France has just announced it will be sending a letter to all 29-year-olds outlining their chances of having a child and how the State can provide incentives and assistance to do so. France, like Ireland, has a fertility rate far below replacement level and a rapidly ageing population. David Quinn was on The Hard Shoulder this week to discuss the initiative and whether Ireland should do something similar.  David said that very few people in Ireland know the demographic facts of life, especially young people who are unaware that they will be the ones most impacted if they keep delaying having children until they are well into their 30s. For one thing, it will mean much higher taxes in order to fund a pension and health system that will be put under huge strain as the population ages.

You can find the interview here.