Over 20,000 people are emigrating from Ireland every year, many of whom are young, unskilled and forced to leave.
Speaking following the first meeting of the Task Force on Emigration Policy, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen, said it was clear many young people were not leaving voluntarily.
He added, in general these were young and vulnerable people, ill-equipped to deal with the challenge of emigration.
It has also become clear, he added, that there are proportionately fewer people going to the UK than before with an increasing number going to other European countries.
"It is on these people that the Task Force should focus and seek to come up with new approaches for dealing with their problems. The pattern of emigration is changing," he said.
He added that successive governments had failed these people.
"I think it is fair to say that no Irish Government has never done enough to deal with the problem of emigration," he said.
" Various efforts have undoubtedly been made, including by voluntary organizations and by official bodies, including my own Department.
The terms of reference for the Task Force, which have been approved by the Government, identify the three priorities:
(a) Pre-departure services for emigrants; (b) Services overseas; and (c) Services to returning emigrants.
In all these cases, the Task Force will formulate a long-term policy approach and a medium-term plan of assistance.
Mr Cowen said he has asked the Task Force to report as quickly as possible - ideally within six months.
