigration reaching "19th century levels" according to a leading Sinn Fein party politician. Peadar Toibin, a member of the irish Dail, its lower house of parliament, has called for an immediate three-year investment package worth €13 billion (£10.4billion) to create new jobs, and stem the flow of people leaving the troubled country. Toibin said: "Such a fund would directly create in the region of 130,000 jobs over three years, or an average of 40,000 per year." He suggested that the money could be taken from the state pension fund, with matching contributions from private pension companies and the European Investment Bank. Toibin's suggestion came as the leader of the Irish government was confronted by an angry father of three while campaigning for votes in a forthcoming national poll over whether to accept the terms of the EU Fiscal Treaty. Peadar Doyle squared up to Enda Kenny on a visit to Athlone, accusing him of "forcing my children and my grandchildren out of this country.” The Irish Independent reports that Doyle has one son working in Wales, another is to emigrate when he finishes college in Waterford while his daughter, currently studying for her final school exams, is also resigned to emigration. Kenny said later: “Nobody likes to see their children emigrate. That’s why Government and the country have got to get their house in order and grow our economy.”
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