A quarter of the population has been affected by the emigration of a close family member over the past two years.

The National Youth Council of Ireland's report "Time to go" is being launched today, and it's the first qualitative study exploring the experience and impact of emigration on Ireland's youth.

The report provides an insight into the opportunities and difficulties facing young emigrants in Canada, the UK and beyond.

It found half of Irish 18 - 24 year olds have said they would consider emigrating.

NYCI spokesperson Marie-Claire McAleer said, "...it is vital that this issue is given the consideration it deserves, and that a governmnet policy response to tackle the issue and support our young emigrants is developed".

James Dorley, Assistant Director at the NYCI

The Youth Council's report was carried out by Red C in October of last year. They conducted over a thousand interviews.

The NYCI works to represent and support the interests of voluntary youth organisations, and acts on issues that impact on young people.