#483 Ireland’s Baby Shortage,A Birth Rate Crisis

In this episode, host Niall sits down with columnist and journalist David Quinn to tackle one of Ireland’s most pressing social questions: Why are families having fewer children—and what can we do about it?According to Census 2022, the average number of children per family in Ireland is just 1.34, far below the replacement level of 2.3. What does this mean for Ireland’s future—our economy, our ageing population, and the fabric of society itself?Niall and David dig into the possible reasons: the rising cost of living, housing pressures, work-life balance, and shifting cultural values. But this isn’t just a conversation between two voices—listeners call in to share their own stories and opinions, from parents juggling childcare costs to younger people questioning whether they can afford to start families at all.Is it time for bold government action—tax breaks, affordable housing, universal childcare—or should family size remain a strictly private decision?Join the discussion on this thought-provoking episode as we ask: How do we change the trend, and what kind of Ireland do we want for future generations?