Photograph: Getty ImagesIreland needs to encourage larger families and welcome more migrants as numbers of children and workers born here fall, according to a report to the Oireachtas. “Without timely, co-ordinated action, these trends will place increasing pressure on public finances, social protection and essential services,” the report said. Its report said there are “long-term challenges for labour force renewal, economic vitality and the sustainability of intergenerational supports”. “The effect of this is that fertility declines further, emigration rises, and the population continues to age,” the report said. “This eases infrastructure pressures, improves the quality of life, and strengthens integration and retention of citizens,” said the report.

Source: The Irish Times December 29, 2025 16:08 UTC