ALMOST ONE IN TWO people in Ireland has a friend who emigrated in the past five years, according to a new survey by Sponge It.

The ‘State of the Nation’ survey found that 48 per cent said they have a friend who emigrated since 2007, while 39 per cent have an extended relative who emigrated.

Half of those who answered the survey said they think Ireland will be out of a recession by 2016. Overall, more than half said they would describe Ireland as ‘corrupt’.

One third of survey respondent said they feel confident about their job security, compared with 45 per cent who feel unsure about future employment. Meanwhile, nine out of ten unemployed people said they feel unsure about their future employment.

Four out of ten people said that unemployment and the lack of job prospects are serious threats to their future health and happiness.  Half said that they have none of their income leftover at the end of the month.

Asked how they would spend any Lotto winnings, the number one response was to use the money to take care of family members, while paying off mortgages and personal loans came in second. Travelling the world was the third-most popular choice for spending the windfall.

Digital research company Sponge It interviewed 872 people online between 20 June and 10 July 2012 for their survey. People register with Sponge It to participate in surveys and are paid in ‘sponge it’ points which can be redeemed on a range of rewards from home appliances to holiday vouchers.