Image caption Leaving home: 300,000 people have emigrated from the Republic of Ireland in the past four years

More than a quarter of all Irish households have seen a close family member emigrate in the last two years, according to the latest figures.

They form part of a survey commissioned by the National Youth Council of Ireland on emigration.

In the past four years, 300,000 people have emigrated from the Republic of Ireland; four out of 10 of them were aged 15 - 24.

Half of those aged between 18 and 24 have considered emigrating.

Four out of 10 adults aged between 25 and 34 have also thought about leaving the country. The survey found that just over one quarter of those aged between 35 and 54 has also considered moving abroad.

The report will be published by the National Youth Council of Ireland. It represents more than 50 youth organisations in Ireland and is calling on the government to develop a strategy for Irish emigrants.

The council wants a dedicated minister responsible for emigration policy and for the Irish abroad.