News

The commencement of excavation work today at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam represents an important milestone in the long campaign for truth and justice, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “Today marks a significant step towards restoring the dignity […]

Tusla is no longer fit for purpose and needs root-and-branch reform, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Year after year, government after government, Tusla has never been empowered to cope with the demand for child protection and welfare referrals. This negligence is a government choice. “Annual referrals have more than […]

No child should have to live in a home that’s forced to cut back on meals while supermarkets are raking in massive profits, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Speaking on today’s Barnardos report, Deputy Farrelly said: “The details of today’s damning Barnardos report are shocking but not surprising. Huge increases in grocery […]

Uisce Éireann is flailing aimlessly in the face of its own crippled infrastructure, which could lead to disastrous consequences, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who sits on the Public Accounts Committee. Deputy Farrelly said: “I’ve written to all members of PAC to secure an agreement to invite Uisce Éireann to appear before the […]

A plan must be rapidly put in place to support up to 195 staff facing mandatory redundancy from their jobs at the Intel plant in Leixlip, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who represents the Kildare North constituency. Deputy Farrelly said: “Section 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 provides that an employer […]

The coalition parties’ election promise of a €200 per month cap on childcare fees is looking hollower each passing day as discord spreads between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, according to Social Democrats children’s spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Families are paying an average of €190 a week for childcare while rival government children’s […]

The government’s shambolic approach to public procurement, which haemorrhages billions from the state’s coffers, should be investigated by the Public Accounts Committee, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who sits on PAC. Deputy Farrelly said: “It’s all well and good for the Public Expenditure Minister to slap his colleagues’ wrists for wasting public money […]

The results of today’s Global Youth Participation Index show conditions are ripe for the introduction of a reduced voting age, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Ireland has ranked 18th out of over 140 countries worldwide in terms of youth participation in political, economic and civic life – those aged […]

While a targeted second child welfare payment would be effective in reducing child poverty, it’s of paramount importance that its implementation is subject to in-depth planning, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “I was struck to hear yesterday that the Taoiseach is not ruling out a two-tier child benefit system […]

Children are being failed by the government’s inability to tackle inter-generational poverty, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “The latest Child Poverty Monitor report published by the Children’s Rights Alliance is deeply concerning. It confirms that the number of children in consistent poverty in […]