The chart illustrates the number of unemployed people and the number of emigrants in Ireland over a 20-year period from 1988 to 2008.
Overall, it is evident that unemployment declined sharply, especially in the 1990s, while emigration fluctuated and ended at almost the same level as at the beginning of the period.
In detail, about 60,000 people left Ireland in 1988. This number fell steadily to around 30,000 by 1990, which was half the initial figure. Although there was a slight rise in 1994, emigration continued to drop, reaching its lowest point in 2002. After that, however, the figure climbed significantly, ending at about 50,000 in 2008.
Turning to unemployment, the rate started at the peak of just above 18% in 1988. After a small dip in 1990, it rose marginally in 1992 before plunging dramatically to only 6% by 2000. From then on, the rate remained relatively stable at this lower level until the end of the period.