The next government should introduce repatriation tax breaks to encourage Irish people living abroad to come back to work, according to a new survey of 2,000 engineers.

Separately, three leading representative organisations in construction-related fields have voiced concern about the lack of graduates coming through, saying it will likely affect the country’s development.

The survey of engineers undertaken by Team Horizon shows the introduction of tax breaks for returning workers is considered the most important initiative in helping to attract skilled people back to Ireland.

The survey also reveals that just four out of 10 respondents feel the outgoing Government supports the engineering sector. It noted a significant shortage in engineers, despite an increase in the numbers undertaking science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects at third level in recent years.

Meanwhile, the chief executives of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, Engineers Ireland and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland said the lack of graduates in construction-related fields was a threat to Ireland's future.