Regardless of what you thought, there's no denying it was pretty powerful viewing.  "Politicians have deserted a generation." A new documentary series kicked off on RTÉ 2 this evening and proved to be an eye-opening insight into the lives of young people struggling to live on the dole in Ireland. The observational documentary chronicles the obstacles faced by Generation Emigration and the suffering of those who have been left behind at home. In a powerful insight into what really goes on in the underbelly of a society that is said to be emerging brightly from recession, Dole Life certainly struck a chord with viewers. While some had sympathy for those featured on the show, others were a bit more critical - either way, the show did its job: it got people talking about the reality of present day Ireland.

#dolelife heartbreaking stuff to watch....makes you realise how good things are in your own life

— }{u cooke (@hucooke) November 1, 2015

I think they are showing different personalities of ppl on the dole. For those on the show who are trying, I sympathise #dolelife — ericm (@EricMongan) November 1, 2015

odd that @rte schedules better off abroad at the same time as #dolelife

— Conor Ganly (@ConorGanly) November 1, 2015

Tv choice is unbridled positivity of young go getters in #betteroffabroad or grinding misery of #dolelife. No question dole life it is — Micheál Ö'Flaherty (@miguelgarcia65) November 1, 2015

#dolelife is difficult viewing. Reactions of people on Twitter is also difficult.

— YCW Ireland (@YCWIreland) November 1, 2015

We'd all love to be perpetual teenagers. Ain't realistic #dolelife — Karl Anthony (@polymer333) November 1, 2015

Plenty of jobs out there. Shitty jobs lead to awesome jobs.dis generation want the awesome first handed to them #hardworkisneeded #dolelife

— Patrick Butler Sonru (@PatrickButler29) November 1, 2015

The sad thing is that there is thousands of people like this all around the country. #dolelife — Frank Pearson (@FrankPearson13) November 1, 2015

Feel sorry for all The people on The show stay strong #dolelife

— alan finn (@alanfinn2019) November 1, 2015

#dolelife Heartbreaking hearing how that young man had to sleep under a bridge. I hope these folks get their message across to society. — Sharon White (@MrsSharonWhite) November 1, 2015

Shauna needs to wake up! Why the hell do we stand for this?! #dolelife

— Martina O'Leary (@martinaoleary21) November 1, 2015

Feel sorry for james he wants to do well in life he needs that chance #dolelife — MDSPURS (@JTMD121) November 1, 2015

USC going to great use #dolelife

— Mark Cox (@coxm1) November 1, 2015

#dolelife this dope doesn't want to get a job. She's 21 and lazy! "I'm not ready for responsibility??" You're 21 love - time to grow up — AMoC (@Fofeen4) November 1, 2015

Omg these gobshites are annoying me... I'm in full time education and have a job... cop the fuck on and grow up!! #dolelife

— Sarah O'Brien (@Sarahob94_) November 1, 2015

Watching #dolelife , RTE2 & very angry how politicos have deserted a generation in favour of protecting top 1%. No plan to encourage growth — Martin Gillick (@MPGillick) November 1, 2015

@RTE is mirroring the situation for many of Ireland's youth today: a choice between #DoleLife and #BetterOffAbroad.

— Cathal Toomey (@CathalToomey) November 1, 2015

Eye opener #dolelife

— Glen Geraghty (@Glengeraghty) November 1, 2015

That young man james trying to build a life for himself nd get a job nd they throw him out of his accomadation.. Backwards system #dolelife

— lilly love (@low_lilly) November 1, 2015

#dolelife on @RTE2 is an interesting watch. Nicely made too.

— Anne-Louise Foley (@Alfiechops) November 1, 2015

It took an awful lot of hardwork but this show reminds me how lucky I am to have a job I really like #dolelife

— Feargal Rooney (@FRooney88) November 1, 2015

Don't know how lucky we are having full time jobs & enough money for bare essentials like food & clothes etc #dolelife

— DubKid (@Terry_Crosbie) November 1, 2015

DO A INTERNSHIP....(I done one myself) SIMPLE..... #Dolelife #Excuses.. #Soupman trying in fairness

— Anto Murphy (@wexside1) November 1, 2015

'If your not in, you can't win!' Exactly James, you've a great attitude to life #dolelife

— Caoimhe Minor (@keavaminor) November 1, 2015

#DoleLife highlights inequalities stemming from socio economic background and the flawed, UNREFORMED social welfare system. @joanburton

— Peter (@pmbarrins) November 1, 2015

#dolelife respect for that young mum of two lovely kids. You should have no regrets. Forget the past and focus on the now and future.

— Sharon White (@MrsSharonWhite) November 1, 2015

2nd time late!! weekend is my time! #sweetjesus #dolelife

— Jimbob Dee (@Jimdee6) November 1, 2015

Impressed with Lloyd and his soup business. Hope it takes off #dolelife

— Fergal Condron (@condrof) November 1, 2015

#dolelife is a bloody good documentary

— Jimmy Beattie (@JimmyBeattie22) November 1, 2015

Looking at Kelly Volunteering for @YesEquality2015 anyone who did nationally or locally should have it down on their CV. #dolelife I do!

— Daithi O'Laoghaire (@Cunionsandphey) November 1, 2015

Most of the people on #dolelife are actually quite inspirational and would give you hope for our country. Most...

— Colin Moran (@CollieMoRugby) November 1, 2015

This #DoleLife programme is far too Dublin-centric to be an accurate sample. What about those in rural Ireland where the struggle is x10?

— zap rowsdower (@BarryPierce) November 1, 2015

I've never wanted soup to succeed more! #dolelife

— Jean O'Dwyer (@JeanODwyer) November 1, 2015

@RTE2 I'm on a CE scheme I'm 26 feel stuck at times but I'm glad I watched Dole Life I don't feel alone #DoleLife #PositiveThinking

— Angie McEvoy (@AngieMcEvoy) November 1, 2015

.@labour can look back proudly on this golden era of Irish youth living on soup, 0 hr contracts and unpiad fodder for scambridge. #dolelife

— Rósa Corcoran (@msrlux) November 1, 2015

At Least Avril is trying!#dolelife

— Laura Clynes (@LauraClynes_) November 1, 2015