#923 Are We Witnessing The Biggest Demographic Change In Irish History?

Ireland is facing a population crisis as birth rates continue to fall, raising serious questions about the country's economic future, ageing population and who will support the next generation of pensioners.

RTÉ’s new documentary series Ireland’s Population Crash, presented by Miriam O’Callaghan, explores why Irish people are having fewer children and what the consequences could be. Miriam, herself a mother of eight, admits she once worried about overpopulation but now believes she has more than done her bit!

In this episode, Niall is joined by economist and financial commentator Karl Deeter to discuss whether Ireland is heading towards a demographic disaster.

With birth rates well below replacement level, the Government sees immigration as part of the solution. But is relying on immigration a sustainable long-term strategy? What happens if some new arrivals require significant State support rather than immediately contributing more in taxes than they receive in services? And are high housing costs, childcare expenses and the cost of living making it increasingly difficult for Irish couples to afford children?

Niall and Karl examine the economic realities behind Ireland’s declining birth rate, the pressures on pensions, healthcare and social housing, and whether successive governments have failed to make raising a family affordable.

Is immigration the answer to Ireland’s population crash, or should the Government be doing far more to encourage people already living here to have children? And who will pay the bills when Ireland grows old?

A thought-provoking discussion about Ireland’s demographic future and the difficult decisions facing the country.